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. West Virginia defines the tiers by exam passage rather than hours: journeyman by passing the journeyman exam; master by passing the master exam at least one year after the journeyman exam (W. Va. Code 21-14-2).
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Written Exam and Master Plumber Written Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Workers' compensation: Required if employees; exempt for sole proprietors with no employees.
Clear the background check. A prior conviction disqualifies only if it directly and specifically relates to the license (W. Va. Code 21-14-6 and 21-1-6).
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. Renewal: Annual (1 year).

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

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 — Has not yet passed the journeyman plumber exam
Journeyman Plumber — Passed the journeyman plumber written exam with at least 70%
Master Plumber — Passed the master plumber written exam, which may be taken no sooner than one year after passing the journeyman exam

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	West Virginia defines the tiers by exam passage rather than hours: journeyman by passing the journeyman exam; master by passing the master exam at least one year after the journeyman exam (W. Va. Code 21-14-2).
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	A prior conviction disqualifies only if it directly and specifically relates to the license (W. Va. Code 21-14-6 and 21-1-6).
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	No fixed state list: the Commissioner may license without examination plumbers from states with equivalent requirements (42 CSR 32-14.1) · other states' agreements
Processing time	10-15 working days by mail; same-day if submitted in person with completed application

What a West Virginia plumber license costs

Application fee	Included in license fee.
License fee	$75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training).
Journeyman Plumber Written Exam	$59.95.
Master Plumber Written Exam	$59.95.
Renewal fee	$75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training).
Renewal period	Annual (1 year).

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

Renewing a West Virginia plumber license

The Plumber renews on a fixed cycle set by the West Virginia Division of Labor. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Annual (1 year)
Renewal fee	$75 (Master/Journeyman); $25 (Plumber in Training)
Continuing education	Not required
Where to renew	West Virginia Division of Labor

Local / municipal notes

A city or county may not require a state-licensed plumber to hold any other license or evidence of competence to do plumbing work (W. Va. Code 21-14-8); local bonding requirements may still vary.

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?

Not stated by the board.

What experience is required for a West Virginia plumber license?

West Virginia defines the tiers by exam passage rather than hours: journeyman by passing the journeyman exam; master by passing the master exam at least one year after the journeyman exam (W. Va. Code 21-14-2).

Is insurance required for plumbers in West Virginia?

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

How long does it take to get a West Virginia plumber license?

Processing time: 10-15 working days by mail; same-day if submitted in person with completed application.

Is a background check required for plumbers in West Virginia?

Background check: A prior conviction disqualifies only if it directly and specifically relates to the license (W. Va. Code 21-14-6 and 21-1-6).

How often must a West Virginia plumber license be renewed?

Annual (1 year).

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.