Washigton Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Washigton’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get a Washington Journeyman Plumber License
- Have completed 8,000 hours in their four years as a plumbing trainee.
- Submit an application and pay the applicable fees
- Study for and pass your exam
How to get a Washington Residential Plumber License
- Have completed the minimum experience requirements:
- Residential (PL02): 6,000 hours in the specialty
- Residential Service (PL04): 4,000 hours as a plumber trainee
- Submit an application and pay the applicable fees
- Study for and pass your exam.
Washington Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: All certifications expire every three years on licensee’s birthday.
Continuing Education:
Journey level and residential plumbers–
Licenses expiring before June 30, 2021: 16 hours of continuing education every three years
Licenses expiring July 1, 2021 and after: 24 hours of continuing education every three years
*Please note, our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Washington.
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Washington?
Individuals that work in the plumbing trade must be certified in Washington.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Washington?
- Plumber Trainee
- Journey Level
- Residential
- Residential Service
Does Washington have reciprocal licensing with other states?
Washington does have reciprocity with Idaho, meaning the trade portion of the Idaho exam would be waived.
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Washington?
For Journey Level, Residential & Residential Service:
• Application/Exam: $189.80
• Certification/Trainee: $56.40
• Renewal: $227.90
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Washington plumbing license?
All certifications expire every three years on your birthdate.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Washington?
To renew your plumbing certification, you need to:
- Complete the required hours of continued education
- Complete a renewal application and pay the required fees
- You may renew online, by mail or in person
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Washington?
Requirements are the same for Journey level and residential plumbers
Licenses expiring before June 30, 2021: 16 hours of continuing education every three years
- Minimum 8 hours of UPC Code
- Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
- Remaining 4 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing
Licenses expiring July 1, 2021 and after: 24 hours of continuing education every three years
- Minimum 12 hours of UPC Code
- Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
- Remaining 8 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing
*Please note, our courses are not currently approved for Washington continuing education
My Washington plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
You still must take your required continuing education courses, but as you fill out the renewal application, your renewal fee would be doubled.
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Washington?
- Show proof of 8,000 hours of plumbing work
- Complete an application for licensure
- Pay the application/exam fee
- Take/Pass the exam
What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Washington?
- Application/Exam: $189.80
- Certification/Trainee: $56.40
- Renewal: $227.90
What can I expect from the Washington journeyman plumbing exam?
150 questions, 270 minute time limit, closed book exam. 70% or better on all parts is required to pass.
- Technical and general trade knowledge
- Code application knowledge for waste and vents
- Code application for water piping
What does your journeyman plumber exam prep cover?
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Math
- Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drainage
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Appendices
- Hands-On Practical Application
Where can I take the Washington journeyman plumber exam?
- Arlington
- Bremerton
- Ellensburg
- Everett
- Kennewick
- Lakewood
- Lake City
- Liberty Lake
- Olympia
- Puyallup
- Seattle (Bellevue)
- Snohomish
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Yakima
How do I know if I passed the Washington journeyman plumber exam?
You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If candidates fail, candidate must reapply with the Department. Candidate can reapply and test unlimited times during the one year period however they will be required to wait 2 weeks (14 days) from the last failed test date before re-testing. If candidate is absent for an examination, it will be counted as a fail.
How do I get my Residential license in Washington?
- Have completed the minimum experience requirements:
- Residential (PL02): 6,000 hours in the specialty
- Residential Service (PL04): 4,000 hours as a plumber trainee
- Complete an application for licensure
- Pay the application/exam fee
- Take/Pass the exam
What fees are associated with becoming a Residential Plumber in Washington?
- Application/Exam: $189.80
- Certification/Trainee: $56.40
- Renewal: $227.90
What can I expect from the Washington residential plumbing exam?
Residential Specialty
150 questions, 270 minute time limit, closed book exam. 70% or better on all parts is required to pass.
- Technical and general trade knowledge
- Code application knowledge for waste and vents
- Code application for water piping
Residential Service
55 questions, 90 minute time limit, closed book exam. 70% or better is required to pass.
What can I expect from your Washington plumber exam prep?
- Administration
- Definitions
- General Regulations
- Plumbing Math
- Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
- Water Heaters
- Water Supply and Distribution
- Sanitary Drain age
- Indirect and Special Waste
- Vents
- Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
- Storm Drainage
- Appendices
- Hands-On Practical Application
Where can I take the Washington residential plumber exam?
- Arlington
- Bremerton
- Ellensburg
- Everett
- Kennewick
- Lakewood
- Lake City
- Liberty Lake
- Olympia
- Puyallup
- Seattle (Bellevue)
- Snohomish
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Yakima
How do I know if I passed the Washington plumber exams?
You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail my exam?
If candidates fail, candidate must reapply with the Department. Candidate can reapply and test unlimited times during the one year period however they will be required to wait 2 weeks (14 days) from the last failed test date before re-testing. If candidate is absent for an examination, it will be counted as a fail.
What continuing education is required to renew my Washington plumber license?
Requirements for Journey level and residential plumbers:
Licenses expiring before June 30, 2021: 16 hours of continuing education every three years
- Minimum 8 hours of UPC Code
- Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
- Remaining 4 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing
Licenses expiring July 1, 2021 and after: 24 hours of continuing education every three years
- Minimum 12 hours of UPC Code
- Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
Remaining 8 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing
Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Washington?
We are not currently approved to provide continuing education to plumbers in Washington.
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.
Department of Labor & Industries
Plumber Certification Program
PO Box 44470
Olympia, WA 98504-4470
(360) 902-5207
Plumbers@Lni.wa.gov
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/plumbing/about-the-plumber-program
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.