Pennsylvania Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania’s plumber licensing and continuing education
Pennsylvania Plumbing Licenses
Pennsylvania 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.
Getting Licensed
What plumbing codes are used in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has adopted the International Plumbing Code 2015.
View all Pennsylvania building code adoptions here.
How do I get licensed as a plumber in Pennsylvania?
The state of Pennsylvania does not regulate plumbing licenses. 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.
Please Note: Provided here is a list of several municipalities known to regulate plumbing in Pennsylvania.
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.
Allegheny County Health Department
3601 Penn Ave, Building 5
Pitssburgh, PA 15224
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Programs/Plumbing/Plumbing-Program.aspx
Allentown
Building Standards & Safety
435 Hamilton St, 4th Floor
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 437-7591
https://www.allentownpa.gov/Building-Standards-Safety/Trades-Licensing/Plumbing
Lancaster
Board of Plumber Examiners
Council Chambers – City Hall, Annex
120 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-4724
https://www.cityoflancasterpa.com/boards-commissions-and-authorities/board-of-plumber-examiners/
Philadelphia
Department of Licenses and Inspections
Municipal Services Building – Concourse
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19102
https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/trade-licenses/
Pottstown
Department of Economic Development
100 E High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 970-6520
https://www.pottstown.org/116/Business-Licenses
Susquehanna Township
Community & Economic Development
1900 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 901-6050
https://www.susquehannatwp.com/community-development/pages/plumbing-registration
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.