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 |
| Trade exam fee | $87 |
| Business & Law exam fee | $47 |
| Practical exam fee | $106 |
| Est. Initial Total | $580 |
Renewal: $160 every 2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of odd-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
Master Plumbing Trade Exam
100 questions3 hours 15 minutesPass: 70% on each section
NJ Plumbing CodePlumbing systems designInstallation and repairWater supply and drainage
Business & Law Exam
50 questions2 hours 5 minutesPass: 70% on each section
NJ plumbing laws and regulationsBusiness managementContracts
Practical Exam
25 questions2 hours 5 minutesPass: 70% on each section
Hands-on plumbing installationCode complianceSystem layout
Exam provider: PSI
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
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.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BEMP