There are three certifications that aspiring plumbers can obtain in Rhode Island: the apprentice plumbing license, the journeyman plumbing license, and the master plumbing license. In addition to those licenses, individuals may also obtain a general contracting license in the state — these are needed for all underground utility work. Plumbing and general contracting licenses are administered through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s (DLT) Plumbers and Irrigators branch.
RI Department of Labor and Training
1511 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-0943
(401)462-8000
Each certification entails its own requirements. Continue reading below to learn more.
Rhode Island Plumbing License Reciprocity
Rhode Island offers reciprocity to out-of-state applicants who can show that they hold licensure equivalent to the state’s standards. Out-of-state applicants must attach proof of licensure from their respective state, alongside degrees or certificates, positions held, and hours of on-the-job training. The application can be found below.
Rhode Island Master Plumber License Requirements
Master plumbers are responsible for the installation, repair, and assessment of all machinery and appliances related to plumbing. The requirements for master plumber licensure in Rhode Island are as follows:
- Hold a journeyman plumber license for at least 5 years;
- Pass the Rhode Island Master Plumber Exam;
- Submit a completed application.
Candidates for an apprenticeship, journeyperson, or master’s license must submit a Plumbing and Irrigators Application for Examination and Apprenticeship. Journeyperson and master applicants must attach a $75 fee per application, as do out-of-state applicants pursuing reciprocity. There is no fee associated with applying for a plumbing apprenticeship in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
Journeymen plumbers in Rhode Island perform all the same tasks as master plumbers, but must do so under supervision. The requirements for journeyman plumbers are as follows:
- Have at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training during a 5-year period;
- 576 of those hours must be through a state-approved training program.
- Pass the Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumbing Exam;
- Submit a completed application.
Candidates for journeyperson licensure must submit the application mentioned above.
Plumbing Journeyman Exam
The plumbing journeyman exam is based on the Rhode Island Edition of the “BOCA International Plumbing Code 2006” and the RI Edition of the State Building Code SBC-3 State Plumbing code effective July 1, 2013. Each exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Exams can be taken at the following address:
RI Department of Labor and Training
Building 73-1, Conference Room
1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-0943
(401) 462-8580, Option #4
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
A plumbing apprentice gradually learns to perform all the duties of a journeyman while under the supervision of one. Those interested in becoming an apprentice in Rhode Island must apply directly to the employer or sponsor they wish to work for.
In order to be admitted into an apprenticeship, the following requirements must be met:
- Have a high school diploma or GED;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Submit a completed application.
Candidates for apprenticeship must submit the application mentioned above.
Rhode Island Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Aspiring plumbers in Rhode Island can find state-approved apprenticeships through several job finding websites. Below are two ways to find such programs:
Plumbing Trade Schools in Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island has various trade and vocational schools offering courses, degrees, and certificates in the field of plumbing. Below are a few of those options:
Community College of Rhode Island
Location: Warwick, RI
Tuition: $955-$1,005 per course
Contact: (401)825-1214
New England Institute of Technology
Location: East Greenwich, RI
Tuition: $15,750.00 per academic year
Contact: (401)467-7744
Rhode Island Professional License Search
Utilize Rhode Island’s professional license search to verify plumbing licenses in your area. Other contracting licenses, such as electrical and HVAC licenses, can also be found through the search tool.
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 Rhode Island, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
- Rhode Island General Contractor License Requirements
- How to Become an Electrician in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Handyman License Guide
- Rhode Island Welding Schools and Career Guide
- How to Get an HVAC License in Rhode Island
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