Alabama Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Master Plumber / Journeyman Plumber Certification · Issued by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB).

🔧 PlumberAL ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Alabama, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber / Journeyman Plumber Certification, issued by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB), and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Alabama

Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber / Journeyman Plumber Certification. Every figure is verified against the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: minimum 2 years as a registered Alabama apprentice (or board-approved apprentice training program equivalent). Master: minimum 1 year of current experience as a certified journeyman plumber.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination (based on 2021 International Plumbing Code) and Master Plumber Examination (based on 2021 International Plumbing Code) and Master Business Law Examination (required effective January 1, 2026) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($100,000 general liability required for Master Plumber businesses), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Not publicly specified by PGFB
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB) — $50 (Journeyman or Master application fee) application fee, plus a $75 (Journeyman certification) / $175 (Master certification) / $35 (Apprentice registration) license fee. Processing time: 90 days after passing exam to pay all fees and obtain certification before re-examination is required.
Keep the license active. Renew annual (renewal window October 1 – December 31; certifications expire December 31), completing 4 hours annually required for all Journeyman and Master certificate holders effective January 1, 2025; licensees age 65 or older may qualify for exemption with proof of age.

License types

Apprentice Plumber — Entry-level; works under supervision of a journeyman or master
Journeyman Plumber — Independently installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems
Master Plumber — Supervises journeymen and apprentices; serves as qualifying principal for a plumbing business
Medical Gas Piping Fitter — Endorsement for qualified professionals with ASSE 6010 Installer certification

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: minimum 2 years as a registered Alabama apprentice (or board-approved apprentice training program equivalent). Master: minimum 1 year of current experience as a certified journeyman plumber.
Application fee	$50 (Journeyman or Master application fee)
License fee	$75 (Journeyman certification) / $175 (Master certification) / $35 (Apprentice registration)
Renewal fee	$50/year (Journeyman) / $150/year (Master) / $25/year (Apprentice); late renewal penalty equals renewal rate; business registration renewal $25/year
Renewal period	Annual (renewal window October 1 – December 31; certifications expire December 31)
Continuing education	4 hours annually required for all Journeyman and Master certificate holders effective January 1, 2025; licensees age 65 or older may qualify for exemption with proof of age.
Bond required	Not required for individual certification; Business Registration requires proof of a qualifying Principal Master Plumber
Liability insurance	$100,000 general liability required for Master Plumber businesses
Property damage	$300,000 property damage insurance required for Master Plumber businesses
Workers' comp	Required if you have employees
Background check	Not publicly specified by PGFB
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Mississippi (Master Plumber reciprocity with Mississippi Board of Contractors, effective January 1, 2026; must pass Alabama Business Law Exam)
Processing time	90 days after passing exam to pay all fees and obtain certification before re-examination is required

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Examination (based on 2021 International Plumbing Code)	Provider: Board-designated examining agency · Passing: 70% (for out-of-state reciprocity); state exam score not publicly disclosed separately · Fee: $110
Master Plumber Examination (based on 2021 International Plumbing Code)	Provider: Board-designated examining agency · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by PGFB · Fee: $160
Master Business Law Examination (required effective January 1, 2026)	Provider: Board-designated examining agency · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by PGFB · Fee: $100

Preparing for the Plumber exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Effective January 2026, all Master-level applicants must pass both the plumbing technical exam and a new Business Law exam. Each trade (plumbing vs. gas fitting) requires a separate Principal Master and business registration.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Alabama plumber license cost?

Application: $50 (Journeyman or Master application fee). License: $75 (Journeyman certification) / $175 (Master certification) / $35 (Apprentice registration). Renewal: $50/year (Journeyman) / $150/year (Master) / $25/year (Apprentice); late renewal penalty equals renewal rate; business registration renewal $25/year.

Do plumbers in Alabama need a surety bond?

Not required for individual certification; Business Registration requires proof of a qualifying Principal Master Plumber

What experience is required for a Alabama plumber license?

Journeyman: minimum 2 years as a registered Alabama apprentice (or board-approved apprentice training program equivalent). Master: minimum 1 year of current experience as a certified journeyman plumber.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Alabama?

Liability: $100,000 general liability required for Master Plumber businesses Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees

How often must a Alabama plumber license be renewed?

Annual (renewal window October 1 – December 31; certifications expire December 31). Continuing education: 4 hours annually required for all Journeyman and Master certificate holders effective January 1, 2025; licensees age 65 or older may qualify for exemption with proof of age.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB) before applying. This is not legal advice.