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How to get a plumber license in Alabama

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Alabama plumbing licenses, pulled from official AL sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
  • State journeyman license: Yes (The Board certifies journeyman and master plumbers (and gas fitters) statewide.)
  • Journeyman Plumber: Minimum two years as a Board-registered apprentice, or a Board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered-apprentice time equaling two years, or Board-approved verifiable alternate experience (Board appearance). Out-of-state journeyman licenses may qualify to sit if issued by exam (≥70%), active and in good standing with agency verification.
  • Exam: see below, via Alabama PGFB
  • Code edition: Exams use 2021 International Plumbing Code (and 2021 IFGC for gas). Confirm current bulletin before you schedule.

Requirements by license

Journeyman Plumber

ExperienceMinimum two years as a Board-registered apprentice, or a Board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered-apprentice time equaling two years, or Board-approved verifiable alternate experience (Board appearance). Out-of-state journeyman licenses may qualify to sit if issued by exam (≥70%), active and in good standing with agency verification.Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of
ExamAlabama PGFB. Board examination based on 2021 IPC and Board rules/references. After passing, you have 90 days to obtain certification or you must retest.Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of
Fees
  • Initial application processing: $50
  • Initial journeyman certificate: $75
Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of · Renewal fee dollars: confirm on current Board renewal notice / forms (not listed as a fixed public line on the CE page).
RenewalEvery year. Annual certificate. Complete CE before November 1 or face a $100 deficiency fee/plan. Renewal window commonly runs in the fall for the next year’s card — follow Board notices.Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of
CE to renew4 hours per year
  • Plumbing CE or business/compliance courses (journeyman/master plumber-only holders)
Required beginning with renewals after Jan 1, 2025 for non–age-exempt holders. Combination plumbing+gas certificates need 2 plumbing + 2 gas hours (4 total). Age 65+ may qualify for a one-time exemption form.
Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of

License types in Alabama

  • Apprentice plumber/gas fitter
  • Journeyman plumber
  • Journeyman gas fitter
  • Master plumber
  • Master gas fitter
  • Medical gas piping endorsement
  • Company registration with principal master
Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Not blanket reciprocity. Out-of-state journeymen may sit for the Alabama exam if their license was issued by exam (≥70%), is active/in good standing, and the other agency verifies it.Source: pgfb.alabama.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Alabama certify journeyman plumbers statewide?

Yes. The Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board issues statewide certificates.

How much experience does an AL journeyman need?

At least two years as a registered apprentice (or approved equivalent), then the Board exam; certify within 90 days of passing.

Already licensed? See Alabama plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.