Plumber License Requirements in Louisiana
| Licensing Authority | State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA) |
| License Type | Apprentice / Residential Plumber / Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber (SPBLA) + Plumbing Contractor (LSLBC for projects over $50,000) |
| Experience Required | Residential: 3,000 hours (indentured apprentice) or 4,000 hours (unindentured). Journeyman: 7,000 hours (indentured) or 8,000 hours (unindentured), approximately 4-5 years full-time. Master: must hold journeyman license or restricted master license, plus minimum 5 years total plumbing experience. Louisiana PE with 5 years plumbing experience may also qualify for master. |
| Education Substitute | Indentured apprenticeship through Louisiana Workforce Commission-approved program reduces required hours (7,000 vs 8,000 for journeyman; 3,000 vs 4,000 for residential). A Louisiana Professional Engineer license with 5 years plumbing experience qualifies for master plumber exam. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Residential Plumber Exam + Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam (3 parts) |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours annually for master plumbers (5 hours CPE). Journeyman plumbers require 3.5 hours annually. Must be completed before December 31 renewal deadline. |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks for SPBLA license after passing exam. Exam scores valid for 90 days — application and payment must be submitted within 90 days or scores are forfeited. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $135 |
| Residential exam fee | $135 |
| Residential application fee | $40 |
| Journeyman exam fee | $135 |
| Journeyman application fee | $50 |
| Master exam fee | $110 |
| Master application fee | $190 |
| LSLBC plumbing contractor license (projects over $50K) | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $945 |
Renewal: $50 every 1 year (expires December 31 annually)
Exam Requirements
Residential Plumber Exam
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam (3 parts)
Exam provider: State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (in-house) with NITC certification services
License Tiers
Registered Apprentice
Must register with SPBLA. Works under direct supervision of journeyman or master plumber.
Exam: Not required
Residential Plumber
Repairs on existing residential plumbing in 1-2 family dwellings. Requires 3,000 hours (indentured) or 4,000 hours (unindentured) of supervised experience.
Exam: Required
Journeyman Plumber
Installation, repairs, and maintenance under master plumber supervision. Requires 7,000 hours (indentured) or 8,000 hours (unindentured) of supervised experience.
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Full scope of plumbing work, can employ apprentices and journeymen. Must hold journeyman license + additional experience. Minimum 5 years total trade experience.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 5 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Plumbing is licensed separately from general contracting in Louisiana
- SPBLA handles individual plumber licenses (apprentice, residential, journeyman, master)
- LSLBC handles plumbing contractor licenses for projects over $50,000
- Exam scores valid for 90 days only — must submit application within that window
- All licenses expire December 31 annually
- 2026 legislative proposal to fast-track plumber licensing was under debate (March 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana requires a statewide plumber license through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana.
How much does a plumber license cost in Louisiana?
The estimated initial cost is $185, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Louisiana?
Residential: 3,000 hours (indentured apprentice) or 4,000 hours (unindentured). Journeyman: 7,000 hours (indentured) or 8,000 hours (unindentured), approximately 4-5 years full-time. Master: must hold journeyman license or restricted master license, plus minimum 5 years total plumbing experience. Louisiana PE with 5 years plumbing experience may also qualify for master. Education substitute: Indentured apprenticeship through Louisiana Workforce Commission-approved program reduces required hours (7,000 vs 8,000 for journeyman; 3,000 vs 4,000 for residential). A Louisiana Professional Engineer license with 5 years plumbing experience qualifies for master plumber exam.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Louisiana?
You must pass the Residential Plumber Exam and Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam (3 parts) exams. A passing score of 70% (each section/category) is required. Exams are administered by State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (in-house) with NITC certification services.
Does Louisiana have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with 5 states that may apply to plumbers. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Louisiana?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for SPBLA license after passing exam. Exam scores valid for 90 days — application and payment must be submitted within 90 days or scores are forfeited. after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Louisiana?
Yes, 5 hours per annually for master plumbers (5 hours CPE). Journeyman plumbers require 3.5 hours annually. Must be completed before December 31 renewal deadline. is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SPBLA