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How many hours do you need for the journeyman license in Texas?
8,000 hours of supervised work, about 4 years full time.1 48-hour TSBPE-approved training course (journeyman path).1
- Journeyman license
- 8,000 hrs8,000 hours in trade (apprentice hours count only after registration); 48-hours course or DOL program path also referenced
- Master license
- 2 yrsJourneyman at least 2 years, or at least 1 year + DOL apprenticeship
Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. TSBPE can ask for proof when you apply.
What is the Texas plumber exam like?
You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. Master: Pearson VUE; journeyman: not named on page.12
How much does the journeyman license cost?
TSBPE lists these fees.2
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | $15 |
| Journeyman: exam | $40 |
| Journeyman: license | $40 |
| Journeyman: renewal | $40 |
| Master: processing | $25 |
| Master: pearson exam | $128.50 |
| Master: license | $75 |
| Master: renewal | $75 |
How do you renew it?
Annual (first license random 6-18 months after exam); endorsements 3 years.3 Continuing education: 6 hours (journeyman/master); 2 hours medical gas.3
Does a license from another state count in Texas?
No formal reciprocity; out-of-state journeyman/master may sit the exam and skip the 48-hours course.1
License levels in Texas
Plumber Apprentice (16+); Tradesman Plumber-Limited; Journeyman; Master; Inspector; endorsements (medical gas, multipurpose residential fire sprinkler, water supply protection); drain cleaner / residential utilities installer registrations.
Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on TSBPE's site.
More for plumbers in Texas
Sources
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): exam (tsbpe.texas.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): exam provider (tsbpe.texas.gov, 2026-10-27)
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): renewal (tsbpe.texas.gov, 2026-10-27)