Washington Plumber Licensing FAQs

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Washington?

Individuals that work in the plumbing trade must be certified in Washington.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Washington?

• Plumber Trainee
• Journey Level
• Residential
• Residential Service

Does Washington have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Washington does have reciprocity with Idaho, meaning the trade portion of the Idaho exam would be waived.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Washington?

For Journey Level, Residential & Residential Service:

• Application/Exam: $189.80
• Certification/Trainee: $56.40
• Renewal: $227.90

When do I need to renew my Washington plumbing license?

All certifications expire every three years on your birthdate.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Washington?

To renew your plumbing certification, you need to:

1. Complete the required hours of continued education
2. Complete a renewal application and pay the required fees
3. You may renew online, by mail or in person

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

Requirements are the same for Journey level and residential plumbers

Licenses expiring before June 30, 2021: 16 hours of continuing education every three years

• Minimum 8 hours of UPC Code
• Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
• Remaining 4 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing

Licenses expiring July 1, 2021 and after: 24 hours of continuing education every three years

• Minimum 12 hours of UPC Code
• Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
• Remaining 8 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing

*Please note, our courses are not currently approved for Washington continuing education

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

You still must take your required continuing education courses, but as you fill out the renewal application, your renewal fee would be doubled.

1. Show proof of 8,000 hours of plumbing work
2. Complete an application for licensure
3. Pay the application/exam fee
4. Take/Pass the exam

• Application/Exam: $189.80
• Certification/Trainee: $56.40
• Renewal: $227.90

150 questions, 270 minute time limit, closed book exam. 70% or better on all parts is required to pass.

• Technical and general trade knowledge
• Code application knowledge for waste and vents
• Code application for water piping

• 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

• Arlington
• Bremerton
• Ellensburg
• Everett
• Kennewick
• Lakewood
• Lake City
• Liberty Lake
• Olympia
• Puyallup
• Seattle (Bellevue)
• Snohomish
• Spokane
• Tacoma
• Vancouver
• Yakima

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

If candidates fail, candidate must reapply with the Department. Candidate can reapply and test unlimited times during the one year period however they will be required to wait 2 weeks (14 days) from the last failed test date before re-testing. If candidate is absent for an examination, it will be counted as a fail.

1. Have completed the minimum experience requirements:
   1. Residential (PL02): 6,000 hours in the specialty
   2. Residential Service (PL04): 4,000 hours as a plumber trainee
2. Complete an application for licensure
3. Pay the application/exam fee
4. Take/Pass the exam

• Application/Test: $160.85
• Certification: $193.00
• Renewal: $193.15

Residential Specialty

150 questions, 270 minute time limit, closed book exam. 70% or better on all parts is required to pass.

• Technical and general trade knowledge
• Code application knowledge for waste and vents
• Code application for water piping

Residential Service

55 questions, 90 minute time limit, closed book exam. 70% or better is required to pass.

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

• Arlington
• Bremerton
• Ellensburg
• Everett
• Kennewick
• Lakewood
• Lake City
• Liberty Lake
• Olympia
• Puyallup
• Seattle (Bellevue)
• Snohomish
• Spokane
• Tacoma
• Vancouver
• Yakima

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

If candidates fail, candidate must reapply with the Department. Candidate can reapply and test unlimited times during the one year period however they will be required to wait 2 weeks (14 days) from the last failed test date before re-testing. If candidate is absent for an examination, it will be counted as a fail.

Requirements for Journey level and residential plumbers:

Licenses expiring before June 30, 2021: 16 hours of continuing education every three years

• Minimum 8 hours of UPC Code
• Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical
• Remaining 4 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing

Licenses expiring July 1, 2021 and after: 24 hours of continuing education every three years

• Minimum 12 hours of UPC Code
• Minimum 4 hours of industry-related electrical

Remaining 8 hours can be UPC, IRE, or industry-related plumbing

We are not currently approved to provide continuing education to plumbers in Washington.

Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!

Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.

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.