Plumber License Requirements in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Maryland State Board of Plumbing (SBP) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber-Gas Fitter |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4 years (7,500 hours) under a master plumber, plus 32 hours of backflow prevention device testing training. Master: journeyman license + 2 additional years (3,750 hours) under a master plumber. |
| Education Substitute | A Board-approved apprenticeship program satisfies the journeyman experience requirement. Formal plumbing education may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam + Master Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $88 |
| Exam Fee | $65 |
| Est. Initial Total | $153 |
Renewal: $88 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam
Master Plumber/Gas Fitter 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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 Maryland
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 Maryland. 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 work under master plumber supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter
4 years (7,500 hours) under a master plumber, plus 32 hours backflow prevention training
Exam: Required
Master Plumber/Gas Fitter
Journeyman license + 2 additional years (3,750 hours) under a master plumber
Exam: Required
Notes
- MHIC license also required if performing residential home improvement plumbing work
- Plumbing license also covers gas fitting in Maryland
- PSI testing centers in Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Lanham, and Salisbury
You're licensed in Maryland 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 Maryland State Board of Plumbing issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber-Gas Fitter; the business that invoices Maryland 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.
Maryland does not require a surety bond for this license — No statewide bond requirement for plumber licenses.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Maryland requires general liability insurance for this license. Master plumbers must maintain $300,000 general liability and $100,000 property damage insurance. Certificate of Insurance required. Workers comp required for all employers. 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 $88. Continuing education: 8 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Maryland
- General Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
- Electrician license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $280 in initial government fees · SBME
- HVAC Technician license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $225 in initial government fees · HVACR Board
- Roofing Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires a statewide plumber license through the Maryland State Board of Plumbing.
How much does a plumber license cost in Maryland?
The estimated initial cost is $153, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Maryland?
Journeyman: 4 years (7,500 hours) under a master plumber, plus 32 hours of backflow prevention device testing training. Master: journeyman license + 2 additional years (3,750 hours) under a master plumber. Education substitute: A Board-approved apprenticeship program satisfies the journeyman experience requirement. Formal plumbing education may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Maryland?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam and Master Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam exams. A passing score of 75% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Maryland?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Maryland?
Yes, 8 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Maryland— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SBP