How to get a Journeyman Plumber License in Texas

Texas plumber licenses

Texas issues 12 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 Texas 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 12)

How to apply

Apply online

vo.licensing.hpc.texas.gov¹⁶

Renewal

When it expires

Annual: renew online (or on the paper form) before the expiration date with the CE and fee; work is not allowed while expired.⁴

If it expires

Expired up to 90 days: renewal fee plus half; 90 days to 2 years: double the renewal fee; expired 2 years or more: cannot renew, must re-qualify and re-test. Each year expired (under 2 years) needs 6 CE hours.¹

Renew online

vo.licensing.hpc.texas.gov¹⁶

2. Every license level except Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement and Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement

Renewal

How often

Every year¹

3. Every license level except Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement, Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement and Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Designation

Requirements

Background check

Background check required³
Fingerprints required^28121314
Applicants with a felony conviction must file a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form; the Board reviews fitness under Occ. Code ch. 53.²⁸

From another state

4. Every license level except Plumber's Apprentice Registration, Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement and Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement

Renewal

Continuing education

6 hours each renewal period¹

5. Journeyman Plumber License, Plumber's Apprentice Registration, Plumbing Inspector License, Tradesman Plumber-Limited License and Master Plumber License

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.

6. Journeyman Plumber License, Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement and Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement

Fees

7. Journeyman Plumber License, Plumbing Inspector License, Tradesman Plumber-Limited License and Master Plumber License

From another state

8. Plumber's Apprentice Registration, Drain Cleaner Registration, Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration and Residential Utilities Installer Registration

Requirements

Minimum age

16 years old⁴

9. Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement, Plumbing Inspector License and Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement

Fees

10. Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement, Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement and Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Designation

From another state

Military service members, veterans and spouses: Initial license, registration and exam fees are waived for military service members, veterans and spouses; former Texas licensees (last 5 years) and holders of similar out-of-state licenses are licensed by an alternative procedure, processed within 10 business days; military spouses can instead have an out-of-state license recognized at no cost; late fees waived while on active duty.⁴

11. Drain Cleaner Registration, Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration and Residential Utilities Installer Registration

Requirements

Education or training

Approved training, shown by a passing score on the Verification of Training Affidavit.⁹

Fees

How to apply

1. Hold a current Plumber’s Apprentice registration (and the required hours, verified by Employer Certification Forms).⁹
2. Submit the registration application, the Verification of Training Affidavit and the $18 fee.⁹ Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)⁹

Renewal

Renewal fee

$18⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $9⁹ (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $18⁹ (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years)

From another state

12. Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement and Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement

Requirements

Experience

Must hold a current Texas Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber or Plumbing Inspector license.¹⁰

Background check

Background check required³
Fingerprints required³
Applicants with a felony conviction file a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form.¹⁰

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. Complete the 24-hour TSBPE-approved training program.¹¹
2. Submit the endorsement examination application with the exam fee for your license level (master $80, journeyman $27, inspector $40).¹⁰ Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)¹⁰¹⁷
3. Pass the exam and pay the initial endorsement fee (master $55, journeyman $14, inspector $27.50) for a new pocket card.¹⁰

Renewal

How often

Expires with the holder's master or journeyman license and is renewed in the same transaction (annual).¹

From another state

Who needs a Journeyman Plumber License

Install, change, repair, service or renovate plumbing under a Responsible Master Plumber; may directly supervise apprentices on all jobs and tradesmen on jobs other than one- and two-family dwellings.²

Work that does not need this license:

• Property owners may do plumbing in their own homestead without a license.¹
• No license needed for plumbing (other than new construction, repair or remodeling) on certain rural property: unplatted tracts, property outside a city not on a public water system, property outside a city on a water system that does not require a license, or in small cities (under 5,000 people, in counties under 50,000) that allow unlicensed plumbing by ordinance.¹

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, group 6 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training

48 classroom hours²
48-hour TSBPE-approved training: two 6-hour CPE courses, OSHA 10-Hour Outreach, 8 hours on the IRC/UPC, and 18 hours on commercial plumbing codes.¹¹
Who may teach it: Only courses from a TSBPE-approved course provider count; the provider reports completion to the Board.¹¹
Alternative: Exempt if enrolled in or completed a US DOL-approved apprenticeship, holding a THECB-approved AAS in plumbing technology, or holding a current out-of-state journeyman/master license.¹¹

Experience

8,000 hours of on-the-job training²
8,000 hours in the plumbing trade under a Responsible Master Plumber (or an out-of-state master), as a registered apprentice or Tradesman Plumber-Limited, verified by Employer Certification Forms; up to 1,000 hours credit for approved classroom training.⁴
Supervision: Must hold a Texas apprentice registration or Tradesman Plumber-Limited license (or a current out-of-state journeyman/master license).²

Exam

Journeyman Plumber Examination²
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴
Computer-based component (Pearson VUE) plus a practical exam portion (as described for out-of-state examinees).⁵

How much a Journeyman Plumber License costs

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. Accrue 8,000 hours as a registered apprentice or tradesman and complete the 48-hour approved training (unless exempt).¹¹
2. Submit the Journeyman Plumber Exam Application with Employer Certification Form(s) and the $40 fee (fingerprints on file; SCHIF if a felony).² Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)²
3. Schedule and pass the exam after the Board emails an Authorization to Test.¹⁷
4. Pay the $40 initial license fee for the license and pocket card.²

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee

$40⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $20² (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $40² (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years; paid on top of the renewal fee)

Moving to Texas with a license from another state

These are the routes TSBPE 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 with plumbing under the direct supervision of a TSBPE licensee on the job site; without a licensee present may only do manual tasks such as digging trenches. Hours toward the Tradesman and Journeyman exams count only after registering.⁸

Fees

How to apply

1. Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO (one time; $39.05 paid to IdentoGO).⁶
2. Submit the Plumber’s Apprentice Registration Application with the $15 fee through the Online Licensing System (or by mail); add a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form if you have a felony conviction.⁸ Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)⁸
3. Work under a licensed plumber’s direct supervision and log hours (employer certification forms) toward the Tradesman Plumber-Limited (4,000 h) or Journeyman (8,000 h) exam.⁴

Renewal

Renewal fee

$15⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $7.50⁸ (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $15⁸ (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years; paid on top of the renewal fee)

From another state

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.

Drain Cleaner Registration

Install cleanouts and remove/reset p-traps to clear building drains and sewers under an RMP's general supervision; other work under direct supervision (tradesmen may do other one- and two-family dwelling work).⁹

Requirements

Experience

4,000 hours of on-the-job training⁹
Current Texas apprentice registration and 4,000 hours as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted registrant under an RMP, verified by employers (Employer Certification Forms).⁹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 8 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration

Clear obstructions in building drains and sewers through existing code-approved openings under an RMP's general supervision; all other plumbing only under a licensee's direct supervision.⁹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 8 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement

Journeymen and masters may install piping used only to carry medical gases, under an RMP who also holds the endorsement; inspectors may inspect medical gas and vacuum piping. TSBPE does not regulate medical gas verifiers.¹⁰

Requirements

Education or training

24 classroom hours¹¹
24 hours of classroom training on NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code, with at least 4 hours of shop work on assembly, purging and brazing.¹¹
Who may teach it: TSBPE-approved course providers only.¹¹

Exam

Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement Examination¹⁰
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴

Renewal

Continuing education

2 hours each renewal period¹⁸

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 6, group 9, group 10 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement

Journeymen and masters may install multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings under an RMP with the endorsement; inspectors may inspect them.¹⁰

Requirements

Education or training

24 classroom hours¹¹
24 hours of classroom training on multipurpose dwelling fire sprinkler systems and NFPA 13D (ASSE Series 7000 criteria); waived for holders of a State Fire Marshal RME-General or RME-Dwelling license.¹¹
Who may teach it: TSBPE-approved course providers only.¹¹
Alternative: Training waived for journeymen/masters holding a current RME-General or RME-Dwelling license from the State Fire Marshal's Office.¹¹

Exam

Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement Examination¹⁰
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 6, group 9, group 10 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Plumbing Inspector License

Inspects plumbing for the political subdivision(s) that employ or contract with the inspector; may also perform customer service inspection certifications for public water systems. No financial or advisory interest in a plumbing company.¹²

Requirements

High school diploma or GED

Required¹²

Experience

500 clock hours¹²
Either a current Texas journeyman/master plumber, Texas professional engineer or architect, or out-of-state plumbing inspector (substantially equivalent state) license, or 500 hours of training and experience in the plumbing industry (credits for code certifications, endorsement training, backflow certification, CPE, academy hours, trade work and supervised inspection OJT).⁴

Exam

Plumbing Inspector Examination¹²
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴

Fees

How to apply

1. Submit the Plumbing Inspector Examination Application with the Plumbing Inspector Employer’s Certification Form(s) and the $55 fee.¹² Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)¹²
2. Pass the exam, then pay $55 for the certificate; the pocket card is issued once affiliation with a political subdivision is documented.¹²

Renewal

Renewal fee

$55⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $27.50¹² (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $55¹² (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years; paid on top of the renewal fee)

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 7 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Utilities Installer Registration

Construct and install yard water service piping and building sewers for one- and two-family dwellings under an RMP's general supervision; no gas piping and no supervising apprentices.⁹

Requirements

Experience

2,000 hours of on-the-job training⁹
Current Texas apprentice registration and 2,000 hours as an apprentice under a tradesman/journeyman/master and an RMP, verified by employers.⁹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 8 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Tradesman Plumber-Limited License

Construct, install, repair, service or renovate plumbing for one- and two-family dwellings under a Responsible Master Plumber; may supervise apprentices on those jobs; other structures only under direct supervision of a journeyman or master.¹³

Requirements

Education or training

24 classroom hours¹³
24-hour TSBPE-approved training: one 6-hour CPE course, OSHA 10-Hour Outreach, and 8 hours on the International Residential Code and/or Uniform Plumbing Code.¹¹
Who may teach it: Only courses from a TSBPE-approved course provider count; the provider reports completion to the Board.¹¹
Alternative: Exempt if enrolled in or completed a US DOL-approved apprenticeship, holding a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board-approved AAS in plumbing technology, or holding a current out-of-state journeyman/master license; high school CTE program graduates are also exempt.⁴

Experience

4,000 hours of on-the-job training¹³
4,000 hours working in the plumbing trade as a registered apprentice under a Responsible Master Plumber (or an out-of-state master), verified by Employer Certification Forms; up to 1,000 hours credit for approved training.⁴
Supervision: Must hold a Texas apprentice registration (or current out-of-state journeyman/master license).¹³

Exam

Tradesman Plumber-Limited Examination¹³
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴

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. Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice and accrue 4,000 hours; complete the 24-hour approved training (unless exempt).¹¹
2. Submit the Tradesman Plumber-Limited Examination Application with Employer Certification Form(s) and the $36 fee (fingerprints on file; SCHIF if a felony).¹³ Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)¹³
3. Schedule and pass the exam (Authorization to Test email; scheduling through Pearson VUE).¹⁷
4. Pay the $35 initial license fee to receive the license and pocket card.¹³

Renewal

Renewal fee

$35⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $17.50¹³ (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $35¹³ (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years; paid on top of the renewal fee)

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.

Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement

Journeymen and masters may install, service or repair plumbing for treating, using and distributing rainwater to fixtures, appliances or irrigation (under an RMP with the endorsement) and perform customer service inspection certifications for public drinking water systems (30 TAC ch. 290); inspectors may inspect such work.¹⁰

Requirements

Education or training

24 classroom hours¹¹
24 hours of classroom training on protecting public and private potable water supplies and on rainwater harvesting (TWDB Rainwater Harvesting Manual).¹¹
Who may teach it: TSBPE-approved course providers only.¹¹

Exam

Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement Examination¹⁰
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 6, group 9, group 10 and group 12 under Applies to every license level.

Master Plumber License

Install, change, repair, service or renovate plumbing under a Responsible Master Plumber; may directly supervise apprentices and (except on one- and two-family dwellings) tradesmen. To contract or offer plumbing to the public, a master must add the Responsible Master Plumber designation.¹⁴

Requirements

Experience

2 years⁶
Hold a Texas (or other state) journeyman plumber license for at least 2 years, or 1 year plus completion of a US DOL-approved (or other Board-accepted national) apprenticeship program. Out-of-state masters qualify with prior journeyman time.¹⁴

Exam

Texas Master Plumber Examination¹⁴
Given by: Pearson VUE (computer-based, at authorized test centers)⁶
Passing score: A part is failed at 69.9 points or less.⁴

Fees

You pay Pearson VUE (exam fee) and TSBPE (3 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. Hold a journeyman license for 2 years (or 1 year plus a DOL-approved apprenticeship) and keep it current, including annual CE.⁶
2. Submit the Master Plumber Examination Application (online is faster) with the $25 processing fee, proof of work authorization and photo ID; fingerprints on file.¹⁴ Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)¹⁴
3. After approval, use the Authorization to Test email to pay Pearson VUE ($128.50) and schedule the computer-based exam.⁶
4. After passing, pay the $75 initial license fee in the Online Licensing System.¹⁴

Processing time

Typically 30-45 days for straightforward applications; longer with criminal history or unclear immigration status.⁶

Renewal

Renewal fee

$75⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $37.50¹⁴ (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $75¹⁴ (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years; paid on top of the renewal fee)

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.

Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Designation

The master plumber of record for a plumbing company: general supervision of all plumbing under its contracts, $300,000 commercial liability insurance, permits and inspections, making sure everyone is licensed/registered, and company name and RMP license number on service vehicles. One company at a time. Anyone who advertises or offers plumbing must have an RMP.¹⁵

Requirements

Experience

Must be a current Texas Master Plumber in good standing (no additional experience or exam). Plumbing Inspector licensees cannot hold the RMP designation.¹⁵

Background check

Background check required³
Fingerprints required³

Insurance

Commercial general liability insurance of at least $300,000 for all claims in a one-year period, shown on a Certificate of Insurance filed with the TSBPE.¹⁵

Fees

How to apply

1. Get commercial general liability insurance of at least $300,000 and have the agent complete the TSBPE Certificate of Insurance.¹⁵ Form (PDF, tsbpe.texas.gov)¹⁵
2. In the Online Licensing System choose "Add Responsible Master Plumber Designation with Required Certificate of Insurance" next to your Master license, upload the COI and pay $225 (or apply by mail/in person).¹⁵

Renewal

Renewal fee

$300⁴

Late renewal

Late renewal fee: $150¹⁵ (expired 90 days or less; paid on top of the renewal fee)
Late renewal fee: $300¹⁵ (expired more than 90 days but under 2 years; paid on top of the renewal fee)

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 10 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Plumber's Apprentice RegistrationCities of more than 5,000 people must regulate and permit plumbing, with inspections by licensed plumbing inspectors. A plumbing contractor must register with any city that requires it, but cities cannot charge a plumbing registration or administrative fee.¹

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license

vo.licensing.hpc.texas.gov²

File a complaint

tsbpe.texas.gov²

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1301 (Plumbing License Law)
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code Part 17, ch. 361-367
• 22 Tex. Admin. Code §361.6
• TSBPE Reciprocal License Verification Form (rev. July 2025)
• TSBPE Master Plumber Examination Application (rev. January 2026)
• Tex. Occ. Code §§1301.3576, 1301.552 (RMP certificate of insurance)

Rule changes since January 2024

• September 1, 2025: Experience needed to move from journeyman to master cut from four years to two.¹⁹

Common questions

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