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How to get a Plumber Journeyman license in Alaska

Alaska licenses plumbers statewide through the Mechanical Inspection Section (MI).1 For the Plumber Journeyman license you need at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2 and a passing score on the Plumber journeyman examination2. The board lists $50 for the application1 and $200 for the initial license3, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years1 and complete at least 16 hours of continuing education4.

Last checked · 14 official sources

Who issues it

Mechanical Inspection Section (MI)

Training and experience

Experience: at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2

Exam

Plumber journeyman examination2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $501
Initial license fee: $2003

Renewal

Every 2 years1, at least 16 hours of continuing education4

From another state

Reciprocity agreements, Temporary license or permit and Exam waiver24 Details

On this page
  1. Alaska plumber licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Plumber Journeyman license
  4. Requirements for a Plumber Journeyman license
  5. How to apply
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. Moving to Alaska with a license from another state
  8. Plumber Trainee
  9. Plumber Utility Trainee
  10. Plumber Gas
  11. Plumber Restricted Utility (PU)
  12. Mechanical Administrator
  13. City and county rules
  14. Laws and rules
  15. Common questions
  16. Plumber licenses in other states

Alaska plumber licenses

Alaska issues 6 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
Plumber TraineeWorks on plumbing subject to the Uniform Plumbing Code as a trainee; at most two plumber trainees per certified plumber journeyman on a job site; required to earn hours toward the journeyman certificate.2–No2$501
Plumber Utility TraineeTrainee limited to utility (PU-scope) water service, building sewer and storm drain work, under direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or PU holder at all times; max two utility trainees per journeyman.4–No2$501
Plumber Gas (Plumber Restricted PG)Installs fuel and gas piping within the property lines of the premises.4–Yes2$501
Plumber JourneymanPerforms plumbing work subject to the Uniform Plumbing Code (AS 18.60.705 / 8 AAC 63.010). Alaska has no master plumber certificate.4Experience 8,000 hours2Yes2$501
Plumber Restricted Utility (PU)Installs water service piping to the first stop valve, building sewer piping from within two feet of the structure to the point of disposal, and certain building storm drains.2Experience 1,000 hours2Yes2$501
Mechanical Administrator (Unlimited Commercial and Industrial Plumbing / Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating categories)The licensed person responsible for (and who supervises) plumbing installations for a registered mechanical contractor. Unlimited commercial and industrial plumbing covers all plumbing work (fixtures, water/waste/vent, fuel oil and gas piping, lawn sprinklers) plus HCPP, temperature control and residential categories; the residential plumbing and hydronic heating category is limited to single-family and duplex dwellings up to three stories. A mechanical administrator may qualify only one contractor (with a small-community exception).5Experience 4 years6Yes6$1507

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Alaska 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 6)

Renewal

Renewal fee
$200817

2. Every license level except Mechanical Administrator (Unlimited Commercial and Industrial Plumbing / Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating categories)

Requirements

Residency or citizenship
The application must state the applicant's citizenship (no residency requirement stated).1
Social Security number
Social Security number required on the application.4
Also required
Carry a print or digital copy of the certificate while working.4

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$501MINot refundable
Initial license fee$20039MI–
Duplicate or replacement license$251MI–

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

Processing time
7-10 business days; certificates are e-mailed as PDF from [email protected].3

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military occupational specialty (MOS/AFSC) experience may count, at up to 500 hours per full year of service and up to half of the hours required, proved with a DD Form 214.4

3. Every license level except Plumber Trainee and Plumber Utility Trainee

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years17

4. Every license level except Plumber Journeyman and Mechanical Administrator (Unlimited Commercial and Industrial Plumbing / Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating categories)

From another state

Route
No reciprocity

5. Plumber Journeyman, Plumber Gas (Plumber Restricted PG) and Plumber Restricted Utility (PU)

Requirements

Also required
Out-of-state applicants submit the license from their state, or a letter on that state's letterhead confirming no license is required for the scope of work.2

How to apply

  1. When approved to test, book the exam at a Mechanical Inspection office (Juneau, Anchorage or Fairbanks) and pass with 70%.4
  2. After passing, pay the $200 certificate fee; the certificate is e-mailed as a PDF (allow 7-10 business days).3

Renewal

When it expires
Valid two years; renew by application and $200 certificate fee within two years after expiration (later than that requires re-testing).1
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $508 (renewal applied for more than 90 days after expiration)
If it expires
Certificate is invalid for work from its expiration date; renewals more than two years after expiration require retesting; the $50 application fee is waived only if renewing within 90 days of expiration.4
Renew online
labor.alaska.gov8

6. Plumber Journeyman and Plumber Gas (Plumber Restricted PG)

How to apply

  1. Get a Plumber Trainee certificate of fitness (indentured in a USDOL-registered plumber apprenticeship) before counting Alaska hours, then log the required experience.10

7. Plumber Trainee and Plumber Utility Trainee

Requirements

Exam
Not required2

Renewal

How often
Every 6 years1
If it expires
Certificate is invalid for work from its expiration date.4

Who needs a Plumber Journeyman license

Performs plumbing work subject to the Uniform Plumbing Code (AS 18.60.705 / 8 AAC 63.010). Alaska has no master plumber certificate.4

Requirements for a Plumber Journeyman license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Experience
At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Legally obtained plumbing work experience (commercial/residential installation) while holding an Alaska trainee certificate (or legally in another state); no maintenance hours.2
Supervision: Experience must be legally obtained: for a licensed contractor where a license is required, under direct supervision of a journeyman, in compliance with that state's law; work in Alaska without a valid trainee certificate does not count.2
License you must hold first: Plumber Trainee certificate of fitness for Alaska hours.10
Substitute: Up to 1,000 classroom hours from a USDOL-registered apprenticeship or accredited plumbing training program.4
Substitute: Up to 4,000 hours of military/vocational experience (8 AAC 90.890(b)).2
Substitute: No more than 500 hours of plumber restricted PU work and no more than 2,000 hours of plumber restricted PG work count.4
Exam
Plumber journeyman examination2
Given by: Alaska DOLWD Mechanical Inspection (offices in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks); on written request an approved third-party testing facility or proctor; or an Alaska union exam under an agreement with the department4
Passing score: 70%4
When you can take it: The applicant must hold the appropriate trainee certificate of fitness to request an exam appointment (out-of-state applicants qualify through their license/experience).4
Exam on the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by Alaska (8 AAC 63.101(1): 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, IAPMO)10
Retakes: Wait 30 days after a failed exam before retaking.4
Exam waived: An Alaska-based union may verify a member's qualifications or administer the exam under an agreement with the department (70% minimum, sworn affidavit).1

How to apply

  1. Send the Electrical and Plumbing Certificate of Fitness Application (check Plumber Journeyman) with experience verification forms (8,000 hours) and the $50 application fee, by e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Mechanical Inspection, Anchorage.3 Form (PDF, labor.alaska.gov)3

Renewal and continuing education

Continuing education
At least 16 hours each renewal period4
Required topics
At least 8 hours on significant changes or updates to the Uniform Plumbing Code; no more than 8 hours industry-related.4
Approved courses
Department-approved workshops (pre-approved by CBPL under 12 AAC 39.420, or submitted to the director at least 30 days before) or approved correspondence/individual study; completion certificates are attached to the renewal.4
Exemptions
Waiver on written request when circumstances beyond the applicant's control prevented compliance; the director prescribes an alternative.4

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Alaska with a license from another state

These are the routes MI publishes for the Plumber Journeyman license. The other plumber licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Reciprocal Plumber Journeyman certificate (no exam) for holders of a current license from a jurisdiction with substantially similar requirements, held at least one full year; issued for 2 years, then renews as a regular Plumber Journeyman.2
States on Alaska's list
Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia11
This is the list of states whose licenses Alaska accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Alaska license.
Conditions
Proof of a current license active for one full year before applying; no exam.2
In states where a master must first hold a journeyman license, MI may also reciprocate the master license; alternate-path masters may not be accepted.11
Fee
$2502
Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
Provisional Plumber Journeyman certificate while a reciprocity application is processed: current license held a full year; valid 1 year or until the home license expires; no gas work; may not supervise apprentices; not renewable. If the home state is not substantially similar, MI asks for proof of hours and an exam is required.4
Fee
$1502
Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Applicants from states not on the reciprocity list (or without a statewide license) apply as regular journeyman applicants: submit their state license or a letter saying no license is required, verify 8,000 legally obtained hours, and pass the Alaska exam.2

Plumber Trainee

Works on plumbing subject to the Uniform Plumbing Code as a trainee; at most two plumber trainees per certified plumber journeyman on a job site; required to earn hours toward the journeyman certificate.2

Requirements

Also required
Must be indentured in a plumber apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (or a USDOL-recognized state apprenticeship agency); submit a Davis Bacon letter as proof.4

How to apply

  1. Enrol (be indentured) in a USDOL-registered plumber apprenticeship and get a Davis Bacon letter as proof.2
  2. Send the Trainee Certificate of Fitness application with the letter and the $250 application and certificate fee to Mechanical Inspection (e-mail or mail).9 Form (PDF, labor.alaska.gov)9

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Plumber Utility Trainee

Trainee limited to utility (PU-scope) water service, building sewer and storm drain work, under direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or PU holder at all times; max two utility trainees per journeyman.4

Requirements

Also required
No apprenticeship indenture needed; instead a notarized employer letter on company letterhead confirming direct supervision and PU-only duties.2

How to apply

  1. Get a notarized letter from your employer (company letterhead) confirming supervision and PU-only work.2
  2. Send the Trainee Certificate of Fitness application, the letter and $250 to Mechanical Inspection.9 Form (PDF, labor.alaska.gov)9

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Plumber Gas

Installs fuel and gas piping within the property lines of the premises.4

Requirements

Experience
4,000 hours of plumbing work experience, including at least 2,000 hours installing fuel and gas piping (2,000 hours of commercial/industrial plumbing installation may substitute); no maintenance hours.2
Supervision: Experience must be legally obtained: for a licensed contractor where a license is required, under direct supervision of a journeyman, in compliance with that state's law; work in Alaska without a valid trainee certificate does not count.2
License you must hold first: Hours earned in Alaska must be worked under a trainee certificate.2
Substitute: Up to 500 hours of accredited apprenticeship classroom or plumbing training.4
Substitute: Up to 2,000 hours of military/vocational experience.2
Exam
Plumber restricted PG (gas) examination2
Given by: Alaska DOLWD Mechanical Inspection (offices in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks); on written request an approved third-party testing facility or proctor; or an Alaska union exam under an agreement with the department4
Passing score: 70%4
When you can take it: The applicant must hold the appropriate trainee certificate of fitness to request an exam appointment (out-of-state applicants qualify through their license/experience).4
Retakes: Wait 30 days after a failed exam before retaking.4
Exam waived: An Alaska-based union may verify a member's qualifications or administer the exam under an agreement with the department (70% minimum, sworn affidavit).1

How to apply

  1. Send the Electrical and Plumbing Certificate of Fitness Application (check Plumber Restricted Gas) with experience verification forms (4,000 hours) and the $50 application fee, by e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Mechanical Inspection, Anchorage.3 Form (PDF, labor.alaska.gov)3

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

Plumber Restricted Utility (PU)

Installs water service piping to the first stop valve, building sewer piping from within two feet of the structure to the point of disposal, and certain building storm drains.2

Requirements

Experience
At least 1,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Work installing water, sewer or storm lines while holding a Plumber Utility Trainee certificate (in Alaska).4
License you must hold first: Plumber Utility Trainee certificate of fitness (for Alaska hours).2
Substitute: Up to 125 hours of accredited apprenticeship classroom or plumbing training.4
Substitute: Up to 500 hours of military/vocational experience.2
Exam
Plumber restricted PU (utility) examination2
Given by: Alaska DOLWD Mechanical Inspection (offices in Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks); on written request an approved third-party testing facility or proctor; or an Alaska union exam under an agreement with the department4
Passing score: 70%4
When you can take it: The applicant must hold the appropriate trainee certificate of fitness to request an exam appointment (out-of-state applicants qualify through their license/experience).4
Retakes: Wait 30 days after a failed exam before retaking.4
Exam waived: An Alaska-based union may verify a member's qualifications or administer the exam under an agreement with the department (70% minimum, sworn affidavit).1

How to apply

  1. Get a Plumber Utility Trainee certificate (employer letter) and log 1,000 hours of water/sewer/storm line work.2
  2. Send the Electrical and Plumbing Certificate of Fitness Application (check Plumber Restricted Utility) with experience verification forms (1,000 hours) and the $50 application fee, by e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Mechanical Inspection, Anchorage.3 Form (PDF, labor.alaska.gov)3

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

Mechanical Administrator

The licensed person responsible for (and who supervises) plumbing installations for a registered mechanical contractor. Unlimited commercial and industrial plumbing covers all plumbing work (fixtures, water/waste/vent, fuel oil and gas piping, lawn sprinklers) plus HCPP, temperature control and residential categories; the residential plumbing and hydronic heating category is limited to single-family and duplex dwellings up to three stories. A mechanical administrator may qualify only one contractor (with a small-community exception).5

Requirements

Experience
At least 4 years6
Unlimited commercial and industrial plumbing: journeyman plumber experience, plumbing field-superintendent management experience, or a combination, for at least 4 of the 6 years before applying (or an ME degree / PE registration plus 1 of 3 years).6
License you must hold first: Journeyman plumber experience (Alaska Plumber Journeyman certificate of fitness for Alaska work).6
Experience
At least 2 years6
Residential plumbing and hydronic heating category: journeyman experience in residential plumbing and hydronic heating work for at least 2 of the 4 years before applying.6
Exam
Mechanical administrator examination for the license category6
Passing score: 70 percent6
Covers plans/specifications, mechanical installations and piping, and the Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, Uniform Solar Energy Code and Uniform Mechanical Code in effect in Alaska.5
Retakes: No more than three attempts at the written exam in a 12-month period.6
Time limit: Passing score must be obtained within the 12 months before the application.6
Exam waived: Exam waived for a mechanical administrator (or equivalent) licensed in another state who meets Alaska qualifications and passed an equivalent exam.5
Business requirements
The mechanical administrator qualifies a registered contractor (Alaska contractor registration with mechanical endorsement is a separate CBPL credential.5

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1507Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic DevelopmentPer category. Not refundable
Initial license fee$2007Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development–

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. Build the qualifying journeyman/management experience for your category (4 of the last 6 years for unlimited plumbing; 2 of the last 4 years for residential plumbing and hydronic heating).6
  2. Pass the department-approved mechanical administrator exam for the category with at least 70% (within 12 months before applying).6
  3. Apply to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing on its form with self-certified qualifications, transcripts if using education, the $150 application fee per category and the $200 license fee.6

Renewal

When it expires
Biennial license; renewal requires the renewal form, fee and CE certification. A license lapsed more than two years requires re-examination.5
Required topics
Uniform Plumbing Code (unlimited commercial and industrial plumbing); UPC or Uniform Mechanical Code (residential plumbing and hydronic heating).6
Exemptions
No CE needed if the licensee passed a licensing exam on the appropriate codes during the licensing period.6

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Licensure by credentials: current license from another state (verified directly), an equivalent exam passed there, and Alaska category qualifications - the Alaska exam is waived.6
Fee
$1507

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

City and county rules

Plumber JourneymanAlaska certifies plumbers statewide (DOLWD certificates of fitness; Mechanical Inspection has plumbing jurisdiction in communities of 2,500+ and defers inspections to Anchorage). Anchorage additionally requires a municipal qualification (fitness) card with its own exam for plumbing contractors and journeymen, plus a municipal contractor license; Fairbanks licenses Master Plumbers/mechanical contractors by its own exam.10

City or countyWhat it requiresLink
Municipality of AnchorageMunicipal qualification (fitness) card required for plumbers, with a municipal exam (given bi-monthly) for contractors and journeymen; state fitness card must be shown. Proof of hours: plumbing contractor 12,000; plumbing journeyman 8,000; gas piping contractor 8,000; gas piping journeyman 4,000. Fees: Plumbing Contractor exam $90 / card $400; Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter exam $60 / card $140; Plumber Trainee card $85 (no municipal test). Cards valid up to two years.13Official page13
City of FairbanksCity Master Plumber (Plumbing Contractor Qualification) license by written multiple-choice exam on the city-adopted 2018 UPC/IFGC/IMC and Fairbanks Administrative Code; $200 application and registration fee for the exam; license renewal $200 tri-annual fee.14Official page14

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

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

The rules set at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: 7-10 business days; certificates are e-mailed as PDF from [email protected].3

Can I transfer my plumber license to Alaska?

MI publishes these routes for the Plumber Journeyman license: reciprocity agreements2, temporary license or permit4 and exam waiver2. Conditions and forms.

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

Every 2 years1. Continuing education: at least 16 hours4. The renewal fee is $2008.

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. AS 18.62 Certificate of fitnessAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Statutes)Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Licenses and RequirementsAlaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionDated November 2, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Certificate of Fitness application (electrical/plumbing)Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionDated September 2, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 8 AAC 90 Certificates of fitnessAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  5. AS 08.40 Electrical and mechanical administratorsAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Statutes)Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 12 AAC 39 Mechanical AdministratorsAlaska Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 12 AAC 02.245 Mechanical administrator feesAlaska Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Certificate of Fitness renewal applicationAlaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionDated September 2, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Certificate of Fitness trainee applicationAlaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionDated August 28, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  10. Mechanical Inspection homeAlaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionChecked November 7, 2026
  11. MI ReciprocityAlaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionDated October 21, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Certificate of Fitness application (reciprocal/provisional)Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection SectionDated August 28, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  13. Contractor LicensingMunicipality of Anchorage Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Master Plumber/Mechanical ExamCity of Fairbanks Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026