How to get a Journeyperson Plumber license in Rhode Island

Rhode Island plumber licenses

Rhode Island issues 4 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Rules shared by several license levels

These rules are the same for several of the Rhode Island 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)

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.

Renewal

How often

Every 2 years¹

When it expires

Expires on the licensee's birthday every two years (odd-year births in odd years, even-year births in even years); renew before the birthday.¹

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $12⁴ (per month or part month late, in addition to the renewal fee)

Renew online

ri.gov⁴

2. Journeyperson Plumber and Master Plumber

Requirements

Residency or citizenship

Proof of US citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate/naturalization, or proof of eligibility to work in the US).¹

Renewal

Continuing education

At least 7 hours each renewal period¹

Approved courses

Courses must be taken with a Board-approved provider; course materials are approved with the RI State Building Code Commission.¹

Exemptions

Approved CE instructors may count their own teaching.¹
Current RI plumbing inspectors, assistant plumbing inspectors, building officials and state inspectors/investigators are exempt.¹
Exempt when years licensed as a master or journeyperson plumber plus age total 80.¹
The Board may waive CE for good cause (illness, disability, military service) on a written request made before the cycle ends.¹

If it expires

Reinstatement within two years of expiry: current biennial renewal fee plus outstanding fees and $12 per month delinquent; after two years the license is forfeited and a new exam is required.¹

From another state

Who needs a Journeyperson Plumber license

An employee (not an apprentice or master) whose principal occupation is installing, maintaining or repairing plumbing; supervises apprentices; cannot contract for work.¹

Requirements for a Journeyperson Plumber 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

Related instruction at a training program recognized/accredited by DLT, shown by certified transcripts (not required for apprentices registered before June 3, 1986). RI apprenticeship rules recommend at least 144 hours of related instruction per apprenticeship year.⁵
Who may teach it: Training program recognized and/or accredited by the Department of Labor & Training ("accredited program": approved by the Office of Higher Education or RIDE vocational division and the State Board of Plumbing Examiners).¹

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training¹
8,000 hours of on-the-job training as a registered apprentice plumber, all of it employed in Rhode Island (apprentices registered before 1999 follow the rules in force when they registered).¹
Supervision: Under direct supervision of a licensed journeyperson and/or master plumber; jobsite ratio 1 apprentice to 1 journeyperson.¹
License you must hold first: Registered apprentice plumber¹

Exam

Journeyperson Plumber written examination (DLT exam code 51 - Plumber)²
Given by: Administered by the DLT Division of Professional Regulation (Board-approved written exam).⁶
Passing score: Set by the Board for each written exam.¹
When you can take it: Application and supporting materials must be filed at least 15 days before the scheduled exam date; exams are given at least three times a year.¹
Retakes: Failed applicants may retake on paying the exam fee again, and may appeal in writing to the Board within 30 days of the failure notice.¹

Also required

Apprentices completing a registered apprenticeship can apply for the license exam with Section 2 of the Apprentice Completion & Application for Examination form (replaces the longer exam application).²

How much a Journeyperson Plumber license costs

How to apply

1. Register as an apprentice plumber in a DLT-registered apprenticeship and complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in Rhode Island plus related instruction.¹
2. At completion, the sponsor signs Section 1 and you complete Section 2 of the Apprentice Completion & Application for Examination form (exam code 51 - Plumber); mail it with a copy of photo ID and the $75 test fee to DLT Professional Regulations, PO Box 20247, Cranston, RI 02920-0943.² Form (PDF, dlt.ri.gov)²
3. DLT mails you the exam date; check status online. Pass the Board-approved written exam.²
4. Pay the license fee; the Director issues the license when all requirements are met.¹

Application form

Form (PDF, dlt.ri.gov)²

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee

$72⁴ (Journeyperson Plumber)

Apprentice Plumber

An employee of a master plumber learning the trade, working under direct supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master plumber; must carry the registration certificate while working.¹

Requirements

Minimum age

16 years old⁵

Education or training

Registered apprenticeship programs must provide related instruction; at least 144 hours per year is recommended.⁵

Also required

Jobsite ratio for plumbers: 1 apprentice to 1 journeyperson (commercial, residential, shop).⁵

Also required

Apprenticeship agreements must be filed with DLT within 45 days of selection.⁵

Also required

You cannot work with an expired apprentice card.²

How to apply

1. Get hired by a Rhode Island master plumber (or a registered apprenticeship sponsor) and have the apprenticeship agreement filed with DLT within 45 days.⁵
2. Keep your apprentice card current and carry it while working; work only under direct supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master.²

Master Plumber

Engages as an independent contractor in the business of installing, maintaining or repairing plumbing, employs journeymen or apprentices, and pulls permits; a master plumber needs no separate license for irrigation or water-filtration work.¹

Requirements

Experience

At least 1 year¹
One year as a licensed journeyperson employed by a Rhode Island-licensed master plumber.¹
License you must hold first: Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber license¹

Exam

Master Plumber written examination¹
Given by: Administered by the DLT Division of Professional Regulation (Board-approved written exam).⁶
Passing score: Set by the Board for each written exam.¹
When you can take it: Application and supporting materials must be filed at least 15 days before the scheduled exam date; exams are given at least three times a year.¹
Retakes: Failed applicants may retake on paying the exam fee again, and may appeal in writing to the Board within 30 days of the failure notice.¹

Business requirements

Corporations, firms, partnerships and other entities must operate under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-12; licensees may trade only under the name on the license and must display the license and put name, address and license number on signs, advertising and trucks.¹

Also required

Master plumbers do not also need an R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-56-1 installer license but must meet § 5-56-7 conduct rules.¹

Fees

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

How to apply

1. Work at least one year as a licensed Rhode Island journeyperson plumber for an RI-licensed master plumber.¹
2. Mail the application on the Division's form with proof of citizenship or legal residency, a 2x3 photo, a chronological résumé of experience, licenses held in other states, employer affidavits and certified related-instruction transcripts, plus the fee payable to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island.¹
3. File at least 15 days before a scheduled exam date and pass the Board-approved master plumber written exam (offered at least three times a year).¹
4. Once all requirements are met the Director issues the license; display it at your place of business.¹

Renewal

Renewal fee

$240⁴ (Master Plumber)

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

Contractor Master Plumber

License for a person running a plumbing contracting business on the basis of a bachelor's degree and four years' plumbing experience; vehicles and places of business must show the DLT license class and number.¹

Requirements

Education or training

Bachelor of Science in Plumbing and/or Engineering, or in Business Administration (or Board-approved equivalent).¹

Experience

At least 4 years¹
At least four years of relevant plumbing experience acceptable to the Board, plus two affidavits from employers and two character references.¹

Insurance

Copy of the entity's current workers' compensation policy and general liability policy.¹

Business requirements

Supply the entity's EIN; show the DLT license class and number on vehicles and premises in letters at least 3 inches high.¹

Also required

Contractors must understand workers' compensation, TDI, withholding, prevailing wage, OSHA and the state building code; the Board may require an interview.¹

How to apply

1. Complete the Division's Contractor Master Plumber application with degree, 4 years' experience evidence, 2 employer affidavits, 2 character references, EIN, workers' comp and general liability policies, and other-state licenses.¹
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island; the Board may call you for an interview.¹

Renewal

Renewal fee

$240⁴ (Contract Master)

If it expires

A license not renewed within two years of expiry is forfeited and can be reinstated only by testing for a new license.¹

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

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license

dltweb.dlt.ri.gov⁶

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 5-20 (Plumbers, Irrigators and Water System Installers) — cited by 260-RICR-30-15-9
• 260-RICR-30-15-9 Licensing of Plumbers, Irrigators and Water System Installers (effective 01/04/2022)
• 260-RICR-30-15-5 Apprenticeship Programs in Trade and Industry (ratios § 5.17)
• 260-RICR-30-15-1 Division of Professional Regulation

Common questions

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