Kentucky Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Kentucky’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get a Kentucky Journeyman Plumber License
- Meet the minimum experience requirements:
- Have at least 2 consecutive years of experience in the plumbing trade OR
- Complete a department approved apprenticeship training program and have at least one year as an apprentice
- Schedule and pass your exam
- Complete and submit an application for licensure along with applicable fees
How to Get a Kentucky Master Plumber License
- Meet the minimum experience requirements:
- Have had a valid Journeyman license for at least 2 years OR
- Have had a valid plumbing license in another state for at least 2 years OR
- Be a licensed engineer in the State of Kentucky
- Schedule and pass your exam
- Complete and submit an application for licensure along with applicable fees
Kentucky Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire annually on the last day of the licensee’s birth month
Continuing Education: 6 hours, annually
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Kentucky?
No person, firm or corporation shall construct, install or alter any plumbing without first having procured a plumbing construction permit from the Division of Plumbing. Plumbing permits may be issued to licensed master plumbers or to homeowners for plumbing in their own personal residences.
All plumbing work, other than that performed by a homeowner with his/her own permit, must be installed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Kentucky?
- Journeyman
- Master
Does Kentucky have reciprocal licensing with other states?
No, although any person that holds a valid plumbing license from another state is eligible to take the test for a Kentucky plumbing license without meeting the requirement for years of experience. All other requirements must still be met.
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Kentucky?
Journeyman
- Exam: $50
- License: $60
- Renewal: $60
Master
- Exam: $150
- License: $250
- Renewal: $250
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Kentucky plumbing license?
Licenses expire annually on the last day of the licensee’s birth month
How do I renew my plumbing license in Kentucky?
You must complete the required continuing education and then complete and submit an application along with applicable renewal fees.
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Kentucky?
Yes, you must complete 6 hours of continuing education annually.
My Kentucky plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
You must submit an application for renewal, have completed the required continuing education, and pay the required renewal fee in addition to a revival fee.
If revival fees are not paid within 180 days after the license expires, the license will be canceled.
A license may be reinstated upon payment of all delinquent renewal/revival fees.
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Kentucky?
- Meet the minimum experience requirements:
- Have at least 2 consecutive years of experience in the plumbing trade OR
- Complete a department approved apprenticeship training program and have at least one year as an apprentice
- Schedule and pass your exam
- Complete and submit an application for licensure along with applicable fees
What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Kentucky?
- Exam: $50
- License: $60
- Renewal: $60
What can I expect from the Kentucky journeyman plumbing exam?
5 hour time limit—2.5 hour limit per exam portion.
The exam is based on the 2020 Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book.
When can I take the Kentucky journeyman plumber exam?
Exams are conducted during the months of February, May, August and November of each year. Applications for exam must be received 3 weeks prior to scheduling.
Where can I take the Kentucky journeyman plumber exam?
- Hazard
- Madisonville
- Morehead
- Lexington
- Louisville
- Reidland
How do I get my master plumbing license in Kentucky?
- Meet the minimum experience requirements:
- Have had a valid Journeyman license for at least 2 years OR
- Have had a valid plumbing license in another state for at least 2 years OR
- Be a licensed engineer in the State of Kentucky
- Schedule and pass your exam
- Complete and submit an application for licensure along with applicable fees
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Kentucky?
- Exam: $150
- License: $250
- Renewal: $250
When can I take the Kentucky master plumber exam?
Exams are conducted during the months of February, May, August and November of each year. Applications for exam must be received 3 weeks prior to scheduling.
What can I expect from the Kentucky master plumbing exam?
2.5 hour time limit.
The exam is based on the 2020 Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book.
Where can I take the Kentucky master plumber exam?
- Hazard
- Madisonville
- Morehead
- Lexington
- Louisville
- Reidland
What continuing education is required to renew my Kentucky plumber license?
Kentucky plumbers must complete 6 hours of continuing education annually.
Who submits my Kentucky plumbing continuing education course completions to the state?
We will submit the course completion; the licensee still needs to show proof of continuing education completion. (We provide a printable certificate immediately upon course completion).
Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Kentucky?
Yes, we are an approved provider of plumbers continuing education in Kentucky.
Division of Plumbing
(502) 573-1708
plumbing@ky.gov
https://dhbc.ky.gov/
Exam scheduling and administration is processed through the Division of Plumbing.
Once I order the course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, will I be able to start and stop at any time?
Our courses are available online 24/7 and you are able to log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, simply log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your continuing education courses take to complete?
Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
This question really depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you get to go at your own pace! Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, some like to just re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is for you to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have the courses?
We allow up to 6 months for you to complete the courses. During the six months you have unlimited, 24/7 access. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Are there tests in the courses?
This varies depending on whether the course is continuing education or exam prep.
There are no quizzes for continuing education courses in Michigan. All other states with continuing education require quizzes to check completion progress.
In exam prep courses there will be a short quiz at the end of each lesson and there is also a longer practice test at the end of each course. These quizzes and tests will help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to study more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You are able to review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you’ll have access to the courses.