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How to get a plumber license in New Jersey

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for New Jersey plumbing licenses, pulled from official NJ sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (Division of Consumer Affairs)
  • State journeyman license: No (No separate state journeyman plumber license. The statewide license is Master Plumber. The Board also registers apprentices and journeymen as steps toward the master exam.)
  • Master Plumber: Be at least 21. Complete either (1) a U.S. Department of Labor–approved four-year apprenticeship that includes required propane-services education, then one year (at least 1,200 hours) of practical hands-on work as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey, or (2) an accredited bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering with the same propane education, then the same 1,200-hour New Jersey journeyman year. Practical hands-on experience means inspected installation/maintenance work under the plumbing subcode — not managerial-only time.
  • Exam: see below, via Board-approved licensing examination (after Board eligibility letter)
  • Code edition: Master plumber practice follows the New Jersey plumbing subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15) referenced in Board experience rules; confirm exam references with the Board after approval.

Requirements by license

Master Plumber

ExperienceBe at least 21. Complete either (1) a U.S. Department of Labor–approved four-year apprenticeship that includes required propane-services education, then one year (at least 1,200 hours) of practical hands-on work as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey, or (2) an accredited bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering with the same propane education, then the same 1,200-hour New Jersey journeyman year. Practical hands-on experience means inspected installation/maintenance work under the plumbing subcode — not managerial-only time.Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · as of · Board FAQ restates N.J.A.C. 13:32-2.1 and 13:32-2.2.
ExamBoard-approved licensing examination (after Board eligibility letter). Submit application, experience proof and fee; the Board reviews applications at monthly meetings and, if eligible, sends exam registration instructions. After you pass and pay the licensing fee, the Board says licenses typically mail in about 15–20 days.Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · as of
Fees
  • Application fee (without prior registration): $100
  • Initial license fee (first year of biennial period): $160
  • Biennial renewal: $160
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · as of · FAQ lists application $100 and renewal $160; fee schedule is N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1 as published for the Board.
RenewalEvery 2 years. Master Plumber licenses expire biennially on June 30 of odd-numbered years. Renew with the fee and required CE; a reminder is sent to your address of record about 60 days prior.Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · as of
CE to renew5 hours per 2-year (biennial) period
  • Board-approved continuing education courses
Five credits each biennial period. First biennial renewal is exempt. Keep attendance verification at least four years.
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · as of · N.J.A.C. 13:32-6.1 as summarized on the Board FAQ.

License types in New Jersey

  • Master Plumber license
  • Journeyman plumber registration (not a master license)
  • Apprentice registration
  • Medical gas piping certifications
Source: njconsumeraffairs.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Reciprocity is possible when another state's standards are equal or comparable and that state reciprocates with New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-19). The Board publishes a list of states it has previously reviewed — check the Board site before you assume transfer.Source: njconsumeraffairs.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 New Jersey license journeyman plumbers statewide?

No separate state journeyman license. The Board licenses Master Plumbers; journeyman registration is a step toward the master exam.

What experience does a NJ master plumber need?

A 4-year DOL apprenticeship (or qualifying engineering degree) plus 1,200 hours of NJ journeyman hands-on work, and you must be at least 21.

Already licensed? See New Jersey plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

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