Texas Plumbing License: Requirements, Cost, Schools

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Before explaining what you need to do to become a plumber, let’s take a look at the primary responsibilities of a plumber and the key characteristics of the job. This might give you a better idea of what the job entails and whether you’re cut out for it.

People often think that installing faucets and unclogging drains is all that the plumbers do. Actually, plumbers also often busy themselves with maintenance, installation, and repairs for various kinds of pipelines.

There are several specialties of plumbers. Your specialty as a plumber and your place of work largely define your tasks and responsibilities. These are the most common:

  • Piping systems installation
  • Piping systems maintenance
  • Doing repairs for piping systems
  • Utilizing plumbing tools whenever necessary
  • Reading blueprints and following instructions outlined in them
  • Coming up with the design for piping systems
  • Understanding differences between materials, making recommendations
  • Performing basic carpentry duties
  • Various welding tasks
  • Installation of common bathroom fixtures (toilets, showers, bathtubs)

It is not legally possible to do contract work in the state of Texas without the appropriate license. In the state, it is mandatory for plumbers to go through a special apprenticeship program. Afterward, an aspiring plumber can receive a tradesman limited plumbing license, journeyman license, and after gaining enough experience, a master plumber license. Each plumbing license needs to be renewed once every three years.

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How to Apply for a Plumbing License in Texas

Application Form

Before a candidate can take part in journeyman and master plumbing exams, he/she must complete an application. The application can be received from the Texas State Board of Public Examiners official address or using the download link on the website.

Applying for a journeyman license will cost an applicant around $27. Applicants must pay more – $155 to apply for a master plumbing license. In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss different license types in detail.

Criminal History

Filling out a Criminal History Information Form is obligatory. This form will allow the board to look at the candidate’s criminal record and decide whether the candidate qualifies for a license or not.

Exam

Journeyman, as well as master plumbing licenses, require the candidate to pass an exam. When taking a journeyman plumbing exam, candidates must answer 90 multiple choice questions, participate in practical shop work, and complete a project that involves designing a two-story vent as well as a drainage system.

Candidates taking the master plumbing exam, on the other hand, have to go through a much longer process. Their exam consists of 210 multiple-choice questions. The practical tasks are more difficult than journeyman exams as well. Their task involves coming up with a 3-story sanitary vent and drainage system for 16 fixtures. Other tasks might include creating sizing charts for drainage system pipes, water pipes, or appliance vents.

License

Once the candidate has passed the exam, his/her plumbing license is authorized by the board and he/she can get to work.

License Types

The state agency issuing plumber’s licenses in Texas is called The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. This agency also handles endorsements and registrations.

There are four types of licenses issued to plumbers. Specifically:

  • Tradesman Plumber-Limited,
  • Journeyman,
  • Master, and
  • Plumbing Inspector.

To be eligible for a license, a candidate must have the required qualifications, take an exam, pass it, and pay a small fee. Licenses are renewed yearly. Once a candidate receives their plumbing license for the first time, an expiration date ranging from 6-18 months from the time of passing the exam will be applied. Plumbing inspectors are the exception to the rule. All licenses of this kind expire in January. Regardless of what kind of license you hold, you must go through six hours of professional education to be eligible for license renewal.

One person can hold a Journeyman and Master Plumber Licenses at a time. When a Master’s License is obtained, the expiration date on your Journeyman license will be applied to the new license as well. In this case, a plumber will be obligated to pay a renewal fee applicable to the Master’s license only. In addition to these licenses, a plumber can also obtain a Plumbing Inspector License. When obtained, however, its expiration date will not sync as you’d expect. In the Plumbing Inspector License case, the expiration date is fixed and always will be January. When one person possesses all three licenses and operates as an unaffiliated Plumbing Inspector, the renewal cost of Master and Plumbing Inspector Licenses must be fully paid. When one person possesses all three licenses and operates as an affiliated Plumbing Inspector, he/she is only required to cover the renewal fee of the Plumbing Inspector License.

Type of License or Registrations Possible Additions
Master Plumber License Responsible Master Plumber Designation
Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement
Journeyman Plumber License Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement
Tradesman Plumber-Limited License Drain Cleaner Registration
Plumbing Inspector License Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement
Plumber’s Apprentice Registration Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration
Drain Cleaner Registration
Residential Utilities Installer Registration

Apprentice Registration

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant is eligible to register as a Plumber’s Apprentice if he/she meets the following requirements:

  • Is 16 years old or older
  • Is a citizen or national of the US, or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for receiving a license by the State of Texas

How to Register

Registering as a Plumber’s Apprentice is a simple process that consists of two steps. First, you must submit a filled-out application, and second, pay a $15 fee to TSBPE. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, SCHIF (Supplemental Criminal History Information Form) also needs to be provided.

Scope of Work Permitted

A Plumber’s Apprentice will gain hands-on knowledge of plumbing by assisting a licensed plumber in various ways and operating under his/her direct supervision. Direct supervision entails the presence of a licensed plumber on the Jobsite at any time when an apprentice does various plumbing jobs. In the absence of a licensed plumber, an Apprentice is only allowed to do simple tasks, such as digging trenches.

Remember: The hours you’ve worked as a Plumber’s Apprentice won’t contribute to your hours total unless you are officially registered. Apprentices must work a certain number of hours before taking the examinations to obtain the license.

Possible Endorsements

Once all the necessary criteria have been met, an Apprentice can apply to receive a Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration, a Drain Cleaner Registration, or Residential Utilities Installer Registration. This page will help you understand the registrations better.

Fees

  • Registration Application Fee: $15
  • Renewal Fee: $15
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $7.50
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $15

Journeyman Plumber

Eligibility Requirements

To take the Journeyman Plumber Exam in Texas, you must meet these criteria:

  • You are a citizen or national of the US, or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for receiving a license by the State of Texas
  • You’ve gained official Plumber’s Apprentice status by registering, hold a Tradesman Plumber-Limited license in the state, or you’re a holder of Plumber’s license in another state.
  • You’ve accumulated 8,000 working hours in the plumbing trade; and
  • You’ve taken a 48-hour TSBPE-approved training course or you are a participant (or have completed) a similar training course approved by the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship of the federal government.

*The need for a 48-hour training program is waived if another state has granted you a Journeyman or Master Plumber License.

How to Apply for the Examination

Before a candidate can take part in Journeyman Plumber Examination, he/she must complete an application and submit it with all the necessary additional documentation. A candidate must also submit Employer Certification Form(s) and pay a $40 fee to the TSBPE. In case you’ve had a felony conviction in the past, Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF) must also be provided.

After passing the exam, a candidate receives his/her certificate of licensure and pocket card after paying a $40 fee to the TSBPE.

Scope of Work Permitted

As a Journeyman Plumber, you will be permitted to complete the following plumbing-related tasks: installation, making changes, doing repairs, servicing, or upgrading of plumbing under the Responsible Master Plumber’s supervision. As a journeyman, you’ll also qualify to be a supervisor for a Plumber’s Apprentice on job sites for buildings that aren’t one or two-family residences.

Possible Endorsements

Upon meeting all the necessary criteria, a Journeyman Plumber can also receive a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement, or a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement. To understand the different types of endorsements that a journeyman plumber can receive, read this.

Fees

  • Exam Fee: $40
  • Initial License Fee: $40
  • Renewal Fee: $40*
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $20
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $40

* If you are a license holder of both Journeyman and a Master Plumber type, you’re only obligated to cover the renewal fee for the Master Plumber License.

Master Plumber

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Master Plumber Exam, you must meet these conditions:

  • You must be a citizen or national of the US, or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for receiving a license by the State of Texas
  • Have obtained a high school diploma or a GED; and
  • Have the following qualifications
    • A Journeyman’s license issued by the state of Texas or another state and have continually held the license for four years or more.
    • A Journeyman’s license issued by the state of Texas or another state, have held the license for at least one year, and have taken part in, and have been accredited for completing a training program certified by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
    • A Master Plumber license issued by another state and have continually held a Journeyman Plumber License for four years or more.
    • A Master Plumber license issued by another state and have continually held a Journeyman Plumber License for one year or more. Furthermore, you must also have been accredited for completing a training program certified by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

How to Apply for the Examination

Before a candidate can take part in Master Plumber Examination, he/she must complete an application and submit it with all the necessary additional documentation. A candidate must also pay a $175 fee to the TSBPE. If you’ve had a felony conviction in the past, Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF) must also be provided.

After passing the exam, a candidate receives his/her certificate of licensure and pocket card after making a payment of $75 fee to the TSBPE.

Scope of Work Permitted

As a Master Plumber, you will be permitted to complete the following plumbing-related tasks: installation, making changes, doing repairs, servicing, or upgrading of plumbing under the Responsible Master Plumber’s supervision. As a Master Plumber, you’ll also qualify to be a supervisor for a Plumber’s Apprentice on job sites for buildings that aren’t one or two-family residences.

Possible Endorsements

Upon meeting all the necessary criteria, a Master Plumber can also receive a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement, or a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement. To understand the different types of endorsements that a Master plumber can receive, read this.

Fees

  • Exam Fee: $175
  • Initial License Fee: $75
  • Renewal Fee: $75
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $37.50
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $75

Responsible Master Plumber

Eligibility Requirements

A candidate can apply to be a Responsible Master Plumber if:

  • He/she is presently licensed as a Master Plumber in the state of Texas;
  • You have a good reputation in the eyes of TSBPE;
  • You have gone through a 24-hour training program* certified by the TSBPE; and
  • You can supply a document stating that you’ve secured at least $300,000 of commercial liability insurance coverage.

*If a candidate possessed a certificate of insurance with the TSBPE and the certificate was current at the beginning of the 2012 calendar year, completing the 24-hour training course is unnecessary.

Keep in mind: RMP designation can only be attained if a candidate isn’t already licensed as a Plumbing Inspector.

How to Apply

Applying for RMP designation requires submission of finished application and necessary supporting documentation. A COI (Certificate of Insurance) must also be submitted and it must have your insurance agent’s signature on it. A candidate must also cover a $345 fee. In case there are any unpaid administrative penalties under your name, those will have to be cleared as well.

Scope of Work Permitted

Generally, an RMP supervises the plumbers who work under him to perform plumbing duties. RMP manages them and is responsible for the completion of contracts that were attained under RMP’s license. RMP can either hire plumbers to do the job as full-time employees or use the help of subcontractors.

RMP’s responsibilities include:

  • Having a minimum of $300,000 in general commercial liability insurance.
  • Securing the required permits and abiding by plumbing or building codes by securing the necessary inspections.
  • Making sure that all plumbers under his/her supervision are licensed or registered.
  • Ensure that a licensed plumber is there to oversee the registrants performing tasks related to plumbing.
  • Ensure that his/her license number and the company name are visible and eligible on all vehicles used for the job.

An RMP can’t simultaneously take the role of RMP of record for more than one person.

Fees

  • Initial Application Fee: $225*
  • Renewal Fee: $300
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $150
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $300

*If you apply for the RMP Designation during your renewal period, which opens 90 days before your expiration date, you are only required to pay the $300 renewal fee and do not have to pay the $225 initial application fee.

How to Drop the RMP Designation

In case you wish to relinquish your RMP status, you must formally request from TSBPE to remove your status by paying a $10 fee and submitting a signed and notarized Relinquish RMP Designation form. If you submit the request form personally at the TSBPE location, it does not have to be notarized, but you’ll have to identify yourself by presenting an authentic Texas photo ID. If the request form is supplied during the annual license renewal process, you won’t have to pay the small charge.

Tradesman Plumber-Limited

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Tradesman Plumber-Limited exam, you must meet these conditions:

  • You must be a citizen or national of the US, or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for receiving a license by the State of Texas
  • Be a registered Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas or have been granted a Journeyman Plumber license or Master Plumber license by a different state.
  • You’ve accumulated 4,000 working hours in the plumbing trade; and
  • You’ve taken a 24-hour TSBPE-approved instructional course or you are a participant (or have completed) a similar training course certified by the federal Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

*The need for the 24-hour training program is waived if you’ve been granted a Journeyman or Master Plumber License by another state.

How to Apply for the Examination

Before a candidate can take part in a Plumber-Limited Examination, he/she must complete an application and submit it with all the necessary additional documentation. A candidate must also provide Employer Certification Form(s) and pay $36 fee to the TSBPE. In case you have a felony conviction on your record, Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF) must also be provided.

After passing the exam, a candidate receives his/her licensure and pocket card certificate after paying a $35 fee.

Scope of Work Permitted

As a Tradesman Plumber-Limited, you will be permitted to complete the following plumbing-related tasks: construction, installation, doing repairs, servicing or upgrading the plumbing for one and two-family residences while being supervised by a Responsible Master Plumber. Holding a Tradesman Plumber’s license also makes him/her eligible to supervise a Plumber’s Apprentice on the workplace for one and two-family residences. A Tradesman can only apply his/her skills as a plumber on one or two-family residences unless a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber supervises him. For a Tradesman to work on other structures besides one or two-family residences, a licensed Master Plumber or Journeyman must be present at all times whenever the Tradesman is doing the plumbing tasks.

Possible Endorsements

Someone holding a Tradesman Plumber-Limited license can also receive a Drain Cleaner Registration. Read this to find out the details.

Fees

  • Exam Fee: $36
  • Initial License Fee: $35
  • Renewal Fee: $35
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $17.50
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $35

Plumbing Inspector

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Plumbing Inspector exam, you must meet these conditions:

  • You must be a citizen or national of the US, or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for receiving a license by the State of Texas
  • Have obtained a high school diploma or a GED; and
  • Have had 500 hours of training and plumbing experience; or
  • Hold one of the following licenses:
    • a Master Plumber’s license issued by the state of Texas;
    • a Journeyman Plumber’s license issued by the state of Texas;
    • a Professional Engineer’s license issued by the state of Texas;
    • a Architect’s license issued by the state of Texas;
    • a Plumbing Inspector’s license issued by a state other than Texas but one that holds the standards for issuing Plumbing Inspector Licenses similar to TSBPE;

How to Apply for the Examination

Before a candidate can take part in Plumbing Inspector exam, he/she must complete an application and submit it with all the necessary additional documentation. A candidate must also provide Employer Certification Form(s) and pay a $55 fee to the TSBPE. In case you have a felony conviction on your record, Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF) must also be provided.

After passing the exam, a candidate receives his/her certificate of licensure after paying a $55 fee. To receive a pocket card, you need to supply TSBPE with documents that prove your association with a political subdivision.

Scope of Work Permitted

A Plumbing Inspector’s main job is to inspect the plumbing work done by other workers in the jurisdiction of a political subdivision that the inspector is affiliated with. As an Inspector, you establish an affiliation when you’re hired by, or accept a contract from a political subdivision which entails conducting inspections of plumbing systems in the building. The proof of affiliation with a political subdivision can be supplied through Plumbing Inspector Employer Certification Form or as a letter that must include a signature of political subdivision’s representative. A person who performs plumbing inspections must not have financial or any other kind of interest in a plumbing company.

A Plumbing Inspector license also allows you to take on a customer service inspection certification for a public drinking water system pursuant to 30 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 290.

Possible Endorsements

A Plumbing Inspector, provided that he meets the required criteria, can also obtain a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement, a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement, or a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement. Read this to understand the endorsements better.

Fees

  • Exam Fee: $55
  • Initial License Fee: $55
  • Renewal Fee: $55
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $27.50
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $55

Other Registrations

Plumber’s Apprentice Registration can be enhanced with three kinds of registrations, specifically:

  • Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration;
  • Drain Cleaner Registration; and
  • Residential Utilities Installer Registration.

It is also possible to complement your Tradesman Plumber-Limited license with The Drain Cleaner registration.

Eligibility Requirements

Drain Cleaner-Restricted

In order to secure a Drain Cleaner-Restricted registration, you must:

  • Be presently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in the state of Texas; and
  • you receive a passing score on the Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registrant Verification of Training Affidavit
  • Score enough to pass the minimum threshold of Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registrant Verification of Training Affidavit.

Drain Cleaner

To be eligible for Drain Cleaner registration, you must:

  • Be presently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in the state of Texas; and
  • Have accumulated 4,000 working hours (or more) performing plumbing duties as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted; and
  • Score enough to pass the minimum threshold of Drain Cleaner Verification of Training Affidavit.

Residential Utilities Installer

To be eligible for Residential Utilities Installer registration, you must:

  • Be presently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in the state of Texas; and
  • Have accumulated 2,000 working hours (or more) performing plumbing duties as a Plumber’s Apprentice; and
  • Score enough to pass the minimum threshold of Residential Utilities Installer Verification of Training Affidavit.

Scope of Work Permitted

Drain Cleaner-Restricted

Registered Plumber’s Apprentice who is also a holder of Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration is permitted to perform cleaning duties on drains and sewers as long as he/she uses a code-approved opening and is under RMP’s general supervision. If he/she aims to do other types of plumbing work, it is mandatory to do so under the licensee’s supervision.

Drain Cleaner

Registered Plumber’s Apprentice, who is also a holder of Drain Cleaner Registration, is permitted to perform cleanout installations and removal/resetting of p-traps to take care of the obstructions in drains and sewers of the building. He/she must also be supervised by an RMP. If a registered Plumber’s Apprentice with a Drain Cleaner Registration aims to do other types of plumbing work, it is mandatory to do so while being under the licensee’s supervision. If a Tradesman with a Drain Cleaner Registration aims to do other types of plumbing work, it is mandatory to do so under the licensee’s supervision, except for the cases when the Tradesman is working on one or two-family dwellings and isn’t required to have a supervisor.

Residential Utilities Installer

Registered Plumber’s Apprentice who is also a holder of RUI (Residential Utilities Installer) registration is permitted to put in place a yard water service piping and building sewers for one and two-family residences, as long as he/she is supervised by a RMP. If a RUI aims to do other types of plumbing work, it is mandatory to do so under the licensee’s supervision. A RUI is not allowed to set up gas service piping or act as a supervisor to a Plumber’s Apprentice.

How to Apply for a Registration

To register, it is required for a candidate to complete an application form and submit it along with a Verification of Training Affidavit. On top of these documents, a candidate must also cover the $18 fee. Candidates for Drain Cleaner and Residential Utilities Installer registrations are also required to supply TSBPE with Employer Certificate Forms and SCHIF form if an applicant has a felony criminal record.

*If your score is below the minimum threshold of Verification of Training Affidavit, your application can not be approved until the submission of a new affidavit.

Fees

  • The fees are the same for all three registrations.
  • Registration Application Fee: $18
  • Renewal Fee: $18
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $9
  • Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $18

Endorsements

A Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber or Plumbing Inspector licenses can be complemented with three kinds of endorsements, specifically:

  • Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement;
  • Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement; and
  • Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement.

Eligibility Requirements

Medical Gas Piping Installation

To be eligible for the Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement Examination, you must:

  • Presently be a plumbing license holder in the state of Texas; and
  • Complete a 24-hour TSBPE-approved instructional program.

Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist

To be eligible for the Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Examination, you must:

  • Presently be a plumbing license holder in the state of Texas; and
  • Complete a 24-hour TSBPE-approved instructional program, or you have been granted RME-General or RME-Dwelling license by the State Fire Marshal.

Water Supply Protection Specialist

You may take the Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement Examination if:

To be eligible for Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement Examination, you must:

  • Presently be a plumbing license holder in the state of Texas; and
  • Complete a 24-hour TSBPE-approved instructional program.

Scope of Work Permitted

Medical Gas Piping Installation

To perform the task of installing the pipes that will be utilized only for the transportation of gases for medical purpose, a licensed plumber with a Medical Gas Piping Installation endorsement must be supervised by a RMP who is a recipient of the same endorsement. To perform the inspections of medical gas pipes, a Plumbing Inspector must also be endowed with Medical Gas Piping Installation endorsement.

Remember: A federal-level accreditation for Medical Gas Verifiers is offered by the organization called ASSE. The TSBPE takes no part in regulating Medical Gas Verifiers. This organization also issues accreditation for gas installers and maintenance, accreditations that aren’t acknowledged by the state of Texas.

Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist

To perform the task of installing a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system in a one or two-family residential homes, a licensed plumber with a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist endorsement must be supervised by a RMP who is a recipient of the same endorsement. To perform the inspections of sprinkler systems, a Plumbing Inspector must also be endowed with Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist endorsement.

Water Supply Protection Specialist

To perform the plumbing duties of installing, servicing, or repairing plumbing systems that are used to handle rainwater and use it for supplying a plumbing fixture, appliance or irrigation system, a licensed plumber with a Water Supply Specialist endorsement must be supervised by a RMP who is a recipient of the same endorsement. A Journeyman or Master Plumber who is a recipient of this endorsement is permitted to take on the duties of customer service inspection certification for a public drinking water system pursuant to 30 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 290. To perform the inspections of plumbing systems that are used to handle rainwater and use it for supplying a plumbing fixture, appliance or irrigation system, a Plumbing Inspector must also be endowed with Water Supply Protection Specialist endorsement.

How to Apply for an Endorsement Examination

Before a candidate can take part in any of the endorsement exams, he/she must complete an application and submit it with all the necessary additional documentation. An applicant is also obliged to pay a $55 fee to the TSBPE. In case you have a felony conviction on your record, Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF) must also be provided.

After passing the exam, a candidate can receive new pocked card that indicates the endorsement once he/she has paid the relevant fee.

Fees

All three endorsements require the payment of exact same fees. The exact amount you have to pay will depend on what type of license you hold.

Exam Fee

  • Master – $80
  • Journeyman – $27
  • Inspector – $40

Initial Endorsement Fee

  • Master – $55
  • Journeyman – $14
  • Inspector – $27.50

Renewal Fee

  • Master – $55
  • Journeyman – $14
  • Inspector – $27.50

Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days)

  • Master – $27.50
  • Journeyman – $7
  • Inspector – $13.75

Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days)

  • Master – $55
  • Journeyman – $14
  • Inspector – $27.50

Texas Plumbing License Reciprocity

Every request that TSBPE gets for a reciprocal license is judged on an individual basis. The origin state of the subject is not a factor. To make a request, one must submit a letter that describes an individual’s licensing and is marked with the home state’s official letterhead must be submitted. Additionally, it is also necessary to provide a proof of experience.

Should I Join a Union?

It’s up to you, but keep in mind that union contracts usually pay more and secure health benefits for their workers. Union also offers great instructional programs that include classroom teaching and allow you to gain paid practical experience. Such apprenticeship programs sometimes take up to 4 years to conclude.

Insurance for Plumbers in Texas

To operate as a Master Plumber in the state of Texas, one must have a general liability insurance policy that is worth at least $300,000 for a calendar year. The insurance policy will be used to cover any accidents that might occur and cause property damage or an injure. If you’re a plumbing business owner, it is worth to take a look at worker’s compensation insurance to cover medical bills incurred by the employees.

Due to the nature of their job, plumbers are often exposed to harmful conditions. It is recommended to consult with a health service provider for recommendations.

Plumbing Schools

School Name Address
Johnny Kurten Plumbing Education Address: 1050 State Hwy 95, Taylor, TX 76574
Plumbers Continuing Education Address: 1001 Haltom Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76117
UA Local 100 Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprentice Training Center Address: 3010 I-30, Mesquite, TX 75150
Pipe Fitters Apprentice School Address: 1301 W 13th St, Deer Park, TX 77536
Texas State Technical College Address: 3801 Campus Dr, Waco, TX 76705
Construction Education Foundation Address: 1401 E 14th St, Irving, TX 75063
Winn’s Career Education, Inc. Address: 8354 Paluxy Dr, Tyler, TX 75703
Plumbers Local 68 Address: 502 Link Rd, Houston, TX 77009

Plumbing Courses in Texas

School Name Address
Everest Institute Bissonnet Houston, Texas 77036-8001
Paris Junior College 2400 Clarksville St, Paris, Texas 75460
South Texas College 3201 W Pecan, McAllen, Texas 78502-9701
Texas State Technical College-Waco Campus Drive, Waco, Texas 76705

Plumbing Training School Costs In Texas

Each school has its own distinct tuition costs and other fees, which are based on a number of factors. The most important factors are the type of tutoring, total length of a program and etc. It is possible to learn plumbing full-time as well as part-time.

A full-time student, on average, will have to pay between $2,500 to $6,000. However, there may be additional costs involved.

Plumbers that are looking for more specific education will not need to go through the full course. It’s possible to pay for individual classes, which will help you stay sharp. Individual classes can cost anywhere between $200 to $800.

FAQ

How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?

The journey from a beginner student to a licensed plumber can take up to 5 years. Alternatively, it can take about 10 years to reach the level of a licensed master plumber.

What Plumbing Work Can Be Done Without a License?

In the state of Texas, you need a license to perform any type of plumbing work.

Does My License Work in Any Other State?

A license issued by TSBPE can only be used within the state borders of Texas.

How Do I Stay Up to Date with Plumbing Codes?

The best way to stay updated about plumbing codes is paying close attention to Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)

TSBPE is the regulating body of plumbing professionals in Texas. This organization ensures that any plumber who works on a jobsite is properly experienced to do the job. TSBPE also ensures that safety standards are properly implemented.

Mailing Address

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

P.O. Box 4200

Austin, Texas 78765-4200

Physical Address*

929 East 41st Street

Austin, Texas 78751

*Please use this address for deliveries or overnight shipments

For more contact information visit the official TSBPE website.