Plumber License Requirements in Connecticut
| Licensing Authority | Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) |
| License Type | P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor |
| Experience Required | P-1 Contractor: 2 years as a licensed P-2 journeyperson or equivalent experience and training. P-2 Journeyperson: completion of 4-year registered apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + classroom instruction) or equivalent experience. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited plumbing or pipefitting program may substitute for a portion of the apprenticeship requirement |
| Exam Required | Yes — P-2 Unlimited Journeyperson Plumber Exam + P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| Initial License Fee | $150 |
| Est. Initial Total | $365 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Journeyperson application fee | $90 |
| Journeyperson initial license | $120 |
| Journeyperson annual renewal | $120 |
Renewal: $150 every 1 year (expires October 31)
Exam Requirements
P-2 Unlimited Journeyperson Plumber Exam
P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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 Connecticut
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 Connecticut. 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→Notes
- Online continuing education is not permitted for plumbers in Connecticut
- CE records must be retained for at least 4 years for DCP audit purposes
You're licensed in Connecticut 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 Department of Consumer Protection issues the P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor; the business that invoices Connecticut 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.
Connecticut 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 year (expires October 31) at $150. Continuing education: 5 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Connecticut
- General Contractor license in Connecticut
Statewide registration, not a license · $220 in fees · DCP
- Electrician license in Connecticut
Statewide license required · $365 in initial government fees · DCP
- HVAC Technician license in Connecticut
Statewide license required · $430 in initial government fees · DCP
- Roofing Contractor license in Connecticut
Statewide registration, not a license · $220 in fees · DCP
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut requires a statewide plumber license through the Department of Consumer Protection.
How much does a plumber license cost in Connecticut?
The estimated initial cost is $365, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Connecticut?
P-1 Contractor: 2 years as a licensed P-2 journeyperson or equivalent experience and training. P-2 Journeyperson: completion of 4-year registered apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + classroom instruction) or equivalent experience. Education substitute: Accredited plumbing or pipefitting program may substitute for a portion of the apprenticeship requirement
What exams are required for a plumber license in Connecticut?
You must pass the P-2 Unlimited Journeyperson Plumber Exam and P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Connecticut?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Connecticut?
Yes, 5 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Connecticut— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DCP