New Jersey Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified Plumber in NJ

Do you need a plumbing license in NJ?

Yes, plumbers are required to have a plumbing license in order to perform plumbing work in the state of New Jersey. This license ensures that the plumber has met certain qualifications and has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform plumbing work safely and effectively.

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

• Plan plumbing systems for residential and commercial buildings.
• Lay out plumbing system components in accordance with plans.
• Install plumbing equipment correctly and efficiently.
• Repair plumbing fixtures and systems.

Performing plumbing work without a license in New Jersey violates state regulations. It can result in legal penalties, project delays, safety concerns, limited job opportunities, potential damage liability, and reputation damage.

Who issues plumbing licenses in Oregon?

In New Jersey, plumbing licenses are issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. 

The Board’s main purpose is to regulate plumbing activities in accordance with state law and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and businesses.

The Board also ensures that plumbers meet all training and educational requirements for licensing and renewal, and enforces consumer protection laws in cases of any wrongdoing by master plumbers.

Types of plumbing licenses in NJ

In New Jersey, the Division of Consumer Affairs issues only one type of plumber’s license, the Master Plumber License. 

There are two other levels of plumbers that require registration but not a license—apprentice and journeyman plumbers. Being an apprentice or journeyman plumber is not a specific license type in New Jersey. Rather, they are a necessary way of gaining experience for the master plumber license.

The following table illustrates the different types of plumbing license steps:

Type of Plumber	Description
Apprentice Plumber	Registrants may learn and help with plumbing installations as their main job under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber.
Journeyman Plumber	Registrants may work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or supervisory journeyman plumber.
Licensed Master Plumber	License holders may plan, layout, install, and repair plumbing apparatus and equipment, and supervise others in the performance of such plumbing work.

Benefits of getting a plumbing license in NJ

Obtaining your plumbing license in New Jersey offers several benefits, including 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

NJ plumbing license requirements

In order to obtain your master plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. 

Here are the requirements for each role leading up to the master plumbing license:

Type of Plumber	Requirements
Apprentice Plumber	• Be at least 16 years old. • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. • Be enrolled in an applicable apprentice program through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Journeyman Plumber	• Complete an apprenticeship program or have a minimum of four years of practical experience in plumbing work.  • Submit the application form to register with the State Board of Examiners.
Master Plumber	• Be at least 21 years old.  • Be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S. • Write and pass the New Jersey master plumber examinations.  • Submit an application and pay the appropriate fees. For experience, you’ll need to: • Be employed in the plumbing trade for at least 5 years prior to submitting an application—4 years as an apprentice and 1 year as a journeyman plumber (you can substitute years as an apprentice with years of employment) OR • Have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college or university • Have 1 year of experience as an apprentice or journeyman plumber

How do I get a plumbing license in NJ?

To get your master plumber license, you need to meet certain requirements along your journey. 

Master Plumber License:

Here is a clear step-by-step list for obtaining a master plumber license:

• Be at least 21 years old by the time the master plumber application is submitted. 
• After completing either the apprenticeship or the bachelor’s degree path, register as a journeyman plumber, receive training under a master plumber during this one-year period, and pay the application fee. 
• Provide proof to the Board that you have completed one of the following:
  • A four-year apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor, including education in propane services, followed by at least 1,200 hours of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey.
  • A bachelor’s degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college or university, including education in propane services, followed by at least 1,200 hours of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey.
• Submit a completed examination application and exam fee to the Board.
• Once the Board reviews the submitted information, it will send a letter informing you of your eligibility to take the licensing examination, along with the exam dates and locations.
• Upon successful completion of the exams, you will receive your license in the mail. 

All forms and documents can be submitted online. Further inquiries can be mailed to: 

Susan Rischawy
Executive Director
P.O. Box 45008
Newark, New Jersey 07101

NJ plumbing license exam

The plumbing license exam ensures that master plumbers in New Jersey have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their jobs safely and effectively. By passing the required exams, applicants demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of plumbing systems, codes, regulations, and safety practices. 

Master plumber applicants must take the Trade Exam, Business and Law Exam, and Practical Exam.

A score of 70% or above is required to pass each exam. The master plumber exams consist of 25-100 questions, with a time limit of 130-195 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of each exam:

Master Plumber Trade Exam:

100 questions, passing score of 70%, 195 minutes allowed. 

Subjects include:

• General knowledge
• Materials, uses, and specifications 
• Traps, interceptors, and backflow prevention
• Plumbing fixtures, fittings, and plumbing appliances
• Water supply systems
• Drains and waste

Business and Law Exam:

50 questions, 70% passing score, 130 minutes allowed

Subjects include: 

• Business organization
• Licensing
• Estimating and bidding
• Contract management
• Project management
• Risk management 
• Safety
• Labor law
• Financial management 
• Tax law 
• Lien law

Master Plumber Practical Exam:

25 questions, 70% passing score, 130 minutes allowed

Subjects include: 

• Isometric analysis
• Figure analysis

You can register for the exam here.

Does my NJ plumbing license work in any other states?

No, a New Jersey plumbing license will not allow you to work in another state. New Jersey doesn’t have any reciprocal agreements with other states, so you would need to earn a new license based on the requirements of the jurisdiction.

New Jersey reciprocates with plumbers who are licensed in other states. That means if you are licensed in another state, you may be able to earn your New Jersey Plumbing License more easily. However, the licensing standards of those states must be equal to or comparable with those of New Jersey, and the other state must reciprocate with New Jersey as well.

Here are the states that have been reviewed and approved by the Plumbing Board for reciprocity:

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

It will take at least 5 years to obtain your New Jersey plumbing license. You’ll be able to work as an apprentice and journeyman, but you won’t qualify for a master plumber license until later.

You need to complete a 4-year apprenticeship and work for at least a year as a journeyman before you can apply for a master license. You can substitute years of apprenticeship for work experience, but the timeline doesn’t get any shorter.

Plumbing training programs and schools in NJ

New Jersey is home to a number of plumbing trade schools, colleges, and universities to help you get started on your way to a master license.

If you choose a college or university, you could satisfy part of the experience requirements for a master’s license with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering. You would also need to work for a year as a journeyman, but you could skip the apprenticeship.

Colleges and universities

• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Passaic County Community College
• Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Engineering
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• The College of New Jersey

Plumbing trade and vocational schools

• Ocean County Vocational Technical School
• Eastwick Education
• New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools
• Pennco Tech

How much does a plumbing license cost in NJ?

The cost of becoming a master plumber spans various stages of the licensing journey. Prior to renewal, you can expect to pay $825. 

Here’s how the main costs break down:

Fee Type	Cost
Master License Fee	$160
Master License Renewal Fee	$160
Apprentice Registration	$50
Journeyman Registration	$75 ($50 with prior registration as an apprentice)
Late Renewal fee	$50
Reinstatement Fee	$150
Exam Application Fee	$100
Business Law Exam Fee	$47
Master Plumber Trade Exam Fee	$87
Trade Practical Exam Fee	$106

NJ plumbing license renewal

Master plumber licenses need to be renewed every two years on June 30th of odd-numbered years. License holders will receive a reminder about the renewal process approximately 60 days before the expiration date. 

To maintain the license, every licensee must complete 5 continuing education credits in a Board-approved course during each 2-year period. It is important for licensees to keep records of their continuing education attendance for 4 years. 

You can renew your license here.

What happens if my New Jersey plumbing license expires? 

If your master plumber license expires and you continue to work, it can lead to significant consequences. You have 30 days from the expiration date to renew your license. 

Operating without a valid license is a violation of state regulations and can result in legal penalties and fines up to $2,000 and restrictions on performing plumbing work.

Without a valid license, you may face limited job opportunities, as many employers require licensed plumbers. Additionally, insurance coverage may be affected, which is crucial for protecting yourself and your clients from potential damages or accidents. 

Renewing an expired license may require fulfilling additional requirements, such as completing missed continuing education credits. To avoid complications, it is essential to stay informed about the renewal process and submit all necessary documentation and fees in a timely manner.

Requirements for business owners

Getting your 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. 

A plumbing contractor in New Jersey is an individual licensed as a master plumber or a legal entity, such as a firm, partnership, or corporation, that takes on plumbing projects for others. They plan, supervise, install, and repair plumbing systems. 

To have a plumbing business in New Jersey, you must be licensed as a master plumber. If you want to work as an independent plumbing contractor, you will need general liability insurance and a Federal Tax Identification Number. 

These requirements ensure that plumbing contractors are qualified and responsible for their work.

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 New Jersey! If you need to, refer back here for more information about plumbing licenses or business support.

How much do plumbers get paid in NJ? 

New Jersey is one of the highest-paying states for plumbers, with an average annual salary of $64,179. The top 10% of earners in the state take home more than $90,000 a year.

A plumbing license in New Jersey can increase your earning potential. 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 New Jersey and across the country, check out the Essential Plumber Salary Guide.

Originally published in January 2023. Last verified on January 23, 2026.