How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Ohio
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Ohio
The state requires individuals interested in Ohio plumbing jobs to obtain a Commercial Contractor license, which is the only state-level license available for plumbing.
Plumbers start their training as apprentices and progress to become journeymen, all under the guidance of a licensed plumbing contractor.
The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues licenses for commercial work to contractors specializing in Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Plumbing, and Hydronics. However, the state does not offer licenses for either journeymen or master plumbers.
The process of becoming a licensed plumbing contractor typically involves gaining extensive work experience as an apprentice, after which the individual may qualify to take the state licensing exam.
Once licensed, a plumbing contractor is authorized to perform plumbing work on commercial projects in Ohio.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Ohio
Once you have completed your apprenticeship and gained the required experience, you will need to take a licensing exam, which has two parts – the business and law exam and the trade portion of the exam.
The cost of each section is $69, for a combined total of $138. Upon passing both parts of the exam, you will need to pay a $25 application fee to the state treasurer when applying for your license.
Plumbing License Exams in Ohio
The Business and Law exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and has a two-hour time limit. It covers a range of topics, including Business Org, Licensing, Estimating and Bidding, Contract Management, Project Management, Insurance and Bonding, OSHA Record Keeping and Safety, Personnel Regulations, Financial Management, Tax Laws, and Lien Laws.
The plumber contractor exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a four-hour time limit. It covers topics such as General Knowledge and Requirements, General Regulations, Plumbing Fixtures, Water Supply Systems, Drainage, Waste, and Sanitary Vents, Indirect Wastes, Roof Drain Piping, Specialty Plumbing, and Isometric Analysis.
To pass, you must score at least 70% on each section. Both exams are open-book tests, and the Candidate Information Bulletin specifies which reference materials are permitted and what items are not allowed in the testing center.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Ohio?
In Ohio, licenses for the construction industry are issued by the Department of Commerce’s Construction Industry Licensing Board.
This board is responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of various trades, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, and hydronics contractors who perform commercial work.
Certifications for Plumbers in Ohio
In addition to state-level licenses, there are several other certifications available that can help demonstrate your expertise and proficiency to potential employers and clients in the plumbing industry.
These certifications include the National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and various other professional certifications.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Ohio?
Yes, you can transfer a plumbing license to Ohio through a reciprocity agreement if you are a licensed plumber from South Carolina, Tennessee, or West Virginia. To apply for a reciprocal license, you must:
● Complete Section I of the reciprocity verification form.
● Submit the form to the licensing board that issued your examination.
● Include a state seal and confirmation that you passed the state examination.
● Provide your scores from the state you are reciprocating from.
Related Links
Plumbing License Guides By State
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