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How to get a plumber license in Montana

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (The Board of Plumbers licenses journeyman and master plumbers statewide.)
  • Journeyman Plumber: Option 1: ≥5 years / 7,500 aggregate hours of legally obtained plumbing experience verified by a licensed master plumber or plumbing contractor (or qualifying apprenticeship / approved schooling credits up to 2 years). Option 2: apprenticeship completion certificate from USDOL or recognized state agency. Option 3: approved engineering/tech degree credits toward experience (caps apply). Then pass written + practical exams.
  • Exam: see below, via Board-prescribed vendor (exam fee paid to vendor)
  • Code edition: Written and practical exams; pass ≥70% on each. Written must be passed before practical. Exam fees paid to the vendor (IAPMO/board vendor). Montana adopted the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (Board home page).

Requirements by license

Journeyman Plumber

ExperienceOption 1: ≥5 years / 7,500 aggregate hours of legally obtained plumbing experience verified by a licensed master plumber or plumbing contractor (or qualifying apprenticeship / approved schooling credits up to 2 years). Option 2: apprenticeship completion certificate from USDOL or recognized state agency. Option 3: approved engineering/tech degree credits toward experience (caps apply). Then pass written + practical exams.Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · as of · Summary: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
ExamBoard-prescribed vendor (exam fee paid to vendor). Written exam ≥70%, then practical exam ≥70%. After three written fails in the application year, 20 hours CE before a fourth attempt; fourth fail bars reapplication for one year (ARM 24.180.407).Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · as of · License page: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
Fees
  • Journeyman application: $270
  • Journeyman renewal (standard ARM schedule): $160
  • Out-of-state application: $400
  • Provisional license: $100
Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · as of · FY26 renewals (due Sep 1, 2026): Board home page states the renewal fee is 100% abated for on-time renewals; late fees still apply. boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
RenewalAnnual (FY26 window opens July 2, due September 1, 2026 per Board home page). Complete 4 hours board-approved code-related CE during the renewal cycle (ARM 24.180.2102). FY26 on-time renewal fee abated; confirm current dollars each year.Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · as of · Standard renew $160 in ARM 24.180.401: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
CE to renew4 hours per year (renewal cycle)
  • Code-related continuing education (Board-approved courses)
Required under ARM 24.180.2102; Board home page reminds licensees of 4 hours CE when renewing.
Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · as of

License types in Montana

  • Journeyman plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Medical gas endorsement
Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Out-of-state / reciprocity requirements are on the journeyman application checklist (page 3). Confirm current path with the Board before you apply.Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.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 Montana license journeyman plumbers statewide?

Yes. The Board of Plumbers licenses journeyman and master plumbers.

What experience and exams?

Typically 5 years / 7,500 hours (or apprenticeship), then written and practical exams at ≥70% each.

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

Other states

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