Plumbers in Maine must obtain licenses before they can begin to practice their trades. This requirement applies to all people who want to provide plumbing services, from entry-level trainees to master plumbers. Read on to learn how to become a plumber and work on plumbing jobs in Maine.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Maine
Maine has four different types of plumbers licenses that are issued depending on the applicant’s skill and experience:
- Trainee
- Journeyman-in-training
- Journeyman
- Master
Each of these types of licenses comes with a different set of requirements and fees, but all require a criminal background check.
Trainee licenses are renewable every two years, as are Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses.
As a general rule, Trainee Plumbers are people who assist with plumbing installations under the direct supervision of a Journeyman or Master Plumber in order to learn the trade.
Journeyman-in-training licenses last for four years and are non-renewable. Journeymen-in-Training are licensed to help with plumbing installations but work by themselves.
Journeymen plumbers can complete plumbing repairs alone but can only complete installations under the supervision of Master Plumbers.
Master plumbers are licensed by the Board to offer the full range of plumbing services, including the supervision of lower-level plumbers.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Maine
Trainee licenses cost just $100 per application or renewal, plus the $21 criminal background check fee.
The fee for all of the more advanced types of plumbing licenses is $200.
There are, however, additional requirements imposed by the state for each level of licensure that can cost applicants more money if they choose to complete them through trade school programs rather than apprenticeships.
Plumbing License Exams
In Maine, both Master and Journeyman Plumbers must pass exams before they can obtain their licenses. The exams are closed-book, and taking them requires $65 per attempt.
The Candidate Information Bulletin is the go-to resource for information about Maine’s plumbing licensure exams.
Preparing for the exam usually involves reading and studying materials that cover the topics laid out in the content outline of the Bulletin, plus taking practice tests.
Both of the levels of plumbing exams in Maine are based on these reference materials:
- Maine Plumbing Law and Rules
- Maine Plumbing Tables
- Plumbing Basics for Contractors
- Uniform Plumbing Code
The Journeyman Plumber exam has 80 questions, while the Master Plumber exam has 100.
Both cover the same subject areas and must be completed in under three hours.
A passing score is considered 70% or higher on the Journeyman exam and 75% or higher on the Master exam.
Both cover the same subject areas, which include:
- Water supply systems
- Backflow systems
- Water heaters
- Drainage, waste, and sanitation
- Plumbing fixtures
- Specialty venting
- Indirect waste
- Traps and interceptors
- Roof drainage
There may also be questions about general regulations on the exam.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Maine?
Licenses are issued by the Plumbers’ Examining Board. This board is overseen by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Additional Plumbing Certifications
Additional plumbing certifications aren’t required in Maine. However, they can demonstrate proficiency more effectively to potential clients or employers.
The two most popular certifications in the field are offered by the NITC and the ASSE respectively.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Maine?
Maine does not have plumbing license reciprocity, meaning out of state plumbers cannot transfer their licenses into Maine.