Plumber License Requirements in Montana
| Licensing Authority | Montana Board of Plumbers (MBP) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4 years of legally obtained experience under a licensed plumber. Master: 4 years as licensed journeyman with 3 years supervisory experience, OR 9 years of verified experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Montana Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $270 |
| Est. Initial Total | $270 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master plumber application | $380 |
Renewal: $270 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Montana Plumber Exam
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 Montana
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 Montana. 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
Journeyman Plumber
4 years (8,000 hours) under licensed plumber
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
4 years as licensed journeyman with 3 years supervisory, OR 9 years total verified experience
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 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.
You're licensed in Montana 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 Montana Board of Plumbers issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Montana 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.
Montana does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Montana 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 $270. Continuing education: 16 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Montana
- General Contractor license in Montana
Statewide license required · $70 in initial government fees · DLI CCL
- Electrician license in Montana
Statewide license required · $310 in initial government fees · MSEB
- HVAC Technician license in Montana
Statewide license required · $70 in initial government fees · DLI CCL
- Roofing Contractor license in Montana
Statewide license required · $70 in initial government fees · DLI CCL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Montana?
Yes, Montana requires a statewide plumber license through the Montana Board of Plumbers.
How much does a plumber license cost in Montana?
The estimated initial cost is $270, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Montana?
Journeyman: 4 years of legally obtained experience under a licensed plumber. Master: 4 years as licensed journeyman with 3 years supervisory experience, OR 9 years of verified experience.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Montana?
You must pass the Montana Plumber Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required.
Does Montana have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Montana has reciprocity agreements with 2 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 Montana?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Montana?
Yes, 16 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Montana— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: MBP