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How many hours do you need for the journeyman license in Maine?
4,000 hours of supervised work, about 2 years full time.1 Journeyman-in-training: a one-year (2 semester) plumbing course at a board-approved community college, or a two-year plumbing course at an approved career and technical education program or registered apprenticeship.1
- Journeyman license
- 4,000 hrs2 years and 4,000 hours as a licensed trainee under a master plumber, or 2,000 hours as a journeyman-in-training within 4 years of getting that license
- Master license
- 2,000 hrs1 year and 2,000 hours as a licensed journeyman plumber, or 4 years and 8,000 hours as a licensed trainee under a master plumber
Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. Maine Plumbers' Examining Board can ask for proof when you apply.
What is the Maine plumber exam like?
You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. Prov, Inc. (computer-based; Maine testing centers in Auburn, Bangor, Portland and Presque Isle). Code book: Uniform Plumbing Code 2015 (IAPMO) with the Maine plumbing tables, plus the Maine Plumbing Laws and Rules. Closed book.12
How much does the journeyman license cost?
Maine Plumbers' Examining Board lists these fees.1
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Master license | $200 |
| Journeyman license | $200 |
| Journeyman in training license | $200 |
| Trainee license | $100 |
| Background check | $21 |
| Exam fee | $65 |
| Biennial renewal master or journeyman | $200 |
| Late fee within 90 days | $50 |
| Reinstatement penalty after 90 days | $100 |
How do you renew it?
2 years, based on first licensure date.1 Continuing education: none listed. Plumber renewal requires the renewal application and fee.1
Does a license from another state count in Maine?
The board issues a license to a plumber licensed in another state whose licensing standards and experience requirements are at least equivalent to Maine's and that grants similar privileges to Maine licensees.3
License levels in Maine
Master plumber; journeyman plumber; journeyman-in-training (4-year non-renewable license); trainee plumber.
Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on Maine Plumbers' Examining Board's site.
More for plumbers in Maine
Sources
- Maine Plumbers' Examining Board: exam (maine.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Maine Plumbers' Examining Board: exam provider (maine.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Maine Plumbers' Examining Board: reciprocity (legislature.maine.gov, 2026-10-27)