Construction / Plumber License / Iowa
- Iowa
- Plumber License
- Journeyperson & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Iowa Plumber License
What it takes to earn an Iowa journeyperson or master plumbing license with gas: the apprenticeship, the open-book exams through Kirkwood, and what you need to stay licensed.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board requirements
Application fee
$35
Per exam; plus $119 exam and $180 journeyperson / $240 master license fee
Exam time
3 hrs
Journeyperson; the master exam is 5 hrs
Time to get license
~4 yrs
Registered apprenticeship for journeyperson
Continuing ed
8 hrs
Every 3-year renewal
Overview
Do you need an Iowa plumber license?
Yes. Iowa licenses plumbers at the state level in two tiers: journeyperson and master. Journeypersons work under the direction of a master, and masters plan and supervise plumbing work and can run the business side.
License required when
- You design, install or repair plumbing systems as your principal occupation
- You work as an employee or under the direction of a master plumber (journeyperson license)
- You plan or superintend plumbing design, installation or repair (master license)
- You conduct the business of plumbing in Iowa (master license)
Common exceptions
- Apprentices working toward the 4 years of practical experience in a registered program
- Holders of a master license in the same discipline from another jurisdiction can use it to qualify instead of the apprenticeship
Working without a license
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, the Board can refuse, suspend or revoke licenses and take disciplinary action against people who do plumbing work without the right license. Check with the Board before you take on work.
Your fast-track Iowa plumber license checklist
The Iowa application, one page
- Proof of 4 years in a registered apprenticeship
- Exam pre-approval from the Board
- Passing score on the Iowa exam
- Signed, notarized application
- Documentation of any criminal convictions
Types
Iowa plumber license types and classifications
Iowa issues plumbing licenses with gas at two levels. Most people start as a journeyperson and move up to master after two years of licensed work.
JRY
Start here
Journeyperson Plumber with Gas
Designs, installs and repairs plumbing systems as an employee of, or under the direction of, a master.
Exam
Journeyperson Plumbing with Gas
Limit
Works under a master
MST
Run the work
Master Plumber with Gas
Plans and superintends plumbing design, installation and repair, and can lawfully conduct the business of plumbing.
Exam
Master Plumbing with Gas
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Iowa plumber license requirements, class by class
The journeyperson license is built on a registered apprenticeship. The master license is built on two years as a licensed journeyperson.
| Requirement | Journeyperson | Master |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 | Not stated |
| Experience | 4 years in a US DOL registered apprenticeship | Journeyperson license plus 2 years of work |
| Or instead | Master license in the same discipline from another jurisdiction | Master license from another jurisdiction |
| Exam | Journeyperson Plumbing with Gas | Master Plumbing with Gas |
| Exam pre-approval | Required | Required |
| Application | Signed, notarized form | Pay the $240 master licensing fee |
| Criminal history | Disclose convictions; felonies reviewed by the Board | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Iowa plumber license, step by step
- Finish your apprenticeshipBefore you apply
Log 4 years of practical experience in an apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. For master, hold a journeyperson license and get 2 years of work experience. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore you test
Submit the Exam Approval Application online or on paper. Once you’re approved, the Board sends instructions for scheduling. - Schedule with KirkwoodExam booking
Book through Kirkwood Community College or call 319-398-4482. There are 15 testing sites across Iowa. - Pass the examExam day
The journeyperson exam is 75 questions in 3 hours, open book, and you need 75% to pass. The master exam is 125 questions in 5 hours. - Apply for your licenseAfter you pass
Send the Board your signed, notarized application, proof of experience, passing exam results and any criminal conviction documentation. - Receive your licenseBoard review
Once the Board approves your application and fee, you’re licensed to work in Iowa.
Exam
What to expect on the Iowa plumber exam
Iowa’s plumbing exams are open book. You can tab and highlight the approved references, including the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code and Iowa’s state amendments.
Format
Open book
Questions
75 (JRY) / 125 (MST)
Passing score
75% (JRY)
Exam vendor
Kirkwood Community College
Scoring & content
- Journeyperson: 75 questions, 3 hours, 75% to pass
- Master: 125 questions, 5 hours
- Topics: general regulations, fixtures, water heaters, water supply, sanitary drainage, vents, traps, storm drainage and fuel gas piping
- References: 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code and the Iowa 2024 plumbing code amendments
- Tabs and highlighting allowed in your references
Retake policy
- Retakes: register and pay the $119 exam fee again
- Pre-approval is required before you schedule
- Schedule through Kirkwood at 319-398-4482
- Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
Exam references · Open book
The Iowa Journeyperson and Master Plumbing with Gas exams are open book. You can tab and highlight the references below and use them during the test.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | 2024 | Allowed in exam |
| Iowa State Plumbing Code 2024 Amendments | 2024 | Allowed in exam |
The Iowa amendments are a free state document, so print a copy to bring to the exam.
Prep
Best Iowa plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does an Iowa plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam approval application (per exam) | Fixed | $35 |
| Exam fee (Kirkwood) | Fixed | $119 |
| Journeyperson license fee (3 years) | Fixed | $180 |
| Master license fee (3 years) | Fixed | $240 |
| 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code | Variable | Varies |
| Notarizing your application | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes code books and notary; license fees are prorated by issue date, and a $25 fee applies to paper applications | $334 journeyperson |
Fees from 481 IAC chapter 428, the Board’s licensing period and fees page and Kirkwood’s exam page, checked October 2026. Iowa’s state amendments are free to download from the Iowa Legislature.
Reciprocity
Does Iowa accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Iowa has a reciprocity agreement for plumbing licenses with one state. A master license in the same discipline from any other jurisdiction can also qualify you for the journeyperson license or the master exam.
South Dakota — reciprocity for plumbing
Iowa has a reciprocity agreement with South Dakota for plumbing licenses. Contact the Board for the current application process.
Other states — master license accepted toward eligibility
A master license in the same discipline from another jurisdiction can replace the apprenticeship for journeyperson, or make you eligible to sit for the Iowa master exam.
Local
Do Iowa cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Iowa licenses plumbers statewide, so your license works anywhere in the state. Cities and counties still handle the permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Journeyperson and master plumbing licenses
- Exam pre-approval
- Continuing education and renewals
- Reciprocity with South Dakota
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local code enforcement
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Iowa
Licensing authority
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
Exams: Kirkwood Community College, 319-398-4482
kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/state-disciplines
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues journeyperson and master plumbing licenses
- Approves applicants to sit for the state exams
- Reviews applicants with felony convictions
- Sets continuing education for renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Iowa plumber license and keep it active
Iowa plumbing licenses renew every 3 years, and you need 8 hours of continuing education before each renewal.
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
CE hours
8
Renewal fee
$180 journeyperson / $240 master
Late penalty
$60 in August, $100 from September 1
Renewing your license?
See the Iowa CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Iowa plumber license FAQs
How long does it take to become a journeyperson plumber in Iowa?
About 4 years. You need 4 years of practical experience in an apprenticeship program registered with the US Department of Labor, then you pass the journeyperson exam.
Is the Iowa plumbing exam open book?
Yes. You can bring tabbed and highlighted copies of the approved references, including the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code and Iowa’s amendments.
What score do I need to pass the journeyperson exam?
75%. The exam has 75 questions and you get 3 hours.
How do I qualify for the master plumber exam?
Hold an Iowa journeyperson license with 2 years of work experience, or hold a master license from another jurisdiction.
Where do I take the Iowa plumbing exam?
Kirkwood Community College runs the exams at 15 testing sites around Iowa. You need Board pre-approval before you can schedule.
Does Iowa have plumbing reciprocity?
Iowa has a reciprocity agreement with South Dakota for plumbing licenses.
How much continuing education do Iowa plumbers need?
8 hours every 3 years, completed before you renew.
Sources
Official sources for the Iowa plumber license
- Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board, journeyperson and master licensing requirements
- Kirkwood Community College, State discipline exams
- Iowa Administrative Code, 2024 state plumbing code amendments (PDF)
- 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Iowa Administrative Code 481 chapter 428, Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board licensure fees (PDF)
- Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board, Licensing period & fees
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.