Plumber License Requirements in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Plumbing Division (DHBC) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 2 consecutive years as a registered apprentice, OR 1 year apprentice + approved plumbing course. Master: must hold valid journeyman license for at least 2 of the past 5 years, plus 2 years active employment under a master plumber. |
| Education Substitute | A DHBC-approved plumbing course can reduce the apprenticeship requirement from 2 years to 1 year for the journeyman level. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam (written + practical) + Master Plumber Exam (written trade + law) |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours every renewal cycle |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $60 |
| Est. Initial Total | $160 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Journeyman exam fee | $50 |
| Journeyman license fee | $60 |
| Master exam fee | $150 |
| Master license fee (annual) | $150 |
Renewal: $60 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam (written + practical)
Master Plumber Exam (written trade + law)
Exam provider: DHBC
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 Kentucky
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 Kentucky. 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, work under master plumber supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
2 consecutive years as a registered apprentice, OR 1 year apprentice + approved plumbing course
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Valid journeyman license for minimum 2 years within the last 5 years, plus 2 years active employment under a master plumber
Exam: Required
Notes
- Journeyman exam includes both written and practical components
- Master exam covers trade knowledge and Kentucky plumbing law
- Passport-sized color photo required with exam registration
You're licensed in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Plumbing Division issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Kentucky 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.
Bond: none required by the state.
Kentucky does not require a surety bond for this license — No statewide bond required for plumber licenses. Local jurisdictions may require bonds for plumbing contractors.
Carry general liability insurance.
Kentucky does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. General liability insurance recommended but not state-mandated for licensure. Workers comp required for all employers with one or more 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 at $60. Continuing education: 6 hours every renewal cycle.
Other licenses in Kentucky
- General Contractor license in Kentucky
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Kentucky
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · DHBC
- HVAC Technician license in Kentucky
Statewide license required · $180 in initial government fees · DHBC
- Roofing Contractor license in Kentucky
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky requires a statewide plumber license through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Plumbing Division.
How much does a plumber license cost in Kentucky?
The estimated initial cost is $160, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Kentucky?
Journeyman: 2 consecutive years as a registered apprentice, OR 1 year apprentice + approved plumbing course. Master: must hold valid journeyman license for at least 2 of the past 5 years, plus 2 years active employment under a master plumber. Education substitute: A DHBC-approved plumbing course can reduce the apprenticeship requirement from 2 years to 1 year for the journeyman level.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Kentucky?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam (written + practical) and Master Plumber Exam (written trade + law) exams. A passing score of 75% journeyman (70% minimum each portion); 80% master (75% minimum each portion) is required. Exams are administered by DHBC.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Kentucky?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Kentucky?
Yes, 6 hours per every renewal cycle is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Kentucky— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DHBC