Licensing Guides
Alabama Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Alabama
Plumbing, AL
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Alabama
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Alabama?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Alabama?
Does My Alabama Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are The Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Alabama?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Alabama?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that impacts the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 455,940 plumbers nationwide, and Alabama employs 7,880 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Alabama, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly lower at 4% for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Alabama in July 2025 totaled 108,800, an increase of 1,400 (1.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 14,300 or 15% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Alabama has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Alabama
Is a license required for plumbers in Alabama? Yes, and right from the start.
To legally perform any plumbing work in the state of Alabama, you must be certified. You must even register to get started as an apprentice. After two years of experience as an apprentice, you can apply to test for a journeyman license. After another year of experience at that level, you may apply to take the test to qualify for a master plumber’s license.
Certificates for apprentice, journeyman plumber, and master plumber are issued by the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Alabama
What are the types of plumber licenses in Alabama?
There are three levels of licensure in Alabama:
Apprentice — defined as “a person other than a master or journeyman gas fitter or plumber, who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of gas pipe, equipment, apparatus, and appliances, and shall work directly under the supervision of a journeyman or master gas fitter or plumber, and who has successfully fulfilled the registration requirements of the board and has been duly registered by the board as such for the current year.”
Journeyman — defined as “a person who engages in or works at the actual installation, repair, or replacement of plumbing systems, who has successfully fulfilled the examination requirements of the board, has been issued a journeyman plumber certificate by the board, and possesses a valid and current annual certificate issued by the board.”
Master — defined as “a person or legal entity that engages in or works at the actual installation, repair, or replacement of plumbing systems, that has successfully fulfilled the examination requirements of the board, has been issued a master plumber certificate by the board, and that possess a valid and current annual certificate issued by the board.”
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must be registered with the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Must provide proof of citizenship or proof of lawful presence of non-citizen.
May only perform work under the supervision of a licensed master or journeyperson. An apprentice must not knowingly perform work for an unlicensed contractor.
Must file an application and submit a $35 fee.
Journeyman Plumbing License
Must obtain two years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber or master plumber or complete a board-approved apprentice training program.
Apply to take the journeyman licensing exam, pay a $110 fee, and pass the exam.
Submit application within 90 days of passing the exam, pay $50 application fee and $75 certification fee.
Master Plumbing License
Must work a minimum of a year as a journeyman plumber under a licensed master plumber before you can apply to take the master plumber examination.
Apply to take the master plumber exam, pay $160 fee, and pass the exam.
Submit application within 90 days of passing the exam, pay $50 application fee and $175 certification fee.
File evidence of workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. If you own your own business, you must have a minimum amount of insurance—$300,000 for property damage, $100,000 general liability insurance—and submit a copy of your insurance certificate to the Examining Board.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Alabama
The Examining Board follows the state labor laws, which allow an individual to work legally beginning at age 14 with the proper paperwork. But, even if it’s just a summer job, you are required to register as an apprentice before beginning any plumbing work.
Submit apprentice registration form, $35 fee, and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.
Provide Social Security number.
Get two years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber or master plumber, or complete a board-approved apprentice training program.
Apply to take the journeyman licensing exam, including documentation of work experience or schooling, and pay a $110 fee.
Take and pass the licensing exam.
Apply for journeyman plumber license and pay $50 application fee and $75 certification fee.
Work as a licensed journeyman plumber for one year under supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Apply to take the master plumber licensing exam, and pay a $160 fee.
Take and pass the licensing exam.
Apply for a master plumber license and pay $50 application fee and $175 certification fee.
File evidence of workers' compensation insurance. Most companies will provide that for employees.
If you own your own business, you must have a minimum amount of insurance—$300,000 for property damage, $100,000 general liability insurance— and submit a copy of your insurance certificate to the Examining Board.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Alabama
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Alabama plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Alabama to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services (requires a master license), obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Alabama?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Alabama is $54,720, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Alabama, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $50,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $65,900
Senior (4-7 years): $71,300
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Alabama?
The fee for the apprentice application is $35. Apprenticeships are work-based training programs, meaning you’ll earn while you learn.
After two years of work experience, you have to pass the journeyman licensing exam, which costs $110. The journeyman license incurs a $50 application fee and $75 certification fee.
After one year of working as a licensed journeyman, you must pass the master licensing exam. For a master license, you must pay a $160 exam fee, $50 application fee, and $175 certification fee.
How to Get a Plumbing License in Alabama
Becoming a plumbing professional in Alabama isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Alabama requires anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to register with the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. Step one is to register as an apprentice by submitting this form along with a $35 registration application fee and proof of U.S. citizenship or a lawful presence of non-citizen form. You may then begin accruing the two years of experience needed to apply to test for a journeyman license. You may gain that experience through an apprentice/entry level job working under a licensed journeyman or master plumber or through a board-approved apprentice training program like those on the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship website.
APPLY TO TAKE JOURNEYMAN LICENSE EXAM: After you’ve completed an approved apprentice program or college degree program or you’ve worked a minimum of two years as a registered apprentice, you can apply to the Board to take the journeyman plumber examination. Submit the application for examination form and a non-refundable fee of $110. Once the exam application is processed, you will receive an exam eligibility notification explaining how to schedule your exam. You have 30 days from the date of approval to take the exam. If you don’t take it within 30 days, you must reapply to the board, and you forfeit the fee.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing the exam, you can apply online for your journeyman plumber certification. You have 90 days to get your certification after passing the exam. There is a $50 application fee and $75 certification fee.
WORK EXPERIENCE: If you wish to become a master plumber, you will need to repeat the process above. You will need to work a minimum of a year as a journeyman plumber under a licensed master plumber before you can apply to take the master plumber examination.
APPLY TO TAKE MASTER LICENSE EXAM: After you’ve completed at least a year as a journeyman, you can apply to the board to take the master plumber examination. Submit the application for examination form and a non-refundable fee of $160. Once the exam application is processed, you will receive an exam eligibility notification explaining how to schedule your exam with Prov Testing Services. You have 30 days from the date of approval to take the exam. If you don’t take it within 30 days, you must reapply to the board, and you forfeit the fee.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing the exam, you can apply online for your master plumber certification. You have 90 days to get your certification after passing the exam. There is a $50 application fee and a $175 certification fee.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must file evidence of workers' compensation insurance. If you own your own business, you must have a minimum amount of insurance—$300,000 for property damage, $100,000 general liability insurance—and submit a copy of your insurance certificate to the Examining Board.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Alabama?
It only takes two years to qualify to take the journeyman license exam in Alabama, and you will be working and earning money the whole time. It’s a relatively short time as compared to many other states, and it only requires another year to qualify to test for a master-level license. As a licensed contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
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Alabama Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses.
There are many programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional in Alabama. You’ll need to find a contractor or company with an opening for an apprentice. You can do that independently, using websites like the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship site or the Apprentice Finder, a site sponsored by the Department of Labor. Or you can enroll in a trade school or local union apprenticeship program.
The Skilled Trades of West Alabama Training Center offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship program designed to train an individual while they’re receiving on-the-job experience. It prepares you for the journeyman exam. Classes meet once a week for a year. The registration fee is $20 a week.
Lawson State Community College in Birmingham offers a Short Certificate program in Plumbing. The 28-credit hour program provides students with skills in all types of plumbing installation and repair work used in residential, institutional, and commercial applications. After finishing the program, students receive their apprenticeship card and only have to work for a year before sitting for the journeyman exam. In-state tuition costs $131 per credit hour, meaning the certificate would cost $3,668.
Apprenticeship: While there are formal programs available, you can also simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: Most programs require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree. Many require you to pass a physical and a drug test.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Alabama, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Alabama.
Alabama Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board has contracted with Prov Testing Services to conduct the examinations for certification. Eligibility to take an exam is determined by the Board. Once you are approved to take the exam, you will receive an examination eligibility notification. You are now ready to register with Prov. You have 30 days from the date of approval to take the exam.
According to the Candidate Information Bulletin for Alabama, the journeyman plumber test is made up of 70 questions, and you will be given three hours to complete it. The subject areas covered are:
Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
Plumbing Fundamentals
Traps, Cleanouts, and Interceptors
Drainage Requirements
Vent Requirements
Water Distribution
Plan and Analysis
The master plumber test is made up of 100 questions, and you will be given four hours to complete it. The subject areas covered are the same as above but also include a section on Laws and Rules.
Both exams are open book. You may bring the following reference materials:
International Plumbing Code, 2015
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition, 2013
Alabama Code: Plumbers and Gas Fitters, Chapter 37
Rules of the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
You must score a 70% or higher to pass each of the exams. Your score will be given to you immediately following completion of the exam, and it will be provided to the state as well.
There are 13 Prov testing centers in Alabama where you can take the test or you can use Examroom, a remote test monitoring service that allows you to take your test on your own computer at your home.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Alabama?
The Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board issues plumbers certificates in Alabama. Here are ways to contact the Board:
Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board 216 Aquarius Drive, Suite 319 Homewood, AL 35209 205-945-4857 staff@pgfb.alabama.gov
Does My Alabama Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. Alabama does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other states at this time. The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board has information on its website for out-of-state plumbers. If you are currently certified/licensed as a plumber in another state, you may be able to waive the work-experience waiting period to take the examination for an equivalent classification in Alabama. You will need to fill out an application and if you are approved to test you will then be contacted to register and pay for the exam.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Alabama?
Again, Alabama does not allow for plumbing license reciprocity. Out-of-state license/certificate holders must apply for an exam for an equivalent certification in Alabama. The application requires:
Request for Verification of License/Certification
Verification of US Citizenship form
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Alabama
All companies are required to register with the Board prior to bidding on or performing work in Alabama. Every company must have a Principal Master designee, who is responsible for the work performed by the registered company.
Residential job sites must have at least one journeyman or master plumber for up to five apprentices. On non-residential job sites, there must be one journeyman or master plumber for every three apprentice plumbers.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Alabama?
Yes, the Alabama Home Builders Foundation issues scholarships to students who are interested in pursuing an education in the residential building trades in the state of Alabama. To apply, you need to complete the application, include your most recent high school or college transcript, and include a letter of recommendation.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Alabama can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Alabama community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
Students may also be eligible for national plumbing scholarships, such as those from the PHCC Educational Foundation, the Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship, or the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Alabama?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Alabama through the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gasfitters Examining Board’s website. One of the online services on the website is a “Licensee Search,” where anyone can verify the status of an individual or business license.
Simply start at the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gasfitters Examining Board’s website.
Under “Licensees” in the top navigation, select “Licensee Search” from the drop-down.
Then, search for an individual or business license by license number, company name, or individual name.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Alabama?
A suspended license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that an Alabama plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action for a violation of any law or ordinance pertaining to the business of the holder.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Alabama plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Alabama Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Alabama?
In Alabama, performing plumbing work without a proper license is considered a Class A misdemeanor. This means individuals caught working without the required credentials could face penalties that include fines up to $5,000 per violation and up to one year in jail.
Beyond criminal charges, unlicensed individuals may also face administrative fines from the State Licensing Board, up to $2,000 per violation.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Alabama plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Alabama Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Licensed plumbers are required to complete four hours of continuing education each year for license renewal. For a course to be valid, both the instructor and the course must be pre-approved by the Board. The Board offers a search for approving continuing education courses on its website.
Continuing education hours must be completed by Oct. 31 each year to qualify for renewal. All certificates and registrations expire on Dec. 31 of each year. Renewals begin Oct. 1, so you have from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 to renew your apprentice registration or your journeyman or master plumber certificate. You can use this online portal to renew.
The renewal fees are:
Apprentice: $25
Journeyman: $50
Master: $150
If you do not renew on time, the late fee is equal to the renewal rate, so you will be paying double.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
