Massachusetts Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: Plumber License (Journeyman / Master) · Issued by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (Division of Occupational Licensure).
🔧 PlumberMA ✔ Verified 2026-06-24
In Massachusetts, plumbers must hold the Plumber License (Journeyman / Master), issued by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (Division of Occupational Licensure), 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 Massachusetts
Follow these steps to earn your Plumber License (Journeyman / Master). Every figure is verified against the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (Division of Occupational Licensure); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Journeyman: hold a MA apprentice license, 6,800 hours of practical experience as a licensed apprentice, plus 550 hours of board-approved theory and a high-school diploma. Master: hold a MA journeyman license 1+ year, 1,700+ hours of journeyman experience, plus 100 hours of advanced theory.
- Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam (written + practical) and Master Plumber Exam (written + practical) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not a statutory condition of the license; general liability is commonly required to pull work permits. No published statutory minimum.).
- Clear the background check. CORI check required; submit a notarized CORI acknowledgement form via the eLIPSE portal.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (Division of Occupational Licensure) — Journeyman $31; Master $31; Apprentice $14 (per the DPL fee schedule) application fee, plus a Journeyman $52; Master $78; Apprentice $40 (per the DPL fee schedule) license fee. Processing time: Allow about 3 weeks; incomplete applications held 180 days.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (renewal opens Feb 1 of even years; deadline May 1), completing 12 hours per 2-year cycle, focused on 248 CMR (248 CMR 11.04).
License types
- Apprentice Plumber — Entry level; works under supervision while completing 550 hours of theory.
- Journeyman Plumber — Performs plumbing (and gas-fitting) work; may also do gas-fitter work.
- Master Plumber — Runs a plumbing business, pulls permits, and supervises journeymen and apprentices.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Journeyman: hold a MA apprentice license, 6,800 hours of practical experience as a licensed apprentice, plus 550 hours of board-approved theory and a high-school diploma. Master: hold a MA journeyman license 1+ year, 1,700+ hours of journeyman experience, plus 100 hours of advanced theory. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Journeyman $31; Master $31; Apprentice $14 (per the DPL fee schedule) |
| License fee | Journeyman $52; Master $78; Apprentice $40 (per the DPL fee schedule) |
| Renewal fee | Journeyman $52; Master $78 (every 2 years; late renewal +$57) |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (renewal opens Feb 1 of even years; deadline May 1) |
| Continuing education | 12 hours per 2-year cycle, focused on 248 CMR (248 CMR 11.04). |
| Bond required | No state surety bond is required for a plumber license. |
| Liability insurance | Not a statutory condition of the license; general liability is commonly required to pull work permits. No published statutory minimum. |
| Property damage | Not separately specified by statute |
| Workers' comp | Mandatory for any employer (M.G.L. c. 152) |
| Background check | CORI check required; submit a notarized CORI acknowledgement form via the eLIPSE portal. |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | No formal reciprocity. A 'Substantially Equivalent License' pathway exists for an out-of-state license active 3+ years that is shown equivalent to Massachusetts requirements, with a certified statement of good standing. |
| Processing time | Allow about 3 weeks; incomplete applications held 180 days. |
Exams
| Journeyman Plumber Exam (written + practical) | Provider: PSI Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: Paid to PSI (set by the vendor) |
|---|---|
| Master Plumber Exam (written + practical) | Provider: PSI Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: Paid to PSI (set by the vendor) |
Local / municipal notes
Statewide license; applications are filed online only via the eLIPSE portal. A master/journeyman plumber may perform gas-fitter work, but a gas fitter may not perform plumber work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Massachusetts plumber license cost?
Application: Journeyman $31; Master $31; Apprentice $14 (per the DPL fee schedule). License: Journeyman $52; Master $78; Apprentice $40 (per the DPL fee schedule). Renewal: Journeyman $52; Master $78 (every 2 years; late renewal +$57).
Do plumbers in Massachusetts need a surety bond?
No state surety bond is required for a plumber license.
What experience is required for a Massachusetts plumber license?
Journeyman: hold a MA apprentice license, 6,800 hours of practical experience as a licensed apprentice, plus 550 hours of board-approved theory and a high-school diploma. Master: hold a MA journeyman license 1+ year, 1,700+ hours of journeyman experience, plus 100 hours of advanced theory.
Is insurance required for plumbers in Massachusetts?
Liability: Not a statutory condition of the license; general liability is commonly required to pull work permits. No published statutory minimum. Workers' compensation: Mandatory for any employer (M.G.L. c. 152)
How often must a Massachusetts plumber license be renewed?
Every 2 years (renewal opens Feb 1 of even years; deadline May 1). Continuing education: 12 hours per 2-year cycle, focused on 248 CMR (248 CMR 11.04).
Official sources
mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters
mass.gov/apply-for-a-plumber-gas-fitter-or-liquified-petroleum-installer-license
mass.gov/plumbers-and-gas-fitters-continuing-and-tier-education-information
licensing.reg.state.ma.us/public/dpl_fees/dpl_fees_results.asp?board_code=PL