SPEC SHEET · OH · PLUMBER
Ohio plumber license requirements
The answer
Ohio has no state journeyman plumber license — plumbers train on the job or through apprenticeships, and LOCAL building/health departments regulate residential work. The state credential is the OCILB Plumbing Contractor ('master') license for commercial work: 5 years as a tradesperson immediately before applying, a PSI exam, and contractor liability insurance.Your paths to the license
5 years in the trade → contractor exam
Work as an plumbing tradesperson (apprenticeship or OJT) for at least 5 years immediately before applying, then file with the plumbing specialty section and pass the PSI exam. Contractor liability insurance is required.
Registered engineer route
A currently registered Ohio engineer with 3 years of construction-industry business experience in the trade may sit the exam instead of the 5-year tradesperson requirement.
Residential / local licensing
Residential contractors are regulated by LOCAL building and health departments (ORC 4740) — many Ohio cities register residential electrical contractors; some require the state license. Check your municipality.
Licensed in another state
The board's 'other experience acceptable to the specialty section' clause (ORC 4740.06(B)(3)) is the route for out-of-state licensees — documented experience is reviewed case-by-case.
License levels in Ohio
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber (unlicensed by the state) | Work under a contractor; some cities register plumbers locally. | — |
| Plumbing Contractor (state 'master' license) | 5 years in the trade (or Ohio-registered engineer with 3 years) + PSI exam + liability insurance (ORC 4740.06). | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application / exam / license | Set by the plumbing specialty section under ORC 4740.09 — published on the current application |
The exam
| Provider | PSI |
| Fees | Application, license and PSI exam fees are set by the board's specialty section (ORC 4740.09) — see the current OCILB application |
| Notes | Business & law + trade portions. |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No formal inbound reciprocity list published; out-of-state experience is reviewed under the 'other acceptable experience' clause. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Licenses expire annually; renewal requires proof of continuing-education compliance (hours set by board rule) and continued insurance.
Watch out: Fee amounts are board-set — read them off the current OCILB application in the eLicense portal. · Hydronics is a separate OCILB specialty license. · Cities may register plumbing contractors for residential work.
Official sources for this page
Ohio plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Ohio?
Ohio has no state journeyman plumber license — plumbers train on the job or through apprenticeships, and LOCAL building/health departments regulate residential work. The state credential is the OCILB Plumbing Contractor ('master') license for commercial work: 5 years as a tradesperson immediately before applying, a PSI exam, and contractor liability insurance.
What does the Ohio plumber license cost?
Application, license and PSI exam fees are set by the board's specialty section (ORC 4740.09) — see the current OCILB application. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Ohio have plumber license reciprocity?
No formal inbound reciprocity list published; out-of-state experience is reviewed under the 'other acceptable experience' clause.
How often does the license renew?
Licenses expire annually; renewal requires proof of continuing-education compliance (hours set by board rule) and continued insurance.
Get your personal route
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