Massachusetts Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified Plumber in MA

Do you need a plumbing license in Massachusetts?

Yes, a plumbing license is required in Massachusetts for anyone who wants to perform plumbing work. The state requires plumbers to be licensed as an apprentice, journeyman, or master in order to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform plumbing work safely and effectively. 

Here are the types of work that plumbers need a license to do:

• Installing or repairing plumbing systems in residential or commercial buildings
• Installing or repairing drainage systems, such as sewer lines or septic tanks
• Installing or repairing sprinkler systems for fire protection
• Installing or repairing any type of plumbing that connects to a public water supply

Without a plumbing license, you will not be able to legally perform any plumbing work.

Who issues plumbing licenses in Massachusetts?

Plumbing licenses in Massachusetts are overseen by the Division of Occupational Licensure and issued by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. The board is responsible for the management of all licensed plumbers in the state, including: 

• Conducting exams and granting licenses for journeyman and master plumbers and gas fitters
• Registering plumber apprentices and gas fitters
• Approving corporate and partnership certificates for plumbing and gas
• Holding necessary public hearings for plumbing code changes
• Approving plumbing/gas products

Types of plumbing licenses in Massachusetts

The type of license you need will depend on the type of work you would like to do. Massachusetts offers multiple licenses, so make sure you know which one is right for you. 

The Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters divides plumbing licenses into the following types:

License Type	Description
Apprentice Plumber	License holders may work under the direct supervision of a Master or Journeyman plumber. An apprentice plumber is a person who is learning the trade and gaining practical experience on the job
Journeyman Plumber	License holders may perform a wide range of plumbing activities independently. They can install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in commercial and residential buildings as they work to become a Master plumber
Master Plumber	License holders may perform a wide range of plumbing activities independently. They can install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in commercial and residential buildings.

Benefits of getting a Massachusetts plumbing license

Obtaining your plumbing license in Massachusetts comes with several benefits, starting with the ability to legally work and earn a living as a contractor in the state. Other benefits include:

• Increase your earning potential as you gain more experience
• Start and run your own plumbing business, including project bidding, pulling permits, and passing inspections
• Showcase your skills as a plumber and be more appealing to employers
• Build trust with your clients

Massachusetts plumbing license requirements

In order to obtain your plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. 

Here are the requirements for each type of license:

License Type	Requirements
Apprentice Plumber	• Be at least 16 years old.  • Submit the application and pay the application fee. • Submit proof of employment and Criminal Offender Record of Information form
Journeyman Plumber	• Be at least 18 years old. • Complete at least 6,800 hours of practical work experience as a licensed Apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed plumber or journeyman plumber employed by a master plumber. • Complete at least 550 hours of plumbing theory training at a technical school. • Submit the application and pay the application fee. Pass the Journeyman plumber exam.
Master Plumber	• Be at least 18 years old. • Complete at least 1,700 hours of practical experience as a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed Journeyman plumber. • Complete at least 550 hours of plumbing theory training at a technical school (if completed as an apprentice, you just need to provide proof). • Submit the application and pay the application fee. Pass the Master plumber exam.

* Plumbing Contractors do not need to have a Master Plumber license. This license is appropriate for plumbing business owners.  

How do I get a plumbing license in Massachusetts?

As you can see, there are three different licenses you need to get along your journey of becoming a fully licensed plumber in Massachusetts. 

Now, let’s go over the steps you need to take to get the necessary licenses. 

Apprentice Plumber License

To get your apprentice plumber license, you’ll need to: 

• Submit a Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgement (CORI) form.
• Complete and submit a Statement of Employing Master Form. 
• Complete and submit the application form and pay the application fee. 
• Complete at least 6,800 hours of practical work experience.

Journeyman Plumber License

To get your journeyman plumber license, you’re required to: 

• Complete 550 clock hours (approximately four years) of plumbing and gas-fitting theory from a board-approved provider, culminating in a school- or instructor-designed examination.
• Complete and submit an Education Verification Form. 
• Submit a Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgement (CORI) form. 
• Complete the application form and pay the application fee. 
• Write and pass the Journeyman plumber exam with a passing score of at least 70%. 
• Complete at least 1,700 hours of practical work experience.

Master Plumber License

To get your master plumber license, you’ll have to:

• Successfully complete the 110-hour five-tier Plumber Educational Program as approved by the board (unless already completed as an apprentice).
• Complete and submit an Education Verification Form. 
• Submit a Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgement (CORI) form. 
• Complete the application and pay the application fee. 
• Write and pass the Master plumber exam with a passing score of at least 70%. 

All forms and documents can be mailed to the following address: 

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118

Massachusetts plumbing license exam

If you want to become a licensed plumber in Massachusetts, you will need to pass the Journeyman and Master written and practical plumbing license exams. 

The exams cover the following topics:

• General Regulations, Inspections, and Permits
• Gas Piping, Equipment, and Appliances
• Venting
• Traps and Cleanouts
• Fixtures, Equipment, and Clearances
• Water Heaters
• Piping, Valves, and Controls
• Water Supply 
• Hangers and Supports
• Drain, Waste, and Vent
• Separators, Interceptors, and Grease Traps
• Joints and Connections

Locations to write the exam are throughout Massachusetts, including Boston, Lowell, and Worcester. Applicants must pass the plumber exam with a score of at least 70%.

License Types	Exams
Apprentice Plumber	• N/A
Journeyman Plumber	• Journeyman Plumber (Part I – Written): 80 questions, 160 minutes allowed. • Journeyman Plumber (Part II – Practical): 40 questions, 160 minutes allowed.
Master Plumber	• Master Plumber (Part I – Written): 80 questions, 160 minutes allowed.  • Master Plumber (Part II – Practical): 40 questions, 160 minutes allowed.

Both the Journeyman and Master Plumber exams are taken through PSI. 

Does my Massachusetts plumbing license work in any other states?

No, Massachusetts does not offer reciprocity with other states, so if you’re coming in from out of state, you’ll need to retake the requisite exams to be able to work.

However, if you’ve received your education or work experience in another state or country and you want to get a license in Massachusetts, you can ask the Board to consider your experience and education as being equivalent to what’s required in Massachusetts.

How long does it take to get a plumbing license in Massachusetts?

It will take you at least 4 years to qualify for a journeyman plumbing license in Massachusetts, based on the apprenticeship experience requirements. 

State regulation says that you must complete the required 6,800 hours of work experience in “no less than 4 years.” Additionally, you can only complete 165 hours of theory training per year of the required 550. 

Once you’ve earned your journeyman license, it will take another year of experience and another application process to get your master license. 

You can rest assured that the entire 4- and 5-year process to get your plumbing licenses in Massachusetts is spent gaining valuable work experience and studying the latest theory to set you up for success in the industry.

Plumbing training programs and schools in Massachusetts

There are many plumbing training schools and programs across Massachusetts to help you satisfy the requirements for a license. In fact, the state provides a list of all the approved educational institutions you can attend in order to complete your 550 required theory training hours.

These institutions include high schools, private programs through local unions, and vocational and proprietary schools. There are also in-person and online options depending on your learning style and location.

Length of programs ranges from 48 weeks to 5 years. Some are designed to get you started and help you get into the plumbing workforce, while others cover the entire spectrum of training and offer the full hourly requirements in a single program.

For those starting their training in high school, the Board is willing to recognize up to 330 theory training hours and 1,700 hours of work experience if you are enrolled in an “approved Massachusetts Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School Program.”

How much is a plumbing license in Massachusetts?

The cost to become a plumber depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay between $111 and $324 for the application, exam, and renewal fees. 

Here’s how the main costs break down:

License Type	Costs
Apprentice Plumber	• Application fee: $14 • Renewal fee: $40 • Late renewal fee: $57
Journeyman Plumber	• Application fee: $31 • License fee: $52 • Exam fee: $80 • Renewal fee: $52 • Late renewal fee: $57
Master Plumber	• Application fee: $31 • License fee: $78 • Exam fee: $80 • Renewal fee: $78 • Late renewal fee: $57

Massachusetts plumbing license renewal

Your plumbing license needs to be renewed every two years on February 1st. To renew it, you need to submit your application by May 1st of the same year. Master and Journeyman plumbers who wish to renew their licenses must complete 12 hours of classes approved by an authorized provider. You also need to pay the renewal fee. 

If you submit the renewal after May 1st, along with your renewal application, you will also have to pay a late fee.

Continuing education requirements 

All journeyman and master plumbers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education from an approved provider in order to qualify for renewal. If you don’t complete your continuing education hours by your renewal date, you have the opportunity to take makeup classes to cover anything you missed. 

If you don’t complete the hours or the makeup classes, the Board will review your case and may take actions that include denying your renewal, fines, suspending or revoking your license, forcing you to re-take your plumbing exam, or denying applications for future licenses.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If you think your plumbing license has expired, stop performing all plumbing work and renew your license. If a license is renewed late, a fee will be charged.

Working without a valid license will leave you subject to fines of up to $5,000. If you continue to work with an expired license, you may face additional penalties, such as disciplinary action or license revocation. 

These penalties can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity of the violation and the plumber’s prior history of compliance with licensing regulations.

Requirements for business owners

Getting your Massachusetts plumbing license is the first step in an exciting career and future financial stability. And if you have your sights set even higher, you can start your own plumbing business. 

Starting your own plumbing business can be done with these 10 simple steps:

• Get your plumbing license
• Set plumbing business goals
• Write a business plan
• Get business financing
• Invest in the right plumbing apps and equipment
• Register your business and get insurance
• Price your plumbing services
• Advertise your plumbing business
• Hire technicians and grow your business
• Stay current with training and knowledge

Does a plumbing license in Massachusetts increase your earning potential? 

Yes, a plumbing license in Massachusetts can increase your earning potential—and it doesn’t take much to make a difference. The bottom 25% of earners in Massachusetts make anywhere from $41,000-$63,000 a year. 

The average annual salary for a plumber in Massachusetts is an impressive $81,093. With more experience, you can take home a salary over $100,000—among the top earners in the country. That number can grow even more if you own your own plumbing business.
If you want to find out more about your earning potential in this bountiful industry, check out our plumber salary guide.

Originally published in May 2023. Last verified on January 9, 2026.