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How to get a plumber license in Pennsylvania

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No state board: municipalities license plumbers (largest: Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections)
  • State journeyman license: No (Pennsylvania has no statewide plumber license. Municipalities set local rules (Philadelphia example below).)
  • Plumber license (local): Set by each municipality. Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber: registered as a Philadelphia apprentice plumber for at least 4 years (or comparable out-of-jurisdiction authorization approved by L&I). Philadelphia Master: at least 1 year as a Philadelphia Journeyman (or comparable authorization).
  • Exam: see below, via Set locally (Philadelphia: ICC)
  • Code edition: Pennsylvania adopts Uniform Construction Code plumbing provisions for building work. Occupational licensing is municipal. Philadelphia exams reference the current Philadelphia Code / plumbing standards.

Requirements by license

Plumber license (local)

ExperienceSet by each municipality. Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber: registered as a Philadelphia apprentice plumber for at least 4 years (or comparable out-of-jurisdiction authorization approved by L&I). Philadelphia Master: at least 1 year as a Philadelphia Journeyman (or comparable authorization).Source: phila.gov · as of · Master path: phila.gov
ExamSet locally (Philadelphia: ICC). Philadelphia: pass the ICC Journeyman or Master Plumber exam referencing the current Philadelphia Code; apply within 12 months of passing.Source: phila.gov · as of
FeesSet locally / not listedSource: phila.gov · as of · Set by each municipality; see the local table for Philadelphia license dollars.
RenewalSet locally. Philadelphia journeyman and master plumber licenses renew annually via eCLIPSE or in person. Late renewals more than 60 days after due date add 1.5% of the license fee per month.Source: phila.gov · as of
CE to renewNot listed as a CE-hour requirement on the Philadelphia journeyman/master plumber service pages we checked. Confirm with L&I when you renew.Source: phila.gov · as of

License types in Pennsylvania

  • No statewide plumber license
  • Local journeyman / master / contractor licenses where a municipality requires them
  • Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber (example below)
Source: pa.gov · as of

Local plumber licenses (by city)

Pennsylvania has no state plumber license. Below is Philadelphia. Elsewhere, ask the municipality where you will work.

Philadelphia

Office: City of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and Inspections
Licenses journeymen?Yes
ExperienceJourneyman: at least 4 years as a registered Philadelphia apprentice plumber (or comparable authorization). Master: at least 1 year as a Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber (or comparable). Master also needs insurance, BIRT, Commercial Activity License and tax compliance.
ExamInternational Code Council (ICC). Philadelphia Journeyman or Master Plumber exam; must reference current Philadelphia Code or apply within 12 months of passing
FeesJourneyman plumber license (application $25 applied to total): $126
Master plumber license (application $50 applied to total): $303
Master plumber renewal: $253
RenewalEvery year. Renew annually online (eCLIPSE) or in person. More than 60 days late: 1.5% of license fee per month since expiration
CENot confirmed as a fixed CE-hour requirement on the Philly service pages we checked.
NotesJourneyman license does not authorize operating a business; master does. Master may temporarily deactivate (journeyman reactivates).
Still openWhether Philadelphia requires CE hours for plumber renewal
ContactPhiladelphia L&I / 311 · (215) 686-8686 (source)
Source: phila.gov · as of

Contact the city or township building/licenses office for the job location.

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

No statewide reciprocity. Philadelphia may accept comparable out-of-jurisdiction authorization subject to L&I approval. Other municipalities set their own rules.Source: phila.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 Pennsylvania have a state plumber license?

No. PA DLI says some municipalities license plumbing contractors or plumbers; the Commonwealth keeps no statewide list.

What does Philadelphia require?

Journeyman (4 years as a Philly apprentice + ICC exam) and Master (1 year as Philly journeyman + ICC exam, insurance and tax compliance).

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

Other states

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