Licensing Guides
West Virginia Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in West Virginia
Plumbing, WV
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in West Virginia
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in West Virginia?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in West Virginia?
Does My West Virginia Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in West Virginia?
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in West Virginia?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia employs 1,860 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In West Virginia, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is at 4% 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 West Virginia in July 2025 totaled 37,300, an increase of 4,100 (12%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,200 (13%) 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. West Virginia has statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the plumber trainee level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in West Virginia
Is a license required for plumbers in West Virginia? Yes. It is mandated from the beginning.
The West Virginia Division of Labor certifies plumbers in training, journeymen, and master plumbers. The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board licenses 13 types of contractors, including plumbing contractors.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in West Virginia
What are the different types of plumber licenses in West Virginia? There are three types of plumbing certifications and one type of plumbing contractor license.
Plumber in Training Certification — A person with an interest in and aptitude for performing plumbing work but who is not capable of performing plumbing work alone.
Journeyman Plumber Certification — A person who is qualified and competent to instruct and supervise the work of a plumber in training.
Master Plumber Certification — A person who is competent in designing plumbing systems, and instructing and supervising the plumbing work of journeymen and plumbers in training.
Plumbing Contractor License — Contractors must hold a license if they perform work costing $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work.
A plumbing contractor is a person whose principal business is the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of piping, plumbing fixtures, plumbing appliances, and plumbing appurtenances, venting systems, and public or private water supply systems within or adjacent to any building or structure. This work also includes installation of gas piping, chilled water piping in connection with refrigeration processes and comfort cooling, and hot water piping in connection with building heating and piping for standpipes.
Each certification or license has specific requirements that must be met.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Plumber in Training Certification
Be at least 18 years old.
Work under the direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyman plumber.
Apply for certification with the West Virginia Division of Labor.
Pay the $25 application and license fee.
Renew certification annually until you complete your plumbing apprenticeship. While West Virginia plumbing law does not specify the number of training hours, most apprenticeship programs last four to five years and provide a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Journeyman Plumber Certification
Pass a journeyman plumber exam administered by Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95.
Apply for journeyman plumber certification with the Division of Labor.
Pay the $75 application and license fee.
Master Plumber Certification
Pass a master plumber exam administered by Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95.
Apply for the master plumber certification with the Division of Labor.
Pay the $75 application and license fee.
Plumbing Contractor License
Pass the business and law exam and the plumbing contractor trade exam, administered by Prov Exams. Each exam costs $59.95.
Obtain a Business Registration and Tax Number with the West Virginia Tax Division.
Register with the West Virginia Secretary of State, depending on your business structure.
If you have employees, provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation.
If your company performs commercial construction, obtain a Wage Bond Affidavit. A wage bond is a guarantee issued to the West Virginia Division of Labor to protect employee wages and benefits of employees. The bond is maintained by the Division’s Wage & Hour Section.
Apply for the contractor license with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.
Pay the $90 fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in West Virginia
Be at least 18 years old.
Work as a plumber in training under the direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyman plumber. While West Virginia plumbing law does not specify the number of training hours, most apprenticeship programs last four to five years and provide a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Apply for certification with the West Virginia Division of Labor and pay the $25 fee.
Renew certification annually until you complete your plumbing apprenticeship.
To become a journeyman plumber, pass a journeyman plumber exam administered by Prov Exams.
Apply for journeyman plumber certification with the Division of Labor and pay the $75 fee.
To become a master plumber, pass a master plumber exam administered by Prov Exams.
Apply for the master plumber certification with the Division of Labor and pay the $75 fee.
To become a plumbing contractor, pass the business and law exam and the plumbing contractor trade exam, administered by Prov Exams.
Obtain a Business Registration and Tax Number with the West Virginia Tax Division.
Register with the West Virginia Secretary of State, depending on your business structure.
If you have employees, provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation.
If your company performs commercial construction, obtain a Wage Bond Affidavit. A wage bond is a guarantee issued to the West Virginia Division of Labor to protect employee wages and benefits of employees. The bond is maintained by the Division’s Wage & Hour Section.
Apply for the contractor license with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and pay the $90 fee.
Renew license annually.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in West Virginia
There are many benefits to obtaining your West Virginia plumbing license:
Most importantly, West Virginia requires plumbers in training, journeyman plumbers, master plumbers, and plumbing contractors to hold a state license to legally perform any plumbing work.
A plumber 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, and 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 West Virginia?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in West Virginia is $55,730, 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 West Virginia, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $49,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,600
Senior (4-7 years): $68,900
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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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
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 West Virginia?
The cost to get started as a plumbing apprentice in West Virginia is fairly low. It costs $25 to obtain a plumber in training certification every year. Apprenticeship program costs vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. Your employer or union typically will absorb these costs.
To become a journeyman or master plumber, you’ll pay a $59.95 exam fee to Prov Exams. The application and license fee with the West Virginia Division of Labor costs $75.
Plumbing contractors pay a $119.90 exam fee to Prov Exams for the business and law exam and the plumbing contractor trade exam (each exam is $59.95). They will have additional costs related to insurance and a wage bond, if applicable. The contractor license application fee with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board costs $90.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in West Virginia
Becoming a plumbing professional in West Virginia isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
COMPLETE APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: To become a plumber in training, register for a plumber apprenticeship and work under the direct supervision of a licensed master or journeyman plumber. Complete an application and submit it to the West Virginia Division of Labor and pay the $25 fee. Renew your certification each year until you complete the program and gain the required plumbing experience. While West Virginia plumbing law does not specify the number of training hours, most apprenticeship programs last four to five years and provide a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
PASS JOURNEYMAN EXAM: Schedule, take, and pass a journeyman plumber exam with Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95. Prov provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed scheduling and exam information.
APPLY FOR JOURNEYMAN CERTIFICATION: Complete an application and submit it to the West Virginia Division of Labor. Pay the $75 fee.
PASS MASTER EXAM: Schedule, take, and pass a master plumber exam with Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95. Prov provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed scheduling and exam information.
APPLY FOR MASTER CERTIFICATION: Complete an application and submit it to the West Virginia Division of Labor. Pay the $75 fee.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To become a plumbing contractor, an officer, member, owner, or a full-time employee must pass two exams administered by Prov Exams. This consists of the business and law exam and the plumbing trade exam. Cost is $59.95 each. Prov provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
You’ll need to register your business with several entities and demonstrate financial responsibility through the following:
Obtain a Business Registration and Tax Number with the West Virginia Tax Division.
Register with the West Virginia Secretary of State, depending on your business structure.
If you have employees, provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation.
If your company performs commercial construction, obtain a Wage Bond Affidavit. A wage bond is a guarantee issued to the West Virginia Division of Labor to protect employee wages and benefits of employees. The bond is maintained by the Division’s Wage & Hour Section. The wage bond amount is based on the company’s gross payroll for a four-week period at full capacity, plus 15%. The state also provides a reference guide about wage bonds.
Apply for the contractor license with West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and pay the $90 fee. Complete the application online or download a fillable PDF application form. Submit the application by email to CLBoard@wv.gov or by mail to:
West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East State Capitol Complex – Building 3, Room 200 Charleston, WV 25305
The Division of Labor has a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page with answers to commonly asked plumbing certification questions. The Contractor Licensing Board has a forms and resources page, which includes a contractor licensing FAQs sheet.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in West Virginia?
It takes a minimum of four to five years to complete a plumbing apprenticeship program, depending on the training program requirements. West Virginia plumbing laws do not list minimum work experience requirements before plumbers may take the journeyman or master plumber exam.
The great news is that as a plumber in training, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. Your salary increases when you become a licensed plumber. As a plumbing contractor, you can own your own plumbing business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
West Virginia 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 West Virginia requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a plumber in training, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. Several plumbing training programs and apprenticeship opportunities exist in West Virginia.
Trade Schools/Community Colleges
Apprenticeship
UA Local 486 (Morgan County area)
UA Local 495 (Brooke and Hancock counties)
Program Prerequisites: For most apprenticeship plumbing programs, you need to be at least 18 years old and have 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 West Virginia.
West Virginia Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Those applying for journeyman and master plumber certification must pass an exam before submitting an application to the West Virginia Division of Labor. Prov Exams administers the plumbing exams. Both the journeyman and master exam costs $59.95. A passing score is 70% or higher.
Prov has four testing centers in West Virginia:
Charleston
Martinsburg
Morgantown
Wheeling
The journeyman plumber exam has 80 questions and a three-hour time limit. The master plumber exam has 100 questions and a three-hour time limit.
Subject areas for both exams include:
General knowledge
Fixtures and fittings
Storm drainage
Fuel gas systems
Safety
Isometrics
Water supply and distribution
Water heaters
Drain, waste, and vent systems
Plumbing math
Plumbing tools
Both exams are open book with authorized references. These include International Fuel Gas Code, 2018; International Plumbing Code, 2018; and Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Edition, 2024, published by Pearson.
Prov provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed information about exam prep, scheduling, and taking the journeyman and master plumbing exams.
Plumbing contractors must pass a business and law exam and a plumbing contractor trade exam. Exam cost is $59.95 each.
The business and law exam has 50 questions and a three-hour time limit. Subjects areas include:
Business organization
Contracts
Estimating and bidding
Financial management
Labor law
Licensing
Lien law
Project management
Risk management
Safety/OSHA
Tax law
The exam is open book with the authorized reference of West Virginia Business and Law Study Guide for Contractors, 6th Edition, updated August 2024.
The plumbing contractor trade exam consists of 100 questions and a three-hour time limit. Subject areas include:
General knowledge
Fixtures and fittings
Storm drainage
Fuel gas systems
Safety
Isometrics
Water supply and distribution
Water heaters
Drain, waste, and vent systems
Plumbing math
Plumbing tools
The exam is open book with the authorized references International Fuel Gas Code, 2018; International Plumbing Code, 2018; and Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 3rd Edition, 2014, published by Pearson.
Prov provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed information about scheduling and taking contractor exams.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Division of Labor certifies plumbers in training, journeymen, and master plumbers. The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board licenses plumbing contractors.
The physical and mailing address for both is:
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East State Capitol Complex — Building 3, Room 200 Charleston, WV 25305
The main phone number is (304) 558-7890. The email for plumbing licensing is Licensing@wv.gov. The Contractor Licensing Board may also be reached by filling out an online contact form.
Does My West Virginia Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. West Virginia does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states for journeyman and master plumbing certifications, although it does for other trades. Those with a West Virginia plumber’s contractor license may obtain an out-of-state license, such as in Ohio or Tennessee, without taking an exam if they meet specific reciprocal licensing requirements. Applicants will still need to apply for the contractor license with the appropriate state agency, follow the application process, and meet all requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for journeyman and master plumbers, although The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board has reciprocal agreements with Ohio and Tennessee for plumbing contractor licenses. For contractors with other out-of-state licenses, the board may accept exam scores from accredited national testing organizations, according to the board’s contractor licensing FAQ sheet.
For journeyman and master plumbers who have a license in another state with equivalent licensing requirements, the West Virginia Division of Labor may waive the examination requirement, according to state law. The applicant must apply for the license and show proof of qualifications and work experience.
In addition, West Virginia lawmakers passed the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act in 2025, which allows other licensed and certified professionals to practice in West Virginia without taking additional examinations to attain local licensure or certification. This includes the professions listed in West Virginia’s state code, which include contractors (not plumbing certifications).
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 West Virginia
Plumbing laws and regulations may be found in West Virginia Code Chapter 21, Article 14 and Title 42 Legislative Rule, Series 32.
Contractor laws may be found in state laws and regulations, including the West Virginia Code Chapter 30, Article 42, Title 28 Legislative Rule Series 2, and Title 28 Procedural Rule Series 4, for written contracts for services, among others.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in West Virginia?
Yes, there are a few plumbing or trade school scholarships in West Virginia. Scholarship opportunities or scholarship directories include:
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in West Virginia?
Potential clients or employees may verify your West Virginia plumber certification by visiting the West Virginia Division of Labor’s plumber certification search page. Search by:
Plumber certification number
Name
City
County
The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board also has a contractor search. Search by:
License number
Classification
Company name or Doing Business As
City
County
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in West Virginia?
A suspended plumber’s license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. In West Virginia, a plumbing license may be suspended or revoked for many reasons, including:
Misstating qualifications or experience in the application for licensure or supporting documents.
Performing plumbing work incompetently or unsafely.
Violating any state statute, legislative rule, or local ordinance which protects the public against unfair, unsafe, unlawful, or improper business practices.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information, refer to West Virginia law.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in West Virginia?
Working as a plumber in West Virginia without a license is illegal. Those who work without a license and receive a cease and desist order from the Commissioner of Labor but continue to work without a license face the following penalties:
First offense: A fine of $200 to $1,000.
Second offense: A fine of $500 to $2,000.
Third and subsequent offenses: A fine of $1,000 to $5,000.
A separate offense is charged each day a person performs plumbing work after official notice has been given. In addition, the Commissioner of Labor may institute proceedings in the Circuit Court of the county where the alleged violations occurred.
Continuing Education
West Virginia does not have continuing education requirements for plumbers or plumbing contractors. Plumber certifications and licenses must be renewed annually.
Plumbers in training, journeyman plumbers, and master plumbers may renew with the Division of Labor online. Plumbing contractors renew online with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.
Renewal fees are:
Plumber in training: $25
Journeyman Plumber: $75
Master Plumber: $75
Plumbing contractor: $90
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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