Construction / Plumber Continuing Education / Kentucky
- Kentucky
- Plumber CE
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
Kentucky Plumber Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Kentucky journeyman and master plumbers need 6 hours of CE every year before their license expires on the last day of their birth month.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing requirements
Hours per cycle
6 hrs
Every year
Cycle
1 year
Licenses renew annually
Deadline
Last day of birth month
Each year
Online allowed?
Yes
Approved online courses count (50 minutes = 1 hour)
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Kentucky plumber license?
Kentucky journeyman and master plumbers need CE to renew. Renewal is handled by the state.
CE applies to
- Master Plumbers
- Journeyman Plumbers
Exemptions
- Your first renewal, if your initial license was issued within 12 months of renewal
- Inactive licensees, until they reactivate
Kentucky plumber CE at a glance
Kentucky plumber renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing |
| CE required? | Yes |
| Hours per cycle | 6 hrs |
| Cycle | 1 year |
| Required topics | Business, job safety, Kentucky State Plumbing Code, plumbing trade (no more than 2 hrs of safety a year) |
| Online allowed? | Yes |
| Deadline | Last day of your birth month |
| Who reports | You, with proof submitted at renewal |
| Carryover | Up to 12 extra hours, into the next 2 years |
| Grace period | Up to 180 days late with a revival fee, then canceled |
| Renewal fee | $250 master, $60 journeyman |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Kentucky plumber license need?
Kentucky plumbers need 6 hours of approved CE every year. The hours must relate to business, job safety, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code or subjects directly related to the plumbing trade.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Plumber | 6 hrs | One or more of: business, job safety, Kentucky State Plumbing Code, plumbing trade subjects (no more than 2 hrs of safety) | Not stated | Classroom or approved online courses; 1 hour = 50 minutes |
| Journeyman Plumber | 6 hrs | One or more of: business, job safety, Kentucky State Plumbing Code, plumbing trade subjects (no more than 2 hrs of safety) | Not stated | Classroom or approved online courses; 1 hour = 50 minutes |
No more than 2 hours of safety practices and procedures count in a 12-month period. Your first renewal needs no CE if your initial license was issued within 12 months of renewal. If you hold both a master and a journeyman license, you only meet the hours once.
Deadline
When is the Kentucky plumber license renewal deadline?
Kentucky plumbing licenses expire every year on the last day of your birth month. Finish your 6 hours in the 12 months before renewal and renew before your license expires. The department mails a renewal notice at least 30 days before expiration.
| Deadline rule | Last day of your birth month |
| Cycle | 1 year |
| Grace period | You can renew up to 180 days after expiration by paying a revival fee; after that the license is canceled |
| Late penalty | Revival fee of $5 (master) or $3 (journeyman); after cancellation, delinquent fees plus $10 (master) or $6 (journeyman) |
| CE completion deadline | Within the 12 months before renewal |
Steps
How to renew a Kentucky plumber license, step by step
- Take approved CEBefore your deadline
Complete 6 hours of approved CE on business, job safety, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code or plumbing trade subjects. - Get your certificateSame day
Save or print your certificate of completion when you finish. - Confirm it’s reportedBefore you renew
Your provider sends your certificate to the department electronically or gives you a hard copy. Either way, you must show proof of your 6 hours when you renew. - Pay the renewal fee$250 master / $60 journeyman
Renew through HBC Online Licensing (open within 60 days of expiration) or mail form DHBC L-1 with your fee, payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Masters also send proof of insurance. - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Look up your license to confirm the new expiration date.
Providers
Approved Kentucky plumber license CE providers
We haven’t compared CE providers for this license yet. Use the board’s approved provider list to confirm a course counts before you pay.
Approval
How to check a Kentucky plumber CE course is approved
Only approved courses count toward Kentucky plumber CE. Each course must relate to business, job safety, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code or the plumbing trade.
- Confirm the course is approved for Kentucky plumbing CE before you pay.
- Check that the topic fits one of the allowed subject areas.
- Make sure your total reaches 6 hours before your birth month ends.
Reporting
How Kentucky plumber CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
You’re responsible for submitting proof of your CE to the department before renewal. Providers either send your certificate of completion electronically to the department or give you a hard copy.
- Print or save every certificate of completion.
- Online course certificates must stay available from the provider for 12 months after you finish.
- Providers keep course records, including certificates and sign-in sheets, for three years.
- Extra hours can carry forward into the next two years, up to 12 hours total.
Cost
How much does Kentucky plumber license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| License renewal fee | $250 master; $60 journeyman | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction |
| Late renewal (revival) fee | $5 master; $3 journeyman | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction |
| Reinstatement after cancellation | $10 master; $6 journeyman, plus delinquent renewal fees | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction |
| Reactivation from inactive status | $125 master; $30 journeyman | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction |
| CE courses (6 hours) | Varies by provider | CE provider |
Fees from KRS 318.054, 815 KAR 20:030 and the DHBC L-1 renewal form, checked October 2026. Make payment to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Kentucky plumber license
If you miss your birth-month deadline, you have 180 days to renew with a small revival fee. After that the license is canceled, and you’ll pay delinquent fees plus a reinstatement fee.
Grace period
Renew within 180 days after expiration by paying the renewal fee, a revival fee ($5 master, $3 journeyman) and showing your CE.
Canceled license
After 180 days the license is canceled automatically. Reinstatement takes all delinquent renewal fees plus $10 (master) or $6 (journeyman).
Inactive status
Inactive licensees don’t need CE. To reactivate, meet all renewal requirements, show 6 hours from the past 12 months and pay $125 (master) or $30 (journeyman).
Makeup CE
You still need your 6 hours before you can renew.
Who controls
Who controls Kentucky plumber license renewal?
Renewal authority
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing
500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
Licensing Branch: (502) 573-2002
Responsibilities
- Issues and renews Kentucky plumbing licenses
- Approves plumber CE courses and providers
- Reviews CE proof submitted with renewals
Getting licensed
Getting a Kentucky plumber license
Need the license first? Our Kentucky guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Kentucky plumber license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Kentucky plumber need?
6 hours every year.
When is the deadline?
The last day of your birth month, every year.
What topics count?
Business, job safety, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code or subjects directly related to the plumbing trade.
Can I take CE online?
Yes. Approved online courses count, with 50 minutes equal to 1 hour.
Who reports my hours?
You do. Providers send certificates to the department electronically or give you a hard copy, and you must show proof of your hours when you renew.
Do journeymen and masters need the same hours?
Yes. Both need 6 hours each year.
Do hours carry over?
Yes. Extra hours carry forward into the next two years, up to 12 hours total.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
You can renew within 180 days by paying a revival fee of $5 (master) or $3 (journeyman). After 180 days the license is canceled.
Sources
Official sources for Kentucky plumber CE rules
- Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing
- Kentucky State Plumbing Code
- KRS 318.054, license expiration and renewal
- 815 KAR 2:010, continuing education requirements
- 815 KAR 2:020, continuing education providers
- 815 KAR 20:030, plumbing licenses
- DHBC L-1 licensing renewal application
- DHBC eServices
Last updated October 28, 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, Division of Plumbing.