Construction / Plumber Continuing Education / Virginia
- Virginia
- Plumber CE
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
Virginia Plumber Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Virginia journeyman and master plumbers need 3 hours of board-approved CE on International Plumbing Code changes every 3 years, before their license expires at the end of its issue month.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors requirements
Hours per cycle
3 hrs
Covers International Plumbing Code changes
Cycle
3 years
Renew with the DPOR Board for Contractors
Deadline
End of your issue month
Issued April 4, expires April 30 three years later
Online allowed?
Yes
Board-approved online CE counts
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Virginia plumber license?
Under 18VAC50-30-120 C, every Virginia journeyman and master plumber needs 3 hours of CE to renew or reinstate. Renewal is handled by the state through the DPOR Board for Contractors, not by your city.
CE applies to
- Master Plumbers
- Journeyman Plumbers
Exemptions
- None stated in 18VAC50-30-120
Virginia plumber CE at a glance
Virginia plumber renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) |
| CE required? | Yes, for each plumbing tradesman license holder |
| Hours per cycle | 3 hrs |
| Cycle | 3 years |
| Required topics | International Plumbing Code changes |
| Online allowed? | Yes |
| Deadline | Last day of your issue month, every 3 years |
| Who reports | CE provider (electronically transmits to DPOR within 7 days) |
| Carryover | No |
| Grace period | 30 days to renew at standard fee ($160); reinstatement ($210) up to 24 months |
| Renewal fee | $160 |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Virginia plumber license need?
Each plumbing tradesman license holder needs 3 hours of board-approved CE every 3 years under 18VAC50-30-120 C and 18VAC50-30-220 A. The hours cover changes to the International Plumbing Code.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Plumber | 3 hrs | International Plumbing Code changes | None | Online allowed |
| Journeyman Plumber | 3 hrs | International Plumbing Code changes | None | Online allowed |
Deadline
When is the Virginia plumber license renewal deadline?
Under 18VAC50-30-120 A, Virginia plumbing licenses expire every 3 years on the last day of the month in which they were issued. A license issued April 4, 2024 expires April 30, 2027.
| Deadline rule | Last day of your license issue month, every 3 years |
| Cycle | 3 years |
| Grace period | 30 days after expiration before reinstatement fee applies; up to 24 months to reinstate |
| Late penalty | $210 reinstatement fee (includes renewal fee) if not completed within 30 days of expiration |
| CE completion deadline | Before you submit your renewal |
Steps
How to renew a Virginia plumber license, step by step
- Take approved CEBefore your deadline
Complete 3 hours of DPOR-approved CE on International Plumbing Code changes. Online courses count. - Get your certificateSame day
Save or print the certificate of completion when you finish. - Confirm it’s reportedWithin 7 days
Under 18VAC50-30-230, approved providers electronically transmit your completion data to DPOR within 7 days of finishing the course. - Pay the renewal fee$160 fee
Submit your renewal and $160 fee to the DPOR Board for Contractors before your expiration date (or within 30 days after expiration). - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Confirm DPOR shows your license as renewed with a new 3-year expiration date.
Providers
Approved Virginia 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. Courses must be state-approved to count toward your 3 hours.
Approval
How to check a Virginia plumber CE course is approved
Under 18VAC50-30-220 A, only courses approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors count toward Virginia plumbing CE, and they must cover the current edition and changes of the International Plumbing Code.
- Confirm the course and provider are approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors before you pay.
- Check that it covers International Plumbing Code changes and totals at least 3 hours.
- Give the provider your exact Virginia individual license number so they can transmit your completion.
Reporting
How Virginia plumber CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
Under 18VAC50-30-230, all continuing education providers must electronically transmit course completion data to the Board for Contractors within seven days of completion. Providers also retain class records for five years (18VAC50-30-210).
- Print or save your certificate of completion.
- Make sure your provider has your exact Virginia tradesman license number.
- Keep your certificate in case the Board asks for proof.
Cost
How much does Virginia plumber license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman license renewal fee (3 years) | $160 | DPOR Board for Contractors |
| Reinstatement fee (after 30 days, up to 24 months) | $210 (includes renewal fee) | DPOR Board for Contractors |
| CE course (3 hours) | Varies by provider | CE provider |
Fees from 18VAC50-30-120 and 18VAC50-30-130, checked October 2026.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Virginia plumber license
Under 18VAC50-30-130, if you do not complete all renewal requirements within 30 days of your expiration date, you must reinstate your license.
Within 30 days after expiration
You can still renew at the standard $160 renewal fee if DPOR receives your renewal and CE within 30 days of expiration.
31 days to 24 months after expiration
You must apply for reinstatement, complete your 3 hours of IPC CE, and pay the $210 reinstatement fee (which includes the renewal fee).
Expired more than 24 months
After 24 months, reinstatement is no longer available and you must apply as a new applicant.
Who controls
Who controls Virginia plumber license renewal?
Renewal authority
Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-8511
Responsibilities
- Issues and renews Virginia journeyman and master plumber licenses under 18VAC50-30
- Sets the 3-hour CE requirement
- Approves plumbing CE courses
Getting licensed
Getting a Virginia plumber license
Need the license first? Our Virginia guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Virginia plumber license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Virginia plumber need?
3 hours every 3 years, covering International Plumbing Code changes.
When is the deadline?
Under 18VAC50-30-120 A, plumbing tradesman licenses expire on the last day of the month they were issued, every 3 years.
Can I take CE online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward all 3 hours.
Do both journeymen and masters need CE?
Yes. Each license holder needs 3 hours to renew.
Who reports my hours?
Under 18VAC50-30-230, your CE provider must electronically transmit your completion data to DPOR within 7 days of finishing the course.
Do hours carry over?
No. You must complete 3 hours for each 3-year renewal cycle.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you don’t complete renewal requirements within 30 days of expiration, a $210 reinstatement fee (which includes the renewal fee) applies for up to 24 months.
Sources
Official sources for Virginia plumber CE rules
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Tradesmen Program
- Virginia Administrative Code, 18VAC50-30 (Board for Contractors Individual License and Certification Regulations)
- International Plumbing Code (ICC)
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors.