How to Get Your
Montana Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Montana. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career in the Big Sky State.
Montana Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years (Journeyman)
Experience Required
5 years for Journeyman
License Fee
$270 - $380
Licensing Body
Montana Board of Plumbers
Exam Passing Score
70% or higher
Continuing Education
4 hours/year
According to the Montana Board of Plumbers, having a Montana plumbing license ensures that the plumbing installations are safe, sanitary, and in accordance with the uniform plumbing code.
As per the reports, North American plumbing fixtures are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028. So, having a plumbing license in Montana helps you be a part of this lucrative industry quickly. This is because, a licensed plumber demonstrates his expertise, credibility, and compliance in the plumbing industry in comparison to one who is unlicensed.
By walking through this detailed guide on Montana Plumbing License, you can surely unlock all the benefits and opportunities that come with being a licensed plumber in Montana.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Montana?
The Montana board of plumbers favors the license from the very beginning. Although, the big sky state does not force registrations at the plumbing apprenticeship levels. Yet, they ensure that anyone working in this field gets supervised by a licensed journeyman plumber or the licensed master plumber.
Plumbing licenses are issued through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, and Business Standards Division. However, the Montana Board of Plumbers licenses as well as regulates the plumbing industry.
Montana Licensing Authority
Montana Board of Plumbers
Montana DLIIssues and regulates plumbing licenses throughout Montana via the Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division
Montana Journeyman Plumber Reciprocity
Good News for Licensed Plumbers: Montana has reciprocal agreements with four states for journeyman plumbing licenses.
- Montana recognizes journeyman licenses from Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota
- Licenses must be in active status with no current complaints filed against them to qualify for reciprocity
- Important: There is no reciprocity for master plumber licenses - all applicants must take and pass the Montana master plumber examination to be licensed
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Montana
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level position learning the trade under supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Registration is not strictly required but recommended.
Key Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Work under licensed plumber supervision
Journeyman Plumber License
Full license to provide plumbing services independently without supervision.
Key Requirements
- 5 years experience (7,500 hours)
- Pass written and practical exams (70%+)
- Pay $270 license fee
Master Plumber License
Advanced license demonstrating supervisory expertise and comprehensive plumbing knowledge.
Key Requirements
- 4 years as licensed journeyman
- 3 years in supervisory capacity or with master plumber
- OR 9 years documented experience
Requirements for Montana Plumbing Licenses
General Requirements for Montana Plumbing License
Before pursuing any plumbing license in Montana, you should meet these general requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED in your hands
- Enroll in the Montana registered apprenticeship to experience on-the-job training and gain experience before moving forward
- At least five years of experience working under a licensed plumber to apply for a journeyman license
- Additional four years of experience working as a licensed journeyman plumber and three years of experience working either in the supervisory capacity or with a Montana master plumber, or document nine years of experience verified by notarized statements or letters, to apply for a Montana master plumber license
- Pass journeyman and master plumber exams with a minimum 70% passing score or higher
- Get the plumbing license
Detailed Requirements by License Type
Montana Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Enroll in Montana registered apprenticeship program (recommended but not mandatory)
- Work under supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber
- Complete on-the-job training while gaining experience
2Journeyman Plumber License
For experienced apprentices
Journeyman Plumber License
For experienced apprentices
- Register at least 5 years of work experience (7,500 aggregate hours) working in the field of plumbing
- 2 years of this experience can be substituted with accredited trade school experience (as per Montana Apprenticeship and Training Bureau or U.S. Department of Labor standards)
- Complete a registered apprenticeship program OR earn a degree from accredited plumbing trade school
- Submit completed journeyman license application form
- Include Experience Verification Affidavit (Page 9 of application)
- Include Verification of Licensure (Page 10 of application)
- Submit copy of Apprenticeship Completion Certificate
- Pay required application fees or reciprocity/out-of-state fees
- Pass the Montana journeyman plumber written and practical examination with 70% or higher
3Master Plumber License
For experienced journeyman plumbers
Master Plumber License
For experienced journeyman plumbers
- Document 4 years of legally obtained experience as a licensed journeyman plumber
- 3 of those years must be in a supervisory capacity or working with a licensed master plumber
- OR document 9 years of experience verified by notarized statements or letters
- Submit completed master plumber license application form
- Include Experience Verification Affidavit (Page 9 of application)
- Include Verification of Licensure (Page 10 of application)
- Pay necessary application or reciprocity fees
- Pass the master plumber exam with 70% or higher
Trade School Credit
If you earn a degree from an accredited plumbing trade school, 2 years of that education can count toward your 5-year experience requirement. This means you only need 3 additional years of on-the-job experience to qualify for the journeyman license.
Plumbing License Costs in Montana
Application, Exam, and Renewal Fees
Montana License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Plumbing License | $250 (Written: $175, Practical: $75) | $270 | $160 |
| Master Plumbing License | $175 | $380 | $265 |
Source: Montana Board of Plumbers
Continuing Education Requirements
Both journeyman and master plumbers in Montana are required to complete 4 hours of code-related plumbing courses annually to maintain their licenses. The courses must have prior board approval.
Insurance Requirements for Montana Plumbers
Insurance is essential for plumbers in Montana because it protects against financial and legal risks. Minimum plumber insurance requirements are:
- $300,000 for property damage insurance
- $100,000 for general liability insurance
Montana Plumbing Exam Details
Written and Practical Exam
Montana Journeyman Plumber Examination
Plumbing theory, codes, and technical knowledge
Hands-on skills assessment and application
Advanced Exam Structure
Montana Master Plumber Examination
Comprehensive code knowledge
Project management and oversight
Advanced plumbing systems and troubleshooting
Exam Notification Timeline
Journeyman plumbers will receive notification of their application within 30 days of receipt. Once approved, you are eligible to sit for the Montana journeyman plumber examination.
Steps to Get Your Montana Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 18 years of age and obtain your high school diploma or GED.
Enroll in Montana Registered Apprenticeship
While not strictly mandatory, enrolling in the Montana registered apprenticeship program provides structured on-the-job training and helps you meet experience requirements.
Montana Registered ApprenticeshipGain Required Work Experience
Work for 5 years (7,500 hours) under supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Alternatively, complete 2 years at an accredited trade school plus 3 years of on-the-job experience.
Apply for Journeyman License
Submit your completed journeyman license application form with required documents: Experience Verification Affidavit, Verification of Licensure, and Apprenticeship Completion Certificate.
Journeyman License ApplicationPass the Journeyman Exam
Once your application is approved (within 30 days), take and pass both the written and practical journeyman plumber examinations with a score of 70% or higher.
Congratulations! You're a Journeyman!
You are now a licensed journeyman plumber in Montana and can work independently without supervision.
Gain Journeyman Experience (Optional)
Work for 4 years as a licensed journeyman plumber, with 3 of those years in a supervisory capacity or with a master plumber. Alternatively, document 9 years of verified experience.
Apply for Master Plumber License
Submit your completed master plumber license application form with Experience Verification Affidavit and Verification of Licensure.
Master License ApplicationPass the Master Plumber Exam
Once approved by the board, take and pass the master plumber examination with a score of 70% or higher.
Master Application ChecklistCongratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You are now a licensed master plumber in Montana with the highest level of plumbing certification in the state.
Montana Plumbing Trade School
The Missoula Montana Plumbing School and the College of Technical Sciences at Montana State University-Northern both provide accredited plumbing programs in the state.
Subjects Offered in Montana Plumbing Trade Schools
- Technical mathematics
- Plumbing drawing
- Specific piping
- Hydronic heating and cooling systems
- Plumbing codes
- Plumbing systems
- Pipe fixtures, first aid, and CPR
Trade School Tuition Costs
The cost of trade school tuition at authorized universities can reach $350 per credit hour. Remember that completing an accredited program can reduce your required on-the-job experience from 5 years to 3 years.
Read a blog on how to get more plumbing leads, because after getting the plumbing license, you will open up various options of attracting more leads.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Why is a plumbing license essential in Montana?
A plumbing license is essential for any plumber in Montana as it reflects the plumber's commitment to their profession and also to public safety. Not only does it depict that the plumber is capable enough to perform the necessary skills and knowledge, but it also ensures that the plumbing work is completed in compliance with the necessary state regulations.
What are the continuing education requirements for a plumbing contractor?
Yes, in Montana, both the journeyman and master plumbers are required to complete 4 hours of code-related plumbing courses annually to maintain their licenses. The courses must have prior board approval.
What are the insurance requirements for plumbers in Montana?
For the plumbers in Montana, insurance is essential because humans are prone to errors irrespective of how much knowledgeable they are or the expertise they possess. Insurance protects them against a range of financial and legal risks that can arise in their work. Minimum plumber insurance requirements are:
- $300,000 for property damage insurance
- $100,000 for general liability insurance
What are the reciprocity arrangements for the plumbers of Montana?
The journeyman plumbing licenses in Montana have reciprocal agreements with four states: Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The licenses must be in active status with no current complaints filed against them in order to qualify for reciprocity. However, there is no reciprocity for master plumber licenses and all applicants must take and pass the Montana master plumber examination to be licensed.
What are the eligibility criteria for a plumbing license in Montana?
The eligibility criteria for a plumbing license in Montana include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Completing a plumbing program at an accredited college or trade school, and
- Passing a licensing exam by fulfilling the experience and the examination criteria
Is my plumbing license valid in other states?
Oregon, North Dakota, Idaho, and South Dakota have journeyman plumber license reciprocity agreements with Montana. However, there is no reciprocity for the master plumber license. You would need to apply for licensure in those states separately for master-level work.
What are the benefits of obtaining a plumbing license in Montana?
The benefits of obtaining a Montana plumbing license include:
- Increased job opportunities - Licensed plumbers have access to more positions
- Better pay and benefits - Licensed professionals typically earn higher wages
- Professional recognition - Demonstrates expertise and credibility
- Protection of public health and safety - Ensures compliance with safety standards
- Part of a growing industry - North American plumbing fixtures expected to grow at CAGR of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028
So, Are You Up for Getting a License Today?
So as you saw, the licensing process can be complex. However, with the right education and preparation, it is achievable. For running a successful plumbing business, licensing is one of the weapons but not the ultimate one.
You need to work on various areas to get success. One such area is to have efficient and organized financial management.
Career Advice
Focus on professional development and business efficiency. As the plumbing industry continues to grow at 7.5% CAGR, now is the perfect time to get licensed and position yourself in this lucrative market. Combine your license with professional business tools to maximize your success.
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