Plumber License Requirements in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section (DOLWD) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber Certificate of Fitness |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours of supervised plumbing work under a licensed Master Plumber for Journeyman Certificate of Fitness |
| Education Substitute | Approved plumbing apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $50 |
| Est. Initial Total | $150 |
Renewal: $50 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Exam provider: Mechanical Inspection Section
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 · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
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 Alaska
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 Alaska. 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
Trainee Plumber
Entry level — must work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
8,000 hours supervised plumbing work
Exam: Required
Notes
- Exams given by appointment only — contact Mechanical Inspection office
- Plumbing contractor business license also required through CBPL
You're licensed in Alaska 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.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section issues the Journeyman Plumber Certificate of Fitness; the business that invoices Alaska 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.
Carry general liability insurance.
Alaska does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire 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 2 years at $50.
Other licenses in Alaska
- General Contractor license in Alaska
Statewide license required · $300 in initial government fees · CBPL
- Electrician license in Alaska
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · DOLWD
- HVAC Technician license in Alaska
Statewide license required · $300 in initial government fees · CBPL
- Roofing Contractor license in Alaska
Statewide license required · $300 in initial government fees · CBPL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska requires a statewide plumber license through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section.
How much does a plumber license cost in Alaska?
The estimated initial cost is $150, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Alaska?
8,000 hours of supervised plumbing work under a licensed Master Plumber for Journeyman Certificate of Fitness Education substitute: Approved plumbing apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements
What exams are required for a plumber license in Alaska?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Mechanical Inspection Section.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Alaska?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Alaska?
No, Alaska does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Alaska— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DOLWD