How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Maryland
Plumbing License Requirements in Maryland
Must Maryland plumbers have licenses? Yes. It’s illegal to work without one! To become a plumber in Maryland, you’ll need to sign up for an apprenticeship.
After four years of documentation and work under a licensed plumber’s supervision, you’ll earn a journeyman license.
Then, after two additional years of on-the-job practice, you’ll have the chance to apply for a master plumber’s license.
The Maryland Board of Plumbing issues these licenses, and their requirements can be found on their website.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Maryland
The Maryland Board of Plumbing offers three plumbing/gas fitting licenses: apprentice, journeyman, and master, with each level having specific requirements.
● Apprentices must be 16 or older.
● Journeymen must have had their apprentice licenses for at least four years, have had a minimum of 7500 hours of supervision and training, completed 32 hours of backflow prevention device testing education, and passed a written exam.
● Gas fitters and master plumbers must earn a master plumber’s license, you’ll need to have had a journeyman’s license for two years, pass a written exam, and complete 3750 hours of supervised training.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Maryland
Each licensing level comes with different fees, as shown below.
● Apprentice: $15
● Journeyman: $15 license fee, $65 exam fee
● Master plumber/gas fitter: $70 license fee, $65 exam fee
Consult the Maryland Board of Plumbing website for additional details.
Maryland Plumbing Licensing Exam
The Board works with PSI, an outside licensing and certification company, to conduct its plumbing license exams.
To apply, you’ll need to mail a complete application, including your work history, and the $65 fee to PSI Examination Services at 3210 E. Tropicana St. Las Vegas, NV 89121. You’ll get an eligibility notice within 10 days.
The journeyman and master plumber’s exams each consist of 100 questions, which cover subjects such as plumbing safety, materials, traps, fixtures, appliances, supply systems, backflow prevention, waste systems, gas appliances, and plumbing mathematics.
All exams are open book, and test-takers must score at least 70% to pass.
Who Issues Maryland Plumber’s Licenses?
The Maryland Board of Plumbing issues licenses at every level. Contact them at 1-888-218-5925 or 500 N. Calvert St. Room 481, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
Certifications for Maryland Plumbers
Although the state does not require them, some professional certifications do much to demonstrate a plumber’s proficiency.
Certifications from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as well as those from NITC, also work to make new plumbers more marketable to customers and potential employers. Get more information by contacting these agencies directly.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Maryland?
There is no plumbing license reciprocity in Maryland, meaning licenses from out of state cannot be transferred into Maryland.