Plumber License Requirements in Texas
| Licensing Authority | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours for Journeyman, 12,000 hours for Master. Must be under supervision of licensed plumber. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Plumbing Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: recommended |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours every year |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $78 |
| Est. Initial Total | $128 |
Renewal: $163 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
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 Texas
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 Texas. 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
Tradesman
4,000 hours
Exam: Required
Journeyman
8,000 hours (approx. 4 years)
Exam: Required
Master
12,000 hours (approx. 6 years)
Exam: Required
Notes
- Licensed through TSBPE (separate from TDLR, which handles electricians and HVAC)
You're licensed in Texas 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 Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber; the business that invoices Texas 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.
Texas does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Texas does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is recommended but not mandated. 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 at $163. Continuing education: 6 hours every year.
Other licenses in Texas
- General Contractor license in Texas
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Texas
Statewide license required · $108 in initial government fees · TDLR
- HVAC Technician license in Texas
Statewide license required · $103 in initial government fees · TDLR
- Roofing Contractor license in Texas
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Texas?
Yes, Texas requires a statewide plumber license through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
How much does a plumber license cost in Texas?
The estimated initial cost is $128, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Texas?
8,000 hours for Journeyman, 12,000 hours for Master. Must be under supervision of licensed plumber.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Texas?
You must pass the Plumbing Exam exam.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Texas?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Texas?
Yes, 6 hours per every year is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Texas— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: TSBPE