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How to get a plumber license in Maryland

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

Plumbing and gas-fitting are combined credentials at each tier.

Issuing authority: Maryland State Board of Plumbing, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor. Official page: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/pl/plreq.shtml

License levels in Maryland

Maryland plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsApprentice: minimum age 16. Journey: hold an apprentice license at least 4 years, complete 7,500 hours of training under a licensed master, complete 32 hours of backflow-prevention-device testing training, and pass a comprehensive written exam. Master: hold a journey license at least 2 years, complete 3,750 additional training hours under a master, and pass a comprehensive written exam.
ReciprocityBoard reciprocates ONLY with Delaware (master plumber/gas fitter licenses), the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), and Baltimore County (both plumbing and gas portions required for master/journey).
RenewalBiennial (2-year) cycle. No continuing education required to maintain a plumber/gas fitter license (exception: plumbing inspector ID cards require 8 hours CE each calendar year).
NotesPlumbing and gas-fitting are combined credentials at each tier.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Maryland?
Plumbing and gas-fitting are combined credentials at each tier.
What plumber license levels does Maryland have?
The levels are Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter, Journey (Journeyman) Plumber/Gas Fitter, Master Plumber/Gas Fitter, Master Natural Gas Fitter, Journey Natural Gas Fitter, Apprentice Natural Gas Fitter, Propane Gas Fitter (certification), Plumbing Inspector (certification).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Maryland?
Apprentice: minimum age 16. Journey: hold an apprentice license at least 4 years, complete 7,500 hours of training under a licensed master, complete 32 hours of backflow-prevention-device testing training, and pass a comprehensive written exam. Master: hold a journey license at least 2 years, complete 3,750 additional training hours under a master, and pass a comprehensive written exam.
Does Maryland have plumber license reciprocity?
Board reciprocates ONLY with Delaware (master plumber/gas fitter licenses), the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), and Baltimore County (both plumbing and gas portions required for master/journey).

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in MarylandHub
All Maryland trades pages

Sources: www.dllr.state.md.us · www.dllr.state.md.us. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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