Plumber License Requirements in Ohio
| Licensing Authority | Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) |
| License Type | Plumbing Commercial Contractor |
| Experience Required | 5 years of experience as a plumbing tradesperson immediately prior to the date the application is filed. Experience must be continuous and verifiable. Alternatively, applicants who are currently registered engineers in Ohio with 3 years of business experience in the plumbing construction industry may qualify. |
| Education Substitute | A registered engineer in Ohio with 3 years of business experience in the plumbing construction industry may substitute for the 5-year tradesperson requirement. Applicants must also complete 40 hours of live or webinar-based virtual continuing education training from an OCILB-approved training provider no more than 1 year prior to the application date. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Plumbing Contractor Trade Exam + Business and Law Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours 1 year |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks (application review + background check + exam scheduling) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Exam Fee | $138 |
| Initial License Fee | $25 |
| Fingerprinting | $66 |
| PSI trade exam fee | $69 |
| PSI business & law exam fee | $69 |
| 3-year renewal option | $180 |
| BCI/FBI background check (approx.) | $66 |
| Est. Initial Total | $638 |
Renewal: $60 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Plumbing Contractor Trade Exam
Business and Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 4 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.
Notes
- OCILB state license covers COMMERCIAL plumbing work only — residential plumbing may require separate local licensing
- Both exams are open-book; highlighting permitted but no writing in reference materials
- Plumbing CE: 8 hours for 1-year renewal, 24 hours for 3-year renewal; max 4 hours self-paced per year (12 for 3-year)
- 40 hours of pre-application training required from OCILB-approved provider within 1 year of application
- Background check (BCI/FBI) must be completed after application approval but before exam
- No statewide residential plumber license — residential plumbing is regulated at the local level
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio requires a statewide plumber license through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Ohio?
The estimated initial cost is $254, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Ohio?
5 years of experience as a plumbing tradesperson immediately prior to the date the application is filed. Experience must be continuous and verifiable. Alternatively, applicants who are currently registered engineers in Ohio with 3 years of business experience in the plumbing construction industry may qualify. Education substitute: A registered engineer in Ohio with 3 years of business experience in the plumbing construction industry may substitute for the 5-year tradesperson requirement. Applicants must also complete 40 hours of live or webinar-based virtual continuing education training from an OCILB-approved training provider no more than 1 year prior to the application date.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Ohio?
You must pass the Plumbing Contractor Trade Exam and Business and Law Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Ohio have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Ohio has reciprocity agreements with 4 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 Ohio?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks (application review + background check + exam scheduling) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Ohio?
Yes, 8 hours per 1 year is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: OCILB