Plumber License Requirements in Maine
| Licensing Authority | Plumbers' Examining Board, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (PEB/OPOR) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4,000 hours (2 years) as licensed Trainee or 2,000 hours (1 year) as Journeyman-in-training. Master: 2,000 hours (1 year) as licensed Journeyman or 8,000 hours (4 years) as Trainee under Master. |
| Education Substitute | Approved plumbing apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master 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 | $100 |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| Initial License Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprinting | $21 |
| Est. Initial Total | $386 |
Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: PROV Inc.
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 Maine
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 Maine. 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 — registered with the Examining Board
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
4,000 hours (2 years) as licensed Trainee or 2,000 hours as Journeyman-in-training
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
2,000 hours (1 year) as Journeyman or 8,000 hours (4 years) as Trainee under Master
Exam: Required
Notes
- Trainee application fee is $100
- All license types require background check ($21)
You're licensed in Maine 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 Plumbers' Examining Board, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues the Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Maine 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.
Maine 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 $200.
Other licenses in Maine
- General Contractor license in Maine
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Maine
Statewide license required · $272 in initial government fees · EEB/OPOR
- HVAC Technician license in Maine
Statewide license required · $196 in initial government fees · MFB/OPOR
- Roofing Contractor license in Maine
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Maine?
Yes, Maine requires a statewide plumber license through the Plumbers' Examining Board, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
How much does a plumber license cost in Maine?
The estimated initial cost is $386, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Maine?
Journeyman: 4,000 hours (2 years) as licensed Trainee or 2,000 hours (1 year) as Journeyman-in-training. Master: 2,000 hours (1 year) as licensed Journeyman or 8,000 hours (4 years) as Trainee under Master. Education substitute: Approved plumbing apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements
What exams are required for a plumber license in Maine?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. A passing score of 70% Journeyman / 75% Master is required. Exams are administered by PROV Inc..
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Maine?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Maine?
No, Maine does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Maine— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-08 | Source: PEB/OPOR