Home › Plumber license by state › Nebraska

How to get a plumber license in Nebraska

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No statewide plumber board: cities and villages license master and journeyman plumbers (nearest city/village to the job site)
  • State journeyman license: No (Nebraska does not issue a statewide plumber license. Local plumbing boards examine and license masters and journeymen under §§ 18-1901 et seq.)
  • Plumber license (local): Set by each city or village plumbing board. Statute requires examination by the local board (§ 18-1907). Example — City of Lincoln: at least 4 years practical experience in design/layout/construction/installation of plumbing equipment (apprentice years, schooling credits, and military/adult-ed may count toward the four years).
  • Exam: see below, via Local city/village plumbing board
  • Code edition: Local plumbing boards set exam content (practical and theoretical plumbing, drainage, ventilation, sanitation — § 18-1907). Confirm the adopted plumbing code with the city or village before you schedule.

Requirements by license

Plumber license (local)

ExperienceSet by each city or village plumbing board. Statute requires examination by the local board (§ 18-1907). Example — City of Lincoln: at least 4 years practical experience in design/layout/construction/installation of plumbing equipment (apprentice years, schooling credits, and military/adult-ed may count toward the four years).Source: lincoln.ne.gov · as of · Statewide duty to hold the nearest city’s license: nebraskalegislature.gov
ExamLocal city/village plumbing board. Written application to the local plumbing board; practical and theoretical exam on plumbing, house drainage, ventilation and sanitation (§ 18-1907). Lincoln: must pass an exam before receiving a journeyman license.Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · as of
FeesSet locally / not listedNot confirmedSource: nebraskalegislature.gov · as of · Set by each city or village. Lincoln’s page does not list dollar fees.
RenewalSet locally. Ask the city or village that issued your card. License must match the city/village nearest the construction site (§ 18-1917).Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · as of
CE to renewSet locally. Not stated on the Lincoln overview page we checked.Not confirmedSource: lincoln.ne.gov · as of

License types in Nebraska

  • No statewide plumber license
  • Local master plumber / plumbing contractor
  • Local journeyman plumber
  • Local apprentice registration (where offered)
Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · as of

Local plumber licenses (by city/village)

Nebraska has no state plumber license. Work under the master/journeyman licenses of the city or village nearest the job (§ 18-1917). Below is Lincoln Building & Safety as an example. Omaha, Grand Island and other cities have their own boards and fee schedules.

City of Lincoln

Office: Lincoln Planning Department / Building & Safety
Licenses journeymen?Yes
ExperienceJourneyman: ≥4 years practical experience (apprentice registration for 4 years, or schooling/engineering credits that reduce the experience as listed on the City page). Master plumbing contractor: journeyman for ≥1 year, or engineering degree + 2 years planning/supervising/installing, or Nebraska-registered mechanical engineer.
ExamCity of Lincoln. Must pass an examination before obtaining the journeyman or master license
FeesNot confirmed
RenewalConfirm with Building & Safety. Confirm with the City
CENot listed on the City overview page.
Source: lincoln.ne.gov · as of

Contact the plumbing/building department of the city or village nearest the construction site.

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Licensing is local. Holding a card from one Nebraska city does not automatically authorize work under another city’s board — § 18-1917 ties the required license to the city or village nearest the construction site. Ask each locality about reciprocity or recognition.Source: nebraskalegislature.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 Nebraska issue a statewide plumber license?

No. You must hold master/journeyman licenses from the city or village nearest the construction site (§ 18-1917).

Example local path?

Lincoln: 4 years practical experience and a City exam for journeyman.

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

Other states

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