Maryland Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Maryland’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get a Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter License
- Meet all of the minimum state experience requirements:
- Have held an apprentice plumber/gas fitter license for at least 4 years
- Have completed 7,500 hours of training under a licensed master plumber/gas fitter
- Have completed 32 hours of training in backflow prevention device testing
- Apply for approval to take the exam
- Take and pass your exam
- Complete and submit a completed application for original licensure along with applicable fees to the board*
*Application for licensure must be completed within one year of passing the exam
How to Get a Maryland Master Plumber/Gas Fitter License
- Meet all of the minimum state experience requirements:
- Have held a journey plumber/gas fitter license for at least 2 years
- Have completed 3,750 hours of training under a licensed master plumber/gas fitter
- Apply for approval to take the exam
- Take and pass your exam
- Complete and submit a completed application for original licensure along with applicable fees to the board*
*Application for licensure must be completed within one year of passing the exam
Maryland Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years by the date on your license
Continuing Education: There are no active continuing education requirements for plumbers in Maryland at this time.
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Maryland?
If you provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide plumbing or gas services in the state of Maryland, you must hold the proper category of license issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing in order to provide plumbing, propane gas, or natural gas services in the state.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Maryland?
- Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter
- Apprentice Natural Gas Fitter
- Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter
- Journey Natural Gas Fitter
- Master Plumber/Gas Fitter
- Master Natural Gas Fitter
Does Maryland have reciprocal licensing with other states?
The State Plumbing Board reciprocates with the State of Delaware:
For the Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license ONLY, you can apply online or call the State Board of Plumbing for an application.
Individuals who hold a current journey or master gas fitter license from Baltimore County or WSSC may obtain a like state natural gas fitter’s license.
Supporting documents to be filed with a reciprocal license application:
- Verification letter from Baltimore County, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) or State of Delaware
- Natural Gas Fitter verification form
- Certificate of Insurance (your name must appear on the certificate and the Maryland State Board of Plumbing must be named as the certificate holder)
- Copy of current license
- Copy of current master HVACR or master restricted (applicable to master natural gas fitter reciprocal licensing only)
- Copy of Photo ID or driver’s license
- Backflow Certification (applicable to master and journey plumbing/gas fitter only)
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Maryland?
Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter
- Exam: $65
- License: $35
Master Plumber/Gas Fitter
- Exam: $65
- License: $70
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Maryland plumbing license?
Licenses must be renewed every 2 years by the date on your license.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Maryland?
The Board automatically mails an electronic renewal notice and instructions approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of your license. If you do not receive a renewal notice within a month of the expiration, you must make a request to the Maryland plumbing board for a renewal application or you can renew online.
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Maryland?
No, there are no active continuing education requirements for Maryland plumbers at this time.
My Maryland plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
A license can be expired for a maximum of four years before an individual is required to retest. To renew a license that has been expired for less than 4 years, go to the online renewal page.
How do I get my journey plumber/gas fitter license in Maryland?
- Meet all of the minimum state experience requirements:
- Have held an apprentice plumber/gas fitter license for at least 4 years
- Have completed 7,500 hours of training under a licensed master plumber/gas fitter
- Have completed 32 hours of training in backflow prevention device testing
- Apply for approval to take the exam
- Take and pass your exam
- Complete and submit a completed application for original licensure along with applicable fees to the board*
*Application for licensure must be completed within one year of passing the exam
What fees are associated with becoming a journey plumber in Maryland?
- Exam: $65
- License: $35
What can I expect from the Maryland journey plumbing exam?
240 minute time limit open book exam
100 Questions – 70% correct to pass
- 8 questions: Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety
- 6 questions: Materials, Uses and Specifications
- 4 questions: Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves
- 4 questions: Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Plumbing Appliances
- 8 questions: Water Supply Systems
- 10 questions: Backflow Prevention
- 13 questions: Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
- 40 questions: Gas Appliances and Piping
- 7 questions: Plumbing Mathematics
Reference materials allowed in the exam:
- International Plumbing Code, 2018
- International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
- Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Any standard backflow text
- Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926
Where can I take the Maryland journey plumber exam?
- Baltimore
- College Park
- Crofton
- Hagerstown
- Lanham
- Salisbury
How do I know if I passed the Maryland journey plumber exam?
You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If you do not pass, you may submit a new registration form to PSI with the appropriate fee and schedule a new appointment to retake the exam. You may not take the exam more often than every 30 days.
How do I get my master plumber/gas fitter license in Maryland?
- Meet all of the minimum state experience requirements:
- Have held a journey plumber/gas fitter license for at least 2 years
- Have completed 3,750 hours of training under a licensed master plumber/gas fitter
- Apply for approval to take the exam
- Take and pass your exam
- Complete and submit a completed application for original licensure along with applicable fees to the board*
*Application for licensure must be completed within one year of passing the exam
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Maryland?
- Exam: $65
- License: $70
What can I expect from the Maryland master plumber exam?
240 minute time limit open book exam
100 Questions – 70% correct to pass
- 5 questions: Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety
- 6 questions: Materials, Uses and Specifications
- 4 questions: Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves
- 4 questions: Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Plumbing Appliances
- 8 questions: Water Supply Systems
- 10 questions: Backflow Prevention
- 13 questions: Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
- 3 questions: Special Topics
- 40 questions: Gas Appliances and Piping
- 7 questions: Plumbing Mathematics
Reference materials allowed in the exam:
- International Plumbing Code, 2018
- International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
- Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Any standard backflow text
- Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926
Where can I take the Maryland master plumber exam?
- Baltimore
- College Park
- Crofton
- Hagerstown
- Lanham
- Salisbury
How do I know if I passed the Maryland master plumber exams?
You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If you do not pass, you may submit a new registration form to PSI with the appropriate fee and schedule a new appointment to retake the exam. You may not take the exam more often than every 30 days.
What is professional development?
Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!
Is professional development the same as continuing education?
Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.
Maryland State Board of Plumbing
500 N Calvert St, Room 302
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 230-6231
DLOPLplumbing-LABOR@maryland.gov
https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/pl/
PSI Exams
3210 East Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(855) 746-8173
examschedule@psionline.com
https://candidate.psiexams.com/
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.