Massachusetts Plumbing License: How to Get Certified as a Plumber in MA
If you’re uncertain about the job market, becoming a licensed plumber can be a smart way to secure your financial future. Plumbers can earn a high starting salary, and there are plenty of opportunities for growth in the industry, especially in Massachusetts.
The salary for plumbers in Massachusetts is 7% higher than the national average, with an average salary of $58,719.
That means now is the best time to get your plumbing license and start working towards a prosperous financial future.
In this guide, we’ll go over all the critical questions and need-to-know info about getting your Massachusetts plumbing license and getting started in this lucrative industry:
- Do you need a license to do plumbing in Massachusetts?
- Types of plumbing licenses in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts plumbing license requirements
- How do I get a plumbing license in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts plumbing license exam
- Does Massachusetts reciprocate plumbing licenses?
- How much is a plumbing license in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts plumbing license renewal
- What happens if my license expires?
- Requirements for business owners
- Does a plumbing license in Massachusetts increase your earning potential?
If you’re serious about getting your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
Do you need a plumbing license in Massachusetts?
Yes, in Massachusetts, 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.
In Massachusetts, plumbing licenses are issued by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
Here are the types of work that plumbers need licensing 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.
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. |
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 18 years old. • Submit the application and pay the application fee. • Complete at least 150 hours of training at a technical school. |
| 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. • 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. • 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:
- Complete at least 150 hours of training at a technical school.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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 plumbing license exams.
This exam covers 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 Ven
- 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 Type | 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 Journeyman and Master Plumber exams are taken through PSI.
Does Massachusetts reciprocate plumbing licenses?
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 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-$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 want to renew their license must take 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.
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 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 Massachusetts! If you need to, refer back here for more information about plumbing licenses or business support.
Does a plumbing license in Massachusetts increase your earning potential?
Yes, a plumbing license in Massachusetts can increase your earning potential. On average, plumbers in Massachusetts make $58,719.
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.