Iowa Plumbing License: How to Get Certified as a Plumber in IA
Amidst market instability, getting your plumbing license can provide a sense of financial security for your future. If you want a dependable starting income, the plumbing sector offers a solid base pay and significant potential for advancement, especially in Iowa.
Entry-level plumbers in Iowa make an average salary of $34,662, while plumbers with 5+ years of experience make up to $48,231.
That means now is the best time to get your plumbing license and start working towards a steady financial future.
In this guide, we’ll go over all the critical questions and need-to-know info about getting your Iowa plumbing license and getting started in this in-demand industry:
- Do you need a license to do plumbing in Iowa?
- Types of plumbing licenses in Iowa
- Iowa plumbing license requirements
- How do I get a plumbing license in Iowa?
- Iowa plumbing license exam
- Does Iowa reciprocate plumbing licenses?
- How much is a plumbing license in Iowa?
- Iowa plumbing license renewal
- What happens if my Iowa license expires?
- Requirements for business owners
- Does a plumbing license in Iowa increase your earning potential?
If you’re serious about getting your Iowa plumbing license, make sure you bookmark this page. This way, you can return to this guide if you have any questions or are ready to start your own plumbing business in Iowa.
Do you need a plumbing license in Iowa?
Yes, in the state of Iowa, plumbers are required to have a plumbing license in order to perform plumbing work. This license ensures that the plumber has met certain qualifications and has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform plumbing work safely and effectively.
In Iowa, plumbing licenses are issued by The Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board.
Here are the types of work that plumbers need licensing to do:
- Installing, maintaining, and repairing water supply and distribution systems
- Installing, maintaining, and repairing sanitary drainage systems
- Installing, maintaining, and repairing fixtures and appliances such as toilets, sinks, and water heaters
Performing plumbing work without a valid plumbing license in Iowa is considered a violation of the law and can result in fines and other legal consequences.
Types of plumbing licenses in Iowa
The type of license you need will depend on the type of work you would like to do. Iowa offers multiple licenses, so make sure you know which one is right for you.
The Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board divides plumbing licenses into the following types:
| License Type | Description |
| Apprentice | License holders may perform plumbing work under the direct supervision of either a master or a journeyperson. |
| Journeyman | License holders may be employed as employees of or working under the supervision of a master and are involved in the design, installation, and repair of plumbing systems. |
| Master | License holders are qualified to conduct plumbing work and supervise the design, installation, or repair of this work. |
| Contractor | License holders may provide plumbing services on a contractual basis and receive a predetermined payment under that contract for performing those services. |
Iowa plumbing license requirements
In order to obtain your plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board.
Here are the requirements for each type of license:
| License Type | Requirements |
| Plumbing Apprentice | • Be at least 18 years old. • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. • Submit a criminal record check. • Be enrolled in an applicable apprentice program. • Submit an application and pay the appropriate fees. |
| Journeyman Plumber | • Complete at least four years of practical experience as an Apprentice. • Write and pass the Iowa journeyman examination. • Submit an application and pay the appropriate fees. |
| Master Plumber | • Complete at least two years of practical experience as a Journeyman. • Write and pass the Iowa master plumber examination. • Submit an application and pay the appropriate fees. |
| Plumbing Contractor* | • Submit an application and pay the appropriate fees. • Provide a valid unemployment insurance number (even if you have no employees). • Provide the board with evidence that you maintain a permanent place of business. |
* 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 Iowa?
As you can see, there are different licenses you need to get along your journey of becoming a fully licensed plumber in Iowa.
The main difference between a contractor plumber and a master plumber in Iowa is the level of experience and expertise they have in the plumbing industry, which determines the types of plumbing projects they can work on independently.
Now, let’s go over the steps you need to take to get the necessary licenses.
Apprentice Plumber License:
- Enroll in an applicable apprentice program.
- Provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Complete at least four years of practical experience as an Apprentice.
Journeyman Plumber License:
- Submit an Exam Approval Application per trade discipline, either online or via a paper application, and pay the fee.
- Allow up to two weeks for a complete Exam Approval Application to be processed. Upon approval, you will be sent instructions on scheduling the examination through the board’s approved testing provider.
- Follow the instructions to schedule your examination at one of the 15 different testing sites throughout Iowa.
- Upon passing the exam, submit an application for Post-Examination Licensure and pay the fee.
- Complete at least two years of practical experience as a Journeyman.
Master Plumber License:
- Submit an Exam Approval Application per trade discipline, either online or via a paper application and pay the fee.
- Allow up to two weeks for a complete Exam Approval Application to be processed. Upon approval, you will be sent instructions about scheduling the examination through the board’s approved testing provider.
- Follow the instructions to schedule your examination at one of the 15 different testing sites throughout Iowa.
- Upon passing the exam, submit an application for Post-Examination Licensure and pay the fee.
Contractor License:
- Provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession.
- Fill out the application form and pay the fee.
- Provide the required bond and information to be issued a Division of Labor Contractor Registration Number
- Provide a valid unemployment insurance number.
- Provide liability insurance.
- Provide evidence that you maintain a permanent place of business.
All forms and documents can be mailed to the following address:
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
Iowa Dept. of Public Health
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Iowa plumbing license exam
The plumbing license exam ensures that plumbers in the state have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job safely and effectively. By passing the appropriate exams, applicants demonstrate that they have a comprehensive understanding of plumbing systems, codes, regulations, and safety practices.
A score of 75% or above is required to pass each exam. The Journeyman plumber exam is open book, 75 questions over 3 hours. Subjects within the exam include:
- General Regulations
- Fixtures and Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect Wastes
- Vents
- Traps and Interceptors
- Storm Drainage
- Fuel Gas Piping
The Master plumber exam is open-book, 125 questions over 5 hours. Subjects within the exam include:
- General Regulations
- Fixtures and Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect Wastes
- Vents
- Traps and Interceptors
- Storm Drainage
- Fuel Gas Piping
- Isometric
You can register for any exam here.
Does Iowa reciprocate plumbing licenses?
Yes, but Iowa only reciprocates plumbing licenses with South Dakota. This means that if you hold a plumbing license from South Dakota, you may be eligible to receive a plumbing license in Iowa without having to complete all of the state’s licensing requirements.
Learn about reciprocating your plumbing license.
How much is a plumbing license in Iowa?
The cost to become a plumber depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay between $25-$375 for the application and exam fees.
Here’s how the main costs break down:
| License Type | Costs |
| Apprentice | • Application fee: $20 |
| Journeyman | • Application fee: $25 • Exam fee: $109 |
| Master | • Application fee: $25 • Exam fee: $109 |
| Contractor | • Registration fee: $250 • License fee: $100 • Application fee: $25 |
Iowa plumbing license renewal
To renew a license, applicants must submit an application for renewal (either online or via a paper application), pay the renewal fee, and meet the continuing education requirements for renewal.
| License Type | Renewal Requirements |
| Apprentice | • License renewal application • Online license renewal |
| Journeyman | • License renewal application • Online license renewal |
| Master | • License renewal application • Online license renewal |
| Contractor | • License renewal application • Online license renewal |
What happens if my plumbing license expires?
If you think your plumbing license has expired, stop performing any plumbing work. The Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board has the power to fine people who do plumbing work without a license. This applies to practices that are against the law, including installing or repairing plumbing systems, mechanical systems, HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, sheet metal, and hydronic systems, or medical gas piping systems, without a license or certification.
It’s against the law to pretend to have a license, use an expired or fake license, or help someone else do plumbing work without a license. If you break any of these rules, you could face a civil penalty and fines ranging up to $5,000, or even more.
Requirements for business owners
Getting your Iowa plumbing license is a great first step that will benefit your financial future. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, you can start your own plumbing business.
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 Iowa! If you need to, refer back here for more information about plumbing licenses or business support.
Does a plumbing license in Iowa increase your earning potential?
Yes, a plumbing license in Iowa can increase your earning potential. On average, plumbers in Iowa start at $34,662 and can climb to $48,231.
Having a license allows 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 for 2023.