Plumbing licensing is set by each state (and in some places by a city). This explainer covers Texas only, where plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). It answers one practical question from TSBPE's own pages and its administrative rules: what experience and training do you need before you can take the Journeyman Plumber Examination? Nothing here describes a rule change, and nothing here applies to any other state.
Where does a Texas plumbing career start?
With registration as a Plumber's Apprentice. TSBPE's Plumber's Apprentice page states: "You may register as a Plumber's Apprentice if:" "you are at least 16 years old; and" "you are a citizen or national of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for licensure by the State of Texas".
The page explains what an apprentice may do: "A Plumber's Apprentice may learn about and assist with the installation of plumbing" "under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber." It defines that supervision: "Direct supervision means that a person who holds a plumbing license issued by the TSBPE" "is on the job site with you at all times you are performing plumbing work." It also sets a limit: "If a licensee is not present, a Plumber's Apprentice may only perform manual tasks like digging trenches."
When do experience hours start to count?
Only after you register. The apprentice page states: "You MUST register as a Plumber's Apprentice before you can start counting" "the hours of experience you have working in the plumbing trade." It adds: "Any hours worked before you are registered do not count" "toward the hours requirements for the Tradesman Plumber-Limited or Journeyman Plumber examinations."
TSBPE's administrative rules say the same in 22 TAC §363.2(e): to receive credit for experience, the applicant must hold either a valid "Plumber's Apprentice Registration or Tradesman Plumber-Limited License at the time the hours were worked."
Who may take the Journeyman Plumber Examination?
TSBPE's Journeyman Plumber page states: "You may take the Journeyman Plumber Examination if:"
- "you are a citizen or national of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for licensure" "by the State of Texas;"
- "you are currently registered as a Plumber's Apprentice or currently licensed as a Tradesman Plumber-Limited in Texas" "or currently licensed as Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber in another state;"
- "you have at least 8,000 hours of experience working in the plumbing trade; and"
- "you have completed a 48-hour training course* approved by the TSBPE" "or you are enrolled and in or have completed a training program approved by the United States" "Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship."
The footnote to that list reads: "*If you hold a Journeyman or Master Plumber License issued to you by another state," "you do not have to complete the 48-hour training program."
The rules add a condition the page does not spell out. 22 TAC §363.5(b)(1) requires the 8,000 hours "under the supervision of a RMP or a Master Plumber licensed in another state." (RMP stands for Responsible Master Plumber.)
Are there exceptions to the 8,000 hours?
The rules name two. Under §363.5(c), on written request, "the Board may credit an applicant with up to 1,000 hours of" "the work experience required to take the Journeyman Plumber examination" if the applicant has completed the classroom portion of a training program that is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, or provided by an approved person and based on approved course materials. Under §363.5(d), "A registered Plumber's Apprentice may apply for and take the Journeyman Plumber examination" after earning an associate of applied science degree from a plumbing technology program that includes a combination of classroom and on-the-job training and is approved by the Board and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Read the rule itself for the exact conditions before relying on either.
How are the hours proved?
With an Employer's Certification Form. The Journeyman Plumber page states: "To apply for the Journeyman Plumber Examination you must submit a completed application" together with "your Employer Certification Form(s)" and a fee. Rule §363.2(d)(1) says the applicant "must submit a separate ECF completed by each employer", and §363.2(d)(2) states: "The ECF shall be completed by the Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) who was the RMP" "or the licensee who supervised the applicant on the job."
What does the license allow, and how long does it last?
The Journeyman Plumber page states: "A Journeyman Plumber may install, change, repair, service, or renovate plumbing" "under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber." A journeyman "may also directly supervise a Plumber's Apprentice on all job sites" "or a Tradesman Plumber-Limited on job sites for structures other than one and two-family dwellings."
TSBPE's License Types page states: "Licenses renew annually." and "All licensees must complete six hours of continuing professional education to be eligible to renew." A first license gets "a random expiration date" "anywhere from 6-18 months from the date you passed your licensure exam" (the page notes an exception for Plumbing Inspectors).
Where to check before you act
These are TSBPE's requirements as shown on its pages and in its rules on the date above. The rules file on TSBPE's site is marked as an unofficial version; the Texas Administrative Code (Title 22, Part 17) is the official text. Confirm the current requirements with TSBPE before you register, count hours or apply for the exam. Plumbing licensing is a planned topic on goraedu; see all certifications for its status.
goraedu is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners or any government agency.