Getting a plumbing license in Kentucky is more straightforward than most states, mainly because Kentucky runs it at the state level and only issues two licenses. There is no separate local plumbing license to chase and no third apprentice credential to apply for.
Here is how the tiers work, what the board actually requires, and where people get tripped up.
Who runs plumbing licensing in Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing issues every plumbing license in the state. Exams are set by the State Plumbers Examining Committee under KRS Chapter 318.
Start here: DHBC Division of Plumbing
The plumbing law applies in all counties. Farmsteads are exempt under KRS 318.015. Cities and counties can adopt the state code and appoint their own inspectors, and they can charge occupational license fees, but the trade license itself always comes from the state.
The two licenses Kentucky issues
Kentucky issues a Journeyman Plumber license and a Master Plumber license. That is the whole list.
There is no state apprentice license. Apprentices are specifically exempt from licensing under KRS 318.020 and KRS 318.120, so you work as an apprentice under a journeyman without applying for anything.
There is also no separate plumbing contractor license. In Kentucky the master license is the contractor license. Only a licensed master plumber can pull a plumbing permit, other than a homeowner working on their own home.
What each license takes
Everyone must be at least 18, of good moral character, and a U.S. citizen or resident alien authorized to work here (KRS 318.040).
Journeyman Plumber
You need either two consecutive years as an apprentice plumber, or a DHBC-approved course in plumbing practice or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code plus one year of apprentice experience.
Then you pass the journeyman exam with at least 75% on every portion. It has three parts: written, pipe-sizing drawing, and a hands-on practical section. You bring your own materials to the practical, and DHBC tells you at least a week ahead what to bring.
Master Plumber
Four ways to qualify:
- Held a Kentucky journeyman license for 2 of the past 5 years, plus 2 years working under a licensed master
- Hold a Kentucky engineer license with enough mechanical engineering experience
- Held a valid plumbing license in another state for 2 of the past 5 years
- Practiced 4 consecutive years in a state that does not license plumbers, in a master-equivalent role
The master exam requires 80% on every portion. If you qualify through one of the two out-of-state paths, you also have to pass the Kentucky journeyman exam.
One detail worth knowing: DHBC administers these exams itself, not PSI or Prov. Regular exam dates are February, May, August and November, and your application has to be in the Frankfort office three weeks ahead. A passing score stays good for three years.
Full exam details: DHBC plumbing examination page
Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Master exam | $150 |
| Journeyman exam | $50 |
| Master license | $250 (prorated to your birth month) |
| Journeyman license | $60 (prorated) |
| Master renewal | $250 per year |
| Journeyman renewal | $60 per year |
Insurance, not a bond
This is where Kentucky differs from a lot of states. KRS 318.030 requires an active master plumber to carry general liability of at least $250,000, plus proof of compliance with Kentucky workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance law. No insurance, no valid license, and your carrier has to notify DHBC if it cancels.
Kentucky does not require a state surety bond for plumbers. If you see that claim somewhere, it is wrong. Individual cities may have their own permit bonding rules, so check locally.
Continuing education
6 hours every year, completed in the 12 months before you renew. Approved topics are business, job safety, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, or subject matter tied directly to the trade. No more than 2 of those hours can be safety.
Extra hours carry forward for two years up to a 12-hour cap, and you skip CE on your first renewal if the license was issued within 12 months of it.
Renewal
Kentucky renews annually, on the last day of your birth month. You submit the fee, proof of CE, and (for masters) proof of insurance.
Miss it and you can still revive the license with a small late fee. But if you go 180 days past expiration the license is canceled automatically by operation of law, and getting back in costs more.
Reciprocity
Be careful here, because this is commonly misreported.
KRS 318.040(6) says DHBC may license someone from another state if that state has a statewide plumbing code, its exam is at least equal to Kentucky’s, and it reciprocates with Kentucky. That is discretionary.
In practice the regulation treats an out-of-state license as a way to qualify to sit for the Kentucky master exam, not as an exam waiver, and those applicants must also pass the Kentucky journeyman exam. DHBC publishes no list of reciprocal states. Call the Division at (502) 573-0397 for your specific state.
What changed recently
KRS 198B.093, from HB 54 in the 2025 session and effective June 27, 2025, requires DHBC to recognize on-the-job training equivalencies from internship and cooperative placement hours for dual credit students. For plumbers the credit is capped at two years. The statute is live, though the reporting mechanics have not yet appeared in regulation.
Common questions
Does Kentucky have an apprentice license?
No. Apprentices are exempt from licensure. You just work under a licensed journeyman.
Can I pull a permit as a journeyman?
No. Permits require a master plumber, or a homeowner on their own residence.
How long does the apprentice stage take?
Two consecutive years, or one year if you complete a DHBC-approved course. Kentucky does not use an hour count, so the “8,000 hours” figure you see on other sites does not come from the regulation.
Do I need a bond?
Not from the state. You need $250,000 general liability instead.
Requirements change. Confirm anything here with DHBC before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next steps
New to all of this? Start with how to start a plumbing business for the licensing, insurance and setup sequence, or read the plumbing license guide for how tiers work across the country.
Licensing in another state? See the full plumbing license by state index.
