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How to get a plumber license in Iowa

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from Iowa's official board.

Statewide licensing covering plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, mechanical, and hydronic disciplines under one board.

Issuing authority: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL), Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB). Official page: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure-2

License levels in Iowa

Iowa plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsJourneyperson: at least 18 years old; complete four years of practical experience as an apprentice AND pass the Iowa journeyperson exam for each discipline (or hold an out-of-state master license in the same discipline). Master: hold a journeyperson license with two years of work experience (or a master license in another jurisdiction) and pass the exam.
ReciprocityExam-waiver reciprocity noted for out-of-state licensees (official plumbing page cites South Dakota; applicant must be a non-Iowa resident at application). Reciprocity granted for licenses obtained by exam with proof of good standing.
RenewalLicenses expire June 30 on a three-year cycle; PMSB continuing education/training required (hours per PMSB rules).
NotesStatewide licensing covering plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, mechanical, and hydronic disciplines under one board.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Iowa?
Statewide licensing covering plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, mechanical, and hydronic disciplines under one board.
What plumber license levels does Iowa have?
The levels are Apprentice, Journeyperson, Master, Contractor, Specialty (e.g., Service Technician, Medical Gas Piping, Disconnect/Reconnect).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Iowa?
Journeyperson: at least 18 years old; complete four years of practical experience as an apprentice AND pass the Iowa journeyperson exam for each discipline (or hold an out-of-state master license in the same discipline). Master: hold a journeyperson license with two years of work experience (or a master license in another jurisdiction) and pass the exam.
Does Iowa have plumber license reciprocity?
Exam-waiver reciprocity noted for out-of-state licensees (official plumbing page cites South Dakota; applicant must be a non-Iowa resident at application). Reciprocity granted for licenses obtained by exam with proof of good standing.

Related

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Sources: dial.iowa.gov · dial.iowa.gov · dial.iowa.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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