Oklahoma Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in OK

Do you need a plumbing license in Oklahoma?

Yes, the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) requires many skilled trades, including plumbers, to get a license before taking on any projects. With this license, you can perform plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair work on the following: 

• Piping, fixtures, and appliances involved in the supply of water
• Sanitary and stormwater drainage systems and components
• Wastewater and liquid waste disposal systems
• Piping for radiant-floor heating

Types of plumbing licenses in OK

The Oklahoma CIB separates the path from apprentice to master plumber into four different license/registration types:

Oklahoma plumbing license requirements

Here are the main requirements you need to meet in order to progress through each stage of the CIB’s licensing and registration process: 

How do I get a plumbing license in Oklahoma? (steps)

From apprenticeship to full plumbing contractor, you can expect the licensing process to take at least four years. Here’s everything you need to do to complete the plumbing license path in Oklahoma. 

1. Find a licensed plumbing contractor to work under as an apprentice and submit the apprentice registration form
2. Gain at least three years of experience working under a licensed plumbing contractor or through one of the following avenues:
   1. Three years of equivalent experience working in a plumbing trade through the military
   2. A verifiable out-of-state plumbing license that’s in good standing
3. Fill out the journeyman plumber application 
4. Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam with a score of at least 75%
5. As a journeyman plumber, work under a fully licensed contractor for at least one additional year
6. Fill out the plumbing contractor license application
7. Pass both the Plumbing Contractor and Business & Law exams with a score of at least 75%
8. Meet the Active Contractor Requirements to maintain your license, including:
   1. Carrying a $5,000 Corporate Surety Bond payable to the CIB and
   2. Providing proof of at least $50,000 in commercial general liability coverage or
   3. Completing and notarizing the plumbing contractor affidavit to waive the bond and insurance requirements

All forms and applications can be sent to the CIB at the following address: 

2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 2F
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Oklahoma plumbing license exam

All trade and contractor exams in Oklahoma are administered by the state’s testing vendor, PSI. This includes the exams required to get your journeyman and plumbing contractor license. 

Here’s what you need to know about each of the exams: 

For more information on the plumbing trade and business exams in Oklahoma, check out PSI’s candidate information bulletin. 

Does Oklahoma reciprocate plumbing licenses?

Reciprocity agreements allow license holders from out of state to apply directly for an equivalent license in another. 

While Oklahoma doesn’t have any reciprocal licenses for specific states, the CIB will review current out-of-state licenses that are in good standing and, if they’re similar enough, may waive the exam requirement. 

How much is a plumbing license in Oklahoma?

To get your full plumbing contractor license in Oklahoma, you can expect to pay about $750. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved with each step of the licensing journey: 

Keep in mind that to maintain an active contracting license, you need a $5,000 bond and $50,000 in insurance coverage.

Oklahoma plumbing license renewal

All plumbing licenses and registrations in Oklahoma need to be renewed through the CIB on an annual basis. Apprentices renew their registration through the initial application form, while journeymen and plumbing contractors use another. 

All journeymen and plumbing contractors must accrue at least six hours of continuing education from an approved provider every three years. 

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If you think your plumbing license may have expired, stop all work immediately. Otherwise, you can face administrative fines between $200 and $1,000, license suspension, and even misdemeanor charges. 

You then need to fill out the appropriate renewal form and make sure you’ve paid for any applicable late fees. 

How to start a plumbing business in Oklahoma

Once you’ve built up your expertise as an Oklahoma plumbing contractor, you’re ready to take the next step in your career: starting your own business. The state’s Department of Commerce website has a section dedicated to teaching people how to start a business. It includes information on key administrative steps, such as: 

• Choosing a legal structure and business name
• Registering your business with the Secretary of State’s office
• Getting your Federal Tax ID Number
• Securing the necessary state and local permits

There are other practical steps to starting a plumbing business, too, like figuring out how to price your services, finding the right plumbing apps, and hiring employees.

To learn more about getting a business up and running, check out our guide to starting a plumbing business. 

Does a plumbing license in Oklahoma increase your earning potential? 

Getting a plumbing license definitely increases your earning potential in Oklahoma. Without it, you won’t be able to take on any plumbing projects—a line of work that’s always in demand.

After you get your full plumbing contractor license, you can expect to earn around $43,000, but you can earn well over $52,000 as you continue to build your skills or start your own business.