Plumber License Requirements in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | North Dakota State Plumbing Board (NDSPB) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4-year (7,600 hours) apprenticeship. Master: 2 years (3,400 hours) as licensed journeyman plumber. |
| Exam Required | Yes — ND Plumbing Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Initial License Fee | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $150 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master plumber license | $200 |
| Master plumber renewal | $200 |
Renewal: $100 every 1 year (expires December 31)
Exam Requirements
ND Plumbing 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.
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 →License Tiers
Journeyman Plumber
4 years (7,600 hours) apprenticeship
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
2 years (3,400 hours) as licensed journeyman
Exam: Required
Notes
- Exam has 4 parts: closed-book multiple choice, open-book completion, water pipe sizing, and DWV calculations
- 6-month waiting period required after failing the exam before retaking
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota requires a statewide plumber license through the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in North Dakota?
The estimated initial cost is $150, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in North Dakota?
Journeyman: 4-year (7,600 hours) apprenticeship. Master: 2 years (3,400 hours) as licensed journeyman plumber.
What exams are required for a plumber license in North Dakota?
You must pass the ND Plumbing Exam exam. A passing score of 80% is required.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in North Dakota?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in North Dakota?
Yes, 4 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in North Dakota— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: NDSPB