New York Plumber Licensing FAQs

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

New York Plumbing Licenses

New York plumbing licenses are not regulated at the state level. You will need to check with your local municipality to determine what requirements you will need to meet to work legally in your area. You must also register your business with the NY Department of State.

What plumbing codes are used in New York?

New York has adopted their own state code: 2020 Plumbing State Code of New York.
This code is based on the ICC’s International Plumbing Code (IPC)

How do I get licensed as a plumber in New York?

New York state requires you to register your business with the Department of State. Licensing for skilled trades is done at the city or county level. You will need to check with your local regulatory bodies in order to find out what, if any, licensing requirements there are for plumbers in your area.

What does your New York plumber exam prep cover?

  • About the Exam
    • Reading and Understanding the Exam Bulletin
    • Books That You Should Have During the Exam
    • Effective Study Techniques
  • Introduction
  • Administration, Scope and Intent/Purpose
  • Definitions and Symbols
  • Plumbing Math
  • General Regulations
  • Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Supply and Distribution
  • Sanitary Drainage
  • Indirect and Special Waste
  • Vents
  • Traps, Interceptors and Separators
  • Storm Drainage
  • Nonpotable Water Systems
  • Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems
  • Appendix E
  • Isometrics
  • Practice Test & hundreds of practice questions

New York Department of State (for Business Registrations)
(518) 474-4429
https://dos.ny.gov/form-corporation-or-business

Please Note: Provided here is a list of several municipalities known to regulate plumbing in New York.

This list is provided as a convenience only. It is by no means an exhaustive list, and if you do not see your local jurisdiction listed, that does not mean they do not require you to be licensed.

Please contact your local city or county government to determine what licensing rules you need to follow.

Buffalo
Plumbing Inspections Office

65 Niagara Square, Room 312
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 851-5067
https://www.buffalony.gov/530/Plumbing

Ithaca
Contractor Licensing & Registration

108 E. Green St, 4th Floor
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6508
https://www.cityofithaca.org/139/Contractor-Licensing-Registration

New York City
Buildings Department, Licensing & Exams Unit

280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 393-2259
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/skilled-trades.page

Rochester
Examining Board of Plumbers

City Hall – Room 121B
Rochester, NY 14614
(585) 428-9339
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589951898

Rockland County
Consumer Protection/Weights & Measures

50 Sanatorium Rd, Building A, 8th Floor
Pomona, NY 10970
(845) 364-3901
CPLCAL@co.rockland.ny.us
http://rocklandgov.com/departments/consumer-protection-weights-and-measures/licenses-and-permits/

Suffolk County
Consumer Affairs, Licensing Department

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
PO Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4600
https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs/Licensing

Troy
City Clerk

(518) 279-7134
cityclerk@troyny.gov
https://www.troyny.gov/departments/city-clerk/plumbers-license/

Westchester County Trades Licensing Division
Plumbing Board

148 Martine Avenue, Room 407
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-2657
https://consumer.westchestergov.com/plumbing-board

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.

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.