Virginia journeyman plumber license

How much experience do you need in Virginia?

Six years of practical experience, or 40 hours of vocational training + 5 years, 80 + 4, 120 + 3, 160 hours + 2 years¹

Residential plumber license

6 yrsSix years of practical experience, or 40 hours of vocational training + 5 years, 80 + 4, 120 + 3, 160 hours + 2 years

Journeyman license

4 yrsFour years of practical experience plus 240 hours of formal vocational training, or one year with an engineering bachelor's degree, two years with a two-year associate degree or certificate in a tradesman-related field, or longer experience with fewer training hours (160 hours + 5 years, 80 + 6, 40 + 7, none + 8 years)

Master license

1 yrHold a Virginia journeyman license in the trade for at least one year, or nine years of practical experience in the trade

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

What is the Virginia plumber exam like?

You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. The exam is given by PSI. Code book: International Plumbing Code 2018 edition, moving to 2021 for exams from 5/1/2025 per the bulletin. Open book: you bring your own copy of the code book.¹²

How much does the plumber license cost?

DPOR lists these fees.³

How do you renew it?

Renew every 3 years.⁴ Continuing education: 3 hours of continuing education on building code changes for each trade designation at each renewal.⁴

License levels in Virginia

Residential Plumber; Journeyman Plumber; Master Plumber.

More for plumbers in Virginia