Plumber License Requirements in New Jersey
| Licensing Authority | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (BEMP) |
| License Type | Master Plumber License |
| Experience Required | Must be at least 21 years old. Requires completion of a 4-year DOL-approved apprenticeship program followed by at least 1 year (1,200 hours minimum) of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber under a licensed master plumber. |
| Education Substitute | Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college may substitute for the 4-year apprenticeship. Must still complete 1 year of journeyman experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Master Plumbing Trade Exam + Business & Law Exam + Practical Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $3,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 5 hours every 2 years (biennial renewal cycle) |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks after exam passage |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Exam Fee | $240 |
| Est. Initial Total | $340 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Trade exam fee | $87 |
| Business & Law exam fee | $47 |
| Practical exam fee | $106 |
Renewal: $160 every 2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of odd-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
Master Plumbing Trade Exam
Business & Law Exam
Practical 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.
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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 New Jersey
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 New Jersey. 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 Registration
Enrolled in approved apprenticeship program
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber Registration
Completed 4-year apprenticeship; works under master plumber supervision
Exam: Not required
Master Plumber License
4-year apprenticeship + 1 year (1,200 hours) as journeyman, or equivalent
Exam: Required
Notes
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Trade and Business & Law exams are open book; Practical exam is closed book
- Three separate exam sections each require 70% to pass
- Journeyman plumbers work under master plumber supervision only
- Next biennial renewal: June 30, 2027
You're licensed in New Jersey 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 State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers issues the Master Plumber License; the business that invoices New Jersey 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.
Post the bond.
New Jersey requires a $3,000 surety bond. $3,000 surety bond filed with the Division of Consumer Affairs. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
New Jersey requires general liability insurance for this license. Minimum $500,000 general liability insurance per occurrence required. Workers' compensation mandatory for all employers with 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 (biennial, expires June 30 of odd-numbered years) at $160. Continuing education: 5 hours every 2 years (biennial renewal cycle)
Other licenses in New Jersey
- General Contractor license in New Jersey
Statewide registration, not a license · $110 in fees · DCA
- Electrician license in New Jersey
Statewide license required · $231 in initial government fees · BEEC
- HVAC Technician license in New Jersey
Statewide license required · $231 in initial government fees · HVACR Board
- Roofing Contractor license in New Jersey
Statewide registration, not a license · $110 in fees · DCA
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey requires a statewide plumber license through the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.
How much does a plumber license cost in New Jersey?
The estimated initial cost is $340, including application, exam, and license fees. A $3,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in New Jersey?
Must be at least 21 years old. Requires completion of a 4-year DOL-approved apprenticeship program followed by at least 1 year (1,200 hours minimum) of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber under a licensed master plumber. Education substitute: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college may substitute for the 4-year apprenticeship. Must still complete 1 year of journeyman experience.
What exams are required for a plumber license in New Jersey?
You must pass the Master Plumbing Trade Exam and Business & Law Exam and Practical Exam exams. A passing score of 70% on each section is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in New Jersey?
Yes, a $3,000 surety bond is required. $3,000 surety bond filed with the Division of Consumer Affairs
How long does it take to get a plumber license in New Jersey?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after exam passage after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in New Jersey?
Yes, 5 hours per every 2 years (biennial renewal cycle) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in New Jersey— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BEMP