Plumber License Requirements in Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program (DPOR) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Plumber (Tradesman License) |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4 years practical experience + 240 hours formal vocational training (or sliding scale up to 6 years + 80 hours). Master: 1 year as licensed VA journeyman, or 10 years verified practical experience. Residential Plumber: reduced requirements (new pathway effective April 2025). |
| Education Substitute | 2 years practical experience + associate degree or certificate from accredited program qualifies for journeyman |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 3 hours 3 years (per renewal cycle) |
| Processing Time | ~30 days |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $175 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master exam fee | $125 |
| Residential plumber exam fee | $85 |
Renewal: $90 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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 Virginia
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 Virginia. 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 yrs experience + 240 hrs training; OR 5 yrs + 160 hrs; OR 6 yrs + 80 hrs; OR 2 yrs + associate degree
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
1 year as licensed VA journeyman; OR 10 years verified practical experience
Exam: Required
Residential Plumber (new April 2025)
Less experience and training than journeyman; residential structures only
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 1 state. 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
- New Residential Plumber license type effective April 1, 2025 — allows work on residential structures only, serves as stepping stone to journeyman
- Tradesman license is for individuals; to operate a plumbing business, a separate Class A/B/C contractor license with PLB specialty is also required
- CE must focus on International Plumbing Code updates
You're licensed in Virginia 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 Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program issues the Journeyman / Master Plumber (Tradesman License); the business that invoices Virginia 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.
Virginia does not require a surety bond for this license — Individual tradesman licenses do not require a surety bond.
Carry general liability insurance.
Virginia does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Individual tradesmen are not required to carry GL insurance. Workers comp required for businesses with more than 2 employees. Plumbing contractors operating a business also need a Class A/B/C contractor license with PLB specialty. 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 3 years at $90. Continuing education: 3 hours every 3 years (per renewal cycle)
Other licenses in Virginia
- General Contractor license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $445 in initial government fees · DPOR
- Electrician license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- HVAC Technician license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- Roofing Contractor license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $445 in initial government fees · DPOR
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires a statewide plumber license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program.
How much does a plumber license cost in Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $175, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Virginia?
Journeyman: 4 years practical experience + 240 hours formal vocational training (or sliding scale up to 6 years + 80 hours). Master: 1 year as licensed VA journeyman, or 10 years verified practical experience. Residential Plumber: reduced requirements (new pathway effective April 2025). Education substitute: 2 years practical experience + associate degree or certificate from accredited program qualifies for journeyman
What exams are required for a plumber license in Virginia?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. A passing score of 60% for both journeyman and master is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Virginia have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 1 state 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 Virginia?
Processing time is typically ~30 days after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Virginia?
Yes, 3 hours per 3 years (per renewal cycle) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Virginia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DPOR