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How to get a plumber license in Louisiana

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

Governed by La. Admin. Code Title 46, Part LV.

Issuing authority: State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA). Official page: https://www.spbla.com/licenses/

License levels in Louisiana

Louisiana plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsJourneyman: 7,000 hours (indentured) or 8,000 hours (unindentured) supervised experience, or completion/last year of the SPBLA apprenticeship; pass written and practical exams (IRC/IPC/IFGC). Residential Plumber Limited: 3,000 (indentured) or 4,000 (unindentured) hours. Master: hold a current journeyman license (or be a licensed PE); pass a 3-part exam (code, sanitary regulations, business law).
ReciprocitySPBLA does not broadly reciprocate; it reciprocates journeyman licenses only with Arkansas and Texas. Out-of-state licensees with 8,000+ hours may qualify to sit for the journeyman exam.
RenewalAll licenses renew annually by December 31 (no renewal of expired licenses without reapplication). Continuing professional education per year: 3.5 hours (residential and journeyman), 5 hours (active master); apprentices exempt.
NotesGoverned by La. Admin. Code Title 46, Part LV.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Louisiana?
Governed by La. Admin. Code Title 46, Part LV.
What plumber license levels does Louisiana have?
The levels are Apprentice (Indentured / Unindentured), Residential Plumber Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter, Master Natural Gas Fitter, WSPS Endorsement, Medical Gas Certification.
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Louisiana?
Journeyman: 7,000 hours (indentured) or 8,000 hours (unindentured) supervised experience, or completion/last year of the SPBLA apprenticeship; pass written and practical exams (IRC/IPC/IFGC). Residential Plumber Limited: 3,000 (indentured) or 4,000 (unindentured) hours. Master: hold a current journeyman license (or be a licensed PE); pass a 3-part exam (code, sanitary regulations, business law).
Does Louisiana have plumber license reciprocity?
SPBLA does not broadly reciprocate; it reciprocates journeyman licenses only with Arkansas and Texas. Out-of-state licensees with 8,000+ hours may qualify to sit for the journeyman exam.

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in LouisianaHub
All Louisiana trades pages

Sources: www.spbla.com. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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