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How to get a plumber license in Michigan

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes — Plumbing
  • State journeyman license: Yes (LARA issues journey plumber licenses under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (MCL 339.6115).)
  • Journey Plumber: At least 18. At least 6,000 hours of experience over at least 3 years as an apprentice plumber in the practical installation of plumbing under a master plumber (or qualifying military pathway with affidavit). File the application, pay fees, and pass the exam.
  • Exam: see below, via LARA / Board-provided exam
  • Code edition: Journey plumber renewal requires a board-approved code-update course within 12 months after Michigan adopts a construction-code update (not every year). Confirm the current Michigan Plumbing Code edition with LARA/BCC.

Requirements by license

Journey Plumber

ExperienceAt least 18. At least 6,000 hours of experience over at least 3 years as an apprentice plumber in the practical installation of plumbing under a master plumber (or qualifying military pathway with affidavit). File the application, pay fees, and pass the exam.Source: legislature.mi.gov · as of · LARA application page: michigan.gov
ExamLARA / Board-provided exam. Pass both the written and hands-on practical skills portions in one application cycle (LARA plumbing exam page). Examination fee for journey plumber is $100 under MCL 339.6121.Source: michigan.gov · as of · Fee statute: legislature.mi.gov
Fees
  • Journey plumber examination: $100
  • Journey plumber license (initial or annual renewal): $40
  • Relicensure fee if not renewed within 60 days (plus annual renewal): $50
Source: legislature.mi.gov · as of · Renewal process/deadlines: michigan.gov LARA's renewals page also mentions a late fee amount — confirm the Accela total if your license lapses.
RenewalEvery year. Renew by April 30 each year (LARA). You may start 90 days prior. If expired more than 60 days, relicensure fees apply; more than 3 consecutive years generally requires re-meeting experience and retesting.Source: michigan.gov · as of · Statute: legislature.mi.gov
CE to renewNot a fixed annual CE-hour total. Complete an approved code-update course within 12 months after a code change; keep records for audit. No code-update course is required in years without a code change.Source: legislature.mi.gov · as of · LARA renewals: michigan.gov

License types in Michigan

  • Apprentice plumber registration
  • Journey plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Plumbing contractor
Source: michigan.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Michigan does not publish blanket journey-plumber reciprocity on the pages we checked. Out-of-state experience is evaluated under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act pathways; confirm with LARA before you assume transfer.Source: michigan.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 Michigan have a journey plumber license?

Yes. LARA issues journey plumber licenses after apprenticeship hours and an exam.

How many hours does a Michigan journey plumber need?

At least 6,000 hours over at least 3 years as an apprentice under a master plumber.

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

Other states

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