Home › Plumber license by state › Massachusetts

How to get a plumber license in Massachusetts

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (Division of Occupational Licensure)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (The Board licenses journeyman and master plumbers statewide under M.G.L. c. 142 and 248 CMR 11.00.)
  • Journeyman Plumber: As a licensed Massachusetts apprentice: at least 6,800 clock hours of practical work under a MA master plumber (or under a MA journeyman employed by a master), plus a high-school diploma/equivalent and 550 clock hours of Board-required plumbing/gas theory over at least 4 years (max 165 education hours credited per calendar year). Apply online with education verification, experience statement, photo and notarized CORI.
  • Exam: see below, via PSI (after Board approval)
  • Code edition: Education and exams follow 248 CMR (Massachusetts plumbing regulations). Continuing education focuses on 248 CMR 3.00–11.00; confirm exam references with PSI after Board approval.

Requirements by license

Journeyman Plumber

ExperienceAs a licensed Massachusetts apprentice: at least 6,800 clock hours of practical work under a MA master plumber (or under a MA journeyman employed by a master), plus a high-school diploma/equivalent and 550 clock hours of Board-required plumbing/gas theory over at least 4 years (max 165 education hours credited per calendar year). Apply online with education verification, experience statement, photo and notarized CORI.Source: mass.gov · as of · Application steps/fees: mass.gov
ExamPSI (after Board approval). Board approval first via eLIPSE, then schedule with PSI. Pass with at least 70% on each exam portion. Failed portions must be retaken within 1 year or you retake all parts. After passing, pay the license fee at the test center.Source: mass.gov · as of · Scoring rules: 248 CMR 11.03 in mass.gov
Fees
  • Application fee: $31
  • License fee (paid at test center after passing): $52
  • Journeyman renewal (biennial): $52
  • Late renewal (after May 1): $57
Source: mass.gov · as of · Renewal fees: mass.gov
RenewalEvery 2 years. Eligible to renew starting February 1 of even-numbered years; application deadline May 1 of that year. Submit online via eLIPSE with required CE. Late fee $57 after May 1.Source: mass.gov · as of
CE to renew12 hours per 2-year license cycle
  • Board-approved continuing education (focus on 248 CMR 3.00–11.00; other Board-approved industry topics may count)
Apprentices are exempt. First-time licensees are exempt for the cycle in which the license was first issued. Keep certificates at least three renewal cycles. Online/correspondence courses must be Board-approved and include an exam (max two attempts).
Source: mass.gov · as of · 248 CMR 11.04: mass.gov · Providers: mass.gov

License types in Massachusetts

  • Apprentice plumber
  • Journeyman plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Corporation/partnership plumbing licenses
  • Gas fitter and LP gas installer licenses (related Board)
Source: mass.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Out-of-state licensees may petition the Board if requirements are substantially equivalent; you generally still take the Massachusetts exam unless a formal reciprocity agreement applies. Submit certified good-standing documentation from the other jurisdiction (248 CMR 11.02(7)).Source: mass.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 Massachusetts license journeyman plumbers statewide?

Yes. The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters licenses apprentices, journeymen and masters.

How much experience does a MA journeyman plumber need?

At least 6,800 clock hours as a licensed apprentice under a MA master (or qualifying supervision) plus 550 hours of Board theory education.

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

Other states

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