Licensing Guides
Idaho Plumbing License: How to Become an Plumber in Idaho
Plumbing, ID
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Idaho?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Idaho?
Does My Idaho Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Idaho?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Idaho?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but time and effort leads to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Idaho employs 3,710 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In Idaho, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is nearly four times higher at 23% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Idaho in July 2025 totaled 78,000, an increase of 6,100 (8.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 22,900 or 42% from February 2020.”
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. Idaho has statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Idaho
Is a license required for plumbers in Idaho? Yes. It is mandated from the very beginning. In the state of Idaho, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work of any kind.
The state licenses every level of this workforce including apprentices, journeymen, and contractors. The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses or DOPL (formerly called the Idaho Division of Building Safety) issues many types of occupational licenses, which include plumbers, electricians, and HVAC professionals.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Idaho
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Idaho? There are six types of plumbing registrations or licenses.
Plumbing Apprentice Registration — This registration is for a plumbing apprentice who is learning and assisting in the installation, improvement, extension, and alteration of plumbing systems. Apprentices must perform plumbing work under the supervision of a journeyman.
Plumbing Journeyman License — A journeyman installs, improves, extends, and alters plumbing systems and must be employed by a plumbing contractor.
Plumbing Contractor License — A contractor license is for a person, member, or representative of a firm, co-partnership, association, or corporation that plans and supervises the construction, installation, improvement, extension, and alteration of plumbing systems. A contractor performing plumbing work must be qualified as a journeyman plumber, or employ a qualified journeyman for all work.
Plumbing Specialty Apprentice Registration — This registration is for a person learning and assisting in a specialty classification under supervision of a specialty journeyman.
Plumbing Specialty Journeyman License — This license is for a journeyman employed by a specialty contractor.
Plumbing Specialty Contractor License — This license is for a person, member, or representative of a firm, co-partnership, association, or corporation skilled in the specialty classification. A specialty contractor must be qualified as a specialty journeyman or employ a specialty journeyman for all work.
The specialty plumbing licenses cover specific work relating to appliances and water pumps. This work must comply with Idaho plumbing laws and the requirements of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Uniform Plumbing Code.
These are the two types of plumbing specialty licenses:
Appliance Specialty License — This license is for disconnecting, capping, removing, and reinstalling within 60 inches a water heater, water treating or filtering devices, air or space temperature modifying equipment involving potable water, humidifier, temperature and pressure relief valves, condensate drains, and indirect drains. This license is only for one- and two-family residences. This license does not cover the installation, testing, or certifying of backflow prevention devices. It also does not include any modifications to the drain, waste or vent systems.
Water Pump Specialty License — This license is for installing and connecting water service piping from a pump to a storage expansion pressure tank in one- and two-family residences. This license does not cover the installation, testing, or certifying of backflow prevention devices.
Each registration or license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 16 years of age.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Submit a completed application online and pay the $50 application fee.
Work under the supervision of a journeyman employed by a contractor for four years (8,000 hours).
Complete board-approved 576 hours of classroom/lab instruction (144 hours each year).
Pay the $50 registration fee covering a five-year term.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Complete a board-approved apprenticeship of at least 8,000 hours work experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction as a registered plumbing apprentice.
Those who have not completed classroom instruction may submit a work verification form verifying 16,000 hours of supervised plumbing installation. Pipe fitting and appliance plumbing specialty work does not count toward the experience qualifications for a journeyman license.
Pass an IAPMO examination through PSI.
Submit a complete application online and pay the $50 application fee.
Pay the $29.40 license fee for a three-year license.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Hold an active Idaho Plumbing Journeyman License.
Submit an application online.
Pay the $50 application fee.
Upon application approval, applicants have one year from the date of the application to pass the required licensing examination.
After passing the examination, submit proof of a $2,000 surety bond.
Pay the $147 license fee for a three-year license.
Be at least 16 years of age.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Submit a completed application online with a $50 application fee.
For appliance specialty licensing, work to complete 72 hours of board-approved training classes at College of Western Idaho or North Idaho College, and work to complete 3,000 hours of supervised specialty plumbing installation work. Those who have not completed training classes may complete 6,000 hours of supervised specialty plumbing installation work.
For water pump specialty licensing, work to complete 3,000 hours of supervised specialty plumbing installation work.
Pay the $30 registration fee for a three-year term.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Submit a completed application online and pay the $50 application fee.
For appliance specialty, complete 72 hours of board-approved training classes and complete 3,000 hours of supervised specialty plumbing installation work. Those who have not completed training classes may complete 6,000 hours of supervised specialty plumbing installation work.
For water pump specialty, complete 3,000 hours of supervised specialty plumbing installation work.
Upon approval of application, pass an examination.
Pay the $29.40 license fee for a three-year license.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Provide your Social Security Number.
Hold an active Idaho Plumbing Specialty Journeyman License.
Submit a completed application online.
Pay the $50 application fee.
Upon application approval, applicants have one year from the date of the application to pass the required licensing examination.
After passing the examination, submit proof of a $2,000 surety bond.
Pay the $147 license fee for a three-year license.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Idaho
Be at least 16 years of age.
Complete a plumbing apprentice work registration application online with DOPL.
Enroll in a board-approved Idaho plumbing apprenticeship program. A list of board-approved schools is found in this document.
Complete 8,000 hours work experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction as a plumbing apprentice. If you don’t complete classroom instruction, you can submit a work verification form showing you’ve completed 16,000 hours of supervised plumbing installation.
Take the examination for a journeyman plumber license.
Apply online with DOPL for a journeyman plumber license.
Once you hold an active journeyman plumber license, apply for a Plumbing Contractor License.
After contractor application approval, take the plumbing contractor licensing examination.
Once you pass the contractor examination, submit proof of a $2,000 surety bond and pay the license fee.
Receive contractor license.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Idaho
There are many benefits to obtaining your Idaho plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Idaho 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, 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 Idaho?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Idaho is $59,110, 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 Idaho those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,100
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,400
Senior (4-7 years): $71,900
Salaries 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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Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Idaho?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Idaho is fairly low. All applications have a $50 application fee. The apprentice registration fee with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses is $50 for a five-year term. An apprentice specialty registration costs $30 for a three-year term.
Apprenticeship program costs vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. Your employer or union will typically absorb these costs.
Other licenses have additional fees. A journeyman exam with PSI costs $75. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses administers contractor, specialty journeyman, and specialty contractor exams. These exams also cost $75.
License fees vary by type. A Plumbing Journeyman License costs $29.40 and a Plumbing Contractor License costs $147. These licenses are for three-year terms. Renewal fees for a journeyman or specialty journeyman license is $21.60 and $108 for a contractor license.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Idaho
Becoming a plumbing professional in Idaho isn’t fast, but is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 16 years old to register as an apprentice plumber with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. After registration, you can register for a board-approved plumbing apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship involves completing 576 hours of classroom/lab instruction (144 hours each year) and working on the job under the supervision of a journeyman employed by a contractor for four years (8,000 hours). Once this is completed, you can take the plumbing journeyman exam and apply for a journeyman license.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Before applying for a Plumbing Journeyman License, you’ll need to pass a plumbing journeyman exam with PSI. Cost is $75. The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin provides detailed information about how to schedule and take the exam.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing the examination, use DOPL Online Services to apply for a Plumbing Journeyman License. Pay the $50 application fee and $29.40 license fee for a three-year license.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you hold a Plumbing Journeyman License and want to advance your career and become a contractor, you’ll follow additional steps. First apply online for a Plumbing Contractor License and pay the $50 application fee. Once your application is approved, you have one year to pass the licensing examination. DOPL administers the exam and will provide you with required exam information. Once you’ve passed the examination, submit proof of a $2,000 surety bond and pay the $147 license fee for a three-year license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Idaho?
It will take a minimum of four years to complete an Idaho plumbing apprenticeship. This includes 144 hours each year of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. A Specialty Journeyman License could take you only one and a half years.
The great news is that as an apprentice you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you are a licensed journeyman. Your salary increases again when you acquire your Plumbing Contractor License. As a licensed contractor, you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
Idaho Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. In addition to mechanics, they must know and follow plumbing code.
Since the state of Idaho requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as an apprentice, you may not choose to get a post-secondary degree. Here are a few ways to get the required apprenticeship experience.
Apprenticeship
DOPL provides the following list of board-approved schooling for plumbing apprenticeship programs:
Boise Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), UA Local 296
Porter House Inc. (at Shelley Adult Training Academy and Mountain Home Adult Training Academy)
Program Prerequisites: For these programs, you need to be at least 16 years old, register as an apprentice with DOPL, and work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber. If you plan on applying for a union apprenticeship, such as with UA Local 648 or UA Local 296, you’ll need to follow union apprenticeship requirements. This includes having proof of citizenship, proof of age, and a high school diploma or GED certificate.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Idaho.
Idaho Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Those seeking a Plumbing Journeyman License will need to take a licensing exam before applying for a license with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. PSI administers the plumbing journeyman exam. Exam cost is $75. View PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin for information on how to schedule the exam and detailed exam information. PSI offers eight testing sites throughout the state. The exam is open book and test takers may use the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code (2017 ISPC).
DOPL administers specialty journeyman, specialty contractor, and plumbing contractor exams and provides a candidate bulletin with detailed information. Before scheduling your exam, you’ll need to create an account with DOPL Online Services if you don’t already have one.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Idaho?
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) issues plumbing licenses. The Division is headquartered in Boise with offices in Coeur d’Alene and Blackfoot. Contact DOPL at TradeLicensing@dopl.idaho.gov or (208) 334-3233.
Does My Idaho Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Idaho has reciprocity agreements with Montana, Oregon, and Washington. If you hold an Idaho Plumbing Journeyman License and meet these states’ requirements, you may be eligible for a plumbing journeyman license without taking an examination. You’ll still need to apply for the license and pay fees.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Idaho?
Idaho has reciprocity agreements with Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Those with a Montana or Oregon plumbing license who seek an Idaho plumbing license must complete a license verification form showing:
Completion of apprenticeship program and 8,000 hours of work experience.
Active status of current license.
Proof of licensure by examination.
For Montana residents only, proof of Montana residency.
Those with a Washington plumbing license must complete a license verification form showing:
Either 8,000 hours or 16,000 hours of work experience.
Active status of current license.
Proof of licensure by examination.
Proof of Washington residency.
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 Idaho
Idaho’s plumbing requirements may be found in state statutes and administrative code. The Idaho Plumbing Board’s page within the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses contains the details about plumbing license requirements and how to apply for a license.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Idaho?
Yes, there are several plumbing or trade school scholarships in Idaho. Idaho residents may register with IdahoWorks to connect with Department of Labor support opportunities, such as Idaho Launch, a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to cover 80% of tuition and fees.
College and university scholarship opportunities in the trades include:
Other scholarship opportunities in the state include:
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships that help students begin their career in the plumbing trade.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Idaho?
Your Idaho plumbing license can be verified by using DOPL’s online services page. For a public search, you don’t need an online account.
Individual Licenses: Search by license number, license status, business name, or last name. You may filter by license status, specialty, and other search factors.
Bulk License List: Search by licensing board and filter by license status, county, and other search factors.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Idaho?
A suspended license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. In Idaho, a plumbing license can be suspended for many reasons, including:
Obtaining a license by error or fraud.
If the license holder is determined to be grossly incompetent.
Violating plumbing board rules.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Idaho plumbing license regulations, refer to Idaho statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Idaho?
Performing plumbing work in Idaho without a license is illegal. Those who work without a license or registration are guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $10 to $300 and/or up to 30 days in jail, according to Idaho law. Each violation is considered a separate offense.
Continuing Education
Idaho does not require continuing education for licensed plumbers. Plumbing licenses must be renewed through DOPL Online Services every three years. Renewal fees are $21.60 for plumbing journeyman and specialty journeyman licenses and $108 for plumbing contractors.
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.
