Alaska Plumber Licensing FAQs

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Alaska?

Individuals must be licensed to perform any type of plumbing work without a licensed supervisor. Trainees must also be registered to work under a licensed journeyman with direct supervision.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Alaska?

• Trainee Applicant - allowed to perform work under the training and direct supervision of an experienced journeyman
• Journeyman Plumber - performs plumbing work in the installation, removal, alteration, or repair of plumbing and drainage systems (within the property lines of the premises)
• Restricted Plumber PG (gas) - authorized to install fuel and gas piping within property lines of the premises
• Restricted Plumber PU (utility) - authorized to install plumbing for public utilities

See Alaska Statutes and Regulations for further details.

What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Alaska?

• Application/Test: $50
• Licensing fee:
  • Trainee Applicants only: $250
  • All others: $200
• Renewal fee: $200
• Late fee: $50 plus prorated application fee

When do I need to renew my Alaska plumbing license?

Certificates of Fitness for Alaska plumbers expire every 2 years on the anniversary of initial licensure.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Alaska?

Certificates of Fitness for plumbers are valid for two years from the date of initial licensure. To renew you must:

1. Complete any necessary continuing education
2. Complete and submit an application for certificate of fitness
3. Pay the required fees

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Alaska?

Yes, journeyman plumbers in Alaska are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education each 24 month renewal cycle

• 8 hours must be on the Uniform Plumbing Code
• 8 hours must be in industry related subjects

My Alaska plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

If the certificate has been expired for more than 90 days but less than two years, you must pay the application fee plus the prorated amount of time remaining until expiration.

If your license has expired more than 2 years, you may not renew, and must re-apply and re-test.

1. Have at least 8,000 hours of legally obtained work experience in the installation of commercial/residential plumbing
   1. Up to 1,000 hours of trade-related classroom hours may be substituted
   2. No maintenance hours will be accepted
2. Complete and submit an application and $50 application fee
3. Study for and pass your exam
4. Upon passing & approval pay $200 licensing fee

• Application/Test: $50
• Licensing fee: $200
• Renewal fee: $200
• Late fee: $50 plus prorated application fee

There is a 4 hour time limit.

70% is required to pass.

The exam is based off the Uniform Plumbing Code 2018, and the exam will be both closed and open book.

• Comprehensive Code Review
• Hands-On Copper Projects
• Plumbing Math
• Isometrics
• Administration
• Definitions
• General Regulations
• Plumbing Math
• Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect and Special Waste
• Vents
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage
• Appendices
• Hands-On Practical Application

• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Juneau

Exams are graded in Anchorage. The department requests you wait 5-7 working days to contact your office for results if you took the exam anywhere but in Anchorage.

You must wait 30 days to retest.

1. Minimum of 2,000 hours must be in the installation of fuel gas piping
2. May substitute 2,000 hours of commercial/industrial plumbing installation
3. Up to 500 hours of trade-related classroom hours may be substituted for installation experience
4. No maintenance hours will be accepted

1. Have worked at least 1,000 hours in the installation of water, sewer, or storm lines
   1. Up to 125 hours of trade-related classroom hours may be substituted
2. Complete and submit an application and $50 application fee
3. Study for and pass your exam
4. Upon passing & approval pay $200 licensing fee

• Application/Test: $50
• Licensing fee: $200
• Renewal fee: $200
• Late fee: $50 plus prorated application fee

There is a 4 hour time limit.

70% is required to pass.

The exam is based off the Uniform Plumbing Code 2018, and the exam will be both closed and open book.

There is a 4 hour time limit.

70% is required to pass.

The exam is based off the Uniform Plumbing Code 2018 and the CFR's 19.26 Subpart P. The exam will be open book.

• Comprehensive Code Review
• Hands-On Copper Projects
• Plumbing Math
• Isometrics
• Administration
• Definitions
• General Regulations
• Plumbing Math
• Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect and Special Waste
• Vents
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage
• Appendices
• Hands-On Practical Application

• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Juneau

Exams are graded in Anchorage. The department requests you wait 5-7 working days to contact your office for results if you took the exam anywhere but in Anchorage.

You must wait 30 days to retest.

Alaska journeyman plumbers must complete at least 16 hours of continuing education each 24 month renewal cycle.

• Minimum of 8 hours must include a comprehensive general code course on the Uniform Plumbing Code.
• 8 hours must be in industry related subjects.

The state of Alaska requires the license holder to submit their own course completion.

We have partnered with At Your Pace Online to offer these courses through: https://www.tradesmance.com/alaska-plumbing-continuing-education

You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you've entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!

Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10–15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.

Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.

It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!

Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!

After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).

It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.

Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.

No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don't pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.

You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.