Construction / Plumber License / North Dakota
- North Dakota
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your North Dakota Plumber License
What it takes to become a licensed journeyman or master plumber in North Dakota: experience, the multi-part state exam, continuing education and how reciprocity works.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from North Dakota State Plumbing Board requirements
Application fee
$50
Covers the exam; license fee ($100 journeyman, $200 master) due after you pass
Exam time
5 hrs
Journeyman exam, parts 1–5
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4 years as an apprentice for journeyman
Continuing ed
4 hrs
Every other even year, before renewal
Overview
Do you need a North Dakota plumber license?
Yes. North Dakota licenses journeyman and master plumbers through the State Plumbing Board, and both must pass a state exam before they’re licensed. Journeymen work under the supervision of a master plumber.
License required when
- You install, alter, repair or renovate plumbing for others
- You plan and lay out plumbing systems as a master plumber
- You supervise other plumbers on the job
Common exceptions
- Apprentices working under a licensed master plumber while they build experience
- Other exemptions aren’t listed in our source, so check with the Board
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. The State Plumbing Board sets the standards plumbers work under and can take action against people who do plumbing work without the required license.
Your fast-track North Dakota plumber license checklist
The North Dakota application, one page
- Proof of 4 years as an apprentice (journeyman) or 2 years as a journeyman (master)
- Signed, complete application to the State Plumbing Board
- Exam booked by calling 701-328-9977
- Tabbed and highlighted copy of the permitted references
- Proof you’re 21 or older (master)
Types
North Dakota plumber license types and classifications
North Dakota has two plumber license levels. You start as a journeyman and can move up to master after 2 years of licensed journeyman experience.
JRY
Start here
Journeyman Plumber
Installs, alters, repairs and renovates plumbing under the supervision of a master plumber.
Exam
Journeyman exam
Limit
Works under a master
MST
Can supervise
Master Plumber
Plans, lays out, installs and repairs plumbing apparatus and equipment, and supervises others doing the work.
Exam
Master exam
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
North Dakota plumber license requirements, class by class
The big difference between the two levels is experience. Journeymen need apprentice time; masters need licensed journeyman time.
| Requirement | Journeyman | Master |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years as an apprentice under a master plumber | 2 years (3,400 hours) as a licensed journeyman |
| Minimum age | Not stated | 21 |
| Application | Signed, complete application to the Board | Signed, complete application to the Board |
| Exam | Journeyman exam | Master exam |
| Out-of-state journeyman time | Not applicable | Counts if licensed in a state with a licensing law |
| Continuing ed | 4 hrs every other even year | 4 hrs every other even year |
Steps
How to get your North Dakota plumber license, step by step
- Build your experienceBefore you apply
Journeymen need 4 years as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber. Masters need 2 years (3,400 hours) as a licensed journeyman and must be 21. - Submit your applicationBefore the exam
Send a signed, complete application to the State Plumbing Board. You can’t sit for the exam until it’s in. Board site: ndplumbingboard.com. - Register for the examAfter applying
Once your application is submitted, call the Board at 701-328-9977 to schedule your exam. - Pass the state examExam day
The journeyman exam takes 5 hours and mixes closed-book and open-book parts. You can tab and highlight the permitted references. - Receive your licenseAfter passing
Once you pass and the Board approves your application, you’re licensed to work as a North Dakota plumber.
Exam
What to expect on the North Dakota plumber exam
Both exams come in several parts. Some parts are closed book and some are open book, and the open-book parts focus on pipe sizing with fixture units.
Format
Multi-part, partly open book
Questions
100 + 40 (journeyman)
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
State Plumbing Board
Scoring & content
- Journeyman exam: 5 hours total
- Parts 1 and 2: 100 questions, closed book, drain, water and vent pipe sizing
- Parts 3–5: 40 questions, open book, drain, water and vent with fixture units
- Master exam: water pipe sizing and drain, water and vent with fixture units
- Reference: 2018 North Dakota State Plumbing Code
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our source
- Retake fees aren’t stated
- Call the Board at 701-328-9977 before rebooking
Exam references · Varies
The North Dakota Journeyman and Master Plumbing exams are partially open book: some parts are closed book and the rest let you use the permitted code. You can tab and highlight the code and bring it into the open-book parts.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State Plumbing Code | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best North Dakota plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a North Dakota plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $50 (includes exam) |
| Exam fee | Fixed | Included in the $50 application fee |
| License fee | Fixed | $100 Journeyman; $200 Master |
| 2018 North Dakota State Plumbing Code | Variable | Varies |
| Continuing education | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes the code book and CE | $150 Journeyman; $250 Master |
Fees from the State Plumbing Board application form, exam fee page and renewal fee page, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does North Dakota accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
North Dakota has limited reciprocity agreements with three neighboring states. Contact the Board to see what applies to your license.
Minnesota — limited reciprocity
Details aren’t stated in our source. Check with the State Plumbing Board.
Montana — limited reciprocity
Details aren’t stated in our source. Check with the State Plumbing Board.
South Dakota — limited reciprocity
Details aren’t stated in our source. Check with the State Plumbing Board.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and take the exam. Out-of-state journeyman time can still count toward a master license.
Local
Do North Dakota cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your plumber license comes from the state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections on the jobs you do.
State handles
- Journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Exams and exam registration
- Plumbing standards and the state plumbing code
- Continuing education requirements
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Job-site inspections
- Local business registration
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in North Dakota
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues journeyman and master plumber licenses
- Registers applicants for the state exams
- Sets the standards, rules and regulations plumbers work under
- Oversees continuing education before renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your North Dakota plumber license and keep it active
North Dakota requires 4 hours of continuing education every other even year, finished before you renew. Renewal costs $100 for a journeyman and $200 for a master; the Board doesn’t list a late penalty.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
4 (every other even year)
Renewal fee
$100 Journeyman; $200 Master
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the North Dakota CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
North Dakota plumber license FAQs
How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in North Dakota?
About 4 years. You need 4 years as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber, then you apply and pass the journeyman exam.
What do I need to become a master plumber?
You must be 21 and have 2 years (3,400 hours) as a licensed journeyman plumber in North Dakota or another state with a licensing law. Then you pass the master exam.
Is the North Dakota plumbing exam open book?
Partly. The journeyman exam’s first two parts are closed book, and parts 3–5 are open book. You can tab and highlight the permitted references.
How do I schedule the exam?
Submit your application to the State Plumbing Board first, then call 701-328-9977 to register for an exam.
Does North Dakota accept plumbing licenses from other states?
Only through limited reciprocity agreements with Minnesota, Montana and South Dakota. Everyone else applies as a new applicant.
How much continuing education do I need?
4 hours every other even year, completed before you renew your license.
Sources
Official sources for the North Dakota plumber license
- North Dakota State Plumbing Board
- 2018 North Dakota State Plumbing Code
- State Plumbing Board Master/Journeyman Plumber Application (PDF)
- State Plumbing Board Exam Fees
- State Plumbing Board License Renewal 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 North Dakota State Plumbing Board.