How to Get Your
North Dakota Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in North Dakota. Learn about requirements, training programs, exam information, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
North Dakota Plumbing License Quick Facts
Licensing Authority
ND State Board of Examiners
Apprenticeship Required
4 years
Journeyman License Fee
$50
Master License Fee
$100
Renewal Period
Every 2 years
Plumbers in State
1,200
You must know that plumbing requires formal education and a journeyman license in most countries. Plumbing services, including installing, repairing, and maintaining them, require a plumbing license. The diversity of residential and commercial plumbing projects today has enhanced the range of expertise required for the trade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that out of a national total of 469,900 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, 1,200 call North Dakota home (BLS). Job growth in North Dakota is expected to be 11% by 2030, according to the Department of Labor's job search website, which is significantly higher than the BLS's prediction of 5%.
Despite the lengthy training, plumbing is in high demand in North Dakota and abroad. Learn about the requirements, benefits, and more to make sure you have all the necessary information before embarking on getting a North Dakota plumbing license.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in North Dakota?
You must receive a journeyman license from the North Dakota State Board of Examiners for Plumbers and Pipefitters if you wish to become a licensed master plumber in North Dakota. The Board is in charge of awarding licenses to qualified individuals and enforcing the state's plumbing standards.
North Dakota Licensing Authority
North Dakota State Board of Examiners for Plumbers and Pipefitters
ND Plumbing BoardIssues all plumbing licenses throughout North Dakota, administers exams, and enforces state plumbing standards
Types of Plumbing Licenses in North Dakota
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level position for those learning the trade under supervision of a licensed plumber.
Key Requirements
- Enroll in 4-year apprenticeship program
- Work under licensed plumber supervision
- Complete required training hours
Journeyman Plumber
Full license to work independently and perform all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing.
Key Requirements
- Complete 4-year apprenticeship program
- Pass state-administered licensing exam
- Pay $50 license fee
Master Plumber
Advanced license required for starting your own plumbing business and supervising other plumbers.
Key Requirements
- Hold journeyman plumber license
- 4 years journeyman-level experience
- Pass master plumber exam
What Type of Training is Required For A North Dakota Plumbing License?
To earn a journeyman license to practice plumbing in North Dakota, you must first finish a four-year apprenticeship program to become an apprentice plumber. After completing your plumbing apprenticeship, you must pass a licensing exam administered by the state. You will be given a North Dakota plumber license upon passing the exam.
Three types of training are required to obtain plumbing licenses:
Three Pathways to Licensure
Training Programs for North Dakota Plumbers
1Four-Year Apprenticeship
Primary pathway for most plumbers
Four-Year Apprenticeship
Primary pathway for most plumbers
- Learn the basics of plumbing under supervision
- Work under a licensed master plumber
- Gain hands-on experience in residential and commercial plumbing
- Complete required training hours over 4 years
2Two-Year Technical School Program
Alternative or complementary education
Two-Year Technical School Program
Alternative or complementary education
- Gain in-depth knowledge of plumbing systems
- Learn plumbing theory and code requirements
- Prepare for journeyman plumber examination
- Can be combined with apprenticeship experience
3Journeyman Plumbers Exam
Final step to licensure
Journeyman Plumbers Exam
Final step to licensure
- Pass state-administered written examination
- Covers safety, materials, and installation methods
- Demonstrate knowledge of plumbing codes
- Required to become a licensed journeyman plumber
Requirements for North Dakota Plumbing Licenses
To become a licensed master plumber in North Dakota, there are a few requirements that must be met:
- First, individuals must complete an accredited plumbing program.
- Next, they must pass a Dakota state plumbing board-administered master exam.
- Finally, they must have at least four years of journeyman-level experience or equivalent training.
With a North Dakota plumbing master license, individuals will be able to work independently and perform all aspects of the trade.
Steps to Licensure
North Dakota Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber Requirements
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber Requirements
Entry-level requirements
- Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program
- Must be sponsored by a licensed plumber or contractor
- Complete required classroom hours and on-the-job training
2Journeyman Plumber Requirements
For licensed plumbers
Journeyman Plumber Requirements
For licensed plumbers
- Complete a four-year apprenticeship program
- Complete an accredited plumbing program approved by NASBE
- Pass written examination administered by ND State Plumbing Board
- Exam covers safety, materials, and installation methods
- Pay required license fee of $50
3Master Plumber Requirements
Advanced license for business owners
Master Plumber Requirements
Advanced license for business owners
- Hold current journeyman plumber license
- Complete at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience
- Or complete equivalent training and education
- Pass master plumber trade and business exam
- Submit proof of plumbing curriculum completion
- Pay required license fee of $100
Accredited Programs
The North Dakota State Plumbing Board will only accept programs that are accredited by the National Association of State Boards of Examiners for Plumbers (NASBE). Make sure your program is approved before enrolling.
How Much Does the License Cost?
The cost of the license itself is relatively inexpensive, costing only $60 for the initial application fee and $30 for the annual renewal fee.
North Dakota plumbing license fees vary by kind. A journeyman plumber license costs $50, while a master plumber license costs $100. However, other associated costs come with becoming a licensed plumber, such as the licensed plumber must pay for tests and continuing education.
State License Costs
North Dakota Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee One-time application fee | — | $60 | |
| Journeyman Plumber Biennial renewal | — | $50 | $30 |
| Master Plumber Biennial renewal | $200 | $100 | $30 |
| Additional Work Location Per additional location | — | $50 |
Total Cost Estimate
Overall, the total cost of becoming a licensed journeyman plumber in North Dakota can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on your circumstances and whether you pursue master plumber status.
Steps to Get Your North Dakota Plumbing License
If you're looking to become a licensed apprentice plumber in the state of North Dakota, you'll need to complete a few requirements before you can start working. Here's what you need to do:
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Complete an Application for Licensure
Find and complete the application on the North Dakota State Board of Examiners for Plumbers website.
Visit ND Plumbing BoardEnroll in an Approved Plumbing Program
Choose an accredited plumbing program approved by NASBE. Many state technical institutions and community colleges offer these programs.
Complete Four-Year Apprenticeship
Gain hands-on experience working under supervision of a licensed master plumber while completing your training program.
Submit Proof of Program Completion
Provide documentation to the North Dakota State Plumbing Board showing you completed an approved plumbing program.
Pass the Written Examination
Take and pass the state-administered exam covering safety, materials, installation methods, and code requirements.
Pay the Required License Fee
Submit the license fee set by the Dakota state plumbing Board. Fees are subject to change, so verify current amounts.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman Plumber!
You can now work independently as a licensed apprentice plumber in North Dakota.
Gain Journeyman Experience (Optional)
If you want to become a master plumber, work for 4 years at the journeyman level or complete equivalent training.
Pass Master Plumber Exam (Optional)
Take and pass the master plumber trade and business exam to qualify for your master license.
Exam InformationCongratulations! You're a Licensed Master Plumber!
You are now qualified to start your own plumbing business and supervise other plumbers in North Dakota.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a North Dakota plumbing license?
If you are performing any work that requires a permit from the City of Fargo, you must be licensed as a Master Plumber in North Dakota. This includes any new construction, alteration, repair, or demolition of plumbing systems.
How do I get a plumbing license in North Dakota?
You must pass an exam administered by the City of Fargo to become licensed as a Master Plumber in North Dakota. The exam covers topics such as safety, code requirements, and general knowledge.
Follow these steps:
- Complete an accredited plumbing program approved by NASBE
- Finish a four-year apprenticeship program
- Pass the state-administered written examination
- Pay the required license fees
What is the cost of a North Dakota plumbing license?
The cost of the exam is $200, and the license itself costs $100 per year for master plumbers. Journeyman licenses cost $50. There is also a $50 fee for each additional location where you perform work.
Additional costs include:
- Initial application fee: $60
- Biennial renewal fee: $30
How often do I need to renew my North Dakota plumbing license?
Your North Dakota plumbing license must be renewed every two years. You will need to submit proof of continuing education credits and pay the renewal fee of $30 to maintain your license in good standing.
How many plumbers work in North Dakota?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1,200 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in North Dakota. Job growth in the state is expected to be 11% by 2030, which is significantly higher than the national average of 5%.
What is the difference between a journeyman and master plumber?
A journeyman plumber can work independently and perform all aspects of plumbing after completing a 4-year apprenticeship and passing the state exam. A master plumber has additional experience (4 years at journeyman level) and has passed the master exam, qualifying them to start their own business and supervise other plumbers.
Conclusion
North Dakota plumbing license requirements are not overly complex. The process is straightforward, and the requirements are clear-cut. With proper preparation, anyone can become a licensed journeyman plumber in North Dakota.
You must understand what you need to do before applying and all of the necessary steps involved in becoming a licensed plumber. Also, you can take the first step on your journey toward professional success as an experienced and qualified tradesperson in this growing field.
Career Advice
By following the steps outlined here, you can be on your way to becoming a licensed plumber or plumbing contractor in North Dakota in no time. With job growth expected at 11% by 2030, plumbing is an excellent career choice in North Dakota.
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