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Home / Plumbers / Michigan / License

Michigan journeyman plumber license

Journey-level certificate: what LARA asks for once you're logging hours.4

6,000hours of supervised work
3 YEARSbetween renewals

How many hours do you need for the journey-level certificate in Michigan?

6,000 hours of supervised work, about 3 years full time.1

Journey-level certificate
6,000 hrsAt least 6,000 hours over at least 3 years as an apprentice under a master plumber; age 18 or older
Master license
4,000 hrsA journey plumber license and 4,000 hours as a journey plumber over at least 2 years; age 18 or older

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

What is the Michigan plumber exam like?

Yes. You take a state exam once your hours are approved. PSI Services (PSI) under contract with LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes; BCC writes the exams.12

How much does the journey-level certificate cost?

Exam: $100; journey license: $40 per year; apprentice registration: $15 per year; master license: $300 for up to 3 years3

How do you renew it?

Journey licenses and apprentice registrations renew every year; master plumber and plumbing contractor licenses run up to 3 years.3 Continuing education: no set hours. Journey and master plumbers must complete a board-approved course on any update to the state construction code within 12 months of the change, in years when the code changes.1

License levels in Michigan

Apprentice Plumber (registration); Journey Plumber; Master Plumber; Plumbing Contractor (business).

Ready to apply?

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

LARA license page

More for plumbers in Michigan

Sources

  1. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes: exam (legislature.mi.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes: exam provider (michigan.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes: fees (legislature.mi.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes: licensing (legislature.mi.gov, 2026-10-27)