Construction / Plumber License / Montana
- Montana
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Montana Plumber License
How to qualify for a Montana Journeyman or Master Plumber license, what the exams look like, and how to keep your license current with the Montana Board of Plumbers.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Montana Board of Plumbers requirements
Application fee
$220
Journeyman or Master; plus IAPMO exam fee
Exam time
3 hrs
Journeyman written exam, plus a practical
Time to get license
~5 yrs
5 yrs and 7,500 hrs, or an approved apprenticeship
Continuing ed
4 hrs
Required for each renewal
Overview
Do you need a Montana plumber license?
Yes. Montana licenses plumbers at two levels through the Board of Plumbers. Journeymen do the hands-on work, and Masters can also contract for and superintend plumbing jobs.
License required when
- You install, repair or replace plumbing systems in Montana
- You contract to do plumbing work
- You superintend the installation, maintenance or repair of plumbing
Common exceptions
- Apprentices working toward a license under an approved program
- Our source doesn’t list owner or minor-repair exemptions, so ask the Board before relying on one
Penalties for unlicensed work
The Board of Plumbers can discipline licensees and take action against unlicensed plumbing. Our source doesn’t list specific fine amounts, so get licensed before you take on paid work.
Your fast-track Montana plumber license checklist
The Montana application, one page
- 5 years and 7,500 hours, or apprenticeship completion
- Signed, notarized application
- Board pre-approval and admission letter
- Exam booked with GITS
- Your own Uniform Plumbing Code book
- Passing written and practical scores
Types
Montana plumber license types and classifications
Montana has two plumbing license levels. Most plumbers start as a Journeyman and move up to Master after four years.
JRY
Start here
Journeyman Plumber
The actual installation, repair or replacement of plumbing systems.
Exam
Written + practical
Limit
Not stated
MST
Contracting
Master Plumber
Everything a Journeyman can do, plus contracting for or superintending plumbing installation, maintenance and repair.
Exam
Master Plumbing
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Montana plumber license requirements, class by class
The Journeyman license is based on field hours or an approved apprenticeship. The Master license builds on four years as a licensed Journeyman.
| Requirement | Journeyman Plumber | Master Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 5 years and 7,500 hours, or an approved apprenticeship | 4 years as a licensed Journeyman |
| Supervisory experience | Not required | 3 years with a Master or as a supervisor (can overlap) |
| Application | Signed and notarized form | Board pre-approval required |
| Exam | Written (open book) + practical | Master Plumbing (100 questions) |
| Passing score | 70% | Not stated |
| Continuing ed | 4 hrs per renewal | 4 hrs per renewal |
| Application fee | $220 | $220 |
Steps
How to get your Montana plumber license, step by step
- Build your experience~5 years
Log 5 years and 7,500 hours in plumbing, or finish an apprenticeship that meets Montana Apprenticeship and Training Bureau or US Department of Labor standards. - Apply for pre-approvalBefore you book
Send your signed, notarized application and the $220 application fee to the Board of Plumbers. Once approved, the Board mails you an admission letter. - Schedule with GITSAfter approval
Call Gainesville Independent Testing Service at 800-997-2129 to book your exam. Test centers are in larger cities. - Pass the examsExam day
Journeymen take a 3-hour open-book written exam and a practical with isometric drawings. Bring your own Uniform Plumbing Code book; the proctor supplies statutes, rules and amendments. - Get your licenseAfter you pass
Finish your application with the Board of Plumbers to receive your Montana plumbing license. - Move up to Master4+ years later
After 4 years as a licensed Journeyman, with 3 years under a Master or as a supervisor, apply for the Master Plumbing exam.
Exam
What to expect on the Montana plumber exam
Journeymen take a written exam and a practical. Masters take a 100-question exam. The written exams are open book, and the proctor hands out the statutes, rules and code amendments.
Format
Open book + practical
Questions
Master: 100
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
GITS
Scoring & content
- Journeyman written: 3 hours, 70% to pass, open book
- Journeyman practical: isometric drawings and virtual diagrams
- Master: 100 questions on fixtures, drainage, venting, water distribution, plan analysis, laws and rules
- Bring your own Uniform Plumbing Code book
- Statutes, rules and UPC amendments are provided at the exam
Retake policy
- Retake waiting period: Not stated
- Retake fee: Not stated
- Board pre-approval and an admission letter are required to schedule
- Ask GITS at 800-997-2129 about retakes
Exam references · Open book
The Montana plumbing exams are open book, and you can tab and highlight the approved references and use them during the test. You bring your own Uniform Plumbing Code for the Journeyman and Master exams.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| Montana Statutes and Rules for the Board of Plumbers and Building Codes (print) | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
The proctor provides the statutes, rules and Montana UPC amendments at the exam, but candidates must bring their own 2021 UPC.
Prep
Best Montana plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Montana plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (journeyman or master) | Fixed | $220 |
| Exam fee (paid to IAPMO) | Fixed | Set by IAPMO |
| Provisional license fee (optional) | Fixed | $100 |
| Uniform Plumbing Code book | Variable | Varies |
| Continuing education | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Board application fee only; excludes the IAPMO exam fee | $220 |
Fees from the Board of Plumbers fee schedule (ARM 24.180.401, as amended effective July 11, 2026), checked October 2026; the exam fee is set by IAPMO.
Reciprocity
Does Montana accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Montana has reciprocity agreements with four states. Our source doesn’t list what each one waives, so check with the Board before you apply.
Idaho — reciprocity agreement
Details of what’s waived aren’t stated; contact the Board.
North Dakota — reciprocity agreement
Details of what’s waived aren’t stated; contact the Board.
Oregon — reciprocity agreement
Details of what’s waived aren’t stated; contact the Board.
South Dakota — reciprocity agreement
Details of what’s waived aren’t stated; contact the Board.
Local
Do Montana cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your license comes from the state Board of Plumbers. Local building departments handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses
- Exam pre-approval and admission letters
- Continuing education rules
- Reciprocity agreements
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local business registration where required
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Montana
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses
- Pre-approves exam candidates and sends admission letters
- Sets continuing education requirements
- Publishes statutes, rules and code amendments
Maintenance
How to renew your Montana plumber license and keep it active
Montana plumbers need 4 hours of continuing education to renew. Renewal is $160 for a Journeyman and $200 for a Master; check with the Board for your renewal date.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
4
Renewal fee
$160 journeyman / $200 master
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the Montana CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Montana plumber license FAQs
How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in Montana?
About 5 years. You need 5 years and 7,500 hours of plumbing experience, or completion of an approved apprenticeship.
What do I need for a Montana master plumber license?
Four years as a licensed Journeyman, including 3 years working with a Master or as a supervisor, plus a passing score on the 100-question Master exam.
Is the Montana plumbing exam open book?
Yes, the written exam is open book. You bring your own Uniform Plumbing Code book, and the proctor provides statutes, rules and amendments.
Who gives the Montana plumbing exam?
Gainesville Independent Testing Service (GITS). Call 800-997-2129 after the Board approves you and sends your admission letter.
How much continuing education do Montana plumbers need?
4 hours for each renewal.
Does Montana have plumbing reciprocity?
Yes, with Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota. Ask the Board what each agreement covers.
How much does a Montana plumber license cost?
The Board of Plumbers application fee is $220 for a Journeyman or Master license. The exam fee is paid separately to the testing vendor.
Sources
Official sources for the Montana plumber license
- Montana Board of Plumbers
- IAPMO, Montana plumbing license testing
- Statutes and Rules for the Board of Plumbers and Building Codes
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Montana Board of Plumbers, ARM 24.180.401 fee schedule amendment (MAR 2026-79)
- Montana Board of Plumbers, Notice of adoption (effective July 11, 2026)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Montana Board of Plumbers.