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How to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Alabama

Alabama licenses plumbers statewide through the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB).1 For the Journeyman Plumber license you need at least 2 years2 of experience and a passing score on the Journeyman Plumber examination3. The board lists $50 for the application4, $75 for the initial license4 and $110 for the exam3, each a separate charge. You renew every year5 and complete at least 4 hours of continuing education2.

Last checked · 23 official sources

Who issues it

Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 2 years2

Exam

Journeyman Plumber examination3

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $504
Initial license fee: $754
Exam fee: $1103

Renewal

Every year5, at least 4 hours of continuing education2

From another state

Exam waiver, Reciprocity agreements, Temporary license or permit and Military service members and spouses621 Details

On this page
  1. Alabama plumber licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
  4. Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license
  5. How to apply
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter
  8. Journeyman Gas Fitter
  9. Master Gas Fitter
  10. Master Plumber
  11. City and county rules
  12. Check a license or report a problem
  13. Laws and rules
  14. Rule changes since January 2024
  15. Common questions
  16. Plumber licenses in other states

Alabama plumber licenses

Alabama issues 5 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
Apprentice Plumber/Gas FitterRegistered learner who assists in plumbing/gas work under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman or master, working for a board-registered company; one registration covers both plumbing and gas fitting.7–No2$352
Journeyman Gas FitterInstalls, repairs or replaces gas piping/work on the customer side of the meter as an employee of a company with a Principal Master; may not contract on his own.8Experience 2 years2Yes1$504
Journeyman PlumberInstalls, repairs or replaces plumbing systems as an employee of a company with a Principal Master; may not contract on his own.8Experience 2 years2Yes1$504
Master Gas FitterMaster gas fitter: may install, repair or replace gas work and contract/offer gas fitting, and may register as Principal Master of a company.8Experience 1 year2Yes1$509
Master PlumberMaster plumber: may install, repair or replace plumbing systems, contract/offer plumbing to the public, and register as Principal Master for a business.8Experience 1 year2Yes1$509

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Alabama plumber licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 5)

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
Declaration of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence of an Alien (verified through SAVE for non-citizens).2
Social Security number
Social Security number requested on the application.3

Renewal

How often
Every year5
When it expires
Annual; every certificate and registration expires December 31 and is renewed each year (renewal season October 1 - December 31).5
If it expires
Renewals received after December 31 pay a penalty equal to the renewal fee, and all unpaid fees for previous years are due; requests to waive back years and penalties go to the board.2
A certificate holder not working in the trade may go inactive by affidavit (inactive fee $0.00); CE is not required while inactive but must be completed before returning to active status.10

2. Every license level except Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$5049PGFBEffective January 1, 2026
Review of failed exam (Prov)$80312Prov, Inc.Optional; only after failing an exam category twice and scoring within 10% of 70%
License verification to another state$152PGFB–

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 4 hours each renewal period2
Approved courses
Board-approved providers and courses; providers upload completions. CE from a non-approved provider can be submitted for approval with the $25 non-traditional CE application. Board-offered code review classes are exam prep only and do not earn CE.2
Exemptions
Age 65 or older (from the year after turning 65; age exemption form required).2
First year: no CE for someone acquiring and renewing their initial certification in the current calendar year (applies only to a first certification that requires CE).2
Inactive status.2

From another state

Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
During a declared state of emergency the board may issue an emergency certificate of endorsement to an applicant with a current out-of-state license in good standing, valid for the emergency but no more than 60 days.1
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act route for eligible military members/families (certificate or 180-day temporary permit; expedited).2

3. Journeyman Plumber and Journeyman Gas Fitter

Requirements

Also required
A journeyman may not contract or act as his own contractor; he must work for a company with a Principal Master.8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$754PGFBEffective January 1, 2026
Exam fee$1103PGFBNot refundable. Effective January 1, 2026
Exam retake fee$1103PGFBNot refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Work at least 2 years as a registered apprentice (or finish a board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered apprentice time equal to 2 years).14
  2. After the board sends an Exam Eligibility Notification, schedule the open-book computer exam with Prov within the 30-day eligibility window.3
  3. Within 90 days of passing, send the Initial Application for Certificate - Journeyman with your score sheet, the $50 processing fee and the $75 certificate fee.15 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)13

Renewal

Renewal fee
$752
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $752 (renewal fee received after December 31 (plus unpaid back years))
Continuing Education Deficiency Fee: $1002 (cE not completed/reported before November 1)

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
No general reciprocity. A plumber licensed in another state at the matching level (license issued by exam with at least 70%, active, in good standing) may skip Alabama's experience route and take the Alabama exam for the corresponding level; passing (70) leads to Alabama certification.6
Conditions
Out-of-state agency completes the PGFB Request for Verification of License/Registration (or equivalent letter).14
Application expires 90 days after initial submission.2
Route
Reciprocity agreements
States on Alabama's list
The pages cited here give no list of partner states for this route; the board's words above say who qualifies. Ask the board which states it has agreements with.

4. Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber

Renewal

Required topics
4 hours of plumbing or business/compliance CE (plumbing certification only); holders of both plumbing and gas certifications need 2 h plumbing + 2 h gas.16
CE must be completed and reported before November 1 each year; otherwise a CE deficiency plan and the $100 deficiency fee apply.2

5. Journeyman Gas Fitter and Master Gas Fitter

Renewal

Required topics
4 hours of gas fitting or business/compliance CE (gas fitting certification only); holders of both plumbing and gas certifications need 2 h plumbing + 2 h gas.16
CE must be completed and reported before November 1 each year; otherwise a CE deficiency plan and the $100 deficiency fee apply.2

6. Master Gas Fitter and Master Plumber

Requirements

Exam
Business Law examination (required for master certification from January 1, 2026)13
Given by: Prov (Prov, Inc.)12
Passing score: 70%12
Business and Law: 40 questions, 2 hours; references include the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management (14th ed.) and the Alabama supplement12
Retakes: If one of the two master exams is passed and the other failed, only the failed exam is re-applied for and retaken (with its exam fee).12
Time limit: After passing, the candidate must obtain the certificate within 90 calendar days or retest. For master level the 90 days run from passing BOTH required exams.1
Exam waived: Only needed once: a person who already obtained one master certification with the Business Law exam does not retake it for the second master trade. A master certified before January 1, 2026 adding the other master trade must take it.12
Business requirements
Every company doing plumbing or gas fitting must register with the board, have a Principal Master for each trade, renew the registration annually, and show the registered business name on both sides of service vehicles (2-inch letters).1
Business requirements
Business registration fees: initial $25, annual renewal $25, late renewal penalty $25.2

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$1759PGFBEffective January 1, 2026
Exam fee$16012PGFBNot refundable. Effective January 1, 2026
Exam fee$10012PGFBRequired for the first master certification obtained on or after January 1, 2026. Not refundable. Effective January 1, 2026
Registration fee$2517PGFBLegal entity (company) registration with a Principal Master; annual renewal $25

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Hold the matching Alabama journeyman certificate and work at least 1 year as a journeyman.1
  2. Pass both the written trade exam and the Business Law exam with Prov (open book, 70%).12
  3. Within 90 days of passing both exams, send the Initial Application for Certificate - Master with score letters, the $50 processing fee and the $175 certificate fee.9 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)13
  4. If you will own or run the company, register the business with the board (Principal Master) and pay the $25 registration fee; renew it every year.6 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)6

Renewal

Renewal fee
$1752
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $1752 (renewal fee received after December 31 (plus unpaid back years))
Continuing Education Deficiency Fee: $1002 (cE not completed/reported before November 1)

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
No general reciprocity. A plumber licensed in another state at the matching level (license issued by exam with at least 70%, active, in good standing) may skip Alabama's experience route and take the Alabama exam for the corresponding level; passing (70) leads to Alabama certification.6
Conditions
Out-of-state agency completes the PGFB Request for Verification of License/Registration (or equivalent letter).14
Application expires 90 days after initial submission.2
Out-of-state master applicants must also pass the Business Law exam ($100).18

Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license

Installs, repairs or replaces plumbing systems as an employee of a company with a Principal Master; may not contract on his own.8

Work that does not need this license:

  • Exempt from certification: plumbing work by a property owner in or about a building the owner owns or occupies, and plumbing by an employer's regular maintenance person on the employer's premises (not for the public).19

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • Board FAQ list of work not needing certification includes toilet filler/flapper/handle repair, drain cleaning that does not break a trap seal, and backflow testing without removing the device.8

Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.

Experience
At least 2 years2
Current work experience as a registered apprentice plumber (or a board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered-apprentice time equal to two years).2
Supervision: Apprentice work is under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman or master.2
License you must hold first: Registered Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter (experience counts from the date the apprentice registration is held).15
Substitute: Experience gained other ways (not as a registered apprentice) may be considered via a Board Appearance Request with verifiable documentation.14
Exam
Journeyman Plumber examination3
Given by: Prov (Prov, Inc.)3
Passing score: 70%3
When you can take it: After 2 years of current work experience as a registered apprentice (or approved apprentice program).3
Journeyman Plumber: 75 questions, 2.92 hours (also offered in Spanish)3
Open book; based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code / 2021 International Fuel Gas Code plus Code of Ala. ch. 34-37 and the board rules2
Retakes: Exam eligibility lasts 30 days. After failing (or not testing within eligibility) submit a retake form and a new exam fee; reexamination is allowed at any later exam on reapplication and payment of the regular exam fee.3
Time limit: After passing, the candidate must obtain the certificate within 90 calendar days or retest.1
Also required
If you pass the Journeyman Plumber exam and also want to do gas fitting, you need at least an Apprentice registration for gas work.13

How to apply

  1. Send the Application for Examination - Journeyman (check Journeyman Plumber) with the $110 non-refundable exam fee and the citizenship/lawful-presence declaration, by mail, e-mail or fax with a card or e-check authorization form.3 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)13

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Alabama Journeyman Plumber license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter

Registered learner who assists in plumbing/gas work under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman or master, working for a board-registered company; one registration covers both plumbing and gas fitting.7

Requirements

Exam
Not required2
Also required
Supervision ratio: up to 5 apprentices per journeyman/master on residential jobsites, up to 3 on non-residential jobsites.8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$352PGFBEffective January 1, 2026

How to apply

  1. Complete the Apprentice Registration form, attach a copy of valid photo ID and the citizenship/lawful-presence declaration, and pay the $35 fee (check, money order, card or e-check authorization).14 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)20
  2. Work only for a board-registered company under direct supervision of a certified journeyman or master, and carry your current annual card.14

Renewal

Renewal fee
$352
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $352 (renewal fee received after December 31 (plus unpaid back years))

From another state

Route
No reciprocity

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act: an eligible military applicant licensed elsewhere (or by the armed forces) with substantially similar requirements is issued a certificate (or a 180-day temporary permit while completing any missing requirements); the initial licensing fee is waived on a transfer of station; deployed members do not pay renewal fees or need CE in the listed circumstances.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

Journeyman Gas Fitter

Installs, repairs or replaces gas piping/work on the customer side of the meter as an employee of a company with a Principal Master; may not contract on his own.8

Requirements

Experience
At least 2 years2
Current work experience as a registered apprentice gas fitter (or a board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered-apprentice time equal to two years).2
Supervision: Apprentice work is under the direct supervision of a certified journeyman or master.2
License you must hold first: Registered Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter (experience counts from the date the apprentice registration is held).15
Substitute: Experience gained other ways (not as a registered apprentice) may be considered via a Board Appearance Request with verifiable documentation.14
Exam
Journeyman Gas Fitter examination3
Given by: Prov (Prov, Inc.)3
Passing score: 70%3
When you can take it: After 2 years of current work experience as a registered apprentice (or approved apprentice program).3
Journeyman Gasfitter: 40 questions, 1.67 hours (also offered in Spanish)3
Open book; based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code / 2021 International Fuel Gas Code plus Code of Ala. ch. 34-37 and the board rules2
Retakes: Exam eligibility lasts 30 days. After failing (or not testing within eligibility) submit a retake form and a new exam fee; reexamination is allowed at any later exam on reapplication and payment of the regular exam fee.3
Time limit: After passing, the candidate must obtain the certificate within 90 calendar days or retest.1
Also required
If you pass the Journeyman Gas Fitter exam and also want to do plumbing, you need at least an Apprentice registration for plumbing.13

How to apply

  1. Send the Application for Examination - Journeyman (check Journeyman Gas Fitter) with the $110 non-refundable exam fee and the citizenship/lawful-presence declaration, by mail, e-mail or fax with a card or e-check authorization form.3 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)13

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Master Gas Fitter

Master gas fitter: may install, repair or replace gas work and contract/offer gas fitting, and may register as Principal Master of a company.8

Requirements

Experience
At least 1 year2
Current work experience as a certified journeyman gas fitter.2
License you must hold first: Alabama Journeyman Gas Fitter certificate.12
Exam
Master Gas Fitter written examination12
Given by: Prov (Prov, Inc.)12
Passing score: 70%12
When you can take it: After at least 1 year of current work experience as an Alabama journeyman.12
Master Gasfitter: 50 questions, 2.08 hours12
Open book; based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code / 2021 International Fuel Gas Code plus Code of Ala. ch. 34-37 and the board rules2
Retakes: Exam eligibility lasts 30 days. After failing (or not testing within eligibility) submit a retake form and a new exam fee; reexamination is allowed at any later exam on reapplication and payment of the regular exam fee.3
Time limit: After passing, the candidate must obtain the certificate within 90 calendar days or retest. For master level the 90 days run from passing BOTH required exams.1

How to apply

  1. Send the Application for Examination - Master (check Master Gas Fitter, plus Business Law if you do not already hold a master certification issued on or after January 1, 2026) with the $160 and $100 non-refundable exam fees.12 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)13

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Alabama LP Gas Board route: a holder of a current LP Gas Board Employee Competency Card with Service Technician (Residential & Commercial) endorsement, held and used at least 3 years, in good standing, can be certified as Master Gas Fitter on payment of fees.2

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Master Plumber

Master plumber: may install, repair or replace plumbing systems, contract/offer plumbing to the public, and register as Principal Master for a business.8

Requirements

Experience
At least 1 year2
Current work experience as a certified journeyman plumber.2
License you must hold first: Alabama Journeyman Plumber certificate.14
Exam
Master Plumber written examination12
Given by: Prov (Prov, Inc.)12
Passing score: 70%12
When you can take it: After at least 1 year of current work experience as an Alabama journeyman.12
Master Plumber: 100 questions, 4.17 hours12
Open book; based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code / 2021 International Fuel Gas Code plus Code of Ala. ch. 34-37 and the board rules2
Retakes: Exam eligibility lasts 30 days. After failing (or not testing within eligibility) submit a retake form and a new exam fee; reexamination is allowed at any later exam on reapplication and payment of the regular exam fee.3
Time limit: After passing, the candidate must obtain the certificate within 90 calendar days or retest. For master level the 90 days run from passing BOTH required exams.1

How to apply

  1. Send the Application for Examination - Master (check Master Plumber, plus Business Law if you do not already hold a master certification issued on or after January 1, 2026) with the $160 and $100 non-refundable exam fees.12 Form (PDF, pgfb.alabama.gov)13

From another state

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Mississippi agreement (effective January 1, 2026): a holder of a Mississippi State Board of Contractors Master Mechanical or Commercial Plumbing license obtained by exam (not by reciprocity), active and without penalties in the past year, gets an Alabama Master Plumber license without the trade exam, after passing the Alabama Business Law exam.6
States on Alabama's list
Mississippi22
This is the list of states whose licenses Alabama accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Alabama license.
Conditions
Mississippi license must not itself have been obtained through reciprocity or exam waiver.22
Fee
$10022

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Apprentice Plumber/Gas FitterAlabama certifies plumbers statewide; a PGFB certificate must be accepted by every city, town and county, and local governments may not require their own plumber competency certificate or exam.23

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a plumber in Alabama, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Alabama is on the Alabama license lookup page.

Look up a license
alpgfb.igovsolution.net11
File a complaint
pgfb.alabama.gov11

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • January 1, 2026: Master-level applicants must also pass a Business Law exam.13
  • January 1, 2026: Board fee rule 720-X-4-.01 amended (published Aug 29, 2025; effective Oct 13, 2025; operative Jan 1, 2026).2
  • January 1, 2026: Reciprocal agreement with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors for Master Plumber.6

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Alabama?

The rules set at least 2 years2 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my plumber license to Alabama?

PGFB publishes these routes for the Journeyman Plumber license: exam waiver6, reciprocity agreements2 and temporary license or permit1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Journeyman Plumber license in Alabama?

Every year5. Continuing education: at least 4 hours2. The renewal fee is $752.

Plumber licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Code of Alabama § 34-37-6Alabama LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Ala. Admin. Code ch. 720-X (board compilation Jan 2026)Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Application for Examination - Journeyman (04-26)Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Initial Application for Certificate - JourneymanAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Code of Alabama § 34-37-9Alabama LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Out of State ApplicantsAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Code of Alabama § 34-37-1Alabama LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Frequently Asked QuestionsAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Initial Application for Certificate - MasterAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Code of Alabama § 34-37-14Alabama LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  11. LicenseesAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Application for Examination - Master (09-26)Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  13. ExamsAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  14. How Do I Become Licensed?Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Packet for Applicants who pass Journeyman examAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  16. CE FAQs (10-20-26)Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Packet for Applicants who pass Master exam (2026)Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Examination Packet for Out-of-State Applicants (01-26)Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Code of Alabama § 34-37-15Alabama LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Apprentice RegistrationAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  21. ReciprocationAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Mississippi Reciprocal Request FormAlabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Code of Alabama § 34-37-8Alabama LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026