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How to get a plumber license in Iowa

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (PMSB issues apprentice, journeyperson, master and contractor licenses for plumbing (Iowa Code chapter 105).)
  • Journeyperson Plumber: At least 18. Path A: at least 4 years practical experience as an apprentice from a U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship (required for experience completed after Jan 1, 2010) and pass the Iowa journeyperson exam. Path B: hold a master-level license in the same discipline from another jurisdiction. Work under a licensed master; do not work for an unlicensed contractor.
  • Exam: see below, via Kirkwood Community College (board-approved testing provider)
  • Code edition: Iowa journeyperson plumbing examination through the board’s approved testing provider (Kirkwood Community College). Pass score and content follow board exam rules — confirm the current Candidate bulletin when you schedule.

Requirements by license

Journeyperson Plumber

ExperienceAt least 18. Path A: at least 4 years practical experience as an apprentice from a U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship (required for experience completed after Jan 1, 2010) and pass the Iowa journeyperson exam. Path B: hold a master-level license in the same discipline from another jurisdiction. Work under a licensed master; do not work for an unlicensed contractor.Source: dial.iowa.gov · as of
ExamKirkwood Community College (board-approved testing provider). Submit Exam Approval Application ($35 per trade) first; after approval schedule with Kirkwood ($99 per attempt on the Journey page). Then file post-examination licensure. Apply for the license within the board’s post-exam window.Source: dial.iowa.gov · as of
Fees
  • Exam approval application (per exam): $35
  • Kirkwood examination attempt (current fee on Journey page): $99
  • Journeyperson license — on-time renewal / full period: $180
  • Paper application (if used): $25
Source: dial.iowa.gov · as of · New-license fees are prorated by when you apply in the 3-year period. Journey page: dial.iowa.gov
RenewalEvery 3 years (all PMSB licenses share the same period). Current period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029. Licenses expire June 30 of year three but remain valid through Aug 31; renew in July to avoid late fees. On-time journeyperson renewal $180. Late fees begin Aug 1 ($60), Sep 1 ($100 / not eligible to work).Source: dial.iowa.gov · as of
CE to renew8 hours per 3-year license period
  • 2 hours Iowa plumbing code
  • 4 hours plumbing discipline
  • 2 hours safety (Iowa Occupational Health & Safety)
At least half of CE hours must be in-person; up to half may be online. Courses and instructors must be board-approved. First journeyperson renewal after advancing from apprentice is CE-exempt (and other listed exemptions). Keep certificates for audit.
Source: dial.iowa.gov · as of

License types in Iowa

  • Apprentice plumber
  • Journeyperson plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Plumbing contractor
  • Specialty licenses (e.g. disconnect/reconnect plumbing technician)
Source: legis.iowa.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Board reciprocity agreement with the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission for journeyperson and master plumbing licenses obtained by written examination (not grandfathered). Submit SD license + good-standing verification; non-Iowa resident address required at application. Master license from another jurisdiction can also qualify you for an Iowa journey license without the Iowa journey exam path.Source: dial.iowa.gov · as of

FAQ

Does Iowa license journeyperson plumbers statewide?

Yes. The Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL) issues apprentice, journey, master and contractor licenses under Iowa Code chapter 105.

How do I qualify for an Iowa journey plumbing license?

Usually 4 years in a USDOL-registered apprenticeship plus the Iowa journey exam, or hold a master license in the same discipline from another jurisdiction.

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

Other states

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