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How to get a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license in Oregon

Oregon licenses plumbers statewide through the Building Codes Division (BCD).1 For the Journeyman Plumber (JP) license you need at least 576 clock hours2 of education, at least 7,700 hours of on-the-job training3 and a passing score on the Oregon journeyman plumber licensing exam2. The board lists $100 for the application4. You renew every 3 years5 and complete at least 24 hours of continuing education5.

Last checked · 17 official sources

Who issues it

Building Codes Division (BCD)

Training and experience

Training: at least 576 clock hours2
Experience: at least 7,700 hours of on-the-job training3

Exam

Oregon journeyman plumber licensing exam2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $1004

Renewal

Every 3 years5, at least 24 hours of continuing education5

From another state

Reciprocity agreements3 Details

On this page
  1. Oregon plumber licenses
  2. Rules shared by several license levels
  3. Who needs a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license
  4. Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license
  5. How much a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Moving to Oregon with a license from another state
  9. Apprentice Plumber
  10. Limited Specialty Plumber - Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI)
  11. Limited Specialty Plumber - Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL)
  12. Limited Specialty Plumber - Water-Treatment Installer (WTI)
  13. Plumbing Business (PB)
  14. City and county rules
  15. Check a license or report a problem
  16. Laws and rules
  17. Common questions
  18. Plumber licenses in other states

Oregon plumber licenses

Oregon 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
Apprentice Plumber (registered ORS 660 apprentice)Works at plumbing under journeyman supervision while employed by a registered plumbing contractor; initially only in the journeyman's physical presence, with more independent work (water heaters, minor repairs, maintenance, new installs) allowed after set training periods and JATC evaluation.1–No1–
Journeyman Plumber (JP)All plumbing installation, alterations and remodels; must work for a licensed plumbing contractor (business). Also supervises apprentice plumbers. Medical gas installation additionally needs an ASSE 6010 medical gas installer certification.2Training 576 clock hours2
Experience 7,700 hours3		Yes2$1004
Limited Specialty Plumber - Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI)Replace (or convert fuel of) existing water heaters in one- and two-family dwellings without relocating them or altering existing plumbing; limited nipple and flex-connector lengths and T&P relief piping.2–Yes2$1006
Limited Specialty Plumber - Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL)Install and replace solar heating and cooling systems (collectors, heat transfer, storage tanks, pumps, valves, associated piping, T&P relief piping); may not connect the system to a potable water source, which only a journeyman plumber may do.3Experience 2,000 hours2Yes2$1006
Limited Specialty Plumber - Water-Treatment Installer (WTI)Connect water-treatment equipment to potable water systems and make indirect waste connections to existing drain, waste and vent systems (with permits); may not install, alter or remodel DWV piping.3Experience 3,000 hours3Yes2$1006
Plumbing Business (PB)Business license to advertise, furnish labour and materials (or labour only) and install, change and repair plumbing; does not let the holder work as a journeyman plumber. Must not let unlicensed people work as journeymen or use apprentices as journeymen. Combination licenses (plumbing + boiler, electrical, limited maintenance, pump) are available.7–No8$1508

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the Oregon 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 (registered ORS 660 apprentice)

How to apply

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years5
Renew online
oregon.gov12

2. Every license level except Apprentice Plumber (registered ORS 660 apprentice) and Plumbing Business (PB)

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Required5

Fees

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

How to apply

  1. When approved, BCD mails a Letter of Authorization; schedule and take the exam within 60 days at your chosen test location. Results come by mail within two weeks; the license is mailed if you pass.13

Renewal

If it expires
Within one year of expiry: reapply, pay the renewal fee and complete outstanding CE. After more than one year: apply as new and retest.12
Hardship or illness extensions are possible on written request (not for unpaid fees or lost notices).5

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Military training and experience is evaluated case by case with official documentation; CE and renewal deadlines can be extended for licensees called to military duty for 60 days or more.5

3. Limited Specialty Plumber - Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI), Limited Specialty Plumber - Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL) and Limited Specialty Plumber - Water-Treatment Installer (WTI)

Requirements

Social Security number
Social Security number required (ORS 25.785).6

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1006BCDNot refundable

How to apply

  1. Mail the Limited Specialty Plumbing License Application (440-5924) (with signed affidavit) and the fee as one packet to DCBS Fiscal Services; do not email documents.4 Form (PDF, oregon.gov)10

Renewal

Renewal fee
$15014 (Every three-year cycle)

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity: Oregon's plumbing reciprocity agreements cover only the journeyman plumber license.15

4. Apprentice Plumber (registered ORS 660 apprentice) and Plumbing Business (PB)

Requirements

Exam
Not required18

5. Limited Specialty Plumber - Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI) and Limited Specialty Plumber - Water-Treatment Installer (WTI)

Renewal

Exemptions
Water Treatment Installer and Water Heater Installer licenses are exempt from CE.16

Who needs a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license

All plumbing installation, alterations and remodels; must work for a licensed plumbing contractor (business). Also supervises apprentice plumbers. Medical gas installation additionally needs an ASSE 6010 medical gas installer certification.2

Other rules on who may do this work:

  • In commercial or industrial buildings being built or offered for sale or rent, all plumbing installations, alterations or remodels must be done by a licensed journeyman or registered apprentice plumber.3

Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license

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 576 clock hours2
At least 576 hours of plumbing classroom training (materials and tools, math and science, soldering/brazing, codes, DWV, water systems, safety and first aid, blueprints, seismic restraints) - or a completed Oregon 4-year apprenticeship, or the double-experience route with no classroom hours.3
Who may teach it: Registered apprenticeship program or Oregon Plumbing Board approved training program; official transcripts required.2
Alternative: Pathway 2: 7,700 commercial + 7,700 residential hours lawfully obtained under a license with a journeyman-plumber scope, with no classroom requirement.2
Experience
At least 7,700 hours of on-the-job training3
7,700 hours of on-the-job experience as an apprentice or lawful journeyman: 3,850 residential and 3,850 commercial, split across sewerage, DWV, soldering/brazing, water supply, fixtures and miscellaneous minimums (up to 20% of excess hours in a category can be shifted).3
Supervision: Hours must be lawful (as a registered apprentice or licensed journeyman); BCD counts at most 2,000 hours per year, verified by the employer (or supervisor/co-worker if the employer cannot be found).4
License you must hold first: None (completion of an Oregon 4-year apprenticeship also qualifies).3
Substitute: Double experience (7,700 commercial + 7,700 residential hours under a license with similar scope) replaces the 576 classroom hours.3
Substitute: Military training and experience evaluated case by case.5
Exam
Oregon journeyman plumber licensing exam2
Passing score: 75% correct or better.5
When you can take it: After BCD approves the application it mails a Letter of Authorization; the exam must be taken within 60 days of that letter.9
Exam is required: 4 hour 64 question open book exam.2
Covers plan reading and bill of materials, plumbing math, tools and materials, the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code and plumbing rules, hydraulics, job safety, and accessibility provisions.3
Retakes: Reapply any time (no requalification needed unless requirements changed); retakes are scheduled at least 30 days after the failed exam.5
Time limit: Take the exam within 60 days of the Letter of Authorization.13
Exam waived: Journeyman plumbers licensed by exam in Idaho or Montana may be licensed without the Oregon exam (reciprocity).3
Social Security number
Social Security number required on the application (ORS 25.785).4
Also required
Backflow assembly testing additionally requires approved backflow tester training.5
Also required
License must be carried while working and shown to inspectors on request.3

How much a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1004BCDApplication; the only fee listed in OAR 918-780-0030(3) and on form 440-2571 before licensing. Not refundable

How to apply

  1. Mail the Journeyman Plumbing License Application (440-2571) (with signed affidavit) and the fee as one packet to DCBS Fiscal Services; do not email documents.4 Form (PDF, oregon.gov)9

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
All JP licenses expire together on a fixed three-year cycle; next renewal date April 1, 2029. A license issued mid-cycle expires at the end of the current cycle.5
Renewal fee
$18014 (Every three-year cycle)
Continuing education
At least 24 hours each renewal period5
Approved courses
Approved class, online or correspondence courses; CE must be registered in BCD's system before renewal. DHS-approved backflow tester training counts.5

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Oregon with a license from another state

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

Route
Reciprocity agreements
What the board says
Journeyman plumbers from Idaho and Montana can be licensed without the Oregon exam if they hold an equivalent current license with no violations in 3 years, completed an Oregon-equivalent 4-year apprenticeship, passed their state exam with 75%+, worked 1,000 hours under that license, and have not failed the Oregon exam in the past 2 years. Oregon CE and fees then apply.3
States on Oregon's list
Idaho and Montana2
This is the list of states whose licenses Oregon accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Oregon license.
Conditions
Required documents: photo, copy of the reciprocal-state license, license verification completed by that state, and an employment affidavit showing 1,000 hours under the license.17
Fee
$10017

Apprentice Plumber

Works at plumbing under journeyman supervision while employed by a registered plumbing contractor; initially only in the journeyman's physical presence, with more independent work (water heaters, minor repairs, maintenance, new installs) allowed after set training periods and JATC evaluation.1

Requirements

Also required
Must be employed by a registered plumbing contractor; the supervising journeyman must work for the same contractor.3
Also required
Away from the journeyman, the apprentice must reach one by phone within 15 minutes and meet daily for work review; only one apprentice alone per job site.3

How to apply

  1. Apply to a registered plumbing apprenticeship program (JATC) and get hired by a registered plumbing contractor.3
  2. Complete the 4-year program, then apply to BCD for the journeyman plumber exam with the certificate of completion.2

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Out-of-state apprenticeship completion can count toward the journeyman exam if the program is recognized by Oregon; there is no apprentice reciprocity.9

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 4 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Limited Specialty Plumber - Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI)

Replace (or convert fuel of) existing water heaters in one- and two-family dwellings without relocating them or altering existing plumbing; limited nipple and flex-connector lengths and T&P relief piping.2

Requirements

Education or training
Approved 8-hour water-heater installer training class supplied by the division after the application is approved.2
Who may teach it: Class supplied by the Building Codes Division.2
Experience
Must be the Limited Maintenance Specialty (LMS) electrical contractor (or a designated officer/employee of a corporate LMS, or a partner) of a business that also holds a plumbing contractor license; employees of sole proprietors or partnerships cannot qualify.3
License you must hold first: Business must hold both an electrical Limited Maintenance Specialty contractor license and a plumbing contractor license; application signed by the plumbing-electrical contractor.6
Exam
Oregon Limited Specialty Plumber - Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI) licensing exam2
Passing score: 75% correct or better.5
When you can take it: After BCD approves the application it mails a Letter of Authorization; the exam must be taken within 60 days of that letter.9
Exam is required: 3 hour 52 question open book exam.2
Retakes: Reapply any time (no requalification needed unless requirements changed); retakes are scheduled at least 30 days after the failed exam.5
Time limit: Take the exam within 60 days of the Letter of Authorization.13

Renewal

When it expires
All WHI licenses expire together on a fixed three-year cycle; next renewal date April 1, 2028.5

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Limited Specialty Plumber - Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL)

Install and replace solar heating and cooling systems (collectors, heat transfer, storage tanks, pumps, valves, associated piping, T&P relief piping); may not connect the system to a potable water source, which only a journeyman plumber may do.3

Requirements

Experience
At least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training2
The board's words

“Proof of 2,000 hours of lawful experience and training in the categories listed in 918-695-0125(2)(c)”


Substitute: Approved program: 288 classroom hours and 2,000 supervised on-the-job hours.3
Exam
Oregon Limited Specialty Plumber - Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL) licensing exam2
Passing score: 75% correct or better.5
When you can take it: After BCD approves the application it mails a Letter of Authorization; the exam must be taken within 60 days of that letter.9
Exam is required: 3 hour 52 question open book exam.2
Retakes: Reapply any time (no requalification needed unless requirements changed); retakes are scheduled at least 30 days after the failed exam.5
Time limit: Take the exam within 60 days of the Letter of Authorization.13

Renewal

When it expires
All STL licenses expire together on a fixed three-year cycle; next renewal date April 1, 2029. A license issued mid-cycle expires at the end of the current cycle.5
Continuing education
At least 8 hours each renewal period5
Required topics
8 code-related hours per cycle; no ORL or code-change hours required.16

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Limited Specialty Plumber - Water-Treatment Installer (WTI)

Connect water-treatment equipment to potable water systems and make indirect waste connections to existing drain, waste and vent systems (with permits); may not install, alter or remodel DWV piping.3

Requirements

Experience
At least 3,000 hours of on-the-job training3
The board's words

“(x) Total Minimum Hours — 3,000.”


Substitute: Completion of an 18-month Oregon State apprenticeship program.3
Exam
Oregon Limited Specialty Plumber - Water-Treatment Installer (WTI) licensing exam2
Passing score: 75% correct or better.5
When you can take it: After BCD approves the application it mails a Letter of Authorization; the exam must be taken within 60 days of that letter.9
Exam is required: 3 hour 52 question open book exam.2
Retakes: Reapply any time (no requalification needed unless requirements changed); retakes are scheduled at least 30 days after the failed exam.5
Time limit: Take the exam within 60 days of the Letter of Authorization.13

Renewal

When it expires
All WTI licenses expire together on a fixed three-year cycle; next renewal date April 1, 2028. A license issued mid-cycle expires at the end of the current cycle.5

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 5 under Rules shared by several license levels.

Plumbing Business (PB)

Business license to advertise, furnish labour and materials (or labour only) and install, change and repair plumbing; does not let the holder work as a journeyman plumber. Must not let unlicensed people work as journeymen or use apprentices as journeymen. Combination licenses (plumbing + boiler, electrical, limited maintenance, pump) are available.7

Requirements

Business requirements
Must hold and keep a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license; BCD may suspend or refuse to renew if the CCB license lapses.5
Business requirements
Register the business name with the Secretary of State.11
Business requirements
Registered plumbing businesses must not let unlicensed employees do plumbing work.3

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1508BCDNot refundable
Plumbing and boiler business (BP) 77711$6458BCDOptional combination license (plumbing + boiler business). Not refundable
Plumbing and ltd. maintenance specialty contractor (PM) 77713$2258BCDOptional combination license. Not refundable
Plumbing and ltd. pump installation contractor (PP) 77714$2258BCDOptional combination license. Not refundable
Plumbing and boiler business and electrical contractor (PBE) 77718$1,0208BCDOptional combination license. 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

  1. Get a Construction Contractors Board license and register the business name with the Secretary of State.5
  2. Plumbing work itself must be done by licensed journeyman plumbers or supervised registered apprentices.1

Renewal

When it expires
All PB licenses expire together on a fixed three-year cycle; next renewal date July 1, 2029. A license issued mid-cycle expires at the end of the current cycle.5
Renewal fee
$45014 (Plumbing business, every three-year cycle)
If it expires
Within one year of expiry: reapply, pay the renewal fee and complete outstanding CE. After more than one year: apply as new and retest.12

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
No reciprocity for business licenses; Oregon's plumbing reciprocity covers the journeyman plumber license only. Out-of-state firms need a CCB license and a BCD plumbing business license.15

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 4 under Rules shared by several license levels.

City and county rules

Apprentice Plumber (registered ORS 660 apprentice)Statewide BCD license; local building departments handle plumbing permits and inspections.3

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
oregon.gov9

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 (JP) license in Oregon?

The rules set at least 576 clock hours2 and at least 7,700 hours of on-the-job training3 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 Oregon?

BCD publishes this route for the Journeyman Plumber (JP) license: reciprocity agreements3. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Journeyman Plumber (JP) license in Oregon?

Every 3 years5. Continuing education: at least 24 hours5. The renewal fee is $18014.

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. ORS Chapter 693 Plumbers (2025 edition)Oregon State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Individual license typesOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  3. OAR 918-695 Plumbing Licensing and CertificationOregon Secretary of State (Oregon Administrative Rules Database)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Journeyman Plumber License Application (form 2571)Oregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  5. OAR 918-030 General Licensing RequirementsOregon Secretary of State (Oregon Administrative Rules Database)Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Limited Specialty Plumbing License Application (5924)Oregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Contractor license typesOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Contractor/Business License Application (2888)Oregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Journeyman plumber licenseOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Limited specialty plumbing licensesOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Contractor license applicationOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Renew a licenseOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Exam informationOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  14. OAR 918-780 Plumbing Fees, Permits, InspectionsOregon Secretary of State (Oregon Administrative Rules Database)Checked November 7, 2026
  15. Reciprocal licensesOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  16. Continuing education - Plumbing licensesOregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Reciprocal Plumbing License Application (4794p)Oregon Building Codes DivisionChecked November 7, 2026