SPEC SHEET · NJ · PLUMBER
New Jersey plumber license requirements
The answer
New Jersey law allows plumbing only by a MASTER PLUMBER, an authorized plumbing contractor, or their W-2 employees (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1) — the Board licenses Master Plumbers. Exam qualification (age 21+): a 4-year US DOL-approved apprenticeship (including propane education) plus 1 year (at least 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in NJ — or an engineering-degree route. Application fee $100.Your paths to the license
Apprenticeship + NJ journeyman year → master exam
Complete a 4-year US DOL-approved apprenticeship (with propane education), then 1 year of practical hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey totaling at least 1,200 hours, then apply ($100) for Board approval and the exam. The license issues about 15–20 days after the post-exam fee processes.
Engineering-degree route
An accredited bachelor's in mechanical, plumbing or sanitary engineering opens an alternative qualification path (further conditions on the Board's page).
Licensed in another state
No plumbing reciprocity is published — the journeyman-year requirement is specifically NEW JERSEY experience, so out-of-state masters should plan a NJ year (or the degree route) before the exam.
License levels in New Jersey
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | 4-year US DOL-approved plumbing apprenticeship (includes propane education). | — |
| Journeyman plumber (unlicensed by the state) | Work as a W-2 employee under a master/contractor; the master-exam prerequisite year (1,200+ hours) is earned here. | — |
| Licensed Master Plumber | Age 21+ · apprenticeship + 1 NJ journeyman year (≥1,200 hrs) — or engineering-degree route — + exam. $100 application. | $100 |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Licensing fee (after passing) | Per the current Board schedule |
The exam
| Provider | Board examination (after application approval at a monthly meeting) |
| Fees | $100 application; separate licensing fee after passing |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No plumbing reciprocity published; the qualifying journeyman year must be New Jersey experience. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Renew through the Division of Consumer Affairs; see the Board for the current cycle and CE.
Watch out: Only masters, authorized contractors and their W-2 employees may perform plumbing — 1099 arrangements don't satisfy N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1. · The 1,200-hour journeyman year must be in New Jersey.
Official sources for this page
New Jersey plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in New Jersey?
New Jersey law allows plumbing only by a MASTER PLUMBER, an authorized plumbing contractor, or their W-2 employees (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1) — the Board licenses Master Plumbers. Exam qualification (age 21+): a 4-year US DOL-approved apprenticeship (including propane education) plus 1 year (at least 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in NJ — or an engineering-degree route. Application fee $100.
What does the New Jersey plumber license cost?
Published fees: Application $100. Exam-vendor fees may be extra — see the sources below.
Does New Jersey have plumber license reciprocity?
No plumbing reciprocity published; the qualifying journeyman year must be New Jersey experience.
How often does the license renew?
Renew through the Division of Consumer Affairs; see the Board for the current cycle and CE.
Get your personal route
Four questions — your experience and training matched against New Jersey's actual routes.