Maine Plumbing License: How to Get Certified as a Plumber in ME

Do you need a plumbing license in Maine?

Yes, the state of Maine requires that you have a plumbing license to perform any kind of plumbing work. These licenses are given out by the Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board. 

Once you have your plumbing license, you can install and service plumbing and drainage systems. While you can carry out certain repairs without a license, only master plumbers can complete plumbing installations in the state of Maine.

Depending on the repair, some plumbing repairs in Maine can be done without a license. Without a plumbing license, you can make minor changes to existing plumbing systems, clean and maintain existing plumbing, install or replace faucets and fixtures, and repair sewer lines (under certain conditions).

However, you’ll need a license for more valuable and complex plumbing projects involving new installations or significant alterations to existing systems.

Maintaining an up-to-date plumbing license ensures that you will be working legally in the state of Maine.

Types of plumbing licenses in Maine

The type of license you need depends on the type of work you want to do. Maine offers multiple types of licenses, so make sure you know which one is right for you.

The Plumbers’ Examining Board divides plumbing licenses into the following types:

License Types	Description
Trainee Plumber	License holders may engage in assisting and making plumbing installations under the direct supervision of a journeyman plumber or master plumber, whether for the purpose of learning the trade or otherwise.
Journeyman-in-Training	License holders may assist in making plumbing installations under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber.
Journeyman Plumber	License holders may perform the work of installing plumbing and drainage under the employment and direction of a master plumber.
Master Plumber	License holders may engage in the business of installing plumbing or plumbing systems.

Maine plumbing license requirements

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

Here are the requirements for each type of license:

License Types	Requirements
Trainee Plumber	• Passed a criminal record check.  • Completed and submitted the license application and paid the application fee.
Journeyman-in-Training	• Submitted and passed a criminal record check.  • Completed and submitted the license application and paid the application fee. • Completed a plumbing course consisting of 2 semesters at a board-approved community college or a two-year plumbing course at a career and technical education program. • Wrote and passed the journeyman-in-training plumbers examination with 70% or higher score and paid the fee.
Journeyman Plumber	• Submitted and passed a criminal record check. • Wrote and passed the journeyman plumbers examination with 70% or higher score and paid the fee. • Completed and submitted the license application and paid the application fee. • Must have met one of the following experience requirements:   → Worked at least 2 years, with a minimum of 4,000 hours, in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the direct supervision of a master plumber. → Graduated from a two-year secondary school career and technical education plumbing program. Must show a high school transcript copy detailing your completion of a Maine high school 2-year plumbing program. → Graduated from an accredited community college one-year plumbing program.  → Obtained an out-of-state plumbing education or license, presented transcript(s) demonstrating completion of an accredited community college one-year plumbing program or at least two years and 4,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations, and provided evidence of plumbing installations including installations, repairs, alterations, and maintenance. Note: Each pathway must have the appropriate examination application completed, signed and dated.
Master Plumber	• Submitted and passed a criminal record check. • Wrote and passed the master plumber examination with 75% score or higher and paid the fee. • Completed and submitted the license application and paid the application fee. • Holds at least a Journeyman-in-training license. • Must have met one of the following experience requirements: → Worked at least 4 years with a minimum of 8,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the direct supervision of a master plumber. → Worked at least one year and 2,000 hours as a licensed Journeyman plumber under the supervision of a master plumber.  → Obtained an out-of-state Master plumber license, worked at least 4 years and 8,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations, and provided satisfactory evidence of plumbing installations including installations, repairs, alterations and maintenance. Note: Each pathway must have the appropriate examination application completed, signed and dated.

How do I get a plumbing license in Maine?

There are three options available if you want to get your plumbing license and start working in the Maine plumbing industry, regardless of the direction you choose. 

Here’s the licensing process for each type of Maine plumbing license: 

Trainee Plumber License: 

1) Pass a criminal record check. 

2) Complete and submit the trainee plumber license application and pay the application fee. 

Journeyman-in-training License: 

1) Complete a plumbing course consisting of one year or 2 semesters at a board-approved community college or a two-year plumbing course at a career and technical education program. 

2) Pass a criminal record check. 

3) Write and pass the journeyman-in-training plumbers examination with a 70% score or higher and pay the exam fee. 

4) Complete and submit the journeyman-in-training license application form and pay the application fee.

Journeyman License: 

1) Complete one of the following experience requirements:

• Worked at least 2 years with a minimum of 4,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the direct supervision of a master plumber.
• Graduated from a two-year secondary school career and technical education plumbing program. Must show a high school transcript copy detailing your completion of a Maine high school 2-year plumbing program.
• Graduated from an accredited community college one-year plumbing program. 
• Obtained an out-of-state plumbing education or license, presented transcript(s) demonstrating completion of an accredited community college one-year plumbing program or at least two years and 4,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations, and provided evidence of plumbing installations including installations, repairs, alterations and maintenance.

2) Pass a criminal record check.

3) Write and pass the journeyman plumbers examination with 70% or higher and pay the fee.

4) Complete and submit the license application and pay the application fee.

5) Have the appropriate examination application completed, signed and dated for the chosen pathway.

Master Plumber License: 

1) Complete one of the following experience requirements:

• Worked at least 4 years with a minimum of 8,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under the direct supervision of a master plumber.
• Worked at least one year and 2,000 hours as a licensed Journeyman plumber under the supervision of a master plumber. 
• Obtained an out-of-state Master plumber license, worked at least 4 years and 8,000 hours in the field of plumbing installations, and provided evidence of plumbing installations including installations, repairs, alterations, and maintenance.

2) Pass a criminal record check.

3) Write and pass the master plumber examination with 75% or higher and paid the fee.

4) Complete and submit the license application and pay the application fee.

5) Already be a licensed Journeyman-in-training or Journeyman.

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

35 State House Station

Augusta, ME 

04333

Maine plumbing license exam

In order to write the plumbing exam in Maine, you must complete an approved course of study and obtain a passing score on the required tests. The exams range from 80–100 multiple-choice questions and take 3 hours to complete. 

You can purchase the UPC Exam Prep and Growth Package for $289. It covers everything you need to know before taking the plumber exams and the steps it takes to get properly licensed.

Included in the course package:

• About the Exam
• Reading and Understanding the Exam Bulletin
• Books That You Should Have During the Exam
• Effective Study Techniques
• Administration
• Definitions
• General Regulations
• Plumbing Math
• Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect Waste
• Vents
• Traps and Interceptors
• Storm Drainage
• Appendices
• Hands-On Practical Application
• Measuring, Fitting, and Soldering Copper Piping

You can register for your exam here.

Does Maine reciprocate plumbing licenses?

Maine reciprocates plumbing licenses with select states. The states currently in agreement with Maine are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont.

If you are licensed as a plumbing applicator in one of those states, you may be able to receive a reciprocal license in Maine.

How much is a plumbing license in Maine?

The cost to become a plumbing applicator in Maine depends on the type of licenses you need.

Here’s how the main costs break down:

License Types	Costs
Trainee Plumber	• Criminal record check fee: $21 • Renewal fee: $100 • Late renewal fee: $50
Journeyman-in-Training	• Criminal record check fee: $21  • Exam fee: $65 • License fee: $121 • Renewal fee $200 • Late renewal fee: $50
Journeyman Plumber	• Criminal record check fee: $21 • Exam fee: $65  • License fee: $200 • Application fee: $221  • Renewal fee: $200 • Late renewal fee: $50 • Reinstatement fee: $300
Master Plumber	• Criminal record check fee: $21  • Exam fee: $65 • License fee: $200 • Application fee: $221 • Renewal fee: $200 • Late renewal fee: $50 • Reinstatement fee: $300

Maine plumbing license renewal

Maine requires that all plumbing license holders have an up-to-date license status. 

All plumbers’ licenses must be renewed every 2 years, except a journeyman-in-training license, which must be renewed every 4 years.

For trainee and journeyman-in-training licenses, any person who submits an application for renewal more than 90 days after the expiration date has to follow the application requirements of a new applicant.

For journeyman and master plumber licenses, any person who submits an application for renewal more than 2 years after the expiration date has to follow the same application process as a new applicant.

You can renew your license online or with a downloadable application.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If your plumbing license expires in Maine, you must complete and submit an application for renewal with the appropriate fees.

Failure to renew your license may result in fines and other disciplinary action. These fines range from $25 to $1,000 depending on the nature of the violation. Disciplinary action may include temporary or permanent suspension of licenses and other legal penalties.

If you suspect your license has expired, or will expire soon, stop performing any plumbing work and renew your license immediately.

Requirements for business owners

Getting your Maine 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. 

Start your own plumbing business by following these 10 straightforward steps:

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

If you’re thinking about starting your own plumbing business in Maine, there are a few requirements you need to meet. Carefully read through Maine’s business owner requirements to make sure you’re all set to start your company.

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

Does a plumbing license in Maine increase your earning potential?

Yes, a plumbing license in Maine can increase your earning potential. On average, plumbers in Maine start at ​​$35,648 per year and can climb to $44,328.  

Having a plumbing license allows you to take on more complex projects and access higher-paying job opportunities. Plus, higher licensing credentials can help you negotiate better rates with clients.