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State files updated Nov 1, 2026
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Home / Plumbers / Iowa / License

Iowa journeyman plumber license

Plumber license: what DIAL asks for once you're logging hours.5

3 YEARbetween renewals

How much experience do you need in Iowa?

4 years of practical experience as an apprentice in a U.S. Department of Labor registered program (at least 36 months to sit the exam)2

Journeyperson license
4 yrs4 years of practical experience as an apprentice in a U.S. Department of Labor registered program (at least 36 months to sit the exam)
Master license
2 yrsLicensed journeyperson with 2 years of work experience in the discipline, or a master license from another jurisdiction

Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. DIAL can ask for proof when you apply.

What is the Iowa plumber exam like?

You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. The exam is given by Kirkwood Community College.1

How much does the plumber license cost?

DIAL lists these fees.3

FeeAmount
Journeyperson 3 year period$180
Master 3 year period$240
Apprentice 3 year period$50
Exam approval application$35

How do you renew it?

3-year licensing periods that run July 1 to June 30; the current period is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.3 Continuing education: 8 hours per 3-year period for a single journeyperson or master license (14 hours for multiple mechanical licenses, 16 for plumbing plus mechanical); apprentices need none.4

License levels in Iowa

Apprentice; journey level; master level; contractor; plus specialty licenses (service technician HVAC, hearth systems, routine maintenance, disconnect/reconnect plumbing technician); licenses expire June 30.

Ready to apply?

Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on DIAL's site.

DIAL license page

More for plumbers in Iowa

Sources

  1. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): exam (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): experience (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): fees (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): continuing education (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): licensing (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)