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.
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
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)
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