Michigan Plumber Licensing FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Michigan’s plumber licensing and continuing education

How to Get a Michigan Journeyman Plumber License

  1. Meet the minimum experience requirements:
    1. Be at least 18 years of age
    2. Have at least 6,000 hours experience (over 3 or more years) as a registered plumbing apprentice
  2. Complete and submit an application for examination/licensure
  3. Take and pass your exam
  4. Pay the license fee
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How to Get a Michigan Master Plumber License

  1. Meet the minimum experience requirements:
    1. Be at least 18 years of age
    2. Have at least 4,000 hours experience (over 2 or more years) as a licensed journeyman
  2. Complete and submit an application for examination/licensure
  3. Take and pass your exam
  4. Pay the license fee
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Michigan Plumber Renewal Requirements

Renewal Deadline: Journeyman licenses expire April 30th every year.

Master and Plumbing Contractor licenses expire on April 30th every three years.

Continuing Education: Journeyman and Master plumbers must complete a code update course within one year of each new code update.

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Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Michigan?

Individuals must be licensed to perform any type of plumbing work without a licensed supervisor.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Michigan?

  • Journeyman
  • Master
  • Plumbing Contractor

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Michigan?

Journeyman

  • Application: $40
  • Exam: $100

Master

  • Application: $300
  • Exam: $100

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Michigan plumbing license?

Journeyman licenses expire April 30th every year.

Master and Plumbing Contractor licenses expire on April 30th every three years.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Michigan?

Licenses may be renewed online through the online licensing portal. You cannot renew your license more than 90 days prior to the license expiration date.

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Michigan?

Journeyman and Master plumbers must complete a code update course within one year of each new code update.

How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Michigan?

  1. Meet the minimum experience requirements:
    1. Be at least 18 years of age
    1. Have at least 6,000 hours experience (over 3 or more years) as a registered plumbing apprentice
  2. Complete and submit an application for examination/licensure
  3. Take and pass your exam
  4. Pay the license fee

What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Michigan?

  • Application: $40
  • Exam: $100

What can I expect from the Michigan journeyman plumbing exam?

  • 180 minute time limit
  • Open book exam
  • 125 Questions – 70% correct to pass

The journey examination will cover the candidates’ knowledge of plumbing theory, the practice of plumbing and knowledge of the state plumbing code, rules and regulations.

The questions are based upon drainage systems, vent systems, fixtures, and water distribution along with backflow prevention, special waste systems, testing and inspections.

Also included is the ability to gather information from an isometric drawing representing the practical side of plumbing.

What does your journeyman plumber exam prep cover?

  • Administration
  • Definitions
  • General Regulations
  • Plumbing Math
  • Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Supply & Distribution
  • Sanitary Drainage
  • Indirect and Special Waste
  • Vents
  • Traps, Interceptors and Separators
  • Storm Drainage
  • Appendices
  • Hands-On Practical Application

Where can I take the Michigan journeyman plumber exam?

  • Dearborn
  • Gaylord
  • Grand Rapids
  • Holt
  • Marquette
  • Southfield

How do I know if I passed the Michigan journeyman plumber exam?

You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.

What happens if I fail my exam?

If you fail the exam you may retest unlimited times during your one year eligibility period. After that you must submit a new application to LARA.

How do I get my master plumbing license in Michigan?

  1. Meet the minimum experience requirements:
    1. Be at least 18 years of age
    1. Have at least 4,000 hours experience (over 2 or more years) as a licensed journeyman
  2. Complete and submit an application for examination/licensure
  3. Take and pass your exam
  4. Pay the license fee

What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Michigan?

  • Application: $300
  • Exam: $100

What can I expect from the Michigan master plumbing exam?

  • 180 minute time limit
  • Open book exam
  • 130 Questions – 70% correct to pass

The master examination will cover the science and practice of plumbing, knowledge of the state plumbing code, laws, rules, and regulations.

The material taken off practical portion of the exam consists of a drawing indicating back-to-back rest rooms. All pertinent data is provided to enable the applicant using the plumbing code to list the required amount of fittings to be used, vent and drain sizes, and to identify venting methods.

The questions are based upon drainage systems, general knowledge, fixtures, water distribution, backflow protection, storm drains, special waste, testing, inspections, venting, and knowledge of the Skilled Trades Regulations Act, 2016 PA 407.

What can I expect from your Michigan master plumber exam prep?

  • Administration
  • Definitions
  • General Regulations
  • Plumbing Math
  • Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Supply & Distribution
  • Sanitary Drainage
  • Indirect and Special Waste
  • Vents
  • Traps, Interceptors and Separators
  • Storm Drainage
  • Appendices
  • Hands-On Practical Application

Where can I take the Michigan master plumber exam?

  • Dearborn
  • Gaylord
  • Grand Rapids
  • Holt
  • Marquette
  • Southfield

How do I know if I passed the Michigan master plumber exams?

You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.

What happens if I fail my exam?

If you fail the exam you may retest unlimited times during your one year eligibility period. After that you must submit a new application to LARA.

What continuing education is required to renew my Michigan plumber license?

Journeyman and Master plumbers must complete a code update course within one year of each new code update.

Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Michigan?

Yes, we are an approved provider of plumbing continuing education in Michigan.

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Plumbing Division
611 W. Ottawa St
Lansing, MI 48933(517) 241-9330
bccplbg@michigan.gov
LARA-BCC-Licensing@michigan.gov
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/

Mailing without payment (USPS)PO Box 30254
7150 Harris Drive
Lansing, MI 48909

Mailing with payment (USPS)PO Box 30255
7150 Harris Drive
Lansing, MI 48909

Carrier other than USPS2407 N. Grand River Ave
Lansing, MI 48906

PSI Exams
3210 E Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121
(855) 579-4635
https://www.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.