Licensing Guides
Kentucky Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Kentucky
Plumbing, KY
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Kentucky
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Kentucky?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Kentucky?
Does My Kentucky Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Kentucky?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Kentucky?
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 affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 455,940 plumbers nationwide, and Kentucky employs 5,500 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 43,300 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Kentucky, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is lower, at 2% 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 Kentucky in July 2025 totaled 100,200, an increase of 6,000 (6.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 18,900 or 23% 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. Kentucky has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Kentucky
Is a license required for plumbers in Kentucky? Yes.
Kentucky licenses plumbers, electricians, and HVAC professionals at the state level. However, Kentucky does not require you to have a license to begin working and learning as a plumber’s apprentice, as long as you are directly supervised by a licensed journeyman plumber and generally supervised by a licensed master plumber.
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Division of Plumbing issues and renews all plumbing licenses in the Commonwealth.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Kentucky
What are the different types of plumbing licenses in Kentucky?
There are two types of plumbing licenses in Kentucky:
Journeyman Plumber: Enables the license holder to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems.
Master Plumber: Enables the license holder to operate their own business installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must be a citizen of the U.S. or be authorized to work in the U.S.
Complete a background check.
Have at least two consecutive years as an apprentice plumber or complete a department-approved course that includes content on the practice of plumbing or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and at least one year of experience as an apprentice plumber.
Pass an exam.
File an application and submit appropriate fees.
Be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must be a citizen of the U.S. or be authorized to work in the U.S.
Complete a background check.
Have two years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber.
Pass an exam.
Provide proof of general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation and unemployment insurance if you have employees.
File an application and submit appropriate fees.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in the State of Kentucky
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must be a citizen of the U.S. or be authorized to work in the U.S.
You must be of good moral character and pass a criminal background check.
Have at least two consecutive years as an apprentice plumber or complete a department-approved course that includes content on the practice of plumbing or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and at least one year of experience as an apprentice plumber.
Take and pass the journeyman examination using form PLB-3 to register, provide a passport-sized color photograph taken within the past six months, and pay a testing fee of $50.
Apply for journeyman plumber License using form PLB-2, including documentation of years of experience, and pay a $60 licensing fee.
After two more years working as a licensed journeyman under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or if you hold an engineer license in Kentucky, you can apply for a master plumber license.
Take and pass the master plumber license examination using form PLB-3 to register, provide a passport-sized color photograph taken within the past six months, and pay a $150 testing fee.
Apply for master plumber license using form PLB-1, include documentation of years of experience, pay $250 licensing fee, provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $250,000, and submit proof of compliance with workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws of the state.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Kentucky
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Iowa plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Iowa 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 Wage for a Plumber in Kentucky?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Kentucky is $66,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase 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 Kentucky, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $50,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,100
Senior (4-7 years): $71,600
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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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Kentucky?
The cost of getting a plumbing license in Kentucky is relatively low. There is no fee to begin your training as an apprentice. The annual fee for a Journeyman Plumber license is $60, and the annual fee for a Master Plumber license is $250. You’ll need to renew it every year by the end of your birth month.
You can also expect to pay $50 for the journeyman plumber licensing exam and $150 for the master plumber license exam.
If you choose to pursue schooling, which can count toward the experience requirement, you’ll also incur tuition fees. To obtain an associate degree at Jefferson Community and Technical College, you’ll pay $195 per credit hour, or approximately $5,700 for a two-year degree.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Kentucky
Becoming a plumbing professional in Kentucky isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: The state requires apprentices to document two years of experience before applicants can take the journeyman licensing examination. That documented work must be under:
The direct supervision of at least one journeyman plumber; and
The general supervision of a master plumber
You can begin the process by finding a program sponsor as an apprentice/entry-level worker or through a vocational school or community college. Completion of a two-year plumbing course counts as one year of experience. Sponsors of both full-length traditional programs and shorter programs can be found on the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet’s Apprenticeship page.
Certification tests are rigorous and thorough, so additional formal education at a college or trade school may be a more helpful first step in your training to be a plumber. Employers often state a preference for apprentices who have graduated from a relevant trade school or technical college.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM AND PAY EXAM FEE: After getting the documented work experience as an apprentice, you can register to take the plumbing examination. You must include the exam fee of $50 for the journeyman plumbing exam payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, and provide a passport-sized color photograph taken within the past six months.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Once you’ve successfully passed your exam and have all the other documentation of the required work experience, you may apply for your journeyman license. The annual fee for a journeyman license is $60. All licenses expire at the end of the license holder’s birth month. You can work as a journeyman indefinitely. You simply need to renew your license every year and work under the supervision of a master plumber.
ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR MASTER LICENSE: A candidate for master plumber must have had a valid journeyman plumber license for two years within the five years preceding the exam and have been employed in the plumbing trade for the past two years or be a registered mechanical engineer.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM AND PAY EXAM FEE: After getting the documented work experience as a journeyman, you can register to take the plumbing examination. You must include the plumber exam fee of $150 for the master plumber examination payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, and provide a passport-sized color photograph taken within the past six months.
APPLY FOR MASTER PLUMBER LICENSE: Once you’ve passed the exam and have all the other documentation you need for demonstrating you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, a journeyman can apply for a master plumbing license. The annual fee for a master license is $250. All licenses expire at the end of the license holder’s birth month. You will need to renew your license every year.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: Master plumbers must provide proof of general liability insurance of at least $250,000, and submit proof of compliance with workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws of the Commonwealth.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Kentucky?
It will take a minimum of four years to qualify to take the master plumber license exam in Kentucky and a minimum of two years to qualify to take the journeyman exam.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation can go up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license. As a licensed contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
Kentucky 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 Kentucky. You’ll need two years as an apprentice.
You can find a contractor or company with an opening or enroll in a trade school or union apprenticeship program. Those programs can often help connect you with a licensed master plumber to oversee your apprenticeship after you’ve completed the course work for a certificate or associate’s degree. It’s not unusual for community colleges to offer plumbing degree programs in combination with a closely related field like gas technology or heating. Completion of a two-year plumbing course counts as one year of experience.
You’ll learn about plumbing systems including:
Underground water supply
Stormwater
Sewer drainage
Fixture installation
Waste and vent piping both inside and outside of buildings
Residential and service plumbing
Any program should also cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Here's a great list of the best plumbing colleges and universities in Kentucky:
Niche: 2025 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in Kentucky
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College appears on all of those lists and is also fifth in the nation on the Best Plumbing Degree Programs ranked by Schools.com.
Trade schools and certificate programs are plentiful and can be found by doing a simple internet search. Many community colleges and technical colleges offer these programs throughout Kentucky. The Community for Accredited Online Schools provides a list of these schools with tuition costs. There is financial aid available for most schools.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose and varies widely. The good news is that in many programs you’ll be earning while you’re learning. Tuition for a trade school can be as little as $1,250 to $3,000 for a certificate program to around $4,500 per year for in-state students and about $15,000 for out-of-state students for an associate’s degree, according to collegetuitioncompare.com.
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 Kentucky, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Kentucky.
Kentucky Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Applications for the licensing examination must be completed correctly and submitted to the Division of Plumbing Frankfort office no later than three weeks prior to the exam date. The address is:
Office of Housing, Building and Construction Division of Plumbing 500 Mero St. Frankfort, KY 40601
The State Plumbing Examining Committee designs the exam requirements. All examinations include:
Written questions pertaining to basic principles of plumbing.
Inserting the proper pipe size on a prepared drawing that indicates all stacks, wastes, and vents and the connected plumbing fixtures.
The proper sizing of main stacks are given more importance than other piping.
Deductions are taken for oversized piping and for undersized piping.
The journeyman's license examination includes a practical section during which you’ll need to demonstrate the ability to properly install plumbing, including making proper connections of various plumbing materials.
Applicants for a journeyman plumber's license examination must furnish the plumbing materials required for the practical examination. The department will notify the applicant at least one week prior to the date of examination as to what plumbing materials are needed.
The examination requirements are more complex for the master plumber’s license examination and typically involve questions of law and business because master plumbers are responsible for permitting, contracting, and supervising the work.
For the journeyman exam, test takers have 2.5 hours to complete the written portion and 2.5 hours to complete the practical portion, and must earn a 75% or higher to pass. The master exam time limit is 2.5 hours and requires an 80% to pass.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Division of Plumbing issues and renews all plumbing licenses. Application forms for a Kentucky Plumbing License can be obtained from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction at the address below or from their website.
Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction Division of Plumbing 500 Mero St. Frankfort, KY 40601
Does My Kentucky Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. Because Kentucky doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states, you’ll have to meet licensing requirements to work in other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Kentucky
Kentucky does not have any reciprocity agreement with any other state for plumbers. Instead, Kentucky decides on a case-by-case basis if a licensed plumber from another state qualifies for licensure in Kentucky. The factors considered are if:
That state has a statewide plumbing code.
The other state's examination is at least equal to that of Kentucky; and
The other state agrees to reciprocate with Kentucky.
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 Kentucky
To keep your state-issued plumber’s license current, Kentucky requires you to renew it before it expires at the end of your birth month every year. The renewal fee is $60 for a journeyman and $250 for a master, made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Kentucky?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Kentucky. Options include:
Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical offers a $5,000 trade scholarship for students pursuing HVAC or plumbing education.
The Kentucky Work Ready Scholarship Program supports students pursuing certificates, diplomas, or associate's degrees in high-demand fields, including plumbing, at participating Kentucky postsecondary institutions.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Kentucky 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 Kentucky community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Kentucky?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Kentucky through the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction’s online verification tool. Users can search by a permit number, license number, address, or name.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Kentucky?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Kentucky plumbing license 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 if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Kentucky plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Kentucky Revised Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Kentucky?
Operating without a license in Kentucky is illegal. Anyone who violates a provision of state code faces fines of at least $10 and up to $1,000 for each offense. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Kentucky plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Continuing Education
To make sure plumbing professionals in Kentucky stay current on all laws, codes, and regulations and that they are up to date on emerging technology in the field, Kentucky requires continuing education for license renewal. You must complete six hours of continuing education from an approved provider each year before your license expires at the end of your birth month. A calendar of upcoming continuing education opportunities is on the website as is a list of approved online providers.
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.
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