SPEC SHEET · OR · PLUMBER
Oregon plumber license requirements
The answer
Oregon licenses plumbers statewide through the Building Codes Division. The Journeyman Plumber (JP) license is earned by passing the state exam after qualifying through a registered plumbing apprenticeship (ORS 693; details set by board rule). Reciprocity with Idaho and Montana.Your paths to the license
Registered apprenticeship → exam
Register in an Oregon plumbing apprenticeship (ORS 660), complete the program, then pass the State Plumbing Board's licensing exam.
Reciprocity: Idaho, Montana
Journeyman plumbers licensed in Idaho or Montana can obtain the Oregon JP license without the exam via the Reciprocal Plumbing License Application.
Limited specialty licenses
Water-heater and other limited specialty licenses (ORS 693.103) offer narrower scopes with lighter requirements.
License levels in Oregon
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice plumber | Registered under ORS 660 while working under journeyman supervision. | — |
| Journeyman Plumber (JP) | Board exam after apprenticeship-based qualification (ORS 693.060). | — |
| Supervising plumber | Higher credential for supervising work (ORS 693.095). | — |
| Limited specialty plumber | Narrow scopes (e.g. water heaters) under ORS 693.103. | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application / exam / license | Set by the board under ORS 693.135 — see the current application |
The exam
| Provider | Oregon BCD (board exam) |
| Fees | Per the current BCD application; fees non-refundable |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: Reciprocal JP licenses without examination. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Licenses bear issue/expiration dates per ORS 693.070; renewal cycles and CE are set by BCD rule.
Watch out: Apprenticeship program details and equivalency rules are set by board rule — confirm with BCD before counting out-of-state hours. · Plumbing contractor (business) licensing is separate.
Official sources for this page
Oregon plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Oregon?
Oregon licenses plumbers statewide through the Building Codes Division. The Journeyman Plumber (JP) license is earned by passing the state exam after qualifying through a registered plumbing apprenticeship (ORS 693; details set by board rule). Reciprocity with Idaho and Montana.
What does the Oregon plumber license cost?
Per the current BCD application; fees non-refundable. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Oregon have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes — verified agreements cover licensees from: Idaho, Montana. Reciprocal JP licenses without examination.
How often does the license renew?
Licenses bear issue/expiration dates per ORS 693.070; renewal cycles and CE are set by BCD rule.
Get your personal route
Four questions — your experience and training matched against Oregon's actual routes.