How to Get Your
Massachusetts Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Massachusetts. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Massachusetts Plumbing License Quick Facts
License Levels
3 tiers (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master)
Education Required
550 hours board-approved program
Apprentice Experience
6,800 hours supervised work
Licensing Body
Board of State Examiners
Exam Fee
$80 (Journeyman & Master)
High School Required
Diploma or equivalent
The government of Massachusetts protects its citizens so that they get various services, including plumbing, from verified and licensed experts. Thus, to get your Massachusetts plumbing license, you have to meet certain criteria and follow the stated process. In this post, we will walk you through every detail you need to get your plumbing license. Let's start with the governing authority for plumbing in Massachusetts.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Massachusetts?
The governing authority for plumbing in this state is the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. It is responsible for ensuring that people get plumbing services from licensed plumbers who are aptly qualified for the task.
Massachusetts Licensing Authority
Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Board of State ExaminersEnsures that plumbing services are provided by licensed plumbers who are aptly qualified for the task
What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in Massachusetts?
Here, you need to climb a hierarchy in plumbing which consists of the following three stages of license:
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level license allowing you to practice plumbing services under the supervision of a journeyman plumber or a master plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be employed by a master plumber
- Complete apprentice plumber application
- Start plumbing education within 9 months
Journeyman Plumber License
Full license to perform plumbing services on your own without supervision.
Key Requirements
- 6,800 hours supervised experience
- 550 hours board-approved education
- High school diploma or equivalent
Master Plumber License
Highest level license allowing you to start your plumbing business and hire journeyman and apprentice plumbers.
Key Requirements
- 1,700 hours journeyman experience
- 110 hours fifth tier education
- Pass the master plumber examination
What are the Requirements to Get a Plumbing License in Massachusetts?
Board of State Examiners Requirements
Massachusetts Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level requirements
- Be employed by a master plumber (details required in application)
- Complete your application for a plumbing apprenticeship
- Upload a completed Statement of Employing Master Form
- Upload a Notarized CORI Authorization form
- Upload a 2x2 passport-style photo
- Pay $14 application fee
2Journeyman Plumber License
For licensed apprentice plumbers
Journeyman Plumber License
For licensed apprentice plumbers
- Complete 6,800 hours of employment under supervision of a master plumber or journeyman hired by a master plumber
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 550 hours of board-approved plumbing education program spread over no less than 4 years
- Cannot accrue more than 165 hours of education per year
- For each 165 hours of education, gather 1,700 hours of work experience
- Experience and education must be gathered simultaneously
- Pass the journeyman plumbing examination
3Master Plumber License
For licensed journeyman plumbers
Master Plumber License
For licensed journeyman plumbers
- Complete a minimum of 1,700 hours of experience as a journeyman in no less than one year
- Complete the fifth tier (110 hours) of your plumbing education (if not already completed as an apprentice)
- Submit Statement of Experience and Education Verification Form signed by school official and plumbing instructor
- Upload a Notarized CORI Authorization form
- Upload a 2x2 passport-style photo
- Pass the master plumber examination
Important Education Requirements
You don't need to be enrolled in a plumbing theory school to be an apprentice. But you must start your plumbing education program within 9 months of getting an apprenticeship license.
View the list of authorized plumbing schools in Massachusetts.
What is the Cost of Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Massachusetts?
Board of State Examiners Fee Schedule
Massachusetts Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Application fee only, no exam required | — | $14 | |
| Journeyman | $80 | $31 | $52 |
| Master | $80 | $31 | $78 |
Additional Costs
Add to these fees the cost of your tuition for the plumbing education program. It can charge you around $1,000 - $2,000 per year.
You need to pay application fees once. For renewing your license, you have to pay only the license fee.
Steps to Get Your Massachusetts Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Get Employed Under a Master Plumber
Find employment under a licensed master plumber as an apprentice. You will need to fill in the details of your employment in the application.
Apply for Apprentice License
Fill out the application form to become a licensed apprentice along with required documents including Statement of Employing Master Form, Notarized CORI Authorization form, and a 2x2 passport-style photo.
Apply for Apprentice LicenseEnroll in Plumbing Education Program
Get enrolled in a plumbing education program from an authorized institute. Begin this within 9 months of getting an apprentice license.
Authorized Plumbing SchoolsComplete Journeyman Requirements
Gather the required 6,800 hours of supervised experience and 550 hours of board-approved education over at least 4 years. Remember: experience and education must be completed simultaneously.
Apply for Journeyman License
Once you have gathered the required experience and education, apply for the journeyman license. You will need to pay the $31 application fee. Wait for the board's approval.
Apply for Journeyman LicenseSchedule and Pass Journeyman Exam
After the approval, apply for the journeyman plumber license exam. Take the exam and clear it. You will get the results instantly.
Schedule Journeyman ExamCongratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman!
You are now an authorized journeyman plumber in Massachusetts and can work independently without supervision. If you clear the exam, pay the $52 license fee at the exam center.
Gain Master-Level Experience
Complete a minimum of 1,700 hours of experience as a journeyman in no less than one year. Also ensure you've completed the fifth tier (110 hours) of your plumbing education.
Apply for Master Plumber License
Once you have gathered the required experience and education, apply for the master's license. You will need to pay the $31 application fee. Wait for the board's approval.
Apply for Master LicenseSchedule and Pass Master Exam
After the approval, apply for the master plumber license exam. Take the exam and clear it. You will get the results instantly.
Schedule Master ExamCongratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You are now an authorized master plumber in Massachusetts. You can start your own plumbing business and hire journeyman and apprentice plumbers. If you clear the exam, pay the $78 license fee at the exam center.
Application Processing Time
An incomplete application will only be kept on file for 180 days. If the board finds any issues, they will get back with the correction required.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average wage of a plumber in Massachusetts?
Currently, the average wage of a plumber in Massachusetts is $35 per hour, as per Indeed. However, it can fluctuate in the future. This makes Massachusetts a competitive state for plumbing careers.
Can I legally provide plumbing services without a license?
No. You can be asked to show your plumbing license at any time. If found guilty of unlicensed practice, you can be penalized as per the laws. It is mandatory to have an appropriate license to provide any plumbing service in Massachusetts.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Massachusetts?
To become a journeyman plumber, you need to complete 6,800 hours of supervised experience and 550 hours of education spread over at least 4 years. To become a master plumber, you need an additional year (1,700 hours) of journeyman experience. In total, expect 5-6 years from apprentice to master plumber.
Do I need to complete education before becoming an apprentice?
No, you don't need to be enrolled in a plumbing theory school to become an apprentice. However, you must start your plumbing education program within 9 months of getting an apprenticeship license.
Can I complete my plumbing education faster than 4 years?
No. The requirements state that you cannot accrue more than 165 hours of board-approved plumbing education per year (out of the total of 550 hours). Both your plumbing experience and education need to be gathered simultaneously over at least 4 years.
What documents do I need for the journeyman license application?
You will need:
- Education Verification Form signed by an official at your plumbing school
- Statement of Experience Form signed by the master plumber who has hired you
- Notarized CORI Authorization form
- A 2x2 passport-style photo
Conclusion
Now you have the details to get a plumbing license in Massachusetts. The plumbing industry is on the rise, and Massachusetts offers competitive wages for licensed plumbers. Start your plumbing journey now by finding a master plumber to sponsor your apprenticeship and enrolling in an authorized plumbing education program.
Career Advice
Aim to become a master plumber and start your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential. With the average plumber in Massachusetts earning $35/hour, owning your own business can significantly increase your income and give you the freedom to hire your own team.
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