How to get a plumbers license in Massachusetts
The process for getting your plumber license depends on which type of license classification you’re applying for.
How to get an apprentice plumber license
Submit your Massachusetts plumber license application online. You must also pay a license fee of $14.
How to get a journeyman plumber license
Submit your Massachusetts plumber license application online also with the application fee of $31. Upon approval of your application, you may register for the journeyman exam.
You may take the exam online or in person. If you pass the exam with a score of 70% or better, you will receive your license once you’ve paid the license fee of $52.
How to get a master plumber license
Submit your Massachusetts plumber license application online also with the application fee of $31. Upon approval of your application, you may register for the licensing exam.
You may take the exam online or in person. If you pass the exam with a score of 70% or better, you will receive your license once you’ve paid the master plumber license fee of $78.
Do you need an MA plumbers license?
To work as a plumber in the state of Massachusetts, you must have a license from the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. There are three license classifications available: apprentice, journeyman and master plumber.
Many plumbers start out as apprentices. As you acquire more work experience and training, you can move up to journeyman or master plumber status by applying for a different license classification.
Massachusetts plumbers license requirements
Make sure you fulfill the following requirements when you apply for your Massachusetts plumber license.
Apprentice plumber license requirements
To get your Massachusetts plumbing apprentice license, you must show proof of employment under the supervision of a master plumber.
Include the following materials with your application:
- Proof of employment by a licensed Massachusetts master plumber
- Notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgement (CORI) authorization form
- A 2” x 2” color passport photo
Journeyman plumber license requirements
To get a Massachusetts journeyman plumber license, you must complete 550 hours of plumbing theory education over at least four years. You also need 6,800 hours of plumbing work experience as a licensed apprentice plumber.
You must accrue these work hours while under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber who is employed by a master plumber.
Include the following materials with your application:
- Education Verification form signed by a school official
- Statement of Experience form signed by a supervising master plumber
- Notarized Criminal Offender Record Information Acknowledgement (CORI) authorization form
- A 2” x 2” color passport photo
Master plumber license requirements
To become a master plumber, you must complete 110 hours of advanced plumbing theory education and 1,700 hours of plumbing work experience as a licensed journeyman plumber. You must accrue these work hours over the course of at least one year.
Include the following materials with your application:
Insurance for MA plumbers
After obtaining your plumber license, you may also want to get plumber insurance if you plan to start your own business or work independently. While Massachusetts business insurance is not needed to get licensed, it’s required for getting a plumbing permit to complete work as a plumber, unless a homeowner presents an insurance waiver.
Whether you need small business insurance or self-employed plumber insurance, consider the following types of policies.
Workers’ compensation insurance
In Massachusetts, all employers must have workers’ compensation insurance. If you or one of your employees gets hurt on the job, this insurance can help cover costs related to medical expenses, lost wages and more.
General liability insurance
General liability insurance can help cover the costs associated with certain types of work-related third-party accidents and property damage.
Tools and equipment insurance
Tools and equipment insurance can help cover repair or replacement costs for damaged or stolen work gear.
Commercial auto insurance
If you drive for work and get into an accident, commercial auto insurance can help provide coverage for expenses like medical costs and property damage.
Commercial property insurance
Commercial property insurance in Massachusetts can help provide coverage for damage or theft that affects the property, equipment or inventory you need to do business.
Plumbers license renewal requirements in MA
You must renew journeyman and master plumber licenses every two years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail, or you can use the Board’s online plumber license lookup to check your license number and status.
Journeyman and master plumbers must complete at least 12 hours of approved continuing education courses during each two-year renewal period.
Massachusetts plumbing license reciprocity
Applicants with out-of-state licenses must submit a written request to the Board for licensure by reciprocity. You must demonstrate that your education and experience from other states are equivalent to the requirements set for Massachusetts plumbers.
The Board also requires an official statement from the licensing jurisdiction that your license is in good standing and that you are under no pending disciplinary action.
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