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How to get a plumber license in Rhode Island

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Rhode Island plumbing licenses, pulled from official RI sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Division of Professional Regulation (Board of Examiners of Plumbers)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-17: DLT licenses journeyperson plumbers statewide.)
  • Journeyperson Plumber: Statutory path: hold a registered apprentice plumber certificate ≥4 years and show 8,000 RI on-the-job hours over 5 years plus 576 hours related instruction (up to 144 vocational hours may count). Alternate paths include 2 academic years plumbing/sanitary engineering + apprenticeship, associate degree + 2 years apprentice under a RI master, or out-of-state journeyperson certificate with matching standards. File ≥15 days before the exam.
  • Exam: see below, via RI DLT / Board of Examiners of Plumbers
  • Code edition: Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (DLT application instructions).

Requirements by license

Journeyperson Plumber

ExperienceStatutory path: hold a registered apprentice plumber certificate ≥4 years and show 8,000 RI on-the-job hours over 5 years plus 576 hours related instruction (up to 144 vocational hours may count). Alternate paths include 2 academic years plumbing/sanitary engineering + apprenticeship, associate degree + 2 years apprentice under a RI master, or out-of-state journeyperson certificate with matching standards. File ≥15 days before the exam.Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · as of · App packet also summarizes 5 years experience + 576 hours RI for journeyperson: dlt.ri.gov
ExamRI DLT / Board of Examiners of Plumbers. 50 multiple-choice questions based on 2018 IPC. Nonrefundable $75 application fee with the packet. Notarized employer experience letter required.Source: dlt.ri.gov · as of
Fees
  • Application (nonrefundable): $75
  • Journeyperson renewal (24 months): $72
  • Online service charge (renewal portal): $6
  • Late renewal (per month or fraction): $12
Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · as of · Renewal portal fees: ri.gov
RenewalEvery 24 months. Renew before expiration on the RI.gov portal. Journeyperson $72 + $6 online fee. Late: $12 per month or fraction. Mandatory 7-hour CE enforced beginning January 2027.Source: ri.gov · as of · CE notice: dlt.ri.gov
CE to renew7 hours per 2-year license cycle
  • Board-approved mandatory continuing education program
R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-23(f); Board-approved 7-hour program. Enforced beginning January 2027. Age+experience = 80 exemption under § 5-20-23(g).
Source: dlt.ri.gov · as of

License types in Rhode Island

  • Apprentice plumber
  • Journeyperson plumber
  • Master plumber
  • Irrigator classes
Source: dlt.ri.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Out-of-state applicants may qualify with a journeyperson certificate from a state with the same requirements (§ 5-20-17(5)). App packet: proof of current licensure and good standing.Source: webserver.rilegislature.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 Rhode Island license journeyperson plumbers statewide?

Yes. DLT / Board of Examiners of Plumbers under R.I. Gen. Laws chapter 5-20.

What are the key requirements?

Registered apprentice ≥4 years with 8,000 RI OJT hours over 5 years and 576 related-instruction hours (statutory path), $75 application, IPC-based exam.

Already licensed? See Rhode Island plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

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