Construction / Plumber License / District of Columbia
- District of Columbia
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master with Gas
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your District of Columbia Plumber and Gas Fitter License
DC licenses Journeyman and Master Plumbers with gas. This page covers the experience each one needs, the PSI exams, how to apply through DLCP and what happens after.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection requirements
Application fee
$65
Plus $52 PSI exam fee and $110–$120 license fee
Exam time
4 hrs
Journeyman exam; Master time not stated
Time to get license
~4–8 yrs
4 yrs to Journeyman, then 4 yrs licensed for Master
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE for Journeyman or Master
Overview
Do you need a District of Columbia plumber license?
Yes. Plumbing and gas fitting in DC is licensed through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection and the Board of Industrial Trades, which covers Journey, Master and Contractor Plumbers.
License required when
- You design, install, repair or remove plumbing fixtures that receive and discharge water or water-carried waste
- You install, test or operate nonindustrial gas appliances and piping from the meter set assembly or service regulator outlet
- You supervise other plumbers or want to advance beyond Journeyman (Master)
Common exceptions
- Apprentice plumbers and gasfitters gaining their required hours
- Any other exemptions aren’t listed in our sources, so check with DLCP before you take on work without a license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalty amounts. DLCP and the Board of Industrial Trades can take enforcement action against unlicensed plumbing and gas work, so check with DLCP for current penalties.
Your fast-track District of Columbia plumber license checklist
The District of Columbia application, one page
- Proof of 8,000 apprentice hours, or an approved education alternative
- For Master: 4+ years as a licensed Journeyman
- Board of Industrial Trades account and exam pre-approval
- PSI exam scheduled and passed
- License application filed with DLCP
Types
District of Columbia plumber license types and classifications
DC’s plumbing licenses include gas fitting. Both levels cover the same scope of work; the Master license needs more experience and a longer exam.
JRY
Start here
Journeyman Plumber with Gas
Plumbing fixtures and drainage connections, plus nonindustrial gas appliances and piping from the meter or service regulator outlet.
Exam
Journeyman Plumber with Gas
Limit
No limit stated
MST
Advanced
Master Plumber with Gas
The same plumbing and gas scope as a Journeyman, for plumbers with at least 4 years as a licensed Journeyman.
Exam
Master Plumber with Gas
Limit
No limit stated
Requirements
District of Columbia plumber license requirements, class by class
You start as a Journeyman. After at least 4 years as a licensed Journeyman, you can qualify for the Master license.
| Requirement | Journeyman with Gas | Master with Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 8,000 apprentice hrs over 4+ yrs, or an ME degree plus 2 yrs, or Board-approved equivalent | 4+ yrs as a licensed Journeyman Plumber |
| Exam | Journeyman Plumber with Gas | Master Plumber with Gas |
| Questions | 70 | 100 |
| Exam time | 4 hrs | Not stated |
| Exam pre-approval | Required | Required |
| Continuing ed | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your District of Columbia plumber license, step by step
- Meet the experience requirement~4 yrs
For Journeyman, log 8,000 apprentice hours over at least 4 years, or hold a mechanical engineering degree plus 2 years of verified experience. For Master, hold a Journeyman license for at least 4 years. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore you schedule
Create an account on the DC Board of Industrial Trades site and apply for exam pre-approval. - Pass your exam with PSIExam day
Schedule at candidate.psiexams.com or call 855-557-0616. The exams are open book with bound, tabbed references. - Apply for your licenseAfter you pass
Apply through DLCP at dlcp.dc.gov or call 202-671-4500. - Plan your Master upgrade4 yrs later
After at least 4 years as a licensed Journeyman, apply for the Master Plumber with Gas exam.
Exam
What to expect on the District of Columbia plumber exam
Each level has its own open-book PSI exam. References must be bound, and you can tab and highlight them.
Format
Open book
Questions
70 (JRY) / 100 (Master)
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Journeyman: 70 questions, 4 hours
- Master: 100 questions
- Topics include fixtures, traps and cleanouts, drainage, venting, water distribution, plan reading and gas
- References include the 2012 International Plumbing Code and 2012 International Fuel Gas Code
- All references must be bound; tabs and highlighting are allowed
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t listed in our sources
- Schedule or reschedule with PSI at 855-557-0616
- The PSI exam fee is $52; confirm passing scores and retake waiting periods with PSI
Exam references · Open book
The District of Columbia Journeyman and Master Plumber with Gas exams are open book. You can tab and highlight the references below and use them during the test, as long as they’re bound.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2012 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2012 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best District of Columbia plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a District of Columbia plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $65 |
| PSI exam fee | Fixed | $52 |
| License fee (journeyman $110, master $120) | Fixed | $110–$120 |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| DC fees and exams | Excludes code books and any retake fees | $227–$237 |
Fees from the DLCP Board of Industrial Trades fee schedule and the PSI Washington D.C. Contractor/Trades candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does District of Columbia accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
DC has no reciprocity agreements for Journeyman or Master Plumbers.
No reciprocity agreements
An out-of-state plumbing license doesn’t transfer. Apply as a new applicant, meet DC’s experience requirement and pass the PSI exam.
Local
Do District of Columbia cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
DC is a single jurisdiction, so licensing and job-site rules both come from the District.
State handles
- Journeyman and Master Plumber with Gas licenses, through DLCP
- Exam pre-approval through the Board of Industrial Trades
- Exams through PSI
- License discipline
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Business licensing
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in the District of Columbia
Licensing authority
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (Board of Industrial Trades)
202-671-4500
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Journeyman and Master Plumber with Gas licenses
- Reviews applications and grants exam pre-approval
- Decides whether education and experience combinations qualify
- Oversees licensing for Journey, Master and Contractor Plumbers
Maintenance
How to renew your District of Columbia plumber license and keep it active
DC doesn’t require continuing education for Journeyman or Master Plumbers. Plumber and gasfitter licenses run up to 2 years and expire March 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal is $110 for journeyman and $155 for master, with a $50 late fee.
Renewal cycle
Up to 2 years
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$110–$155
Late penalty
$50
FAQ
District of Columbia plumber license FAQs
How do I become a journeyman plumber in DC?
Work at least 8,000 hours over 4 years as an apprentice plumber or gasfitter, or meet an approved education and experience alternative. Then pass the Journeyman Plumber with Gas exam.
How long until I can get a Master Plumber license in DC?
You need at least 4 years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber, so about 8 years in total from the start of your apprenticeship.
Does a DC plumbing license include gas fitting?
Yes. Both levels cover nonindustrial gas appliances and piping from the outlet of the meter set assembly or service regulator.
Is the DC plumbing exam open book?
Yes. The Journeyman exam has 70 questions in 4 hours and the Master exam has 100 questions. References must be bound, and you can tab and highlight them.
Does DC require continuing education for plumbers?
No. DC doesn’t require continuing education for Journeyman or Master Plumbers.
Does DC accept plumbing licenses from other states?
No. DC has no reciprocity agreements for Journeyman or Master Plumbers.
Sources
Official sources for the District of Columbia plumber license
- DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Professional licensing
- PSI Exams, candidate scheduling
- DC Board of Industrial Trades, Journeyman and Master Plumber with Gas requirements
- DLCP Board of Industrial Trades, fee schedule
- PSI Washington D.C. Contractor/Trades Candidate Information Bulletin
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.