Plumber License Requirements in Massachusetts
| Licensing Authority | Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (BSEPGF) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: completion of a registered plumbing apprenticeship (education plus supervised work hours verified by a licensed Master Plumber; exact hour totals are set by 248 CMR curriculum tiers). Master: hold a Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber license. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: not required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 12 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | License issued at the test center on passing; renewals processed online via eLIPSE |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $31 |
| Initial License Fee | $52 |
| Master Plumber license fee | $78 |
| Master Plumber renewal | $78 |
| Corporation/Partnership renewal | $225 |
| Late renewal (received after May 1) | $57 |
| Est. Initial Total | $521 |
Renewal: $52 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Journeyman Plumber
Completion of a registered plumbing apprenticeship (education plus supervised work hours per 248 CMR)
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Hold a Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber license
Exam: Required
Notes
- No formal plumbing reciprocity: out-of-state applicants may receive education/experience credit if their prior license is deemed 'substantially equivalent,' but must still pass the Massachusetts exam.
- Applications must be submitted online via the eLIPSE portal.
- Gas fitting is a separate license from the same board (Journeyman Gas Fitter license fee $52; Master Gas Fitter $97).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires a statewide plumber license through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
How much does a plumber license cost in Massachusetts?
The estimated initial cost is $83, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Massachusetts?
Journeyman: completion of a registered plumbing apprenticeship (education plus supervised work hours verified by a licensed Master Plumber; exact hour totals are set by 248 CMR curriculum tiers). Master: hold a Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber license.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Massachusetts?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Massachusetts?
Processing time is typically License issued at the test center on passing; renewals processed online via eLIPSE after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Massachusetts?
Yes, 12 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Massachusetts— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-05 | Source: BSEPGF