Maryland Plumber Licensing FAQs

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Maryland?

If you provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide plumbing or gas services in the state of Maryland, you must hold the proper category of license issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing in order to provide plumbing, propane gas, or natural gas services in the state.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Maryland?

• Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter
• Apprentice Natural Gas Fitter
• Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter
• Journey Natural Gas Fitter
• Master Plumber/Gas Fitter
• Master Natural Gas Fitter

Does Maryland have reciprocal licensing with other states?

The State Plumbing Board reciprocates with the State of Delaware:
For the Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license ONLY, you can apply online or call the State Board of Plumbing for an application.

Individuals who hold a current journey or master gas fitter license from Baltimore County or WSSC may obtain a like state natural gas fitter's license.

Supporting documents to be filed with a reciprocal license application:

• Verification letter from Baltimore County, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) or State of Delaware
• Natural Gas Fitter verification form
• Certificate of Insurance (your name must appear on the certificate and the Maryland State Board of Plumbing must be named as the certificate holder)
• Copy of current license
• Copy of current master HVACR or master restricted (applicable to master natural gas fitter reciprocal licensing only)
• Copy of Photo ID or driver's license
• Backflow Certification (applicable to master and journey plumbing/gas fitter only)

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Maryland?

Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter

• Exam: $65
• License: $35

Master Plumber/Gas Fitter

• Exam: $65
• License: $70

When do I need to renew my Maryland plumbing license?

Licenses must be renewed every 2 years by the date on your license.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Maryland?

The Board automatically mails an electronic renewal notice and instructions approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date of your license. If you do not receive a renewal notice within a month of the expiration, you must make a request to the Maryland plumbing board for a renewal application or you can renew online.

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

No, there are no active continuing education requirements for Maryland plumbers at this time.

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

A license can be expired for a maximum of four years before an individual is required to retest. To renew a license that has been expired for less than 4 years, go to the online renewal page.

1. Meet all of the minimum state experience requirements:
   1. Have held an apprentice plumber/gas fitter license for at least 4 years
   2. Have completed 7,500 hours of training under a licensed master plumber/gas fitter
   3. Have completed 32 hours of training in backflow prevention device testing
2. Apply for approval to take the exam
3. Take and pass your exam
4. Complete and submit a completed application for original licensure along with applicable fees to the board*

*Application for licensure must be completed within one year of passing the exam

• Exam: $65
• License: $35

240 minute time limit open book exam

100 Questions – 70% correct to pass

• 8 questions: Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety
• 6 questions: Materials, Uses and Specifications
• 4 questions: Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves
• 4 questions: Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Plumbing Appliances
• 8 questions: Water Supply Systems
• 10 questions: Backflow Prevention
• 13 questions: Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
• 40 questions: Gas Appliances and Piping
• 7 questions: Plumbing Mathematics

Reference materials allowed in the exam:

• International Plumbing Code, 2018
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Any standard backflow text
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926

• Baltimore
• College Park
• Crofton
• Hagerstown
• Lanham
• Salisbury

You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.

If you do not pass, you may submit a new registration form to PSI with the appropriate fee and schedule a new appointment to retake the exam. You may not take the exam more often than every 30 days.

1. Meet all of the minimum state experience requirements:
   1. Have held a journey plumber/gas fitter license for at least 2 years
   2. Have completed 3,750 hours of training under a licensed master plumber/gas fitter
2. Apply for approval to take the exam
3. Take and pass your exam
4. Complete and submit a completed application for original licensure along with applicable fees to the board*

*Application for licensure must be completed within one year of passing the exam

• Exam: $65
• License: $70

240 minute time limit open book exam

100 Questions – 70% correct to pass

• 5 questions: Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety
• 6 questions: Materials, Uses and Specifications
• 4 questions: Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves
• 4 questions: Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings, and Plumbing Appliances
• 8 questions: Water Supply Systems
• 10 questions: Backflow Prevention
• 13 questions: Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
• 3 questions: Special Topics
• 40 questions: Gas Appliances and Piping
• 7 questions: Plumbing Mathematics

Reference materials allowed in the exam:

• International Plumbing Code, 2018
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Any standard backflow text
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926

• Baltimore
• College Park
• Crofton
• Hagerstown
• Lanham
• Salisbury

You will receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.

If you do not pass, you may submit a new registration form to PSI with the appropriate fee and schedule a new appointment to retake the exam. You may not take the exam more often than every 30 days.

The plumbing industry is often changing. As a professional plumber, it is important to keep your industry knowledge up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you sustain and improve your plumbing industry knowledge.

Whether you are looking for information on new avenues for your business, want to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic, professional development is for you!

No. Unlike continuing education, which is required by your licensing body to maintain your license, professional development is not required and is considered supplemental learning.

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.