Rhode Island Plumber Licensing FAQs

Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Rhode Island?

Anyone who engages in the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system and who performs any type of plumbing work.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Rhode Island?

• Contractor Master
• Master Plumber
• Journeyperson Plumber
• Apprentice Plumber (no test and no fee)
• Master Irrigator
• Journeyperson Irrigator
• Apprentice Irrigator (no test and no fee)
• Master water-filtration/treatment-system installer
• Journeyperson water-filtration/treatment-system installer

Does Rhode Island have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Yes, a master plumber or a journeyperson plumber duly licensed by examination in a state(s) other than Rhode Island, may be issued a license in this state provided that the requirements are the same as this state specifying that person as a journeyperson plumber. provided, further that:

• The applicant submits a copy of his or her current license;
• The Board of Plumbing or Irrigation in each state in which the applicant holds or has held licensure submits to the Board of this State a statement attesting to the licensure status of the applicant during the period the applicant held licensure in said state(s);
• The applicant submits affidavits of having successfully passed a written examination for licensure in the state in which he or she holds current licensure and that such examination was for the classification for which the applicant is seeking licensure in this state; and
• The applicant has successfully passed in this state a written examination approved by the Board in the classification for which the applicant is seeking licensure

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Rhode Island?

Journeyperson

• Application: $75
• License: $72
• Renewal: $72

Master or Master Contractor

• Application: $75
• License: $240
• Renewal: $240

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Rhode Island plumbing license?

Licenses expire every two years on the licensee’s birthdate.

If you have an odd-numbered birth year, you will renew in odd-numbered years.

If you have an even-numbered birth year, you will renew in even-numbered years.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Rhode Island?

The Division of Professional Regulation will send you a renewal card with an application prior to your renewal.

You may also renew online, however online submission of your renewal application does not result in an automatic renewal. The Board of Plumbers and Irrigators must verify that you have met all conditions and requirements before your renewal is processed.

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

Master and Journeyperson Plumbers must complete 7* hours of approved continuing education courses every 2 year cycle.

*Our courses are not currently approved for continuing education credit in Rhode Island

My Rhode Island plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

Any Licensee who fails to renew his or her license as provided in subsection (a) of this section may be reinstated by the department on or after the renewal date for a period of two (2) years upon payment of the current biennial renewal fee of seventy-two dollars ($72.00) plus outstanding license fees and a twelve dollar-per-month ($12.00) administrative assessment fee for the delinquency period.

Any license issued under this chapter that is not renewed within two (2) years of the date of its expiration is deemed to be forfeited and the person to whom the license has been issued is required to make written application for an examination prior to the issuance of a new license.