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Home / Plumbers / Washington / License

Washington journeyman plumber license

Journey-level certificate: what WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program asks for once you're logging hours.3

8,000hours of supervised work
3 YEARSbetween renewals

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

8,000 hours of supervised work, about 4 years full time.3

Journey-level certificate
8,000 hrs8,000 hours as trainee (at least 4,000 commercial/industrial)
Medical gas endorsement
6,000 hrs6,000 hours in specialty + 32-hours course

Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program can ask for proof when you apply.

What is the Washington plumber exam like?

You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. The exam is given by PSI. Code book: Uniform Plumbing Code.12

How much does the journey-level certificate cost?

WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program lists these fees.4

FeeAmount
Trainee certificate and renewal$60
Exam$202.10
Journey certificate and renewal$242.70
Medical gas endorsement application$74.30
Medical gas cert$166.90
Temp permit (120 days)$100.30

How do you renew it?

3 years on birthdate.5 Continuing education: journey: 24 hours per 3 years (at least 12 code, at least 4 industry-related electrical); trainee 8 hours/years.2

Does a license from another state count in Washington?

Idaho journey level only; others must pass WA exam (120-day temp permit).1

License levels in Washington

Plumber Trainee (16+); Journey Level PL01; Residential; Residential Service; Medical Gas endorsement; Backflow; Domestic Pump / Pump & Irrigation.

Ready to apply?

Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program's site.

Board license page

More for plumbers in Washington

Sources

  1. WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program: exam (lni.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program: code edition (lni.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program: experience (lni.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program: fees (app.leg.wa.gov, 2026-10-28)
  5. WA L&I, Plumber Certification Program: renewal (lni.wa.gov, 2026-10-27)