Plumber License Requirements in Iowa
| Licensing Authority | Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) |
| License Type | Journeyperson / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyperson: 4 years / 8,000 hours as a registered apprentice. Master: must hold journeyperson license with 2 additional years of experience. Contractor license requires a Master Plumber on staff. |
| Education Substitute | Completion of an approved plumbing technology program may substitute for a portion of apprenticeship hours at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyperson Plumbing Exam + Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 3 years (2 hrs safety, 2 hrs code, 4 hrs discipline-specific) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Exam Fee | $95 |
| Initial License Fee | $120 |
| Est. Initial Total | $250 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice registration | $50 |
| Master Plumber license | $240 |
| Contractor license (PMSB) | $250 |
| Contractor registration (Division of Labor) | $150 |
| Paper application surcharge | $25 |
Renewal: $120 every 3 years (expires June 30)
Exam Requirements
Journeyperson Plumbing Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: Kirkwood Community College (15 locations statewide)
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 Iowa
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 Iowa. 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
Entry level — must register with PMSB
Exam: Not required
Journeyperson Plumber
4 years (8,000 hours) of practical experience as a registered apprentice
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Journeyperson license plus 2 years of additional experience
Exam: Required
Notes
- Exams administered by Kirkwood Community College at 15 locations statewide
- Open-book exam format
- License renewal cycle is 3 years, expiring June 30
You're licensed in Iowa 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 Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board issues the Journeyperson / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Iowa 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.
Iowa requires a $5,000 surety bond. Plumbing contractors must obtain a $5,000 surety bond. Master contractors must also maintain $500,000 liability insurance. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Iowa requires general liability insurance for this license. Plumbing contractors must maintain $500,000 general liability insurance, workers comp (if employees), and a permanent place of business. 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 3 years (expires June 30) at $120. Continuing education: 8 hours every 3 years (2 hrs safety, 2 hrs code, 4 hrs discipline-specific)
Other licenses in Iowa
- General Contractor license in Iowa
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · IDOL
- Electrician license in Iowa
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · EEB
- HVAC Technician license in Iowa
Statewide license required · $324 in initial government fees · PMSB
- Roofing Contractor license in Iowa
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · IDOL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa requires a statewide plumber license through the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Iowa?
The estimated initial cost is $250, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Iowa?
Journeyperson: 4 years / 8,000 hours as a registered apprentice. Master: must hold journeyperson license with 2 additional years of experience. Contractor license requires a Master Plumber on staff. Education substitute: Completion of an approved plumbing technology program may substitute for a portion of apprenticeship hours at the Board's discretion.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Iowa?
You must pass the Journeyperson Plumbing Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. A passing score of 75% is required. Exams are administered by Kirkwood Community College (15 locations statewide).
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Iowa?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. Plumbing contractors must obtain a $5,000 surety bond. Master contractors must also maintain $500,000 liability insurance.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Iowa?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Iowa?
Yes, 8 hours per every 3 years (2 hrs safety, 2 hrs code, 4 hrs discipline-specific) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Iowa— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: PMSB