Ohio Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumbing Contractor License · Issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

🔧 PlumberOH ✔ Verified 2026-06-25

In Ohio, plumbers must hold the Plumbing Contractor License, issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, 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 Ohio

Follow these steps to earn your Plumbing Contractor License. Every figure is verified against the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Minimum 5 years of documented plumbing work experience under a licensed plumber, OR 3 years of business experience as a registered engineer in Ohio
Pass the Ohio Business and Law Exam and Ohio Plumbing Contractor Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($500,000 minimum per occurrence).
Clear the background check. State and federal background check required; applicants must not have been convicted of disqualifying offenses as defined in Ohio law
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board — $25 application fee, plus a Included in application license fee. Processing time: Not publicly specified; varies based on application review and background check processing.
Keep the license active. Renew annual (1-year) or tri-annual (3-year) renewal options, completing 8 hours per year for annual renewal; 24 hours per 3 years for tri-annual renewal.

License types

Plumbing Contractor — Commercial plumbing work including installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems for commercial properties

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 5 years of documented plumbing work experience under a licensed plumber, OR 3 years of business experience as a registered engineer in Ohio
Application fee	$25
License fee	Included in application
Renewal fee	$60 annually or $180 for 3-year renewal
Renewal period	Annual (1-year) or tri-annual (3-year) renewal options
Continuing education	8 hours per year for annual renewal; 24 hours per 3 years for tri-annual renewal
Bond required	None required at state level
Liability insurance	$500,000 minimum per occurrence
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	State and federal background check required; applicants must not have been convicted of disqualifying offenses as defined in Ohio law
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Arkansas; Mississippi; South Carolina; Tennessee
Processing time	Not publicly specified; varies based on application review and background check processing

Exams

Ohio Business and Law Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: $69
Ohio Plumbing Contractor Exam	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: $69

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

Local / municipal notes

Multiple Ohio cities have additional local licensing requirements. Cincinnati: $130 registration fee; Columbus: $185 application fee for Journeyperson Plumber license + $115 exam fee; Dayton: must pass local journeyman exam or transfer existing Ohio license; Toledo: $100 application fee for journeyman plumbers. Local requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Ohio plumber license cost?

Application: $25. License: Included in application. Renewal: $60 annually or $180 for 3-year renewal.

Do plumbers in Ohio need a surety bond?

None required at state level

What experience is required for a Ohio plumber license?

Minimum 5 years of documented plumbing work experience under a licensed plumber, OR 3 years of business experience as a registered engineer in Ohio

Is insurance required for plumbers in Ohio?

Liability: $500,000 minimum per occurrence Workers' compensation: —

How often must a Ohio plumber license be renewed?

Annual (1-year) or tri-annual (3-year) renewal options. Continuing education: 8 hours per year for annual renewal; 24 hours per 3 years for tri-annual renewal

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-25 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.