Those who do contract work in the state of Texas are required by law to hold the appropriate license. Plumbers in the state of Texas must go through an approved apprenticeship program; they then can move on to acquire a tradesman limited plumbing license, journeyman license, and finally a master plumber license. Plumbing licenses must be renewed every 3 years.
Texas Plumbing License Reciprocity
Requests for a reciprocal license in Texas are considered on an individual basis, regardless of the home state. A letter bearing the (home) state’s official letterhead outlining the individual’s licensing and proof of experience must be submitted to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Texas Master Plumber License Requirements
Texas state law defines a master plumber as “a person licensed under this chapter who (…) is skilled in the design, planning, and superintending of plumbing and in the practical installation, repair, and servicing of plumbing.” The requirements to acquire a master plumber license in Texas are as follows:
- Must have held a journeyman plumbing license for at least 1 year;
- Have a high school diploma or the equivalent;
- Provide proof of citizenship;
- Submit an application ($175.00);
- Pass the exam.
Master Plumber Exam
Pending approval of an application, plumbers who would like to sit for the master exam can call the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at (512) 458-2145.
Texas Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
A journeyman plumber is defined by Texas state law as “a person licensed under this chapter who (…) has met the qualifications for registration as a plumber’s apprentice or for licensing as a tradesman plumber-limited license holder.” The requirements to acquire a journeyman plumber license in Texas are as follows:
- Must be currently registered as a plumber’s apprentice OR hold a Tradesman Plumber-Limited license;
- 8,000 hours of in-field experience under the supervision of a master plumber;
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Proof of citizenship;
- Submit an application ($40.00);
- Pass an exam.
Journeyman Plumbing Exam
Pending approval of an application, plumbers who would like to sit for the journeyman exam can call the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at (512) 458-2145.
Tradesman Plumber-Limited
A limited tradesman plumber can install plumbing for one-family and two-family homes. The requirements to acquire a limited tradesman plumber license in Texas are as follows:
- Register as an apprentice;
- Provide proof of citizenship;
- At least 4,000 hours of experience under a master plumber;
- Complete a 24-hour training course approved by the TSBPE OR complete a training program approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship;
- Submit an application;
- Take the appropriate exam;
- Pay a $35.00 fee.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
An apprentice plumber in the state of Texas is defined as “a person other than a master plumber, journeyman plumber, or tradesman plumber-limited license holder who, as the person’s principal occupation, learns about and assists in the installation of plumbing, has fulfilled the requirements of and is registered by the board, and works under the supervision of a responsible master plumber and the direct supervision of a licensed plumber.” The requirements to acquire a master plumber license in Texas are as follows:
- At least 16 years of age;
- Proof of citizenship;
- Submission of an application ($15.00);
- Acceptance to an approved program or agency through which the apprentice can do work under a master plumber.
Texas Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Trade school programs, as well as union and non-union agencies, are great resources for plumbing apprentices looking for work. Agency work is often posted on online job boards.
Plumbing Trade Schools in Texas
Cisco Junior College
Location: 101, Cisco, TX 79707
Contact Info: (254) 442-5000
Tuition: $4,710 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
North Lake College
Location: 5001 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75038
Contact Info: (972) 273-3000
Tuition: $3,330 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Odessa College
Location: 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79764
Contact Info: (432) 335-6400
Tuition: $3,864 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
South Texas College
Location: 3201 W Pecan Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501
Contact Info: (855) 468-6782
Tuition: $3,890 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
St. Phillips College
Location: 1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78203
Contact Info: (210) 486-2000
Tuition: $5,824
Type: Public
Texas State Technical College
Location: 3801 Campus Dr, Waco, TX 76705
Contact Info: (254) 799-3611
Tuition: $4,665 (In-state tuition)
Type: Public
Texas Professional License Search
Because it is the legal obligation of plumbers to hold the appropriate license according to state laws, many states offer a means of researching the credentials of plumbers. In the case of Texas, a license search tool is available on the state website.
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 Texas, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Call Us