Rhode Island Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber · Issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation.

🔧 PlumberRI ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Rhode Island, plumbers must hold the Plumber, issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation, 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 Rhode Island

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber. Every figure is verified against the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Master: 1 year of experience as a licensed journeyperson. Journeyperson: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in Rhode Island as a registered apprentice.
Pass the Master/Journeyperson Plumber License Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Current general liability insurance policy required (amount not specified)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. —
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation — $75 application fee, plus a $240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson) license fee. Processing time: —.
Keep the license active. Renew 24 months (biennial), completing 7 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle.

Rhode Island plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Rhode Island — 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 dltweb.dlt.ri.gov database →

License types

Master Plumber — Can engage in plumbing projects without supervision
Journeyperson Plumber — Can install plumbing fixtures but must work under direction of Master Plumber
Apprentice Plumber — Employment under direct supervision of licensed master or journeyperson
Contractor Master Plumber — Master plumber engaged in contracting work

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Master: 1 year of experience as a licensed journeyperson. Journeyperson: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in Rhode Island as a registered apprentice.
Application fee	$75
License fee	$240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson)
Renewal fee	$240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson); $6 processing fee
Renewal period	24 months (biennial)
Continuing education	7 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	Current general liability insurance policy required (amount not specified)
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Current workers compensation insurance policy required
Background check	—
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	—

Exams

Master/Journeyperson Plumber License Exam	Provider: Board of Examiners of Plumbers · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: —

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

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Rhode Island plumber license cost?

Application: $75. License: $240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson). Renewal: $240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson); $6 processing fee.

How do I look up a plumber license in Rhode Island?

Search the official license database at dltweb.dlt.ri.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in Rhode Island need a surety bond?

None required

What experience is required for a Rhode Island plumber license?

Master: 1 year of experience as a licensed journeyperson. Journeyperson: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in Rhode Island as a registered apprentice.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Rhode Island?

Liability: Current general liability insurance policy required (amount not specified) Workers' compensation: Current workers compensation insurance policy required

How often must a Rhode Island plumber license be renewed?

24 months (biennial). Continuing education: 7 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation before applying. This is not legal advice.