Plumber License Requirements in Alabama
| Licensing Authority | Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (PGFB) |
| License Type | Apprentice / Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: Minimum 2 years as a registered apprentice, or successful completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered apprentice time equaling 2 years. Must have 2 years of CURRENT experience to qualify for exam. Master: 1 year of CURRENT work experience as a journeyman to qualify for master exam. |
| Education Substitute | Completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program can reduce on-the-job time. Program + apprentice time must total at least 2 years. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam + Business and Law Exam (Master only — new for 2026) |
| Bond Required | Yes — $2,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours annually (due by December 31 each year) |
| Processing Time | Results provided immediately after exam. 90 days to pay fees and become certified after passing. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $110 |
| Initial License Fee | $75 |
| Est. Initial Total | $235 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice registration | $35 |
| Apprentice annual renewal | $10 |
| Master exam application | $160 |
| Master certification fee | $175 |
| Master renewal fee | $125 |
Renewal: $75 every 1 year (expires December 31)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Business and Law Exam (Master only — new for 2026)
Exam provider: Prov
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Alabama
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Alabama. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Apprentice Plumber
No experience required. Must register with the Board. No exam required.
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
2 years as a registered apprentice, OR completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program + apprentice time totaling 2 years.
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
1 year of current work experience as a licensed journeyman plumber under a master plumber.
Exam: Required
Notes
- Fees shown are for Journeyman tier — Master tier costs more (see 'Other fees')
- Effective January 1, 2026: Master applicants must also pass a new Business and Law exam
- Exams reference the 2021 International Plumbing Code
- Open-book exams — scores provided immediately
- Renewal season: October 1 through December 31. Late renewals subject to penalty.
- Gas Fitter certifications available separately (Journeyman Gas Fitter: 50 questions / 2 hours; Master Gas Fitter: 75 questions / 3 hours)
You're licensed in Alabama as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board issues the Apprentice / Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Alabama customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Alabama requires a $2,000 surety bond. Master plumbers required to obtain a $2,000 surety bond at the local level (county where work is performed). Not required for journeyman certification. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
Alabama does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. GL not required by the state board but strongly recommended and often required by local jurisdictions. Workers comp required for employers with 5+ employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year (expires December 31) at $75. Continuing education: 4 hours annually (due by December 31 each year)
Other licenses in Alabama
- General Contractor license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $574 in initial government fees · ALBGC
- Electrician license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · AECB
- HVAC Technician license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $340 in initial government fees · HACR
- Roofing Contractor license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $250 in initial government fees · HBLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama requires a statewide plumber license through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Alabama?
The estimated initial cost is $235, including application, exam, and license fees. A $2,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Alabama?
Journeyman: Minimum 2 years as a registered apprentice, or successful completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program combined with registered apprentice time equaling 2 years. Must have 2 years of CURRENT experience to qualify for exam. Master: 1 year of CURRENT work experience as a journeyman to qualify for master exam. Education substitute: Completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program can reduce on-the-job time. Program + apprentice time must total at least 2 years.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Alabama?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam and Business and Law Exam (Master only — new for 2026) exams. A passing score of 70% (both Journeyman and Master) is required. Exams are administered by Prov.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Alabama?
Yes, a $2,000 surety bond is required. Master plumbers required to obtain a $2,000 surety bond at the local level (county where work is performed). Not required for journeyman certification.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Alabama?
Processing time is typically Results provided immediately after exam. 90 days to pay fees and become certified after passing. after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Alabama?
Yes, 4 hours per annually (due by December 31 each year) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Alabama— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: PGFB