How to Get Your
New Hampshire Plumbing License
Get your New Hampshire plumbing license with ease! Follow our step-by-step guide for requirements and the application process to start your plumbing career.
New Hampshire Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years old
Experience Required
4 years (8,000 hours)
License Fee
$90 - $310
Licensing Body
Mechanical Safety & Licensing Board
Renewal Period
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
6 hours/cycle
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in NH?
If you want to get a plumbing license, you need to contact the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board of New Hampshire. It comes under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
New Hampshire Licensing Authority
Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board
OPLCOffice of Professional Licensure and Certification - Issues all plumbing licenses in New Hampshire
What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in NH?
There are 3 stages a plumber has to go through in their journey in New Hampshire. Each of these stages demands a license for you to move ahead.
New Hampshire License Types
Choose Your License Path
Trainee/Apprentice Registration
Entry-level registration for those learning the plumbing trade under supervision.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or permanent resident
Journeyman Plumber License
Full license to provide plumbing services independently without supervision.
Key Requirements
- 4 years (8,000 hours) apprentice experience
- 144 hours classroom training/year
- Pass journeyman examination
Master Plumber License
Highest level license allowing you to supervise others and run your own business.
Key Requirements
- Hold NH journeyman license for 6+ months
- Pass master plumber examination
- Supervising master endorsement
What are the Requirements to Get an NH Plumbing License?
First of all, there are certain general criteria you will need to meet to be eligible. You must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US citizen or have permanent resident status.
If your answer is yes for each of these, then here are the documents you will need for each plumbing license:
Detailed Requirements by License Type
New Hampshire Plumbing License Requirements
1Trainee/Apprentice Registration
Entry-level requirements
Trainee/Apprentice Registration
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a US citizen or have permanent resident status
- Check or money order of $90 license fee paid to State of NH - Treasury
- Photocopy of any government-issued ID card containing the applicant's photo (driving license, passport, etc.)
- Apprentice/Trainee Endorsement letter completed and signed by both the applicant and the master sponsor
- Photocopy of your apprentice agreement signed and authorized by the US Department of Labor
2Journeyman Plumber License
For registered apprentices
Journeyman Plumber License
For registered apprentices
- Complete 8,000 hours or 4 years of on-field work experience as an apprentice plumber
- Complete 144 hours of classroom training each year of your apprenticeship period
- Check or money order of $190 license fee paid to State of NH - Treasury
- Photocopy of any government-issued ID card containing the applicant's photo
- Testing result with a passing score in your journeyman plumber exam
- Photocopy of apprentice ID card
- A letter signed by your supervising master plumber stating that he/she has supervised you during your apprentice employment and that you are competent to be a journeyman plumber
- Photocopy of your apprenticeship completion certificate from the Department of Labor
- Photocopy of your criminal background check IF you marked yes in the application form for any criminal offense done by you
3Master Plumber License
For journeyman plumbers
Master Plumber License
For journeyman plumbers
- Hold New Hampshire journeyman plumber license for at least 6 months
- Check or money order of $310 license fee paid to State of NH - Treasury
- Photocopy of any government-issued ID card containing the applicant's photo
- Testing result with a passing score in your master plumber exam
- Photocopy of your New Hampshire journeyman plumber license
- A letter signed by your supervising master plumber stating that he/she has supervised you during your journeyman employment and that you are competent to be a master plumber
- Photocopy of your criminal background check IF you marked yes in the application form for any criminal offense done by you
Criminal Background Check
If you are required to verify your criminal background, you will also need to send a check of $25 (payable to the State of NH - Criminal Records) along with its form to NH State Police Criminal Records Bureau.
Continuing Education Requirement
For renewing your journeyman license or master license, you need to show proof of 3 hours of code update every year. That accounts for 6 hours of code update as one renewal cycle lasts for 2 years.
What are the Costs Involved For a Plumbing License in NH?
These are the costs you will need to bear at the various stages of your plumbing journey:
All License Types
New Hampshire Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee/Apprentice | — | $90 | $80 |
| Journeyman | $80-$100* | $190 | $180 |
| Master | $80-$100* | $310 | $300 |
Source: *Your exam fee depends on which one of the two testing organizations you choose to go with.
You will also have to pay for the apprentice classroom program or continuing education.
NH Plumbing Exams Details
There are 2 organizations approved by the board to conduct plumbing exams in NH:
NH Gasfitter Plumbing Exams
Journeyman Exam Structure
NH Gasfitters Journeyman Plumbing Exam
Code administration and scope
Basic plumbing principles
Plumbing fixtures and equipment
Water supply systems
DWV system requirements
Vent system design
Drainage fittings and devices
Plumbing calculations
State rules and regulations
Master Exam Structure
NH Gasfitters Master Plumbing Exam
Code administration and scope
Advanced plumbing principles
Plumbing fixtures and equipment
Water supply systems
DWV system requirements
Vent system design
Drainage devices
Advanced calculations
Safety and mechanics
For more information, visit the NH Gasfitters official website.
Pro-V Testing
Journeyman Exam Structure
Pro-V Journeyman Plumbing Exam
Plumbing calculations
DWV system requirements
Plumbing fixtures
Basic principles
Code administration
Drainage devices
Vent system requirements
Water supply systems
Master Exam Structure
Pro-V Master Plumbing Exam
Advanced calculations
DWV system requirements
Plumbing fixtures
Advanced principles
Code administration
Drainage devices
Vent system requirements
Water supply systems
For more information, visit the Pro-V scheduler or check out the official PDF.
Steps to Get Your NH Plumbing License
Follow these steps to get your NH plumber license:
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in New Hampshire
Meet Basic Requirements
Get to 18 years of age and complete a high school diploma or GED. You must also be a US citizen or have permanent resident status.
Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program
Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program to fulfill the educational and hands-on training requirements.
State Apprenticeship ProgramFind a Master Plumber Sponsor
Get employed under a master plumber and ask him/her for an Apprentice Endorsement letter to sponsor your apprenticeship.
Apply for Apprentice Registration
Submit your apprentice registration application with all required documents including the endorsement letter from your master sponsor.
Download Apprentice ApplicationComplete Required Experience and Training
Complete 4 years or 8,000 hours of on-field plumbing experience. Also, gather 144 hours of classroom instruction for each year as an apprentice.
Apply for and Pass the Journeyman Exam
Apply for the journeyman exam from one of the two exam organizations in NH (NH Gasfitters or Pro-V). You must pass the exam to be eligible for a journeyman license.
Apply for Journeyman License
Apply for the journeyman license with the required documents as stated in the requirements section. Your application will then be reviewed.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman!
Now you are a licensed journeyman plumber and can work independently without supervision.
Gain Journeyman Experience
Wait for at least 6 months while working as a journeyman to be eligible for the master plumber license.
Apply for and Pass the Master Exam
Apply for the master exam from one of the two exam organizations. You will need to pass the exam to be eligible for a master plumber license.
Apply for Master License
Apply for the master license with the required documents, as stated in the requirements section. Your application will then be reviewed.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Master Plumber!
Now you are a licensed master plumber and can supervise others, sponsor apprentices, and run your own plumbing business.
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Start Your FREE TrialNH Plumbing Trade Schools
Here are some board-approved programs to fulfill the educational requirements for each license:
Trade School Benefits
Enrolling in a board-approved trade school can help you fulfill your classroom training requirements (144 hours per year) while gaining valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I violate any rules or regulations while holding a plumbing license in New Hampshire?
The board will then take disciplinary action against you, which could result in suspension, fines, revocation, or other penalties. It's important to follow all state plumbing codes and regulations to maintain your license in good standing.
Can I work as a plumber in New Hampshire without a license?
No, you are required to be licensed to provide any kind of plumbing services in NH. You can be asked to show your license anytime. If found guilty of working without a license, the board may take legal action against you, including fines and penalties.
How to apply for a license in NH?
For the initial license (any of the three), you will have to submit the paper application (along with the required docs) by either mailing it to them or by going to the board office yourself at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301.
However, for renewal, you will have to submit an online application (no paper application allowed).
How much can I make as a plumber in New Hampshire?
A plumber's average salary in NH is $35.28 per hour currently, as per Indeed. This translates to a lucrative career opportunity in the state.
What's the difference between the two exam organizations?
Both NH Gasfitters and Pro-V are approved by the board to conduct plumbing exams. The main difference is the exam fee: NH Gasfitters charges $100, while Pro-V charges $80. The exam content is similar, covering the same topics required by the board, though the exact breakdown may vary slightly.
How long does it take to become a master plumber in New Hampshire?
The typical path takes about 4.5 to 5 years total. You'll need 4 years (8,000 hours) as an apprentice to qualify for the journeyman exam, then an additional 6 months as a journeyman before you can apply for the master license.
Conclusion
With this information in your hands, you are set to apply for a plumbing license in New Hampshire. A plumber's average salary in NH is $35.28 per hour currently, as per Indeed. Thus, a lucrative career is waiting for you to take hold of it. Grab it now.
Whether you are looking to start working as a plumber or want to upgrade to a higher level, this guide has provided you with all the details related to the New Hampshire plumbing license. From the initial apprentice registration through journeyman and master licenses, you now have a clear roadmap to follow.
Career Advice
Aim to become a master plumber to maximize your earning potential and career opportunities. As a master plumber, you can supervise others, sponsor apprentices, and run your own plumbing business, significantly increasing your income beyond the average hourly rate.
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