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How to get a plumber license in Massachusetts

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

Hour/theory figures in current data (300hr / 100hr) not confirmed and softened; official/regulatory sources cite ~8,500 apprentice hours plus tiered classroom instruction, and 12 hours CE biennially.

Issuing authority: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Official page: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters

License levels in Massachusetts

Massachusetts plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsJourneyman: work as a registered/licensed apprentice under a Massachusetts master (or journeyman employed by a master) accumulating on the order of 8,500 clock hours (approx. 4 years), plus required related classroom instruction (tiered apprentice education), then pass the exam. Master: hold a journeyman license and work at least 1 additional year (~2,000 hours) as a licensed journeyman, plus required education, then pass the exam.
ReciprocityNot established statewide.
RenewalBiennial cycle beginning May 1 of even-numbered years; 12 hours of mandatory continuing education per 2-year cycle (248 CMR 11.04).
NotesHour/theory figures in current data (300hr / 100hr) not confirmed and softened; official/regulatory sources cite ~8,500 apprentice hours plus tiered classroom instruction, and 12 hours CE biennially.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Massachusetts?
Hour/theory figures in current data (300hr / 100hr) not confirmed and softened; official/regulatory sources cite ~8,500 apprentice hours plus tiered classroom instruction, and 12 hours CE biennially.
What plumber license levels does Massachusetts have?
The levels are Apprentice Plumber (registration), Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, (also Journeyman/Master Gas Fitter and LP Gas Installer).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Massachusetts?
Journeyman: work as a registered/licensed apprentice under a Massachusetts master (or journeyman employed by a master) accumulating on the order of 8,500 clock hours (approx. 4 years), plus required related classroom instruction (tiered apprentice education), then pass the exam. Master: hold a journeyman license and work at least 1 additional year (~2,000 hours) as a licensed journeyman, plus required education, then pass the exam.
Does Massachusetts have plumber license reciprocity?
Not established statewide.

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in MassachusettsHub
All Massachusetts trades pages

Sources: www.mass.gov · regulations.justia.com. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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