Rhode Island Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: Plumber · Issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation.
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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.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Contractor Master Plumber applicants supply a copy of the entity's current general liability policy (amount not specified; 260-RICR-30-15-9). Workers' compensation: Contractor Master Plumber applicants supply the entity's current workers' compensation policy (260-RICR-30-15-9).
- 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.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: 24 months (biennial). Continuing education: 7 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle.
For the general path in every state, see the Plumber guide →
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.
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 | Contractor Master Plumber applicants supply a copy of the entity's current general liability policy (amount not specified; 260-RICR-30-15-9) |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Contractor Master Plumber applicants supply the entity's current workers' compensation policy (260-RICR-30-15-9) |
| Background check | — |
| Credit requirement | — |
| Reciprocity | None · other states' agreements |
| Processing time | — |
What a Rhode Island plumber license costs
| Application fee | $75. |
|---|---|
| License fee | $240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson). |
| Master/Journeyperson Plumber License Exam | $75. |
| Surety bond | None required. |
| Renewal fee | $240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson); $6 processing fee. |
| Renewal period | 24 months (biennial). |
Exams
| Master/Journeyperson Plumber License Exam | Provider: Board of Examiners of Plumbers · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $75 |
|---|
Renewing a Rhode Island plumber license
The Plumber renews on a fixed cycle set by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation. 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 | 24 months (biennial) |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $240 (Master), $72 (Journeyperson); $6 processing fee |
| Continuing education | 7 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle |
| Where to renew | Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation |
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: Contractor Master Plumber applicants supply a copy of the entity's current general liability policy (amount not specified; 260-RICR-30-15-9). Workers' compensation: Contractor Master Plumber applicants supply the entity's current workers' compensation policy (260-RICR-30-15-9).
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.
Official sources
dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation/board-of-examiners-plumbers-and-irrigators
rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/260-30-15-9
ri.gov/Licensing/renewal/license.php?lic_id=80
law.cornell.edu/regulations/rhode-island/260-RICR-30-15-9.3