Construction / Plumber License / Kentucky
- Kentucky
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Kentucky Plumber License
How to qualify for a Kentucky journeyman or master plumber license, what’s on the closed-book state exams, and what you need to apply and renew.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction requirements
Application fee
$60–$250
License fee after you pass: journeyman $60, master $250; plus $50–$150 exam
Exam time
5 hrs
Journeyman: 2.5 hrs written + 2.5 hrs practical
Time to get license
~2 yrs
Apprenticeship before the journeyman exam
Continuing ed
Required
Before each renewal; hours not stated
Overview
Do you need a Kentucky plumber license?
Yes. In Kentucky, all plumbing work must be installed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
License required when
- You install, alter, repair, remodel or replace plumbing (journeyman license)
- You supervise journeymen, apprentices or others doing plumbing work (master license)
- You design, plan, superintend or contract for plumbing work (master license)
- You advertise or offer to do plumbing work in Kentucky (master license)
Common exceptions
- Registered apprentices working under licensed plumbers while they build experience
- Master plumbers working as an employee of a person, firm or corporation don’t need their own $250,000 liability policy
Working without a license
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, the department can deny, suspend or revoke licenses and take action against unlicensed plumbing work, so don’t take on jobs until you’re licensed.
Your fast-track Kentucky plumber license checklist
The Kentucky application, one page
- Proof of 2 years as an apprentice (or approved course plus 1 year)
- PLB-3 exam registration form
- Your own materials for the practical
- Passing exam results
- Workers’ comp and unemployment insurance compliance
- $250,000 general liability policy (masters)
Types
Kentucky plumber license types and classifications
Kentucky licenses plumbers at two levels. Journeymen do the work, and masters take responsibility for it.
JRY
Start here
Journeyman Plumber
Builds, installs, alters, maintains, repairs, remodels and replaces plumbing under the supervision of a master plumber.
Exam
Journeyman exam (written + practical)
Limit
Works under a master
MST
Responsible charge
Master Plumber
Supervises journeymen and apprentices, and can design, plan, superintend and contract for plumbing work.
Exam
Master exam
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Kentucky plumber license requirements, class by class
The journeyman license is built on apprenticeship time. The master license has several qualifying paths, most built on time as a licensed plumber.
| Requirement | Journeyman | Master |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 2 consecutive years as an apprentice, or an approved course plus 1 year | Journeyman license for 2 of the last 5 years, with 2 years under a master |
| Other paths | Not stated | Kentucky engineer license with mechanical experience, another state’s plumbing license for 2 of the last 5 years, or 4 years at master level in a non-licensing state |
| Exam | Journeyman exam, written and practical | Master exam |
| General liability | Not stated | $250,000, unless you work as an employee |
| Workers’ comp and unemployment insurance | Proof of compliance | Not stated |
| Exam pre-approval | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your Kentucky plumber license, step by step
- Complete your apprenticeshipBefore you apply
Work 2 consecutive years as a plumbing apprentice, or finish an approved course and work 1 year as an apprentice. - Register for the examFeb, May, Aug or Nov
Send the PLB-3 Plumbing Examination Registration Form. No pre-approval is needed, and exams are given in February, May, August and November. Include the non-refundable exam fee: $50 for journeyman or $150 for master. - Gather your practical materialsWeek before the exam
You bring your own materials for the practical. The department contacts you within a week of your exam date with the list. - Pass the examExam day
The journeyman exam is closed book: 2.5 hours written and 2.5 hours practical. The master exam is 2.5 hours. - Get your insurance in orderBefore you apply
Show compliance with workers’ comp and unemployment insurance laws. Masters need a $250,000 general liability policy unless they work as an employee. - Apply for your licenseAfter you pass
Apply through the department with your exam results, proof of insurance and the license fee: $60 for a journeyman or $250 for a master.
Exam
What to expect on the Kentucky plumber exam
Kentucky’s journeyman exam is closed book and has two parts: a written pipe-sizing test and a hands-on practical. Exams are given four times a year.
Format
Closed book, written + practical
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
Kentucky DHBC
Scoring & content
- Journeyman: 2.5 hours written and 2.5 hours practical
- Written: size the pipes on a prepared drawing of stacks, wastes, vents and fixtures, with deductions for under- or over-sizing
- Practical: make proper connections with various plumbing materials you supply
- Topics: basic plumbing principles, KRS Chapter 318, 815 KAR Chapters 2 and 20
- Master: 2.5 hours
Retake policy
- Retake rules: Not stated
- Exams are offered in February, May, August and November
- Register with the PLB-3 form for each sitting
Exam references · Closed book
The Kentucky Journeyman Plumber exam is closed book, so you can’t bring references into the room. Study the state plumbing law, regulations and code book, which covers KRS Chapter 318 and 815 KAR Chapters 2 and 20.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book | 2023 | Study only |
Prep
Best Kentucky plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Kentucky plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| License application fee | Fixed | $60 journeyman / $250 master |
| Exam fee | Fixed | $50 journeyman / $150 master |
| Practical exam materials | Variable | Varies |
| General liability ($250,000, masters) | Variable | Varies |
| Workers’ comp and unemployment insurance | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes practical materials and insurance | $110 (journeyman); $400 master |
Fees from 815 KAR 20:030, checked October 2026. The Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book is free to download.
Reciprocity
Does Kentucky accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Kentucky has no plumbing reciprocity agreements. An out-of-state license can still help you qualify for the master exam.
No reciprocity agreements
Apply as a new applicant and take the Kentucky exam. A valid plumbing license from another state held for 2 of the last 5 years can qualify you for the master license.
Local
Do Kentucky cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Kentucky licenses plumbers at the state level, so your license covers the whole state. Local offices still handle job-by-job permits and inspections.
State handles
- Journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Exams, written and practical
- State plumbing law and code (KRS 318, 815 KAR)
- Continuing education and renewals
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits on local jobs
- Inspections, coordinated with the state
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Kentucky
Licensing authority
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
502-573-0397
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Runs the written and practical plumbing exams
- Publishes the state plumbing law, regulations and code
- Sets continuing education for renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Kentucky plumber license and keep it active
Kentucky requires every plumbing licensee to complete continuing education before each renewal. Renewal costs $60 for a journeyman or $250 for a master. Check with the department for current hours and deadlines.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Required (hours not stated)
Renewal fee
$60 journeyman / $250 master
Late penalty
Not stated
Kentucky plumbing licensing
Applications, renewals and continuing education from the department
FAQ
Kentucky plumber license FAQs
How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in Kentucky?
About 2 years. You need 2 consecutive years as an apprentice, or an approved course plus 1 year as an apprentice, before you take the journeyman exam.
Is the Kentucky plumbing exam open book?
No. The journeyman exam is closed book, with a 2.5-hour written section and a 2.5-hour practical.
When is the Kentucky plumbing exam given?
Four times a year: February, May, August and November. No pre-approval is required.
What’s on the practical exam?
You make proper connections with various plumbing materials, which you bring yourself. The department tells you what to bring within a week of your exam date.
How do I qualify for a master plumber license?
The usual path is holding a journeyman license for 2 of the last 5 years with 2 years under a master. Engineers, out-of-state licensees and experienced plumbers from non-licensing states have other paths.
Does Kentucky have plumbing reciprocity?
No. Kentucky has no reciprocity agreements, but an out-of-state license can help you qualify for the master license.
Do master plumbers need insurance?
Yes. Masters need a $250,000 general liability policy unless they work as an employee of a person, firm or corporation.
Sources
Official sources for the Kentucky plumber license
- Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Plumbing licensing
- DHBC, PLB-3 Plumbing Examination Registration Form (PDF)
- Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book (PDF)
- KRS Chapter 318
- 815 KAR Chapters 2 and 20
- 815 KAR 20:030, Plumbing licenses
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.