How to Get Your
South Dakota Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in South Dakota. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
South Dakota Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
4 years (1,900 hrs/year)
Exam Fee
$200
License Fee
$60
Renewal Period
Every 2 years ($100)
Are you looking to become a licensed plumber in the state of South Dakota? Then you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll discuss all the requirements and processes for obtaining a plumbing license in South Dakota.
Plumbing licenses, unlike general contractor licenses, are administered by the South Dakota plumbing commission. Therefore, the only method to obtain a plumbing license in South Dakota is through on-the-job training, tests, and experience.
We will also touch on some of the advantages of having a plumbing license in this region, as well as common questions about applying for a license. Read on to learn more about how to get a plumbing license in South Dakota.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in South Dakota?
South Dakota Licensing Authority
South Dakota Plumbing Commission
SD Plumbing CommissionIssues all plumbing licenses valid throughout South Dakota
Types of Plumbing Licenses in South Dakota
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level license for those learning the trade under supervision of a licensed plumber.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Complete apprenticeship training program
Journeyman Plumber License
Full license to provide plumbing services independently without supervision.
Key Requirements
- 4 years apprentice experience (1,900 hrs/year)
- Minimum 7,600 hours total experience
- Pass state licensing examination
Plumbing Contractor License
Required for those who want to start their own plumbing business and take contracts.
Key Requirements
- 6 years total plumbing industry experience
- 2 years experience as contractor or plumber
- Average 1,900 hours annually
Specialized Licenses
Additional licenses available for specialized plumbing work.
Key Requirements
- Underground Irrigation Contractor
- Water Conditioning Contractor
- Mobile Home Contractor
South Dakota Plumbing License Requirements
State Requirements
South Dakota Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete an accredited plumbing apprentice training program
- Work under supervision of a licensed plumber
- Average at least 1,900 hours of work per year
2Journeyman Plumber License
For experienced apprentices
Journeyman Plumber License
For experienced apprentices
- Have worked as a plumbing apprentice for at least 4 years
- Average at least 1,900 hours of apprenticeship work per year (7,600 hours total)
- Complete accredited plumbing program
- Submit a completed application for a license
- Pass the state-administered licensing examination
- Pay the required examination and license fee of $200
3Plumbing Contractor License
For business owners
Plumbing Contractor License
For business owners
- Comply with local regulations
- Have at least 2 years experience as plumbing contractor, restricted plumbing contractor, underground irrigation installer, water conditioning installer, sewer and water installer, or plumber
- Have 6 years total experience in the plumbing industry overall
- Average 1,900 hours annually as plumber, plumbing contractor, or plumbing trainee
- Submit completed application and required payment
- Pass the plumbing contractor examination
4Alternative Path: Apprenticeship Program
Structured training option
Alternative Path: Apprenticeship Program
Structured training option
- Enroll in 3-4 year apprentice plumber program
- Complete classroom instruction and on-the-job training
- Program cost approximately $5,000
- No 4-year prior experience requirement
- Still must pass licensing examination
Plumbing License Costs in South Dakota
State Licensing Fees
South Dakota Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Plumber Exam fee includes license fee | $200 | $60 | $100 |
| Master Plumber | — | $120 | $60 |
| Restricted Journeyman | — | $30 | |
| Apprentice Program 3-4 year program cost | — | ~$5,000 |
Source: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
License Renewal Information
South Dakota: All plumbing licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration. The renewal fee is $100 for journeyman plumbers and $60 for master plumbers. You must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew, with at least 8 hours related to uniform plumbing code updates.
South Dakota Plumbing Exam Details
State Licensing Exam
South Dakota Plumbing Examination
Water supply, drainage, and venting systems
Code compliance and regulations
Practical application and troubleshooting
Job safety and plumbing theory
Experience Verification Required
After passing the examination, you will need to submit proof of completion of at least 4,000 hours of paid work experience in the plumbing trade. This experience must have been acquired within the past 10 years.
Steps to Get Your South Dakota Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Choose Your Path
Decide between 4 years of on-the-job apprentice training or enrolling in a 3-4 year formal apprenticeship program.
Complete Apprentice Training
Work as a plumbing apprentice for at least 4 years, averaging at least 1,900 hours of work per year (7,600 hours total).
Complete Application Form
Obtain and complete an application form from the State Board of Technical Professions.
Get Application FormSubmit Application and Fees
Submit the completed application form along with the required examination and license fee ($200) to the Board office.
Schedule Your Examination
Once your application is processed, you will be notified by the Board office and given instructions on how to schedule an examination date.
Exam Scheduling InformationPass the Licensing Exam
Take and pass the state-administered plumbing examination that tests your knowledge of plumbing systems, military plumbing codes, and regulations.
Submit Proof of Experience
After passing the examination, submit proof of completion of at least 4,000 hours of paid work experience acquired within the past 10 years.
Congratulations! You're Licensed!
You are now a licensed journeyman plumber in South Dakota and can work independently without supervision.
Consider Contractor License (Optional)
If you want to become a plumbing contractor, gain at least 2 years of contractor experience and 6 years total plumbing industry experience.
Apply for Contractor License
Submit your contractor license application and pass the contractor examination to legally take plumbing contracts.
Contractor License ApplicationCongratulations! You're a Licensed Contractor!
You can now legally operate a plumbing business and take contracts from clients in South Dakota.
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Start Your FREE TrialRenewing Your South Dakota Plumbing Contractor License
To renew your license, you'll need to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Of those 16 hours, at least eight must be related to uniform plumbing code updates. You can find more information on renewing your plumbing contractor's license on the Board's website.
To renew your South Dakota plumbing contractor license, you must submit a completed renewal application to the Department of Labor and Regulation. The application must include:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- The last four digits of your social security number
- Your license number
- The expiration date of your current license
- Confirmation that you have completed the required continuing education courses
Benefits of a South Dakota Plumbing License
To get a plumbing license in South Dakota, you must have at least four years of journeyman-level experience or two years of apprenticeship experience. You must also pass an examination administered by the state board. Many benefits come with having a plumbing license in South Dakota.
- For one, it allows you to work legally as a plumber in the state or in the military for military plumbing. This means that you can advertise your services and take on clients without having to worry about violating the law.
- Having a license also demonstrates to potential clients that you are a qualified professional who has the skills and training needed to do the job right.
- In addition to being able to work legally as a plumber in South Dakota, having a license also gives you access to certain privileges that unlicensed individuals do not have. For example, you may be able to get discounts on supplies and materials from local vendors.
- You may also be able to join professional organizations, which can provide networking opportunities and access to industry news and resources.
- Once your experience has been verified, you will be issued a plumbing license which is valid for 2 years.
Overall, having a plumbing license in South Dakota confers many advantages and benefits. If you are planning on working as a plumber in the state, then taking the time to get licensed is well worth it.
What Happens if You Don't Have a License?
If you don't have a plumbing license in South Dakota, you may be able to get by without one for a little while from the South Dakota Plumbing commission. However, if you're caught working without a license, you could face some serious penalties.
Penalties for Working Without a License
Here's what could happen if you're caught working without a plumbing license in South Dakota:
- You could be fined up to $1,000
- You could be imprisoned for up to 30 days
- Your name could be published in the local newspaper as a journeyman plumber or apprentice plumber who has been convicted of working without a license
- You could be required to take classes and pass an exam to get your license
- Most reputable companies will only hire licensed plumbers, making it difficult to find work
In addition to the penalties listed above, not having a plumbing license can also make it difficult to find work. Most reputable companies will only hire licensed apprentice plumbers. So, if you're not licensed, you may have to settle for working for a less-than-reputable company or doing odd jobs here and there.
Reciprocity: Using Out-of-State Licenses
Out-of-State License Reciprocity
To become a licensed plumber in South Dakota with an out-of-state license, you need to meet the following requirements instead of taking an exam:
- Pay the required license fee
- Have the Commission determine that your out-of-state license is equivalent to South Dakota's license requirements
This allows qualified plumbers from other states to practice in South Dakota without retaking the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of getting a plumbing license in South Dakota?
The cost of a plumbing license in South Dakota varies depending on the type of license required. A license for a journeyman plumber costs $60, whereas a license for a master plumber costs $120.
Additionally, there is a licensing cost for each year that you are licensed. This price is $30 for a restricted journeyman plumber and $60 for a master plumber.
The examination fee is $200, which includes the initial license fee.
When it comes to plumbing, what are the kinds of licenses that may be obtained in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, there are two primary levels of plumbing licenses available to residents: journeyman and master.
- A plumber with a licensed journeyman is qualified to assist a master plumber in doing their duties.
- A master license allows an individual to work independently and supervise other journeyman plumbers.
To obtain either type of license, an individual must pass an examination administered by the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Additional specialized licenses include:
- Underground Irrigation Contractor
- Water Conditioning Contractor
- Mobile Home Contractor
- Sewer and Water Installer
Is it possible to get a license in South Dakota and use it in another state?
South Dakota plumbing licenses are valid for work within South Dakota. If you want to work in another state, you'll need to check that state's reciprocity agreements and licensing requirements.
However, South Dakota does offer reciprocity for plumbers licensed in other states. To become licensed in South Dakota with an out-of-state license, you need to:
- Pay the required license fee
- Have the Commission determine that your out-of-state license is equivalent to South Dakota's requirements
How do I become a plumber in South Dakota?
It is a must that applicants have obtained an apprentice's license before applying for a journeyman's license. Also, it is essential to spend at least 1,900 hours per year working as an apprentice for the 4 years you are one.
The complete process includes:
- Be at least 18 years old with high school diploma
- Complete apprentice training (4 years at 1,900 hrs/year)
- Pass the state licensing examination
- Submit proof of 4,000 hours of experience within past 10 years
- Receive your journeyman plumber license
How long is a South Dakota plumbing license valid?
Once your experience has been verified and you pass the exam, you will be issued a plumbing license which is valid for 2 years. You must renew your license every two years by paying the $100 renewal fee and completing 16 hours of continuing education (with at least 8 hours related to uniform plumbing code updates).
Can I work as a plumber while in the military?
Yes! Having a South Dakota plumbing license allows you to work as a plumber in the state or in the military for military plumbing. Your license demonstrates that you have the skills and training needed to provide professional plumbing services, even in military settings.
Conclusion
In South Dakota, there are two ways to become a licensed plumber. The initial step is to complete an apprenticeship program, followed by a journeyman or master plumber program. Apprenticeships last four years, while journeyman and master plumber programs last two years.
Career Advice
Consider becoming a plumbing contractor to maximize your earning potential. With a contractor license, you can start your own plumbing business and take on contracts directly from clients, significantly increasing your income opportunities.
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