How to get a Journeyman Plumber registration in New Jersey
New Jersey licenses plumbers statewide through the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.1 For the Journeyman Plumber (registration) you need at least 4 years1 of training. The board lists $75 for the application (Journeyman registration, no prior apprentice registration)1 and $50 for the application (Journeyman registration by a registered apprentice)1, each a separate charge.
Who issues it
State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
Training and experience
Training: at least 4 years1
On this page
- New Jersey plumber licenses
- Rules shared by several license levels
- Who needs a Journeyman Plumber registration
- Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber registration
- How much a Journeyman Plumber registration costs
- How to apply
- Apprentice Plumber registration
- Medical Gas Piping Installer certification
- Licensed Master Plumber
- City and county rules
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Plumber licenses in other states
New Jersey plumber licenses
New Jersey issues 4 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 Plumber (registration) | Learns and assists in installing plumbing as a principal occupation, as an employee under a master plumber's supervision; registration is for apprentices enrolled in a USDOL-approved plumbing apprenticeship.1 | – | – | $501 |
| Journeyman Plumber (registration) | Plumbing work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or supervisory journeyman. A supervisory journeyman (USDOL apprenticeship + 3 more years as a journeyman) needs only daily contact with the master; others also need inspection of permitted work.1 | Training 4 years1 | – | $751 |
| Medical Gas Piping Installer (certification) | Install, improve, repair or maintain medical gas piping after the source valve in licensed health care facilities. Separate certificates exist for brazing-only work (annual) and instructors.2 | Training 32 clock hours1 | Yes1 | $751 |
| Licensed Master Plumber | Full plumbing practice and contracting (water, drainage, vent, storm and sanitary piping to 3 feet outside the building, backflow devices, water heaters, propane services) plus, without an HVACR license, boilers, hydronic heating, gas piping and related controls. A business may do plumbing only through a master plumber acting as its bona fide representative.1 | Experience 1,200 hours1 | Yes1 | $1001 |
Rules shared by several license levels
These rules are the same for several of the New Jersey 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 except Apprentice Plumber (registration)
How to apply
- Apply online
- newjersey.mylicense.com3
2. Journeyman Plumber (registration) and Apprentice Plumber (registration)
Requirements
- Also required
- Plumbing may only be done by a master plumber, an authorized plumbing contractor, or W-2 employees working under a master plumber's supervision.1
3. Medical Gas Piping Installer (certification) and Licensed Master Plumber
Fees
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.
Who needs a Journeyman Plumber registration
Plumbing work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or supervisory journeyman. A supervisory journeyman (USDOL apprenticeship + 3 more years as a journeyman) needs only daily contact with the master; others also need inspection of permitted work.1
Work that does not need this license:
- A single-family homeowner doing plumbing in their own dwelling, and full-time public-agency employees on agency property, are outside the licensing rule.1
- Clearing stoppages, demolition after utilities are sealed outside, utility transmission piping, and backflow testing by certified testers do not require a master plumber license.1
- Minor work and ordinary repairs are still plumbing that only a master plumber (or W-2 employees under one) may do, even if no permit is needed, and even if unpaid.1
Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber registration
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.
- Education or training
- At least 4 years1
Four years in a USDOL-approved apprenticeship program, or a bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing or sanitary engineering from an accredited college or university.1
Who may teach it: Apprenticeship must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor; degree from a regionally accredited college/university.1
Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing or sanitary engineering instead of the apprenticeship.1 - Experience
- Employer(s) certify the applicant's plumbing employment history (helper, apprentice in an approved program, journeyman) on the Work Experience Certification for Journeyman Plumber.4
Supervision: If the employer is not a licensed master plumber, the form must name the master plumber who supervised the applicant.4 - Social Security number
- The board register records the journeyman's Social Security number.5
How much a Journeyman Plumber registration costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $751 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Journeyman registration, no prior apprentice registration. Not refundable |
| Application fee | $501 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Journeyman registration by a registered apprentice. Not 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
- Complete a four-year USDOL-approved plumbing apprenticeship (or an engineering bachelor's degree).1
- Apply online for registration as a journeyman plumber through the DCA licensing portal and pay $75 ($50 if already registered as an apprentice).1 newjersey.mylicense.com3
- Have each employer complete and return the Work Experience Certification for Journeyman Plumber to the board within 15 days.4 Form (PDF, njconsumeraffairs.gov)3
Apprentice Plumber registration
Learns and assists in installing plumbing as a principal occupation, as an employee under a master plumber's supervision; registration is for apprentices enrolled in a USDOL-approved plumbing apprenticeship.1
Requirements
- Education or training
- Enrolment in a plumbing apprenticeship program accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.5
- Social Security number
- The board register records the apprentice's Social Security number.5
- Also required
- The board register also records the plumbing contractor employing the apprentice.5
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $501 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Apprentice registration. Not refundable |
How to apply
- Enrol in a USDOL-approved plumbing apprenticeship and work for a plumbing contractor under a licensed master plumber.5
- Register with the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers and pay the $50 registration fee.1
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 2 under Rules shared by several license levels.
Medical Gas Piping Installer certification
Install, improve, repair or maintain medical gas piping after the source valve in licensed health care facilities. Separate certificates exist for brazing-only work (annual) and instructors.2
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 32 clock hours1
The board's words
“4) Evidence that the applicant has successfully completed 32 hours of classroom training,”
Who may teach it: Instructor certified under N.J.A.C. 13:32-7.5.1 - Experience
- Must be a NJ master plumber, a journeyman who completed a USDOL apprenticeship, an apprentice with 3+ years of a USDOL apprenticeship, a pipe/steam fitter employed by a plumbing contractor, or NFPA-certified.1
- Exam
- NITC Medical Gas Installer examination (or AWS brazer exam + medical gas producer training)1
Given by: National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) or American Welding Society (AWS)1
Exam waived: Alternative: pass an AWS brazer exam and complete installation training approved by a major medical gas producer.1 - Also required
- Two affidavits of good moral character.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $751 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Medical gas certification application |
| Initial license fee | $1501 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | If paid during the first year of a triennial renewal period …. Initial installer certification, first year of triennial period |
| Initial license fee | $1001 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | If paid during the second year of a triennial renewal period …. Initial installer certification, second year |
| Initial license fee | $501 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | If paid during the third year of a triennial renewal period …. Initial installer certification, third year |
| Initial certification as medical gas piping brazer … | $501 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Brazing-only certificate (separate credential) |
| Temporary license or permit | $751 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Temporary courtesy certification |
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
- Qualify by status (master/journeyman/3-year apprentice/pipe fitter/NFPA), complete 32 hours of ASSE 6010 training and pass the NITC (or AWS route) exam.1
- Apply online with two good-character affidavits and pay the $75 application fee plus the certification fee.1 newjersey.mylicense.com3
- Temporary or provisional license
- Temporary courtesy certification (military spouse).1
Renewal
- How often
- Every 3 years1
- When it expires
- Installer and instructor certificates renew every three years; brazing-only certificates annually.1
- Renewal fee
- $1501 (Triennial installer renewal)
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $501 (within 30 days after expiry)
Reinstatement fee: $1501 (after suspension) - If it expires
- Renew within 30 days with late fee; otherwise suspended without a hearing.1
From another state
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Rules shared by several license levels.
Licensed Master Plumber
Full plumbing practice and contracting (water, drainage, vent, storm and sanitary piping to 3 feet outside the building, backflow devices, water heaters, propane services) plus, without an HVACR license, boilers, hydronic heating, gas piping and related controls. A business may do plumbing only through a master plumber acting as its bona fide representative.1
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 21 years old5
- Education or training
- A four-year USDOL-approved apprenticeship that includes propane-services education, or a bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing or sanitary engineering that includes propane-services education.1
Who may teach it: Propane education must match the PHCC Fundamentals of LP manual or the UA Gas Installation manual (2003 editions).1
Alternative: Military training/education may be credited if substantially equivalent (honourable discharge; VMET DD Form 2586 / Joint Services Transcript).1 - Experience
- At least 1,200 hours of on-the-job training1
After the apprenticeship (or degree), one year as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey with at least 1,200 hours of practical hands-on experience, performed under the plumbing subcode and inspected by a licensed NJ plumbing inspector; supervising, estimating or engineering time does not count.1
Supervision: Work as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey.1
License you must hold first: Journeyman plumber experience in NJ (journeyman registration).1
Substitute: Statute: five years in the plumbing trade, four in a USDOL-accredited apprenticeship and one as a journeyman; or an engineering degree plus one year installing plumbing as an apprentice or journeyman.5 - Exam
- New Jersey master plumber licensing examination (three parts)1
Passing score: 70 in each of the three parts1
When you can take it: Board approves eligibility (age 21 + experience) before the exam.1
Written exam on the National Standard Plumbing Code as adopted in NJ1
Practical examination1
Written exam on laws and regulations governing plumbing1
Retakes: Wait six months after a failed section; failed sections may be retaken two more times, after which all passed sections are forfeited and the whole exam must be retaken.1
Time limit: Pass all sections within five years of first approval and sit within two years, or the application is closed.1
Exam waived: Board may license without exam holders of licenses from states that give NJ master plumbers equal reciprocity and have comparable standards.6 - Residency or citizenship
- U.S. citizen or legal resident (statute).5
- Surety bond
- $3,0001 (Surety bond (premium set by surety); 12-month term renewed each year; an HVACR-board $3,000 bond also satisfies it; no municipality may require a similar bond)
- Business requirements
- A firm, partnership or corporation may do plumbing only through a licensed master plumber registered as its bona fide representative (registration within 30 days, proof of ownership interest).1
- Also required
- A board pressure seal must be obtained at licensure and used on permits.1
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $1001 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Exam application, applicant not previously registered (apprentice/journeyman). Not refundable |
| Application fee | $501 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Exam application, applicant previously registered with the board. Not refundable |
| Initial license fee | $1601 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | If paid during the first year of a biennial renewal period … 160.00. Initial license fee, first year of the biennial period |
| Initial license fee | $801 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | If paid during the second year of a biennial renewal period … 80.00. Initial license fee, second year of the biennial period |
| Initial pressure seal … 25.00 | $251 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Initial pressure seal |
| Duplicate or replacement license | $251 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Duplicate license |
| Replacement pressure seal … 25.00 | $251 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Replacement pressure seal |
| Replacement wall certificate … 40.00 | $401 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Replacement wall certificate |
| License verification to another state | $251 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Verification of licensure |
| Temporary license or permit | $801 | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers | Temporary courtesy license (military spouse), plus application fee |
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
- Complete the 4-year USDOL apprenticeship (with propane education) or engineering degree, then at least one year / 1,200 hours as a NJ journeyman.1
- Apply online to take the master plumber examination (age 21+), with experience proof and the application fee ($100, or $50 if previously registered).1 newjersey.mylicense.com3
- Have employers complete the Work Experience Certification for Master Plumber.3
- Pass all three exam parts with 70 or more.1
- Submit the $3,000 surety bond, pressure seal application and license fee.1
- Temporary or provisional license
- Temporary courtesy license for military spouses only.1
Renewal
- How often
- Every 2 years1
- When it expires
- Renew every two years from the last expiration date, before expiry; inactive renewal possible (return the pressure seal).1
- Renewal fee
- $1601 (Biennial renewal)
- Continuing education
- At least 5 hours each renewal period1
- Required topics
- 1 hour on N.J.S.A. 45:14C and N.J.A.C. 13:32 every biennial period; other topics set by the board and published in the N.J. Register.1
- Approved courses
- Courses must be board-approved sponsor courses; keep attendance verifications for four years.1
- Exemptions
- First biennial renewal exempt.1
Plumbing inspectors who did DCA inspector CE need only the 1-hour law course; master HVACR CE counts for 4 credits; teaching a course earns all 5.1
Hardship waiver (illness, disability, military duty, other good cause) on written request.1 - Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $501 (renewal within 30 days after expiry (license stays valid))
Reinstatement fee: $1501 (reinstatement after suspension, plus current and past-due renewal fees) - If it expires
- Renew within 30 days of expiry with the late fee (license remains valid); after 30 days the license is suspended without a hearing and reinstatement is needed.1
From another state
- Route
- Reciprocity agreements
- What the board says
- Board may, at its discretion, license without examination a master plumber licensed in another state that gives NJ master plumbers equal reciprocity and has comparable standards.6
- States on New Jersey'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.
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- N.J.S.A. 45:1-7.5: a Consumer Affairs board shall license a holder of a corresponding license in good standing from a state with substantially equivalent education, training and exam requirements who practiced within the last five years.7
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Rules shared by several license levels.
City and county rules
Apprentice Plumber (registration)No city or county plumber licenses: State master plumber license; local construction offices issue plumbing permits and inspect.6
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a plumber in New Jersey, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in New Jersey is on the New Jersey license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- newjersey.mylicense.com8
- File a complaint
- njconsumeraffairs.gov3
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1 et seq. (State Plumbing License Law of 1968, P.L.1968, c.362, as amended)
- P.L.1998, c.96 (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-15, 45:14C-10.1, 45:14C-10.2: master plumber qualifications; apprentice/journeyman registration)
- N.J.A.C. 13:32 (State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers)
- N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1
- P.L.2003, c.205 (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-28 to 45:14C-33, medical gas piping certification)
- N.J.S.A. 45:1-7.5 (P.L.2018, c.78: licensure by out-of-state credential)
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journeyman Plumber registration in New Jersey?
The rules set at least 4 years1 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.
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
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- 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.
- N.J.A.C. 13:32 State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (board-posted rule text)New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Examiners of Master PlumbersDated April 5, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
- P.L.2003, c.205 - medical gas piping certification (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-2b to 45:14C-33)New Jersey State Library (legislative history compilation; enacted session-law text)Dated January 7, 2004Checked November 7, 2026
- Applications and Forms - State Board of Examiners of Master PlumbersNew Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Examiners of Master PlumbersDated March 14, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Work Experience Certification for Journeyman PlumberNew Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Examiners of Master PlumbersChecked November 7, 2026
- P.L.1998, c.96 (A1742) - apprentice and journeyman plumbers; master plumber qualifications (N.J.S.A.…New Jersey State Library (legislative history compilation; enacted session-law text)Dated September 2, 1998Checked November 7, 2026
- P.L.1968, c.362 - licensing of plumbers (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1 et seq.)New Jersey State Library (legislative history compilation; enacted session-law text)Checked November 7, 2026
- 45:1-7.5New Jersey State Library (legislative history compilation of the enacted law)Dated August 10, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
- DCA License Verification - person search (profession and license type lists)New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (license verification portal)Checked November 7, 2026