If you wish to become a plumber in the state of New York, you must register with the Secretary of State. However, New York does not directly license trades professionals or general contractors uniformly. Instead, you must comply with local regulations in the area or areas where you wish to work, since local government agencies regulate plumbing trades in this state.
Since 40% of the state’s population lives in New York City, this article will focus on that city’s specific requirements. Be sure to contact your local city or county office for detailed rules in your area, or review our list of other locations at the bottom of the page.
New York City requires anyone who performs plumbing work to have a license, because the regulations are strictly enforced. Similar to electrical contractors, you must first gain experience as an apprentice, then apply to become a journeyman, and finally, if you wish, apply and complete an exam to become a master plumber.
The minimum requirements for becoming a plumber in New York include:
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Be able to read, write, and understand English;
- Be fit to perform work;
- Have moral character so as to not affect your job;
- And have at least two years of experience as an apprentice plumber.
New York License Reciprocity
New York State does not have reciprocity agreements. However, individual cities and counties might have agreements with other states.
New York City Master Plumber License Requirements
A master plumber licensed by New York City can perform any and all plumbing jobs. Those looking to become a master plumber must pay a $200 fee for the license and meet one of the following levels of experience:
- Seven years of applicable experience working directly under a master plumber, in which two of those years must be as a licensed journeyman plumber;
- A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate engineering technology from a college or university registered by the New York State Department of Education and have had at least five years of total experience within the seven years. At least two years of this experience must be in New York City;
- A New York State-licensed professional (Registered Architect or Professional Engineer) with at least three years of experience within the five years prior. At least one year of this experience must be in New York City.
- Have at least seven years of total experience within ten years prior to application with at least two years of experience under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber in the United States; at least two years of this experience must be obtained as a Department of Buildings’ registered Journeyman Plumber;
- Experience as an employee of a government agency, private inspection agency or other entity accepted by the Buildings Commissioner whose duties primarily involve the plumbing work for compliance with the New York City Plumbing Code combined with your work experience equals seven years of work experience required within the ten years prior to application.
Master plumbers will also need to pass a background check. You must submit the following documents in person to the NYC Department of Buildings:
- LIC2 application;
- Examination Score Report Form;
- LIC34 application, if applicable;
- LIC51 application;
- LIC62 Physical Exam form must be completed within 90 days prior to the application date;
- Notarized Supplemental Investigation Questionnaire;
- Notarized Background Investigation Questionnaire;
- Experience Verification Forms;
- Certified Social Security History of Earnings;
- Photo ID (driver’s license, learner’s permit, State ID, green card, or passport);
- Original Social Security Card;
- Original birth certificate, a current passport, or a green card;
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease or deed) or a typed notarized letter and bill from the person you are residing with;
- Latest pay stub or W-2;
- Two (2) passport size photographs;
- Child Support Certification Form;
- $500.00 Background Investigation Fee.
Once you have completed all registration and passed the background check and the exam, you are now able to obtain your master’s license. All applicants must be part of a business, either as an officer, a partner, or a sole proprietorship, and must comply with New York City zoning codes.
Master Plumber Exam
To obtain your license, you must pass a written and practical exam. Before taking the test, you must fill out an application for the written section as well as an application for the practical section, along with submitting a $525 fee and $350 fee, respectively. After your applications are submitted and your fees are paid, the exam administrator will email directions for scheduling the exam. You will need a passing score of 70% for the written section in order to take your practical exam. After you pass the practical exam, you should receive a letter in three to four weeks.
New York City Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
Those looking to become journeymen need an understanding of the plumbing trade, including knowledge of tools, working with the Code and technical requirements, and the ability to draft simple diagrams. To register for a journeyman license, you must submit applications through the Department of Buildings Licensing platform. You must also upload the following documents with your application:
- Photo Identification (driver’s license, passport or green card);
- Original Social Security Card;
- DPL1 Form;
- Department of Labor approved apprenticeship/training program certificate;
- Typed notarized affidavits from all past or current employers you have indicated that will attest to your experience and qualification. Affidavits from New York City Licensees must be sealed. Affidavits must include the following information and must be an exact match to what was submitted in your online application:
- Your job title (Helper, Journeyman, etc.);
- Name of the company;
- A detailed description of your duties;
- Your employment dates for each licensee you worked with;
- Whether your employment was full- or part-time;
- A statement by the licensee;
- Social Security History of Earnings;
- Child Support Form;
- Registration fee of $50.00.
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Currently, New York does not require an exam to become a journeyman plumber.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
To become an apprentice in New York City, you generally need to be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or a GED. Individual apprenticeship programs may have different requirements, so it’s important to research programs before applying.
New York Plumber Apprentice Jobs
New York has various training centers and job boards to find apprenticeship programs in the state. These include:
- Boilermakers Northeastern JAC
- Finishing Trades Institute of New York at Albany
- Eastern Millwright Regional Council Apprenticeship
- UA Local 1 Plumbers Training Center
- New York Department of Labor website
- New York State Job Bank
Plumbing Trade Schools in New York
SUNY Empire State College
Location: Saratoga Springs, New York
Tuition: Interested parties must request more information
Contact: 1-800-GO-TO-ESC
LaGuardia Community College
Location: Queens, New York
Tuition: $2,239 for a three-month program
Contact: (718) 482-5231
Apex Technical School
Location: Queen, New York City, New York
Tuition: Interested parties must request more information
Contact: (212) 645-3300
Harlem School of Technology
Location: New York, New York
Tuition: Interested parties must request more information
Contact: (212) 932-2849
Coop Tech
Location: Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island
Tuition: N/A — applicants must be enrolled in a Department of Education High School
Contact:
Queens: (212) 369-8800 ext. 1351 OR ext. 2311
Brooklyn: (718) 290-8600 ext. 2571
Manhattan: (212) 369-8800 ext. 1351 OR ext. 2311
Bronx: (718) 589-2531 ext. 5091
Staten Island: (212) 369-8800 ext. 2311
QBI The Training Institute (QBITTI)
Location: Long Island City, New York
Tuition: Interested parties must request more information
Contact: (718) 392-4156
New York Professional License Search
There are various resources for validating a contractor license in New York, including:
- New York State Education Department (NYSED) — Office of the Professions;
- Occupational Licensing Management System for New York State;
- And the NYC Department of Buildings license type search.
For each web search, users are able to search by name, business, profession, license number, city, or county. Additionally, specific counties in New York might provide a more concise license search for the related area.
Plumber License Requirements for Other Cities of New York
If you are looking to become a plumber in other cities, below is a list of resources for other populous counties and cities in New York:
- Suffolk County
- Electrical, Plumbing, Home Appliance Repair & (Electronics) License Application
- Westchester County
- Applicants for a plumbing license in Westchester County must first pass the applicable licensing examination.
- Master Plumber and Restricted Master Plumber Application
- Binghamton
- Buffalo
- Ithaca
- Contact the Director of Code Enforcement — (607) 274-6508
- Rochester
- Plumbing Exam Application
- Utica
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 York, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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