SPEC SHEET · MD · PLUMBER
Maryland plumber license requirements
The answer
Maryland licenses plumbers statewide (apprentice → journey → master). Journey: apprentice license held 4 years + 7,500 supervised hours + 32 hours of backflow-prevention training + exam. Master: journey license held 2 years + 3,750 more hours + exam. Baltimore County and the WSSC area issue their own licenses.Your paths to the license
Apprentice → journey (7,500 hours)
Hold the apprentice license at least 4 years, complete 7,500 hours under the direction of a licensed master plumber plus 32 hours of backflow-prevention training, then pass the written exam.
Journey → master (+3,750 hours)
After 2 years as a licensed journey plumber and 3,750 additional supervised hours, pass the comprehensive master exam.
Reciprocity: Baltimore County, WSSC, DC, Delaware
The Board reciprocates with Baltimore County, WSSC and DC licensees (both plumbing AND gas portions, exam-gained), and with DELAWARE for the Master Plumber/Gasfitter license only.
License levels in Maryland
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter | Must be at least 16; licensed while training under a master. | — |
| Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter | Apprentice license 4 years + 7,500 hours under a licensed master + 32 hours backflow training + exam. | — |
| Master Plumber/Gas Fitter | Journey license 2 years + 3,750 hours under a master + comprehensive exam. | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application / license | See the Board's Forms & Fees page |
The exam
| Provider | Board-administered written examination |
| Fees | See the Board's Forms & Fees page for current amounts |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: Plus Baltimore County / WSSC / DC license holders (exam-gained, plumbing + gas). Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Renew online; the Board requires approved continuing training per its current rules.
Watch out: Baltimore County and WSSC (Montgomery & Prince George's counties) run their own licensing and plumbing codes. · Natural-gas fitter licenses are separate (journey: 3,750 hours over 2+ years).
Official sources for this page
Maryland plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Maryland?
The shortest published route requires 3,750 hours of supervised experience. Maryland licenses plumbers statewide (apprentice → journey → master). Journey: apprentice license held 4 years + 7,500 supervised hours + 32 hours of backflow-prevention training + exam. Master: journey license held 2 years + 3,750 more hours + exam. Baltimore County and the WSSC area issue their own licenses.
What does the Maryland plumber license cost?
See the Board's Forms & Fees page for current amounts. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Maryland have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes — verified agreements cover licensees from: Delaware. Plus Baltimore County / WSSC / DC license holders (exam-gained, plumbing + gas).
How often does the license renew?
Renew online; the Board requires approved continuing training per its current rules.
Get your personal route
Four questions — your experience and training matched against Maryland's actual routes.