West Virginia Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber · Issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor.

🔧 PlumberWV ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In West Virginia, plumbers must hold the Plumber, issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in West Virginia

Follow these steps to earn your Plumber. Every figure is verified against the West Virginia Division of Labor; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Plumber in Training: less than 8,000 hours; Journeyman: at least 8,000 hours; Master: at least 12,000 hours and 1 year after passing Journeyman exam
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Written Exam and Master Plumber Written Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. West Virginia requires —.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. —
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the West Virginia Division of Labor — Included in license fee application fee, plus a $75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training) license fee. Processing time: 10-15 working days by mail; same-day if submitted in person with completed application.
Keep the license active. Renew annual (1 year).

West Virginia plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in West Virginia — 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 labor.wv.gov database →

License types

Plumber in Training — Less than 8,000 hours of experience
Journeyman Plumber — At least 8,000 hours of experience
Master Plumber — At least 12,000 hours of experience; must wait 1 year after passing Journeyman exam

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Plumber in Training: less than 8,000 hours; Journeyman: at least 8,000 hours; Master: at least 12,000 hours and 1 year after passing Journeyman exam
Application fee	Included in license fee
License fee	$75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training)
Renewal fee	$75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training)
Renewal period	Annual (1 year)
Continuing education	Not required
Bond required	—
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if employees; exempt for sole proprietors with no employees
Background check	—
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Ohio
Processing time	10-15 working days by mail; same-day if submitted in person with completed application

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Written Exam	Provider: ProV Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $59.95
Master Plumber Written Exam	Provider: ProV Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $59.95

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

Local / municipal notes

Bonding and licensing requirements vary by municipality; some municipalities may impose additional local licensing or bonding requirements for plumbing contractors

Frequently asked questions

How much does a West Virginia plumber license cost?

Application: Included in license fee. License: $75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training). Renewal: $75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training).

How do I look up a plumber license in West Virginia?

Search the official license database at labor.wv.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do plumbers in West Virginia need a surety bond?

—

What experience is required for a West Virginia plumber license?

Plumber in Training: less than 8,000 hours; Journeyman: at least 8,000 hours; Master: at least 12,000 hours and 1 year after passing Journeyman exam

Is insurance required for plumbers in West Virginia?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: Required if employees; exempt for sole proprietors with no employees

How often must a West Virginia plumber license be renewed?

Annual (1 year). Continuing education: Not required

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the West Virginia Division of Labor before applying. This is not legal advice.