How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Virginia
Virginia Plumber License Requirements
Individuals who wish to work as a plumber must obtain a license to do so. This ensures they are qualified to handle plumbing tasks. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations regulatory boards determine entry level requirements for this profession.
When doing so, the board outlines the educational requirements, exams the individual must pass, and experience they must possess. However, the board may accept licenses from other states. The Board of Contractors is responsible for regulating and licensing plumbers in Virginia.
Types of Plumber Licenses in Virginia
A plumber may obtain one of three licenses in Virginia. An individual with a journeyman’s license can only handle basic plumbing tasks under the supervision of a master plumber, and the projects they work on must be valued at under $1,000.
Those with a master license can take on bigger jobs. They are allowed to install and supervise work involving plumbing systems. Before doing so, they must have ten years of practical experience in plumbing or one year of licensed journeyman experience. They are restricted to overseeing jobs valued at less than $1,000.
Upon completion of the master plumber exam, a person can move forward with obtaining a contractor’s license. This license allows them to work on jobs valued at over $1,000. Three contractor license options are offered, and the individual determines which level they wish to pursue.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Virginia
The licensing fee for a journeyman is $130, which is in addition to the $100 exam fee. When the individual pursues a master license, these fees increase to $130 and $125, respectively. The fee for a contractor’s license starts at $235, with the exam starting at $72. However, there is no exam for a contractor Class C license. A renewal fee of $90 must be paid every two years.
Virginia Plumber Licensing Exams
An individual must apply to the board before sitting for any plumber’s license in VA. The board determines whether the individual is qualified to take the exam. The journeyman and master exams consist of 80 questions, and the exam must be completed within two-and-a-half hours. The candidate must answer 60 questions correctly to pass.
The master exam varies by the class a person is testing for. There is no exam for a Class C contractor license. The Class B contractor license exam consists of a General portion and Rules and Regulations portion. Anyone wishing to obtain a Class A contractor license must also take the advanced portion of the exam.
Interested candidates should consider attending a Virginia plumbing school to better prepare for licensing exams.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Virginia?
The Virginia Board for Contractors oversees all trade and contractor licenses in the state. This agency may be reached at contractors@dpor.virginia.gov or 804-367-2785.
Virginia Plumbing Certifications
A plumber may wish to pursue one or more certifications to increase their employment opportunities. Options include the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials certification and the National Inspection Testing and Certification.
Becoming a licensed plumber in Virginia requires completing of several steps. However, it is worth putting in the time and effort. Men and women who do so find they look forward to going into work each day, as they know they are improving the lives of others.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Virginia?
Yes, you can transfer a plumbing license from another state to Virginia through the Universal License Recognition (ULR) program:
● Requirements: You must have a valid plumbing license or certification from another state.
● Application: Apply for a license through the appropriate DPOR board.
● Processing: Applications are processed in the order they are received, and it usually takes about 30 days.
Related Links
Plumbing License Guides By State
Want plumbing jobs delivered to your inbox?
Want plumbing jobs delivered to your inbox?
Partner Site
