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How to get a plumber license in Louisiana

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (SPBLA issues statewide journeyman and master plumber licenses (local exams preempted by statute).)
  • Journeyman Plumber: Currently registered SPBLA apprentice. Indentured (LWC program): at least 7,000 hours under a licensed journeyman or master. Unindentured: at least 8,000 hours. Out-of-state plumber licenses may qualify for the exam if they required at least 8,000 hours; SPBLA notes reciprocity limited to Arkansas and Texas for some paths.
  • Exam: see below, via SPBLA (Baton Rouge / Shreveport)
  • Code edition: Journeyman written exam references 2021 IPC and 2021 IRC, plus a practical (floor plan, screw pipe, copper).

Requirements by license

Journeyman Plumber

ExperienceCurrently registered SPBLA apprentice. Indentured (LWC program): at least 7,000 hours under a licensed journeyman or master. Unindentured: at least 8,000 hours. Out-of-state plumber licenses may qualify for the exam if they required at least 8,000 hours; SPBLA notes reciprocity limited to Arkansas and Texas for some paths.Source: spbla.com · as of
ExamSPBLA (Baton Rouge / Shreveport). 80-question written (3 hours) plus ~1-hour practical. Apply ≥30 days before exam with $135 ($125 exam + $10 processing). Passing part scores good for 1 year.Source: spbla.com · as of
Fees
  • Exam application (exam + processing): $135
  • Initial journeyman license: $50
  • Temporary work permit (optional, one per lifetime): $75
Source: spbla.com · as of
RenewalEvery year. Renew by December 31 each year. Complete required CPE before renewing to avoid delinquent fees.Source: spbla.com · as of · Renewal dollar amount: confirm on current SPBLA renewal form/portal.
CE to renew3.5 hours per year
  • Continuing Professional Education through Board-approved providers
Journeyman plumbers need 3.5 CPE hours each year prior to renewal. Provider list on SPBLA CPE page.
Source: spbla.com · as of

License types in Louisiana

  • Apprentice registration
  • Residential plumber limited
  • Journeyman plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Natural gas fitter licenses
  • WSPS / medical gas endorsements
Source: spbla.com · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

SPBLA states it reciprocates with Arkansas and Texas for certain journeyman paths; other out-of-state licenses may still be used to qualify for the Louisiana exam if hour requirements are met. Master licenses are not reciprocated.Source: spbla.com · 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 Louisiana license journeyman plumbers statewide?

Yes. SPBLA issues journeyman and master plumber licenses (local exams preempted).

How many hours does a LA journeyman need?

7,000 hours if indentured or 8,000 if unindentured as a registered apprentice, then written + practical exams.

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

Other states

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