New Jersey Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Master Plumber License · Issued by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs.

🔧 PlumberNJ ✔ Verified 2026-06-25

In New Jersey, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber License, issued by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs, and a $3,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in New Jersey

Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program (including propane services education) plus one year (minimum 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering plus one year (1,200 hours) of journeyman experience in New Jersey.
Pass the Master Plumber Trade Exam and Master Plumber Business and Law Exam and Master Plumber Practical Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New Jersey requires $3,000 surety bond (concurrent with license term; biennial renewal).
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
Clear the background check. Criminal history record background check required; applicants must disclose arrests and convictions
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs — $100 application fee, plus a Assessed upon approval; amount not publicly disclosed license fee. Processing time: 15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years, completing 5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30.

License types

Apprentice Plumber — Perform plumbing work under supervision of a master or journeyman plumber
Journeyman Plumber — Perform general plumbing work with required experience; intermediate level certification
Master Plumber — Perform all plumbing work independently; supervise other plumbers; design and install plumbing systems

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program (including propane services education) plus one year (minimum 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering plus one year (1,200 hours) of journeyman experience in New Jersey.
Application fee	$100
License fee	Assessed upon approval; amount not publicly disclosed
Renewal fee	$160 per biennial (2-year) cycle
Renewal period	Every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years
Continuing education	5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30
Bond required	$3,000 surety bond (concurrent with license term; biennial renewal)
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Criminal history record background check required; applicants must disclose arrests and convictions
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Connecticut; Delaware; Maryland; New York; Pennsylvania
Processing time	15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt

Exams

Master Plumber Trade Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in $240 examination fee
Master Plumber Business and Law Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in $240 examination fee
Master Plumber Practical Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in $240 examination fee

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

Local / municipal notes

Master plumbing is regulated at the state level only; home improvement contractors performing plumbing may have additional municipal requirements

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Jersey plumber license cost?

Application: $100. License: Assessed upon approval; amount not publicly disclosed. Renewal: $160 per biennial (2-year) cycle.

Do plumbers in New Jersey need a surety bond?

$3,000 surety bond (concurrent with license term; biennial renewal)

What experience is required for a New Jersey plumber license?

Four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program (including propane services education) plus one year (minimum 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering plus one year (1,200 hours) of journeyman experience in New Jersey.

Is insurance required for plumbers in New Jersey?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: —

How often must a New Jersey plumber license be renewed?

Every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years. Continuing education: 5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-25 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs before applying. This is not legal advice.