New Hampshire Plumbing License: How to Get Certified as a Plumber in NH

Do you need a license to do plumbing in New Hampshire?

Yes, in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire, plumbing licenses are issued by the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. 

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

• Install and repair pipes and fixtures
• Test and maintain systems to ensure they are functioning properly
• Inspect systems according to codes
• Conduct any residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing-related activities

Without a plumbing license, you will not be able to perform any plumbing work—it’s against the law.

Types of plumbing licenses in New Hampshire

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

The Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board divides plumbing licenses into the following types: 

License Types	Description
Apprentice Plumber	License holders may learn to perform plumbing duties under the direct supervision of a Journeyman or Master Plumber.
Journeyman Plumber	License holders may perform the installation of plumbing and drainage while working under the direction of a Master Plumber.
Master Plumber	License holders may operate a business and hire or employ individuals to perform plumbing work, or perform plumbing work themselves without hiring anyone.

New Hampshire plumbing license requirements

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

Here are the requirements for each type of license:

License Types	Requirements
Apprentice Plumber	• Be at least 18 years of age.  • Find a licensed plumber to work for and submit the application along with an apprentice agreement letter to the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. • Be enrolled in an apprenticeship program with the United States Department of Labor. • Write and pass the examination.
Journeyman Plumber	• Be at least 18 years of age. • Complete a four-year apprenticeship in plumbing consisting of 8,000 working hours. • Write and pass the examination.  • Submit an application.
Master Plumber	• Be at least 18 years of age. • Hold a Journeyman plumber’s license for at least six months.  • Write and pass the examination.  • Submit an application.

How do I get a plumbing license in New Hampshire?

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

Follow these steps to learn how to get each license type: 

Apprentice Plumber License: 

1. Enroll in an apprenticeship program with the United States Department of Labor. 
2. Complete and submit an exam application form. 
3. Write and pass the examination with a score of 70% or higher. 
4. An identification card is mailed to you upon completing the exam; you must carry it at all times and present it to an inspector upon request.
5. Submit an application with an employer.
6. Submit an apprentice agreement letter to the Board. 
7. Pay the necessary fees. 

Journeyman Plumber:

1. Complete a four-year apprenticeship in plumbing (8,000 hours) and receive a certificate of completion from the organization conducting the program. Or, demonstrate proof of plumbing licensure from another state. 
2. Complete an exam application form.
3. Write and pass the examination with a score of 70% or higher. 
4. Provide one letter signed by a licensed master plumber who was supervising or directing your supervision.
5. Submit the application form. 
6. Pay the necessary fees. 

Master Plumber: 

1. Have a Journeyman Plumbers License for at least 6 months. 
2. Provide one letter signed by a licensed master plumber who was supervising or directing your supervision.
3. Complete an exam application form. 
4. Write and pass the examination with a score of 70% or higher. 
5. Submit the application form. 
6. Pay the necessary fees. 

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

Office of Professional Licensure & Certification
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301

New Hampshire plumbing license exam

The New Hampshire 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 exam, applicants demonstrate that they have a comprehensive understanding of plumbing systems, codes, regulations, and safety practices. 

The NH Journeyman Plumbing Exam consists of 100 questions and has a 3-hour time limit. Questions consist of true or false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, or a series of each. Applicants must pass with a score of 70% or higher. 

Subjects within the exam include: 

• Scope & Administration 
• Plumbing Fundamentals 
• Fixtures & Appurtenances 
• Water Distribution
• Drainage Requirements 
• Venting Requirements
• Traps, Cleanouts & Interceptors
• Mathematical Calculations 
• ​RSA-Rules

To take the exam, which you’ll have to complete in person, submit an application form to the following address:

NH School of Mechanical Trades 
109 Towle Farm Rd, Hampton, NH 

Does New Hampshire reciprocate plumbing licenses?

At this time, there is no reciprocity for an out-of-state Apprentice plumber or a Journeyman plumber looking to transfer their license to New Hampshire. 

However, if you’re a Master plumber from another state and you have a license or certification from that state, you can take the licensing exam in New Hampshire right away.

Learn more about reciprocating your Master plumber license. 

How much is a plumbing license in New Hampshire?

The cost to become a plumber depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay between $270 and $410. 

Here’s how the main costs break down:

License Types	Costs
Apprentice Plumber	• Application fee: $90 • Exam fees: $100 • Apprenticeship license renewal: $80
Journeyman Plumber	• Application fee: $90 • Exam fees: $100 • Apprenticeship license renewal: $80
Master Plumber	• Application fee: $90 • Exam fees: $100 • Apprenticeship license renewal: $80

New Hampshire plumbing license renewal

All plumbing licenses in New Hampshire must be renewed every 2 years. To renew your license, you must meet these requirements:

License Types	Renewal Requirements
Apprentice Plumber	• Be enrolled in an approved training program through the United States Department of Labor.  • Remain current with your education and employment to remain in the program.  • Provide proof of training and employment.
Journeyman Plumber	• Complete continuing education courses–3 hours per year totaling 6 hours of specified training for each two-year licensing cycle.
Master Plumber	• Complete continuing education courses–3 hours per year totaling 6 hours of specified training for each two-year licensing cycle.ewal: $80

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 you renew your license late, you’ll be charged a fee of $25 per month after the renewal due date. 

Working without a valid license will leave you subject to fines of up to $2,000. 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.

All licenses can be renewed here. 

Requirements for business owners

Getting your New Hampshire plumbing license is a great career move 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 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

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

Does a plumbing license in New Hampshire increase your earning potential? 

Yes, a plumbing license in New Hampshire can increase your earning potential. On average, plumbers in New Hampshire start at ​​$38,132 and can climb to $47,413.  

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.