New Jersey Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: Master Plumber License · Issued by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs.
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In New Jersey, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber License, issued by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs, and a $3,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed plumber in New Jersey
Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program (including propane services education) plus one year (minimum 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering plus one year (1,200 hours) of journeyman experience in New Jersey.
- Pass the Master Plumber Trade Exam and Master Plumber Business and Law Exam and Master Plumber Practical Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. New Jersey requires $3,000 surety bond (concurrent with license term; biennial renewal).
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
- Clear the background check. Criminal history record background check required; applicants must disclose arrests and convictions
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs — $100 application fee, plus a Assessed upon approval; amount not publicly disclosed license fee. Processing time: 15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years, completing 5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30.
New Jersey plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in New Jersey — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- Apprentice Plumber — Perform plumbing work under supervision of a master or journeyman plumber
- Journeyman Plumber — Perform general plumbing work with required experience; intermediate level certification
- Master Plumber — Perform all plumbing work independently; supervise other plumbers; design and install plumbing systems
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program (including propane services education) plus one year (minimum 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering plus one year (1,200 hours) of journeyman experience in New Jersey. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 |
| License fee | Assessed upon approval; amount not publicly disclosed |
| Renewal fee | $160 per biennial (2-year) cycle |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years |
| Continuing education | 5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30 |
| Bond required | $3,000 surety bond (concurrent with license term; biennial renewal) |
| Liability insurance | — |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | — |
| Background check | Criminal history record background check required; applicants must disclose arrests and convictions |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Connecticut; Delaware; Maryland; New York; Pennsylvania |
| Processing time | 15-20 days after licensing fee is processed; acknowledgment email within 72 hours of application receipt |
Exams
| Master Plumber Trade Exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in $240 examination fee |
|---|---|
| Master Plumber Business and Law Exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in $240 examination fee |
| Master Plumber Practical Exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in $240 examination fee |
Local / municipal notes
Master plumbing is regulated at the state level only; home improvement contractors performing plumbing may have additional municipal requirements
Frequently asked questions
How much does a New Jersey plumber license cost?
Application: $100. License: Assessed upon approval; amount not publicly disclosed. Renewal: $160 per biennial (2-year) cycle.
How do I look up a plumber license in New Jersey?
Search the official license database at newjersey.mylicense.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do plumbers in New Jersey need a surety bond?
$3,000 surety bond (concurrent with license term; biennial renewal)
What experience is required for a New Jersey plumber license?
Four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program (including propane services education) plus one year (minimum 1,200 hours) of hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Alternative: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering plus one year (1,200 hours) of journeyman experience in New Jersey.
Is insurance required for plumbers in New Jersey?
Liability: — Workers' compensation: —
How often must a New Jersey plumber license be renewed?
Every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years. Continuing education: 5 hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle; must be completed by June 30
Official sources
njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu
njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu/Pages/FAQ.aspx
njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu/Documents/Master-Plumbers-Application-Process-Overview.pdf
njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Consumer Briefs/state-board-of-examiners-of-master-plumbers.pdf
rocketcert.com/construction/new-jersey/plumbing-license