Oregon Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified Plumber in OR

Do you need a plumbing license in Oregon?

Yes, in Oregon, a plumbing license is required for anyone who wants to perform plumbing work. The state requires plumbers to be licensed in order to ensure that 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:

• Install and repair pipes, fittings, medical gas systems, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems.
• Install and repair sinks, commodes, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, garbage disposal units, dishwashers, and water according to specifications and plumbing codes.
• Locate and mark the position of pipes, pipe connections, and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors using a ruler, spirit level, and plumb bob.
• Cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings using hand tools and a threading machine.
• Bend pipe using a pipe-bending machine or by placing pipe over a block and bending it by hand.
• Assemble and install valves, pipe fittings, and pipes composed of various metals or glass, vitrified clay, and plastic using hand tools and power tools.
• Weld holding fixtures to structures.

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

Who issues plumbing licenses in Oregon?

In Oregon, plumbing licenses are issued by the State Plumbing Board, which falls under the Building Codes Division (BCD). The State Plumbing Board supports the Department of Consumer and Business Services to facilitate plumbing activities defined by the state, including:

• Requirements for apprenticeships and journeyman licenses
• Requirements for specialty plumbing licenses
• Insurance requirements
• License renewals
• Penalties, suspension, and license revocation
• Licensing fees

The board also ensures all plumbers are properly certified and qualified under the latest safety standards.

Types of plumbing licenses in Oregon

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

The State Plumbing Board divides plumbing licenses into two types: Individual Licenses and Contractor Licenses.

The main difference between an individual plumbing license and a contractor plumbing license in Oregon is the scope of responsibilities and the ability to enter into contracts directly with clients. 

An individual plumber license holder typically works under a licensed contractor, whereas a plumbing contractor license enables the licensee to operate a plumbing contracting business and undertake larger projects independently.

Oregon plumbing license requirements

In order to obtain your plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the State Plumbing Board. 

Here are the requirements for each type of license:

Benefits of getting an Oregon plumbing license

Obtaining your plumbing license in Oregon 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

Oregon plumbing license requirements

In order to obtain your plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the State Plumbing Board. 

Here are the requirements for each type of license:

How do I get a plumbing license in Oregon?

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

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

Individual Licenses: 

• Fill out the Plumbing License Application:
  • Complete the work history.
  • Sign the applicant affidavit.
  • Indicate your preferred exam location.
  • Use the application checklist. 
• Meet the work experience requirements for your specific plumbing license type:
  • Journeyman Plumber: 576 hours of classroom and 7,700 hours of plumbing work experience. 
  • Water-Treatment Installer: 210 hours of training, and 3,000 of plumbing work experience. 
  • Residential Water-Heater Installer: 8 hours of training class for WHIs.
  • Solar Heating and Cooling Installer: 2,288 hours of classroom and on-the-job training or 2,000 hours of lawful experience and training.
• Mail or fax all completed documents in a single packet to the address below. Don’t email any documents to the division. All license types use this application form. 
• After your application is received and approved, the Board will mail you a letter of authorization that details how to schedule the licensing exam.
• Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your license in the mail. 

Contractor Licenses:

• Fill out the Contractor/Business License Application.
  • Check the correct license type. 
  • List previous licenses.
  • List Construction Contractor Board (CCB) licenses.
  • Register your business name with the Secretary of State.
  • Mail or fax all completed documents in a single packet to the Building Codes Division. Don’t email any documents to the division.
• Designate a Signing Supervisor.
  • Use Verification of the Qualifying Person’s Experience if applying with a “qualified person” (QP) as the designated signing supervisor. Skip this step if applying for a boiler and plumbing contractor license.
• Verify employees, if required for your license.
  • Submit a list of employees for the specific contractor types listed.
• Wait for approval and receive the relevant license and certificate application forms by mail.
  • Contractor/Business License Application.
  • Individual License Application.
  • Plumbing Experience Verification Form.
  • Verification of Qualifying Person’s Experience for Contractor/Business License Application.

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

DCBS Fiscal Services
PO BOX 14610
Salem OR, 97309-0445

Oregon plumbing license exam

Oregon plumbers must take a written examination at one of the testing locations. The exam consists of 64 questions and takes four hours to complete. To pass the examination and become a licensed journeyman, plumbers must achieve a score of at least 75%. 

The exam is based on the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC), and questions cover various topics pertaining to plumbing. These topics include:

• Vents and venting
• Administrative procedures
• Fixtures
• Drainage systems

The exam is open book, which means you’re allowed to bring pre-approved reference materials with you. However, it is essential for plumbers to study these topics thoroughly before taking the exam to ensure they have the knowledge needed to pass the examination.

Does my Oregon plumbing license work in any other states?

Currently, journeyman plumbers in Oregon are able to transfer or reciprocate their licenses from Idaho and Montana.

Plumbing reciprocity licenses allow licensed plumbers in one state to transfer their licenses to another state with a reciprocity agreement. This means they can start working as a plumber immediately without having to restart the license application process.

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

It will take a minimum of 18 months to get your Oregon plumbing license as a Water Treatment Installer. That is based on the mandatory 18-month apprenticeship required to get started.

For those looking to become a journeyman plumber, it will take at least four years to complete the application process and acquire all the necessary training and work experience to qualify for a license.

Plumbing training programs and schools in Oregon

There are many educational opportunities to become a plumber in Oregon. These include apprenticeships, technical and vocational schools, trade schools, and community colleges.

You can also start with a pre-apprenticeship program if you have no prior experience. These programs are usually 6-8 weeks and cover basic information to introduce you to the trade.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has accredited the following community colleges with plumbing programs. These plumbing programs are based on many of the most important education you’ll find in an apprenticeship, and some of them offer pre-apprenticeship as well.

• Blue Mountain Community College 
• Central Oregon Community College
• Chemeketa Community College 
• Clackamas Community College
• Clatsop Community College
• Klamath Community College
• Lane Community College
• Portland Community College
• Rogue Community College

How much is a plumbing license in Oregon?

The cost to become a plumber depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay at a minimum $840-$1575 for the application fee and exams. 

Here’s how the main costs break down:

Oregon plumbing license renewal

If you think your plumbing license has expired, stop performing all plumbing work and renew your license. 

Individual plumbing licenses and plumbing contractor licenses must be renewed every 3 years on July 1.

If you have a license issued by the division, you can renew it online as long as it’s within 45 days of the expiration date. You can find the expiration date printed on the front of the license. You’ll also receive a renewal notice by mail 45 days before your license expires.

Continuing education requirements

During each three-year cycle of your license, you’ll need to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education, depending on your specialty. The required hours can range from 4 to 24, depending on your license and the duration of your license. 

For journeyman plumbers, you need a total of 24 continuing education credits to renew your license. This requirement includes 4 credits for Oregon rule and law, 4 credits for code changes, and 16 credits for code-related.

Solar Heating and Cooling System Installers are only required to complete 8 code-related credits, while Water Treatment Installers and Water Heater Installers are exempt from continuing education requirements.

You have the flexibility to take continuing education classes at any time during your license renewal cycle.All licenses can be renewed here.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If you don’t renew your license by the expiration date, your license will fall into the “expired-renewable” status. You are not eligible to work under your license until all the renewal requirements are met, including continuing education.

The expiration date is listed on the front of your license.

If a plumber works with an expired license in Oregon, they may face a range of fines and penalties. The specific consequences depend on the nature of the violation. However, some possible fines and penalties include:

• Suspension or revocation of the plumber’s license.
• A fine of up to $5,000 per violation.
• A requirement to complete additional continuing education or training.
• A requirement to pass an additional examination.
• Liability for damages resulting from work performed with an expired or invalid license.

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 Oregon plumbing license is a great first step that will benefit your financial future. If you’re looking to take it to the next level, you can start your own plumbing business. 

In Oregon, it’s a legal requirement for plumbing contractors to have general liability insurance. This insurance is designed to provide financial protection in case of accidents, damages, or injuries that may occur during construction or contracting work. The purpose of this insurance is to safeguard both the contractor and the clients they serve.

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

• Get your plumbing certification.
• 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.

Now, you’re ready to start your plumbing career in Oregon! If you need to, refer back here for more information about plumbing licenses or business support.

How much do plumbers get paid in Oregon?

On average, entry-level plumbers in Oregon earn between $31,000 and $45,000 per year.

The average plumber’s salary in Oregon is $66,837, but there is plenty of room to grow with more experience. The top 25% of plumbing salaries in Oregon range from $72,400 to over $100,000. That number could grow even higher if you start and run your own plumbing business.

A plumbing license in Oregon can also increase your earning potential by allowing you to take on more complex projects and access higher-paying job opportunities. Additionally, with increased licensing credentials, you may be able to negotiate better rates with clients.

If you want to find out more about your earning potential in this bountiful industry, check out the Essential Plumber Salary Guide.