SPEC SHEET · TX · PLUMBER
Texas plumber license requirements
The answer
Texas licenses plumbers statewide through TSBPE. Register as a Plumber's Apprentice FIRST — hours worked before registration do not count. Tradesman Plumber-Limited needs 4,000 hours + a 24-hour course; Journeyman needs 8,000 hours + a 48-hour course.Your paths to the license
Register as apprentice, earn hours
Register as a Plumber's Apprentice ($15) BEFORE you start — any hours worked unregistered do not count. Then log 8,000 hours and complete a TSBPE-approved 48-hour training course (or be enrolled in a US DOL-registered apprenticeship) to sit the Journeyman exam ($40 exam fee, $40 initial license).
Tradesman Plumber-Limited first (4,000 hours)
The mid-point license: 4,000 registered hours + a 24-hour TSBPE-approved course (or US DOL apprenticeship enrollment) qualifies you for the Tradesman exam ($36 exam, $35 license). Scope limited to one- and two-family dwellings under supervision.
Apply on documented hours
If you already have 8,000 registered hours documented on Employer Certification Forms plus the 48-hour course, apply for the Journeyman exam directly. Fingerprint submission is required by law (one time).
Licensed in another state
Texas has no automatic plumbing reciprocity. A journeyman licensed in another state for 2+ years may sit the Texas Master Plumber exam directly; otherwise you document your out-of-state hours and take the Texas exam for your level.
License levels in Texas
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber's Apprentice | Register before you start counting hours; $15 registration. | $15 |
| Tradesman Plumber-Limited | 4,000 hours + TSBPE-approved 24-hour course (or a US DOL apprenticeship program) + exam. | $35 |
| Journeyman Plumber | 8,000 hours + TSBPE-approved 48-hour course (or a US DOL apprenticeship program) + exam. | $40 |
| Master Plumber | Journeyman license (Texas or another state) held at least 2 years + exam. | $75 |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apprentice registration | $15 |
| Tradesman exam / initial license | $36 / $35 |
| Journeyman exam / initial license | $40 / $40 |
| Master exam (processing + Pearson VUE) | $25 / $128.5 |
| Master initial license | $75 |
The exam
| Provider | TSBPE / Pearson VUE (master practical) |
| Fees | Tradesman exam $36 · Journeyman exam $40 · Master: $25 TSBPE processing + $128.50 Pearson VUE exam-day fee |
| Notes | Fingerprints required for all applicants (one-time). Felony convictions need a Supplemental Criminal History form. |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: No formal plumbing reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state journeymen of 2+ years may qualify to sit the Texas Master exam directly. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Annual renewal (apprentice $15 · tradesman $35 · journeyman $40 · master $75) with a Board-approved 6-hour CPE course. Holding journeyman + master: pay only the master renewal.
Watch out: Hours worked before apprentice registration do not count — register first. · Endorsements (medical gas, fire sprinkler, water supply protection) have separate requirements.
Official sources for this page
Texas plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Texas?
The shortest published route requires 4,000 hours of supervised experience. Texas licenses plumbers statewide through TSBPE. Register as a Plumber's Apprentice FIRST — hours worked before registration do not count. Tradesman Plumber-Limited needs 4,000 hours + a 24-hour course; Journeyman needs 8,000 hours + a 48-hour course.
What does the Texas plumber license cost?
Published fees: Apprentice registration $15 · Tradesman exam / initial license $36 · Journeyman exam / initial license $40 · Master exam (processing + Pearson VUE) $25 · Master initial license $75. Exam-vendor fees may be extra — see the sources below.
Does Texas have plumber license reciprocity?
No formal plumbing reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state journeymen of 2+ years may qualify to sit the Texas Master exam directly.
How often does the license renew and how much continuing education is required?
Annual renewal (apprentice $15 · tradesman $35 · journeyman $40 · master $75) with a Board-approved 6-hour CPE course. Holding journeyman + master: pay only the master renewal.
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