Plumber License Requirements in Rhode Island
| Licensing Authority | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Plumbing Board (DLT) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 5 years of work experience plus 576 hours of classroom training. Master: additional years beyond journeyman with supervisory responsibilities. |
| Exam Required | Yes — RI Plumbing Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $3,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 3-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $72 |
| Est. Initial Total | $147 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master Plumber license fee | $240 |
| Master Plumber renewal | $240 |
| CRLB registration (required separately) | $150 |
Renewal: $72 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
RI 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.
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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 Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island. 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
5 years of work experience plus 576 hours classroom training
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Additional experience beyond journeyman with supervisory capacity
Exam: Required
Notes
- Must also register with CRLB in addition to holding DLT trade license
You're licensed in Rhode Island 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.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Plumbing Board issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Rhode Island 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.
Rhode Island requires a $3,000 surety bond. Plumbers and mechanical contractors must maintain a $3,000 plumber and mechanical permit bond. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Rhode Island requires general liability insurance for this license. $500,000 general liability required through CRLB registration. 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 2 years at $72. Continuing education: 6 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Rhode Island
- General Contractor license in Rhode Island
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · CRLB
- Electrician license in Rhode Island
Statewide license required · $222 in initial government fees · DLT
- HVAC Technician license in Rhode Island
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · CRLB/DLT
- Roofing Contractor license in Rhode Island
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · CRLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island requires a statewide plumber license through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Plumbing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Rhode Island?
The estimated initial cost is $147, including application, exam, and license fees. A $3,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Rhode Island?
Journeyman: 5 years of work experience plus 576 hours of classroom training. Master: additional years beyond journeyman with supervisory responsibilities.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Rhode Island?
You must pass the RI Plumbing Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Rhode Island?
Yes, a $3,000 surety bond is required. Plumbers and mechanical contractors must maintain a $3,000 plumber and mechanical permit bond
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Rhode Island?
Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Rhode Island?
Yes, 6 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Rhode Island— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DLT