How to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Oklahoma

Oklahoma plumber licenses

Oklahoma issues 6 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Oklahoma 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)

How to apply

Application form

Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)⁸⁹

2. Every license level except Temporary Journeyman Plumber (state of emergency)

Requirements

Residency or citizenship

All applicants 14 or older must sign a notarized affidavit verifying lawful presence in the United States (56 O.S. § 71); CIB staff notarize free of charge.⁵

Renewal

How often

Every year²⁶

Renew online

oklahoma.gov⁹⁸

3. Every license level except Plumber's Apprentice (apprentice plumber registration)

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI³, when you schedule.

4. Every license level except Plumber's Apprentice (apprentice plumber registration) and Temporary Journeyman Plumber (state of emergency)

Requirements

Minimum age

18 years old²³

Social Security number

The plumbing application requires a Social Security number and proof of immigration status for non-citizens; applicants sign a notarized affidavit.³

Also required

If you pay online you must still mail or submit the renewal application.¹⁰

Fees

Fee waivers and reductions:

• One-time, one-year low-income fee waiver available (OAC 158:1-3-13(c)).¹

How to apply

1. Work for a licensed plumbing contractor as a CIB-registered apprentice (registration renewed every year) and keep your own record of hours; Oklahoma hours only count while registered.⁹

Temporary or provisional license

Only after a declared state of emergency: a non-renewable temporary journeyman plumber license for journeymen licensed in another state.⁶

Renewal

When it expires

Every license expires yearly on the last day of the holder's birth month.¹

Continuing education

At least 6 hours each renewal period¹

Required topics

CE covers codes and revisions adopted by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission and other Committee-approved trade topics (exam material, manufacturer installation, the Act and CIB rules, safety). No fixed topic split is set for plumbers.¹

Approved courses

Courses and instructors must be approved in advance by the Plumbing Examiners Committee; correspondence and online courses count if approved. CIB lists approved courses on its Continuing Education page.¹

Exemptions

No CE needed for three years after passing the current licensing exam.¹
Teaching approved CE or trade-school courses, or serving on an OUBCC code-review committee, can earn up to 6 CE hours.¹

From another state

5. Journeyman Plumber (unlimited), Residential Journeyman Plumber and Residential Plumbing Contractor

Renewal

If it expires

Renew within 30 days before or after the birth-month expiry without penalty; after 30 days the late fee applies, and an expired license issued by exam can be reinstated with the renewal fee, late fee and CE. All outstanding CIB fines must be paid first.²

6. Journeyman Plumber (unlimited) and Residential Journeyman Plumber

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

1. After CIB approves the application it forwards you to PSI; schedule and pass the exam.³

Renewal

Renewal fee

$75¹ (Annual renewal)

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $25¹⁰ (added when renewed more than 30 days after expiry (total due $100))

7. Plumbing Contractor (unlimited) and Residential Plumbing Contractor

Requirements

Surety bond

$5,000¹² (Active contractors; $5,000 cash or certificate of deposit may be filed instead; one state bond satisfies every municipality)

Insurance

Active contractors need a certificate of at least $50,000 general liability insurance naming the CIB as certificate holder (not additional insured); lapse makes the license inactive.¹

Business requirements

A contractor may hold an inactive license (no bond or insurance) and work as a journeyman; employer affidavit waives bond and insurance for in-house work on the employer's own property.¹

Business requirements

Vehicles must show the firm name and "OK" license number in letters at least 2 inches high; the license number must appear on all advertising, contracts and bids.¹

Business requirements

A firm must have a licensed plumbing contractor as a bona fide member/officer; contractors must notify their surety of each municipality where they work.⁶

Fees

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

How to apply

1. After CIB approves the application it forwards you to PSI; schedule and pass the exam (trade exam plus Plumbing Business and Law exam).³
2. The license stays inactive until CIB receives the $5,000 surety bond and the $50,000 general liability certificate; then register with each city where you work (e.g. Oklahoma City $100 a year).³

Renewal

Renewal fee

$200¹ (Annual renewal)

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $100¹⁰ (added when renewed more than 30 days after expiry (total due $300))

Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license

Installs, alters, repairs and renovates plumbing (water supply, drainage, venting, water services and building sewers, radiant-floor heating piping in homes) while employed and supervised by a licensed plumbing contractor; may not contract or furnish labor/materials; may supervise up to three apprentices and act as foreman.¹

Work that does not need this license:

• The Plumbing License Law does not apply to minor repairs (faucets or minor working parts of fixtures), farm buildings outside cities not connected to public water or sewer, maintenance work for state institutions and school districts, fire-sprinkler piping, certain heating/cooling/refrigeration/boiler piping beyond a backflow preventer, or plumbing work on your own property of residence.⁶

Other rules on who may do this work:

• In incorporated areas with no plumbing code and inspector, the plumber must notify the CIB before installing or altering plumbing (not needed for maintenance or like-for-like fixture replacement unless gas fired).⁶

Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license

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.

Education or training

Optional: a Committee-approved plumbing program at an approved school (CIB list, e.g. 1,000-hour programs at technology centers) shortens the experience requirement; transcripts and diploma required.¹³
Who may teach it: Schools and programs approved by the Plumbing Examiners Committee (CIB list).¹³

Experience

At least 3 years²

The board's words

“1. Three (3) years of experience in the plumbing trade while employed by a licensed plumbing contractor; or”

Supervision: Experience counts only while employed by a licensed plumbing contractor; Oklahoma experience counts only while registered as an apprentice (or otherwise lawfully obtained). One year of verifiable experience = 2,000 hours.¹
License you must hold first: None for the journeyman exam.²
Substitute: Three years of plumbing experience in the U.S. Armed Forces.²

Exam

Oklahoma Plumbing exam (journeyman)³
Given by: PSI³
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application before PSI testing; license fees must be on deposit before the exam, and the application fee is forfeited if the applicant does not qualify.¹
Exam waived: Exam equivalency: an applicant from a state without an Oklahoma reciprocity agreement (or with only local licensing) may skip the Oklahoma journeyman exam, or the trade section of the contractor exam, if the Board has approved that jurisdiction's exam; a certified letter showing a 70%+ pass is required. Arkansas journeymen use the reciprocity agreement instead.¹

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Plumbing application (checking "JOURNEYMAN") with a notarized signature, an experience affidavit signed by a licensed plumbing contractor for each employer, any school transcripts or out-of-state license, and a check or money order for the fees.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)⁸

Renewal and continuing education

Moving to Oklahoma with a license from another state

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

Plumber's Apprentice registration

Learns and assists in installing plumbing under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor employed by the same plumbing contractor; at most three apprentices per licensed plumber.¹

Requirements

Minimum age

16 years old⁶

Education or training

No education required; enrollment in a recognized plumbing school/training course is one way to qualify (the other is employment by a licensed contractor).⁶

Exam

Not required¹

Social Security number

The apprentice application asks for SSN and immigration documents for non-citizens.⁵

Also required

Registration takes effect when the application and fee are posted; the stamped copy is proof of registration for up to 30 days.¹

Fees

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. Get hired by a licensed plumbing contractor (or enroll in an approved plumbing school/course).⁶
2. Complete the CIB Apprentice Application (check "Plumbing"); the licensed contractor completes and signs the employer section; sign the notarized lawful-presence affidavit.⁵ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)¹⁵
3. Mail it with a $25 check or money order (registration $20 + application $5) payable to CIB; re-register every year.⁵

Temporary or provisional license

The posted application with proof of fee serves as registration for up to 30 days.¹

Renewal

When it expires

Registration expires one year after issue; re-register each year (contractor or approved school signs every year).⁵

Renewal fee

$20⁵ (Re-registration filed within 30 days of expiry ($25 if later))

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $5¹ (application fee charged again when re-registration is filed more than 30 days after expiry)

If it expires

Hours worked while unregistered do not count toward a license.¹

From another state

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

Temporary Journeyman Plumber

Journeyman plumbing work in Oklahoma after a governor-declared disaster involving destroyed dwellings, for plumbers currently licensed as journeymen in another state; distinctively colored, non-renewable, expires one year after the declaration.⁶

Requirements

Experience

Current journeyman plumber license (or equivalent) from another state where testing is a state requirement.⁷
License you must hold first: Current out-of-state journeyman plumber license.⁶

Exam

Oklahoma Plumbing Journeyman Examination⁷
Given by: PSI³
When you can take it: Apply for the journeyman exam within 10 days of starting work in Oklahoma; take it at the first opportunity.⁷
Time limit: Must take and pass at the first opportunity the Board offers.⁶

Social Security number

SSN and state driver's license requested.⁷

Also required

Must work for an Oklahoma-licensed employer on a disaster-related project.⁷

Fees

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. Take the Oklahoma journeyman exam at the first opportunity.⁶

Temporary or provisional license

This is the temporary license.⁶

Renewal

When it expires

Expires one year after the emergency declaration; cannot be renewed.⁶

From another state

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

Residential Journeyman Plumber

Plumbing on one- and two-family dwellings only, while employed and supervised by a licensed plumbing contractor; may not contract or furnish labor and materials. On commercial/industrial work the holder must work for a licensed contractor and keep an apprentice registration.²

Requirements

Education or training

Optional route: an associate degree or vocational diploma from a Committee-approved plumbing program of at least 1,000 classroom hours, plus 3,000 verified work hours.²
Who may teach it: Educational institution approved by the Committee of Plumbing Examiners.²

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training²
Two years and 4,000 verified hours of plumbing-trade experience while employed by a licensed plumbing contractor (or 1,000-hour approved program + 3,000 hours, or 2 years military + 3,000 hours).²
Supervision: While employed by a licensed plumbing contractor; Oklahoma experience counts only while registered as an apprentice.¹
License you must hold first: None.²
Substitute: 2 years of U.S. Armed Forces plumbing experience plus 3,000 verified hours with a licensed contractor.²

Exam

Oklahoma Plumbing exam (residential journeyman)³
Given by: PSI³
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application before PSI testing; license fees must be on deposit before the exam, and the application fee is forfeited if the applicant does not qualify.¹
Residential plumbing exam based on the plumbing portions of the International Residential Code as adopted by the OUBCC.¹
Exam waived: Exam equivalency: an applicant from a state without an Oklahoma reciprocity agreement (or with only local licensing) may skip the Oklahoma journeyman exam, or the trade section of the contractor exam, if the Board has approved that jurisdiction's exam; a certified letter showing a 70%+ pass is required. Arkansas journeymen use the reciprocity agreement instead.¹

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Plumbing application (checking "RESIDENTIAL JOURNEYMAN") with a notarized signature, an experience affidavit signed by a licensed plumbing contractor for each employer, any school transcripts or out-of-state license, and a check or money order for the fees.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)⁸

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military plumbing experience counts (3 years for journeyman; 2 years plus 3,000 hours for residential journeyman); military spouses can get an equivalent license (OAC 158:1-3-10/-11); no late-renewal penalty if a license expires during military service and renewal is within a year of discharge.²

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.

Plumbing Contractor

Plans, superintends and installs plumbing and may run a plumbing business or contract to do plumbing (furnish labor and/or materials), as an individual or through a firm; must hold bond and insurance to be active.¹

Requirements

Experience

At least 1 year²

The board's words

“B. Plumbing contractors shall meet the same requirements as applicants for the journeyman plumber examination with an additional one (1) year of experience.”

Supervision: Employed by a licensed plumbing contractor; journeyman work under a contractor counts.¹⁶
License you must hold first: No Oklahoma journeyman license is required first.¹

Exam

Oklahoma Plumbing contractor exam (trade + Plumbing Business and Law)³
Given by: PSI³
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application before PSI testing; license fees must be on deposit before the exam, and the application fee is forfeited if the applicant does not qualify.¹
Trade portion (IPC, IFGC, plumbing math, OSHA).³
Plumbing Business and Law portion (CIB rules, Plumbing License Law, workers' compensation, lien law, NASCLA business guide).³
Contractor applicants must read English without assistance (or ask the Committee for accommodation).¹
Time limit: A contractor applicant who passes only one portion (business/law or trade) need retake only the other portion if done within three years of being approved to sit; otherwise both portions.¹
Exam waived: Exam equivalency: an applicant from a state without an Oklahoma reciprocity agreement (or with only local licensing) may skip the Oklahoma journeyman exam, or the trade section of the contractor exam, if the Board has approved that jurisdiction's exam; a certified letter showing a 70%+ pass is required. Arkansas journeymen use the reciprocity agreement instead.¹

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Plumbing application (checking "CONTRACTOR") with a notarized signature, an experience affidavit signed by a licensed plumbing contractor for each employer, any school transcripts or out-of-state license, and a check or money order for the fees.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)⁸

Renewal

If it expires

Renew within 30 days before or after the birth-month expiry without penalty; after 30 days the late fee applies, and an expired license issued by exam can be reinstated with the renewal fee, late fee and CE. All outstanding CIB fines must be paid first.²
Active or inactive contractor licenses must be renewed every year at the contractor fee; electing to renew as a journeyman is permanent (return to contractor requires re-passing the contractor exam).¹

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Plumbing Contractor

Contracts, supervises and performs plumbing work in the residential category only; must hold bond and insurance to be active.¹

Requirements

Experience

At least 1 year¹
Residential journeyman requirements plus one more year of experience.¹
Supervision: Employed by a licensed plumbing contractor.²

Exam

Oklahoma residential plumbing contractor exam (trade + Plumbing Business and Law)³
Given by: PSI³
When you can take it: CIB must approve the application before PSI testing; license fees must be on deposit before the exam, and the application fee is forfeited if the applicant does not qualify.¹
Residential trade portion (IRC plumbing) plus Plumbing Business and Law.³
Time limit: A contractor applicant who passes only one portion (business/law or trade) need retake only the other portion if done within three years of being approved to sit; otherwise both portions.¹
Exam waived: Exam equivalency: an applicant from a state without an Oklahoma reciprocity agreement (or with only local licensing) may skip the Oklahoma journeyman exam, or the trade section of the contractor exam, if the Board has approved that jurisdiction's exam; a certified letter showing a 70%+ pass is required. Arkansas journeymen use the reciprocity agreement instead.¹

How to apply

1. Mail the CIB Plumbing application (checking "RESIDENTIAL CONTACTOR") with a notarized signature, an experience affidavit signed by a licensed plumbing contractor for each employer, any school transcripts or out-of-state license, and a check or money order for the fees.³ Form (PDF, oklahoma.gov)⁸

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Plumber's Apprentice (apprentice plumber registration)Licenses are issued only by the CIB. Cities with 2,000 or more people must have a plumbing inspector and permit system, and every city where a state-licensed plumbing contractor works may register that contractor and charge registration, permit and inspection fees.⁶

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license

oklahoma.gov⁹

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• 59 O.S. §§ 1001-1023.1 (The Plumbing License Law of 1955), CIB-hosted compilation
• HB 3462 (2026), amending 59 O.S. §§ 1003, 1005, 1006, 1009 (residential journeyman plumber, 70% passing score, 30-day retest), effective November 1, 2026
• OAC 158:30 (Plumbing Industry Regulations), permanent rules effective 10/1/2024
• OAC 158:30-9-2
• SB 1732 (2026), amending 59 O.S. § 1000.5, effective July 1, 2028

Rule changes since January 2024

• November 1, 2026: HB 3462 puts the residential journeyman license in statute: 2 years + 4,000 hours (or education/military routes), scope cut to one- and two-family dwellings.²

Common questions

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