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 →Set up the business before you apply in North Dakota
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 North Dakota. 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 (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
You're licensed in North Dakota 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 North Dakota State Plumbing Board issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber; the business that invoices North Dakota 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.
North Dakota does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
North Dakota requires general liability insurance for this license. 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 year (expires December 31) at $100. Continuing education: 4 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in North Dakota
- General Contractor license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $450 in initial government fees · SOS
- Electrician license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · NDSEB
- HVAC Technician license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · SOS
- Roofing Contractor license in North Dakota
Statewide license required · $100 in initial government fees · SOS
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