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How To Become a Plumber in New Jersey: License Requirements and Trade Schools

If you are looking for a field with great job security and earnings potential, you can’t go wrong with plumbing. With the field of plumbing growing at a much faster rate than average and the New Jersey median pay for the profession, being a healthy $71,370 — nearly $20,000 higher than the national median — it’s easy to see the benefits of becoming a plumber in the state. 

Just as any general contractor or electrician in New Jersey must follow the proper steps prior to working in the state, so too do prospective plumbers. In order to become a plumber in New Jersey, you’ll require a combination of training, in-field experience, and licensing. You’ll need to register as an apprentice or seek training from a trade school and meet the requirements to become a journeyman before you can begin to make true strides in your career. Follow the guidance below to get started.

An image of the skyline of Jersey City, NJ.

New Jersey Plumbing License Reciprocity

If you are already licensed as a plumber in another state, you likely want to know whether you need to go through the whole process of applying to register as a plumber in New Jersey. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your current license in the Garden State. As noted on the National Center for Construction Education & Research reciprocity map, New Jersey has no reciprocity agreements with other states. This means that you’ll need to follow the steps below to register as a journeyman plumber.

New Jersey Master Plumber’s License Requirements

Those seeking to become a master plumber in New Jersey must meet the criteria outlined in the journeyman plumber’s license requirements section below. Further, candidates must meet specific experience requirements (you must conduct work as a journeyman plumber for at least one year) and complete an exam with at least a 70% rating. You can see these requirements in the Master Plumber’s application online.

When filling out the application to take the exam to become a master plumber, you’ll need:

  • An application fee of $100, which is payable by check or money order;
  • A 2”x2” photograph of your head and shoulders taken within the past six months;
  • Information about your work experience and educational background;
  • Your Social Security number.

Be sure to fill out every part of the application and to follow instructions carefully. Note that, as part of the application, you’ll have to complete a Work Experience Certification form that will include a statement of reference by your past or current employer. Even one missed signature or seal could impact or delay your ability to become licensed. You can check your application status at the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website.

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New Jersey Journeyman Plumber’s License Requirements

To become a journeyman plumber, you must complete a state-certified apprenticeship or have received a relevant degree. Under New Jersey law, a journeyman plumber is defined as “an individual who works under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or supervisory journeyman plumber.” They must have “completed either four years in an apprenticeship program” or have been “awarded a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering” from an accredited university. 

If you’ve already completed an apprenticeship in New Jersey, or in another state, but don’t have the required year of work experience under your belt yet, you should apply. In order to complete the application for registration as a journeyman plumber, you’ll require some basic documents and information:

  • An application fee of $75 ($50 if previously registered as an apprentice plumber in New Jersey), payable by certified check or money order;
  • Two 2”x2” photographs of your head and shoulders taken within the past six months;
  • Information about your work experience and educational background;
  • Your Social Security number.

Plumbing Journeyman Exam

Unlike many other states, applicants wishing to become a journeyman plumber in New Jersey do not need to complete a mandatory exam in order to be eligible. 

Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements

A plumbing apprenticeship is a system of training involving instruction and practical experience under a journeyman or master plumber to prepare individuals to become licensed plumbing contractors. By completing an apprenticeship and developing your skills in a trade such as plumbing, you gain improved job security and earnings potential. 

You’ll also need to apply to register as an apprentice plumber. This requires the same information as listed for the journeyman application above (though the application fee is lower):

  • An application fee of $50 payable by certified check or money order;
  • A 2”x2” photograph of your head and shoulders taken within the past six months;
  • Information about your work experience and educational background;
  • Your Social Security number.

New Jersey Plumbing Apprenticeship Jobs

In order to meet the requirements outlined above, you can take part in a plumbing apprentice job. Such positions generally pay a modest amount while giving you the skills and experience needed to become a plumbing contractor. 

In addition to personally reaching out to local plumbers in New Jersey to seek out state-certified apprenticeship openings, you can check out the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network or find a comprehensive list of apprenticeship opportunities at My Next Move, a resource sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Examples of apprentice sponsors include:

To make the most of your apprenticeship, you should try to be present at all expected times. Be willing to ask questions when there is a process you don’t understand, and try your best to be engaged in the work at hand. Always use the appropriate protective gear during work. By following these practices, you’ll make the best possible impression on others — potentially opening new avenues in your career going forward.

Plumbing Trade Schools in New Jersey

One way to become a journeyman plumber is to enroll in a community college or trade school. This will help you learn the ropes and get some hands-on experience. The following are two examples of programs can help you earn the skills needed to succeed as a plumbing contractor in New Jersey:

New Jersey Professional License Search

You can perform a professional license search on the website for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. On the “License Type” drop-down menu, you can select “Journeyman Plumber” or “Master Plumber,” then perform a search using any combination of the plumber’s name, license number, and city. This will allow you to verify the license status of plumbers in the state, whether they are active, not active, expired, suspended, or deceased.

 

 

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 New Jersey, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:

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