The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board oversees all plumbing and mechanical licensing in the state and enforces their respective state laws. All contractors, whether pursuing the field of plumbing or not, must be approved by not only the Board, but also the Iowa Workforce Development Division of Labor.
Plumbing licensure usually progresses from a state-approved apprenticeship to a journeyman license and finally to a master’s license. The following information provides a thorough overview of the plumbing-specific course of action in Iowa, as opposed to one for general contractors.
Iowa Plumbing License Reciprocity
License reciprocity in Iowa is available for journeymen and masters from the states of Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Plumbers with this level of experience may waive the required exam granted they have a similar license. In order to receive reciprocity, plumbers must attach proof of licensure and a certificate of good standing, issued by their respective state.
Iowa Master PlumberLicense Requirements
The highest level of licensure in the state of Iowa is the master plumber license. As a master plumber, individuals can work in the planning and supervising of plumbing-related projects. Supervision is only to be given to licensed journeymen and apprentices.
The following requirements must be met in order to become a master plumber in the state of Iowa:
- Must be at least 18 years old;
- Must provide legal documents of any past criminal offenses;
- Must pass the licensing exam.
Both master and journeymen must submit an examination approval application in order to register for the proper exams. Upon passing their respective exams, both must submit a post-examination application for licensure.
Iowa Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
In Iowa, a licensed journeyman can perform designs, installations, or repairs either alone or under the supervision of a master plumber.
Requirements for becoming a licensed journeyman in the state of Iowa include:
- Must be at least 18 years old;
- Must provide legal documents of any past criminal offenses;
- Must have completed at least four years of practical experience from an apprenticeship training program registered by the U.S. Department of Labor;
- Must pass the licensing exam.
Journeyman Plumbing Exam
The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Boards distribute examinations for the following fields:
- Master and Journeyperson Plumbing;
- Master and Journeyperson Hydronics;
- Master and Journeyperson HVAC/Refrigeration;
- Master and Journeyperson Mechanical;
- Journeyperson Sheet Metal.
A fee of $35 is assessed for each trade discipline in which an exam is taken. Journeymen applications and fees can be sent either by mail or online. See under Iowa Master Plumbing Requirements for a link to the application.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
All apprenticeship programs in the state of Iowa must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. For plumbing-specific programs, apprentices must be licensed with the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board. Upon licensure, apprentices can work in any trade discipline, granted they are under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master in that specific discipline.
Plumbing-specific requirements for apprenticeship include:
- Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate, or have your GED;
- Must provide legal documents of any past criminal offenses;
- Must prove you are working under the supervision of either a licensed journeyman or master plumber;
- Must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered under the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
Aspiring plumbers must complete the Apprenticeship Application Form and pay the associated fees. Completed applications shall be sent to:
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
Iowa Dept. of Public Health
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Job search tools like Indeed can be helpful for finding apprenticeships in Iowa. However, be sure to confirm that any apprenticeship found online is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeships.
Plumbing Trade Schools in Iowa
Many state-approved plumbing apprenticeships are conducted at community colleges in Iowa. Below are a few of the notable programs:
Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Institution: Public/Trade School;
- Tuition(in-state): $176 per credit hour;
- Duration of Program: 35 credits;
- For more information, call 319-398-4983.
Hawkeye Community College in Cedar Falls, IA
- Institution: Public/Trade School;
- Tuition(in-state): $925 for level 1 classes;
- Duration of Program: 144 training hours for level 1;
- For more information, call 319-296-4290.
Iowa Professional License Search
Use the state of Iowa’s public search tool to find the licensure status of contractors in your area.
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 Iowa, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Call Us