Construction / Plumber License / Maine
- Maine
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Maine Plumber License
Everything you need to go from trainee to journeyman or master plumber in Maine: the experience hours, the exam, how to apply and how to stay licensed.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board requirements
Application fee
$200
License fee paid when you apply, plus $21 background check and $65 Prov exam
Exam time
3 hrs
Journeyman exam, 80 questions
Time to get license
~2 yrs
4,000 trainee hours for journeyman
Continuing ed
Up to 5 hrs
Before each renewal
Overview
Do you need a Maine plumber license?
Yes. Maine licenses plumbers at two levels, journeyman and master, through the Plumbers’ Examining Board. Both require passing a state exam. You build your experience hours first as a licensed trainee working under a master plumber.
License required when
- You install plumbing and drainage for pay
- You do plumbing repair work as a regular part-time occupation
- You run a business installing plumbing or plumbing systems (master license)
- You’re logging hours toward a license (trainee or journeyman-in-training license)
Common exceptions
- The source doesn’t list specific exemptions, so check with the Board before doing any unlicensed work
- Trainees can work, but only under the supervision of a licensed master plumber
Penalties for unlicensed work
The Board can investigate unlicensed plumbing and take disciplinary action against licensees who break the rules. Check Maine’s plumbing laws (Title 32, Chapter 49) for the specific penalties.
Your fast-track Maine plumber license checklist
The Maine application, one page
- Licensed trainee hours logged under a master plumber
- Exam approval from the Plumbers’ Examining Board
- Exam booked with Prov
- Passing score on the journeyman or master exam
- License application submitted to the Board
Types
Maine plumber license types and classifications
Maine has two plumber license levels. Most people start as a licensed trainee, earn a journeyman license, then move up to master.
JRY
Most common
Journeyman Plumber
Installs plumbing and drainage while employed and directed by a master plumber, or does plumbing repair as a regular part-time occupation.
Exam
Journeyman exam
Limit
Works under a master
MST
Run a business
Master Plumber
Can engage in the business of installing plumbing or plumbing systems and supervise trainees.
Exam
Master exam
Limit
Full scope
Requirements
Maine plumber license requirements, class by class
Both levels need supervised experience and a passing exam score. The master license has two experience routes.
| Requirement | Journeyman | Master |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years / 4,000 hrs as a licensed trainee under a master | 1 year / 2,000 hrs as a licensed journeyman |
| Alternate route | 2,000 hrs as a journeyman-in-training, within 4 years of that license | 4 years / 8,000 hrs as a licensed trainee under a master |
| Exam | Journeyman exam, 80 questions | Master exam, 100 questions |
| Exam format | Closed book, 3 hrs | Closed book |
| Pre-approval | Required from the Board | Required from the Board |
| Application fee | $200 license fee plus $21 background check | $200 license fee plus $21 background check |
Steps
How to get your Maine plumber license, step by step
- Get a trainee license and log hoursBefore you apply
Work as a licensed trainee plumber under a licensed master plumber. Journeyman needs 4,000 hours over at least 2 years. - Apply for exam approvalBefore the exam
Apply online through the Plumbers’ Examining Board. You need the Board’s approval before you can sit for the exam. - Schedule your examAfter approval
Once approved, the Board sends scheduling details and you book the exam through Prov. - Pass the examExam day
The journeyman exam is 80 questions in 3 hours. The master exam is 100 questions. Both are closed book. - Apply for your licenseAfter passing
Finish your license application with the Board to receive your journeyman or master license. - Keep up with continuing edEach renewal
Complete up to 5 hours of continuing education before you renew.
Exam
What to expect on the Maine plumber exam
Maine’s plumbing exams are closed book, so you need to know the code rather than look it up. Journeyman and master exams cover the same topic list.
Format
Closed book
Questions
80 (JRY) / 100 (MST)
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
Prov
Scoring & content
- Journeyman: 80 questions, 3 hours
- Master: 100 questions
- Topics: general knowledge and regulations, water supply, backflow prevention and water heaters
- Also: drainage, waste and venting, fixtures, traps and interceptors, specialty venting, indirect waste, roof drainage
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Check with the Board or Prov before you book
- Board pre-approval is required before you schedule
Exam references · Closed book
The Maine Journeyman and Master Plumber exams are closed book, so you can’t bring any references into the exam. Use the books below to study.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | 2015 | Study only |
| Plumbing Basics for Contractors | Not stated | Study only |
| Maine Plumbing Laws and Rules | Not stated | Study only |
Prep
Best Maine plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Maine plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee license | Fixed | $100 |
| License fee (paid with exam application) | Fixed | $200 |
| Background check (per application) | Fixed | $21 |
| Exam fee (Prov) | Fixed | $65 |
| Code books and study materials | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Journeyman or master; excludes the trainee license and study materials | $286 |
Fees from the Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board individual licenses page and the Prov candidate information bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Maine accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Maine doesn’t currently have reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses.
No reciprocity agreements
If you’re licensed in another state, apply as a new applicant, meet Maine’s experience requirements and pass the exam.
Local
Do Maine cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your plumbing license is issued by the state, but local plumbing inspectors still handle permits and inspections where you work.
State handles
- Trainee, journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Exam approval and scheduling
- Continuing education and renewals
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local code enforcement
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Maine
Licensing authority
Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board
207-624-8639
maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/plumbers-examining-board
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues trainee, journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Approves applicants to sit for the plumbing exams
- Sets continuing education for renewal
- Enforces Maine’s plumbing licensing laws
Maintenance
How to renew your Maine plumber license and keep it active
Journeyman and master plumber licenses renew every two years for a $200 fee. Complete up to 5 hours of continuing education before you renew, and note that renewing up to 90 days late adds a $50 late fee.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
Up to 5
Renewal fee
$200
Late penalty
$50 (up to 90 days late)
FAQ
Maine plumber license FAQs
How many hours do I need for a Maine journeyman plumber license?
4,000 hours over at least 2 years as a licensed trainee under a master plumber. There’s also a route through 2,000 hours as a journeyman-in-training.
How do I become a master plumber in Maine?
Log 1 year and 2,000 hours as a licensed journeyman, or 4 years and 8,000 hours as a licensed trainee, then pass the master exam.
Is the Maine plumbing exam open book?
No. Both the journeyman and master exams are closed book.
How many questions are on the Maine plumbing exam?
The journeyman exam has 80 questions with a 3-hour time limit. The master exam has 100 questions.
Who gives the Maine plumbing exam?
Prov. You need approval from the Plumbers’ Examining Board before you can schedule.
Does Maine accept plumbing licenses from other states?
No. Maine has no reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses, so you apply as a new applicant.
Is continuing education required in Maine?
Yes. You need up to 5 hours of continuing education before you renew.
Sources
Official sources for the Maine plumber license
- Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board
- Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 49 (Plumbers)
- Prov, Maine plumbing exam information
- Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board, Individual license fees
- Prov, State of Maine OPOR 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 Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board.