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 exam for the license class you are applying for. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New Jersey requires $3,000 surety bond for a 12-month term, renewed at each expiration (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-26).
Clear the background check. No fingerprint-based criminal history check: the Division of Consumer Affairs does not list the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers among the boards whose applicants undergo criminal history record background checks (Criminal History Review Unit).
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs — $100 ($50 with prior registration) (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1) application fee, plus a $160 if paid in the first year of the biennial period; $80 in the second year (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1) license fee. Processing time: 15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt.
Keep the license active. Renewal: 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.

For the general path in every state, see the Plumber guide →

New Jersey plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in New Jersey — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official newjersey.mylicense.com database →

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 ($50 with prior registration) (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1)
License fee	$160 if paid in the first year of the biennial period; $80 in the second year (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1)
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 for a 12-month term, renewed at each expiration (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-26)
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	No fingerprint-based criminal history check: the Division of Consumer Affairs does not list the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers among the boards whose applicants undergo criminal history record background checks (Criminal History Review Unit).
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None granted. The Plumbing Board's reciprocity table (as of 2019-06-18) lists no state under "reciprocity granted"; it records denials for Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia. · other states' agreements
Processing time	15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt

What a New Jersey plumber license costs

Application fee	$100 ($50 with prior registration) (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1).
License fee	$160 if paid in the first year of the biennial period; $80 in the second year (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1).
Master Plumber Trade Exam	Included in $240 examination fee.
Master Plumber Business and Law Exam	Included in $240 examination fee.
Master Plumber Practical Exam	Included in $240 examination fee.
Surety bond	$3,000 surety bond for a 12-month term, renewed at each expiration (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-26). A bond's premium is a percentage of the bond amount, set by the surety.
Renewal fee	$160 per biennial (2-year) cycle.
Renewal period	Every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years.

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

Renewing a New Jersey plumber license

The Master Plumber License renews on a fixed cycle set by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years
Renewal fee	$160 per biennial (2-year) cycle
Continuing education	5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30
Where to renew	New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs

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 ($50 with prior registration) (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1). License: $160 if paid in the first year of the biennial period; $80 in the second year (N.J.A.C. 13:32-5.1). Renewal: $160 per biennial (2-year) cycle.

How do I look up a plumber license in New Jersey?

Search the official license database at newjersey.mylicense.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in New Jersey need a surety bond?

$3,000 surety bond for a 12-month term, renewed at each expiration (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-26)

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.

How long does it take to get a New Jersey plumber license?

Processing time: 15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt.

Is a background check required for plumbers in New Jersey?

Background check: No fingerprint-based criminal history check: the Division of Consumer Affairs does not list the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers among the boards whose applicants undergo criminal history record background checks (Criminal History Review Unit).

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.