How to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Massachusetts
Massachusetts licenses plumbers statewide through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.1 For the Journeyman Plumber license you need at least 6,800 hours of on-the-job training2, a passing score on the Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber examination (PSI Exams)3 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $31 for the application3 and $52 for the initial license3, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years4 and complete 12 hours of continuing education5.
Who issues it
Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Training and experience
Experience: at least 6,800 hours of on-the-job training2
Exam
Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber examination (PSI Exams)3
On this page
- Massachusetts plumber licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
- Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Moving to Massachusetts with a license from another state
- Apprentice Gas Fitter
- Apprentice Plumber
- Journeyman Gas Fitter
- Master Gas Fitter
- Master Plumber
- Plumbing Business License
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Plumber licenses in other states
Massachusetts plumber licenses
Massachusetts issues 7 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Gas Fitter | Learns and works at gas fitting under direct supervision of a master gas fitter, or a journeyman gas fitter employed by a master.4 | – | No4 | $96 |
| Apprentice Plumber | Learns and works at plumbing under the direct supervision of a master plumber, or of a journeyman plumber employed by a master; may not advertise or solicit plumbing work.4 | – | No4 | $147 |
| Journeyman Gas Fitter | Performs gas fitting work (not plumbing); must carry the license and show it on request.8 | Experience 5,100 hours2 | Yes2 | $319 |
| Journeyman Plumber | Licensed (with the master/permit system) to perform plumbing and gas fitting work; must carry the license and show it on request. Only masters and journeymen with local permits may do plumbing.8 | Experience 6,800 hours2 | Yes2 | $313 |
| Master Gas Fitter | May employ journeymen and apprentices and work as an individual, firm or corporation; must keep a regular place of business displaying the license.8 | Training 50 clock hours2 Experience 1,700 hours2 | Yes2 | $3110 |
| Master Plumber | May employ journeymen and apprentices and work as an individual, firm or corporation; must keep a regular place of business displaying the license. License type and number must appear on all advertising.8 | Experience 1,700 hours2 | Yes2 | $3111 |
| Plumbing Business License (corporation, LLC or partnership certificate) | Required for corporations, LLCs, partnerships and similar entities that have plumbing or gas-fitting employees; not needed by individuals working under their own name or a DBA.4 | – | No12 | $22512 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Massachusetts 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 7)
How to apply
- Create a MyMassGov account and apply online in eLIPSE, uploading the required forms and paying the application fee there; incomplete applications are held 180 days.3679101112 occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov3
- Apply online
- occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov3
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years4
- When it expires
- Renew every two years by submitting the renewal application, fees and any required CE before the license expires. A $57 late fee applies to renewals received after May 1st.4
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $575 (renewal received after May 1st)
- If it expires
- Reinstatement: pay back/late fees; if expired 6 years or less, complete all missed CE first; if expired more than 6 years, complete current-cycle CE and pass the full exam for your highest license.2
- Renew online
- occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov5
From another state
Military service members, veterans and spouses: VALOR Act benefits for active military, spouses and veterans; under VALOR Act II the Commonwealth's portion of the initial license fee is waived for qualifying applicants (vendor fees may still apply). Veterans also get a 5% exam credit.13
2. Every license level except Plumbing Business License (corporation, LLC or partnership certificate)
Requirements
3. Every license level except Apprentice Gas Fitter, Apprentice Plumber and Plumbing Business License (corporation, LLC or partnership certificate)
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $31391011 | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters | Not refundable |
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI Exams391011, when you schedule.
Renewal
- Required topics
- Courses focus on the rules in 248 CMR 3.00-11.00; the Board may also approve industry business, law and technology topics.2
- Approved courses
- Board-approved providers only; online/correspondence courses must be Board-approved and include a provider exam (two attempts).2
- Exemptions
- Inactive license: renewed every two years without CE, but you may not practice (except in your own owner-occupied single-family house under a permit).2
4. Apprentice Gas Fitter, Apprentice Plumber and Plumbing Business License (corporation, LLC or partnership certificate)
Requirements
5. Journeyman Plumber and Journeyman Gas Fitter
Requirements
Fees
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $525
6. Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber
Renewal
- Continuing education
- 12 hours each renewal period5
7. Apprentice Gas Fitter and Apprentice Plumber
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 16 years old4
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $405
8. Journeyman Gas Fitter and Master Gas Fitter
Renewal
- Continuing education
- 6 hours each renewal period5
Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
Licensed (with the master/permit system) to perform plumbing and gas fitting work; must carry the license and show it on request. Only masters and journeymen with local permits may do plumbing.8
Work that does not need this license:
- No permit is required for minor repairs; other plumbing work needs a local permit, issued only to licensed plumbers.8
Other rules on who may do this work:
- A licensed master or journeyman plumber may do gas fitting work, but a gas fitter may not do plumbing.8
Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber 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 6,800 hours of on-the-job training2
Practical work as a licensed apprentice employee under direct supervision of a Massachusetts master plumber (or a journeyman employed by a master); HVAC/heating/hydronic piping work does not count2
Supervision: Massachusetts licensed master plumber, or Massachusetts journeyman plumber employed by a master2 - Exam
- Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber examination (PSI Exams)3
Given by: PSI Exams3
Passing score: At least 70% on each portion2
When you can take it: Board approves your online application first; approval to sit the exam is valid for one year.3
Retakes: Retake only the failed portion within one year of failing; otherwise retake the whole exam. Apprentices may attempt the journeyman exam no more than six times without special Board approval.2
Time limit: Pass within one year of the most recent failure or retake all parts.2
Exam waived: Exam is required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the applicant's licensing jurisdiction.2 - Also required
- Upload: Education Verification Form, Statement of Experience Form signed by your supervising master, notarized CORI form, 2x2 photo.3
How to apply
- Upload the Education Verification Form, Statement of Experience Form, notarized CORI form and photo; pay the $31 application fee.3
- After Board approval, PSI Exams contacts you; register and take the exam (scores are immediate).3
- If you pass, pay the $52 license fee at the test site to get your license.3
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Moving to Massachusetts with a license from another state
These are the routes the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters publishes for the Journeyman Plumber license. The other plumber licenses have their own routes in their sections below.
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- A journeyman plumber licensed in another U.S. state may apply for the equivalent Massachusetts license by showing that the other state's requirements are substantially equivalent and filing a Keeper of Records certification of good standing; the Massachusetts exam is still required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with that jurisdiction.2
- Conditions
- Unlicensed out-of-state education/experience is credited only if the Board, on petition before you apply, finds it relevant.2
Apprentice Gas Fitter
Learns and works at gas fitting under direct supervision of a master gas fitter, or a journeyman gas fitter employed by a master.4
Requirements
- Also required
- Upload the Statement of Employing Master form, notarized CORI form and 2x2 photo.6
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $96 | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Register for gas fitter tier classes at an authorized school.6
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No apprentice reciprocity; out-of-state experience only by prior Board petition.2
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.
Apprentice Plumber
Learns and works at plumbing under the direct supervision of a master plumber, or of a journeyman plumber employed by a master; may not advertise or solicit plumbing work.4
Requirements
- Education or training
- Who may teach it: Authorized plumbing and gas fitting theory schools listed by the Board.7
- Also required
- Must be licensed before working as an apprentice; apply jointly with the employing master (Statement of Employing Master form), plus notarized CORI form and 2x2 photo. Hours worked unlicensed do not count.4
- Also required
- Apprentices must be employees (not independent contractors) and keep W-2 records for at least seven years after getting a journeyman license.4
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $147 | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters | Not refundable |
How to apply
- Upload the Statement of Employing Master form, notarized CORI form and a 2x2 passport photo; pay the $14 fee.7
- Register for plumbing tier classes at an authorized school (start within nine months).7
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No apprentice reciprocity; out-of-state education or experience can be credited only by petition to the Board before applying.2
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.
Journeyman Gas Fitter
Performs gas fitting work (not plumbing); must carry the license and show it on request.8
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 5,100 hours of on-the-job training2
Work as a licensed apprentice gas fitter employee under direct supervision of a master gas fitter (or a journeyman employed by a master); HVAC-only work does not count2
Substitute: Journeyman or master plumbers may get this license by application, fee and exam with no extra education or experience.2 - Exam
- Massachusetts Journeyman Gas Fitter examination (PSI Exams)9
Given by: PSI Exams9
Passing score: At least 70% on each portion2
When you can take it: Board approves your online application first; approval to sit the exam is valid for one year.9
Retakes: Retake only the failed portion within one year of failing; otherwise retake the whole exam. Apprentices may attempt the journeyman exam no more than six times without special Board approval.2
Time limit: Pass within one year of the most recent failure or retake all parts.2
Exam waived: Exam is required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the applicant's licensing jurisdiction. A journeyman or master plumber needs no extra education or experience for this license but must pass the exam.2
How to apply
- After approval, take the PSI exam and pay the $52 license fee at the test site.9
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- A journeyman gas fitter licensed in another U.S. state may apply for the equivalent Massachusetts license by showing that the other state's requirements are substantially equivalent and filing a Keeper of Records certification of good standing; the Massachusetts exam is still required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with that jurisdiction.2
- Conditions
- Unlicensed out-of-state education/experience is credited only if the Board, on petition before you apply, finds it relevant.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Master Gas Fitter
May employ journeymen and apprentices and work as an individual, firm or corporation; must keep a regular place of business displaying the license.8
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 50 clock hours2
Master gas fitter theory program ending in a school/instructor exam (waived if gas Tier 3 was completed)2 - Experience
- At least 1,700 hours of on-the-job training2
At least one year as a Massachusetts journeyman gas fitter2
Substitute: Master plumbers may obtain the master gas fitter license by application and fee only.2 - Exam
- Massachusetts Master Gas Fitter examination (PSI Exams)10
Given by: PSI Exams10
Passing score: At least 70% on each portion2
When you can take it: Board approves your online application first; approval to sit the exam is valid for one year.10
Retakes: Retake only the failed portion within one year of failing; otherwise retake the whole exam.2
Time limit: Pass within one year of the most recent failure or retake all parts.2
Exam waived: Exam is required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the applicant's licensing jurisdiction. A master plumber can obtain a master gas fitter license by application and fee alone.2
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $9710 | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters |
How to apply
- After approval, take the PSI exam and pay the $97 license fee at the test site.10
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $975
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- A master gas fitter licensed in another U.S. state may apply for the equivalent Massachusetts license by showing that the other state's requirements are substantially equivalent and filing a Keeper of Records certification of good standing; the Massachusetts exam is still required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with that jurisdiction.2
- Conditions
- Unlicensed out-of-state education/experience is credited only if the Board, on petition before you apply, finds it relevant.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Master Plumber
May employ journeymen and apprentices and work as an individual, firm or corporation; must keep a regular place of business displaying the license. License type and number must appear on all advertising.8
Requirements
- Education or training
- Tier Five (110 hours) of the Board-approved five-tier plumber program; not repeated if completed as an apprentice2
- Experience
- At least 1,700 hours of on-the-job training2
At least one year as a Massachusetts journeyman plumber actively working in plumbing and gas fitting2
License you must hold first: Massachusetts journeyman plumber license2 - Exam
- Massachusetts Master Plumber examination (PSI Exams)11
Given by: PSI Exams11
Passing score: At least 70% on each portion2
When you can take it: Board approves your online application first; approval to sit the exam is valid for one year.11
Retakes: Retake only the failed portion within one year of failing; otherwise retake the whole exam.2
Time limit: Pass within one year of the most recent failure or retake all parts.2
Exam waived: Exam is required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the applicant's licensing jurisdiction.2 - Insurance
- When applying for a permit the plumber must sign, under penalties of perjury, that they carry liability insurance or present a homeowner-signed waiver of insurance.8
- Business requirements
- Working under your own name or a DBA needs no business license; corporations, LLCs and partnerships with plumbing employees need a plumbing business license.4
- Also required
- Upload: Statement of Experience and Education Verification Form with your journeyman license number, notarized CORI form, 2x2 photo.11
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $7811 | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters |
How to apply
- Upload the Statement of Experience and Education Verification Form, CORI form and photo; pay the $31 application fee.11
- After approval, register with PSI and pass the master exam (70% on each portion).11
- Pay the $78 license fee at the test site.11
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $785
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- A master plumber licensed in another U.S. state may apply for the equivalent Massachusetts license by showing that the other state's requirements are substantially equivalent and filing a Keeper of Records certification of good standing; the Massachusetts exam is still required unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with that jurisdiction.2
- Conditions
- Unlicensed out-of-state education/experience is credited only if the Board, on petition before you apply, finds it relevant.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.
Plumbing Business License
Required for corporations, LLCs, partnerships and similar entities that have plumbing or gas-fitting employees; not needed by individuals working under their own name or a DBA.4
Requirements
- Background check
- Background check required12
- Business requirements
- Corporation/PC: Articles of Organization naming plumbing as the purpose and the master plumber of record as an officer; LLC: Certificate of Organization with plumbing as primary purpose and the master as manager; LP/LLP and general partnerships: all partners must be licensed master plumbers. Out-of-state businesses file their Massachusetts foreign registration.12
- Business requirements
- Exceptions: a non-plumbing business whose licensed plumbers work only on its own premises, and businesses doing only undiluted LP-gas installation.4
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $22512 | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters |
How to apply
- Upload stamped organizing documents filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and a CORI form for each master officer/manager/partner; pay $225.12
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $2255
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- Out-of-state businesses apply the same way, adding their Massachusetts foreign corporation/LLC certificate.12
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Apprentice Gas FitterStatewide license; local plumbing inspectors in each city or town issue permits, and permits go only to licensed plumbers.8
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a plumber in Massachusetts, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Massachusetts is on the Massachusetts license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov15
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Massachusetts?
The rules set at least 6,800 hours of on-the-job training2 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 Massachusetts?
The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters publishes this route for the Journeyman Plumber license: license by endorsement2. Conditions and forms.
Plumber licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- 248 CMR 11.00 Education and experience standards and requirements for licensure (Mass. Register #1559,…Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries (Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters regulation)Dated October 24, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-a-journeyman-plumber-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- 248 CMR 3.00 General provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas fitting workMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- Renew a plumber, gas fitter, or LP installer licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-an-apprentice-gasfitter-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-an-apprentice-plumber-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- Plumbers and gas fitters consumer fact sheetMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-a-journeyman-gas-fitter-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-a-master-gas-fitter-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-a-master-plumber-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- apply-for-a-plumbing-business-licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersChecked November 7, 2026
- DOL licensing benefits for active military, spouses & veteransMassachusetts Division of Occupational LicensureChecked November 7, 2026
- Board CORI policy (amended August 4, 2021)Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas FittersDated August 4, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
- Check an occupational board licenseMassachusetts Division of Occupational LicensureChecked November 7, 2026