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How to get a plumber license in Kentucky

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing
  • State journeyman license: Yes (DHBC licenses journeyman and master plumbers statewide under KRS Chapter 318 / 815 KAR 20:030.)
  • Journeyman Plumber: At least 18; good moral character; U.S. citizen or authorized resident alien. At least 2 consecutive years as an apprentice plumber — or a department-approved plumbing/Kentucky Plumbing Code course plus at least 1 year as an apprentice.
  • Exam: see below, via DHBC State Plumbing Examining Committee
  • Code edition: Exam covers basic plumbing principles, KRS Chapter 318, 815 KAR Chapters 2 and 20, pipe sizing on drawings, plus a practical section for journeymen.

Requirements by license

Journeyman Plumber

ExperienceAt least 18; good moral character; U.S. citizen or authorized resident alien. At least 2 consecutive years as an apprentice plumber — or a department-approved plumbing/Kentucky Plumbing Code course plus at least 1 year as an apprentice.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of · Statute qualifications: apps.legislature.ky.gov
ExamDHBC State Plumbing Examining Committee. Written + drawing + practical. Pass each portion with at least 75%. Regular exams Feb/May/Aug/Nov. Partial retakes allowed within 1 year; full exam fee for retakes. Passing scores valid 3 years.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of · Schedule info: dhbc.ky.gov
Fees
  • Journeyman examination: $50
  • Initial license (may be prorated): $60
  • Renewal: $60
  • Inactive status (initial): $30
  • Reactivation: $30
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
RenewalEvery year (expires last day of birth month). Submit renewal fee, CE proof (815 KAR 2:010), and Form DHBC L-1. Initial license may be prorated 7–18 months to birth month.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
CE to renew6 hours per year
  • Business
  • Job safety
  • Kentucky State Plumbing Code
  • Subject matter directly related to the plumbing trade
At least 6 hours in the 12 months before renewal (first renewal exempt if licensed within 12 months). Max 2 hours safety per year. Excess hours may carry forward (cap 12).
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of

License types in Kentucky

  • Apprentice plumber
  • Journeyman plumber
  • Master plumber
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

KRS 318.040: DHBC may license holders of a valid license from another state with a statewide plumbing code if that state’s exam is at least equal to Kentucky’s and the other state reciprocates.Source: apps.legislature.ky.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 Kentucky license journeyman plumbers statewide?

Yes. DHBC licenses journeyman and master plumbers after experience and a state exam (75% each portion).

How much experience does a KY journeyman need?

Two consecutive years as an apprentice, or an approved plumbing/code course plus one year as an apprentice.

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

Other states

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