Virginia Plumbing License Requirements Guide

To become a plumbing contractor in Virginia, you must fulfill state-required training and work experience. The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) lists all the required applications, fees, training, and work experience you need to obtain your plumbing license.

Similar to acquiring a general contracting license in Virginia, you must be aware of the different tradesmen classifications. In plumbing, there are three types of tradesmen: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Each classification has its own required hours and experience, so it’s important to understand the difference.

Virginia Plumbing License Reciprocity

If you are already licensed as a journeyman or a master plumber in Washington State, your license will be recognized in Virginia. To obtain reciprocity, you must first apply for a Virginia contracting license. If you successfully completed an apprenticeship program that is approved by the DPOR, you could be exempt from taking the apprenticeship exam.

If you wish to qualify as a journeyman or a master plumber in the state of Virginia, you must also attach a certification or letter of good standing, as well as a copy of your valid license. This certificate includes the following information:

The license, registration, or certification number;
The date of licensure;
The expiration date of the license or its renewal fee;
The means of obtaining a state license (ex. reciprocity);
And any disciplinary actions resulting in violations.

Virginia Master Plumber License Requirements

According to the DPOR, a master plumber is defined as someone who has the ability to plan, supervise, repair, and maintain equipment that complies with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. To become a master plumber in Virginia, you must complete one of the three requirements:

One year of experience as a licensed journeyman;
Ten years of experience verified by a supervisor;
Or possess a journeyman or master license issued by a governing body outside the Virginia Commonwealth.

If you meet one of those requirements, then you qualify for the master tradesman license exam. You must fill out the Tradesman and License Application, which will then be submitted to the DPOR and attach a completed Individual Experience Verification form.

To renew your master license, individuals are required to complete a continuing education course before the renewal date of their license. This course must be at least three hours in length and approved by the Board for Contractors. The DPOR provides a list of approved schools and courses.

Master Plumber License Exam

The master license exam is online and can be taken at any time. There is no deadline, and you do not have to sign up for a time slot. However, you will have to await approval from the Board for Contractors before taking the exam. After approval, you will contact PSI Exams Online to take your test. There is a fee of $125 to take the exam which is not refundable, payable by credit card to PSI Exams Online.

Virginia Journeyman Plumber License Requirements

If you wish to become licensed as a journeyman plumber, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you need to meet one of the following requirements:

Four years of practical experience in the trade and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Five years of practical experience in the trade and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Six years of practical experience in the trade and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Seven or more years of practical experience in the trade and 40 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Associates degree or certificate of completion from at least a two-year program in a tradesman related field from an accredited community college or technical school and two years of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is requested.
Bachelor’s degree or certificate of completion from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and one year of practical experience in the trade for which licensure is requested.
Ten years of practical experience in the trade as verified by individuals who have observed the applicant’s work in the trade.
Individuals currently certified or licensed as a journeyman or master by governing body located outside the Commonwealth of Virginia.

You will also need a completed Individual Experience Verification form, along with a certification of completion or an official transcript. You must fill out the Tradesman and License Application, which will then be submitted to the DPOR.

To renew your journeyman license, individuals are required to complete a continuing education course before the renewal date of their license. This course must be at least three hours in length and approved by the Board for Contractors. The DPOR provides a list of approved schools and courses.

Journeyman Plumber Exam

The journeyman license exam is online and can be taken at any time. There is no deadline, and you do not have to sign up for a time slot. However, you will have to await approval from the Board for Contractors before taking the exam. After approval, you will contact PSI Exams Online to take your test. There is a fee of $100 to take the exam which is not refundable, payable by credit card to PSI Exams Online.

Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements

Virginia requires all tradesmen to complete pre-license education. The DPOR provides a list of approved vocational schools to choose from. The Board for Contractors will also accept any schools that are accredited or technical schools associated with Virginia local school divisions.

Virginia Plumbing Apprentice Jobs

Apprentices looking for jobs can use the state of Virginia website to job search. Users can filter by job type, pay scale, location, or role. This ensures apprentice plumbers can find exactly what they are looking for.

Plumbing Trade Schools in Virginia

Name: Virginia Technical Institute
Tuition: $1758/semester
Contact: Phone: 434-369-8200 or complete the email form

Name: Lord Fairfax Community College
Tuition: N/A
Contact: Use the contact form on the program webpage

Virginia Professional License Search

To look up a plumbing contractor or business, you may use the DPOR license lookup page. Users can search by name, license number, address, or license type to validate professional licenses or credentials.

For More License and Career Guides

To find out how to become a Plumbing Contractor in another state, start here.

For information on other trades in Virginia, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:

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