Yes, Texas licenses plumbers at the state level. A plumbing license in Texas comes from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), and it’s good anywhere in the state. You start as a registered apprentice, then move up to Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman, and Master, each with its own hours and exam.
Who issues the license
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners registers apprentices and licenses plumbers statewide. It’s still its own agency. It was not folded into TDLR, and the Sunset Advisory Commission lists its next review for the 2032 to 2033 cycle.
The rules come from the Plumbing License Law (Occupations Code Chapter 1301) and the board rules. A license is valid throughout Texas, so cities don’t issue their own plumber licenses, though you’ll still pull local permits. Two exemptions to know: a property owner can do plumbing in their own homestead without a license, and some rural properties that don’t have to be platted are exempt for work that isn’t new construction, repair, or remodeling.
Requirements change, so always confirm with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners before you apply. This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice.
License types
- Plumber’s Apprentice (registration). Must be at least 16. Works under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber who is on the job site. This is where your hours start counting.
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited. Plumbing on one- and two-family homes under a Responsible Master Plumber. Can supervise apprentices on those jobs.
- Journeyman Plumber. Can do all types of plumbing under a Responsible Master Plumber and supervise apprentices on any job site.
- Master Plumber. Skilled in design, planning, and superintending of plumbing. A master can add the Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation to run a plumbing company and pull permits.
- Plumbing Inspector. For people employed by a city or other government to inspect plumbing.
- Add-on registrations. Apprentices can add Drain Cleaner-Restricted, Drain Cleaner, or Residential Utilities Installer registrations.
- Endorsements. Journeymen, masters, and inspectors can add Medical Gas Piping Installation, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist, or Water Supply Protection Specialist. Each needs a 24-hour approved course and an exam.
How to become a plumber in Texas
The ladder is clear, and the hours only count once you’re registered. Here’s the path per the TSBPE:
- Step 1: Register as an apprentice. Apply online, pay $15, and submit fingerprints. Hours you work before you register don’t count toward any exam.
- Step 2: Tradesman Plumber-Limited (optional). After 4,000 hours, plus a 24-hour board-approved course, you can sit the tradesman exam. The course covers a 6-hour CPE class, OSHA 10, and 8 hours of residential code.
- Step 3: Journeyman. You need at least 8,000 hours and a 48-hour approved course (two 6-hour CPE classes, OSHA 10, 8 hours of residential code, and 18 hours of commercial code). That’s about four years of full-time work.
- Step 4: Master. Hold a journeyman license for at least 2 years, or 1 year if you finished a U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship. Then pass the master exam.
You can skip the 24-hour or 48-hour course if you’re in or finished a DOL registered apprenticeship, earned a qualifying plumbing technology AAS degree, or hold a journeyman or master license from another state.
That master timeline is new. House Bill 3214 cut the journeyman experience needed for the master exam from 4 years to 2, effective September 1, 2025, for applications filed on or after that date. The board updated its rule to match in October 2025.
Exams
Once the TSBPE approves your application, Pearson VUE emails you an Authorization to Test. You take the computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE center (there are dozens around Texas) and get your score right away.
- Tradesman and Journeyman (from apprentice). A computer test plus a hands-on practical exam. Practicals are only held at TSBPE centers in Austin and Waco, and you book them through Pearson VUE with at least 10 days’ notice. You have one year after passing the computer test to finish the practical.
- Tradesman to Journeyman. Computer test only, no practical.
- Master. Computer test only.
A failing score on any part is 69.9 or below, and you only retake the part you failed. You have to file a new application and fee, and wait 30 days after a first failure, 60 after a second, and 90 after the third and beyond.
Renewal
Texas licenses and registrations are good for one year and renew annually. Licensed plumbers need 6 hours of board-approved continuing professional education each year, and 3 of those hours have to cover health protection, energy conservation, and water conservation. If you hold a medical gas endorsement, you also need a 2-hour medical gas course.
Late fees add up fast. Renew within 90 days after expiration and you pay 1.5 times the normal fee. After 90 days it’s double. Once you’ve been expired 2 years or more, you can’t renew and have to start over with the exam.
Cost
Here are the TSBPE’s published fees:
- Apprentice registration: $15 to register, $15 a year to renew.
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited: $36 exam fee, then $35 for the license and $35 a year to renew.
- Journeyman: $40 exam fee, then $40 for the license and $40 a year to renew.
- Master: $25 processing fee to the TSBPE, $128.50 paid to Pearson VUE on test day, then $75 for the license and $75 a year to renew.
- Responsible Master Plumber: $225 to add the designation, $300 a year to renew.
- Fingerprints: $39.05 to IdentoGO, a one-time requirement.
To act as an RMP, you also need commercial general liability insurance of at least $300,000 on file with the board, and it has to cover every type of plumbing done under your license. The board waives initial license and exam fees for verified military members, veterans, and military spouses.
Reciprocity
Texas has formal reciprocity with two states, per the TSBPE’s Reciprocal License Verification Form (revised July 2025):
- Louisiana. You need both a Louisiana journeyman plumbing license and a journeyman natural gas fitter license, held for at least 2 years, plus 8,000 hours under a master plumber.
- Arkansas. You need an Arkansas journeyman plumbing license held for at least 4 years.
The verification fee is $40 and you’ll still submit fingerprints. Licensed in any other state? Use the Out-of-State Examination Request. An out-of-state journeyman or master can sit the Texas exams without the 24-hour or 48-hour course, and out-of-state journeyman time counts toward the 2 years for master. If you used to hold a Texas license and have practiced in another state for the last 2 years, the law lets you get a new license without retesting. See our plumbing license reciprocity guide for how other states compare.
How to apply
- Use the online system. The TSBPE Online Licensing System handles registrations, exam applications, and renewals. The board says online applications move much faster than mail.
- Get fingerprinted first. Every applicant has to submit fingerprints through IdentoGO once. Your application sits as deficient until they’re on file.
- Check your record. Look yourself up in the Public License Search to confirm your hours, training, and fingerprints are on file before you apply. The board doesn’t process incomplete applications.
- Document your hours. Tradesman and journeyman applicants need Employer Certification Forms.
- Test, then pay. After you pass, the TSBPE opens an initial license application in your account. Pay the license fee and your card ships by mail.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a plumbing license in Texas?
Plan on about four years of full-time work to reach the 8,000 hours for journeyman. Master takes at least 2 more years as a journeyman, or 1 year if you finished a DOL apprenticeship.
How much does a Texas plumbing license cost?
A journeyman pays a $40 exam fee and a $40 license fee, plus $39.05 for fingerprints. A master pays $25 to the board, $128.50 to Pearson VUE, and $75 for the license.
How often do you renew a plumbing license in Texas?
Every year. You need 6 hours of approved continuing education each year to renew.
Can I transfer my Louisiana or Arkansas license to Texas?
Yes, if you meet the board’s terms: 2 years with Louisiana journeyman plumbing and gas fitter licenses plus 8,000 hours, or 4 years as an Arkansas journeyman. Otherwise, apply to take the Texas exam.
Next steps
If you’re just starting, register as an apprentice now, because nothing counts until you do. To compare Texas with other states, see our plumbing license by state page and the full plumbing license guide. Working near the border? Check the Louisiana plumbing license page too. Ready to become an RMP and run your own shop? Read how to start a plumbing business.
