Construction / Plumber License / Oregon
- Oregon
- Plumber License
- Journeyman
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Oregon Journeyman Plumber License
How to qualify for an Oregon journeyman plumber license, from apprenticeship and on-the-job hours to the open-book state exam, continuing education and reciprocity.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Oregon Building Codes Division requirements
Application fee
$100
Covers the license; no separate exam fee
Exam time
4 hrs
64 questions, open book
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4-year apprenticeship or 7,700 OJT hours
Continuing ed
Required
Before each renewal; hours not stated
Overview
Do you need an Oregon plumber license?
Yes. Oregon requires a plumber license for anyone who does plumbing work for pay. The Building Codes Division handles licensing, with the Oregon State Plumbing Board approving training programs.
License required when
- You do any plumbing work for compensation
- You install new plumbing, alter existing systems or remodel
- You work on commercial or residential plumbing
Common exceptions
- Apprentices gaining on-the-job hours in a registered program
- Other exemptions aren’t listed in our source, so check with the Building Codes Division
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. Doing plumbing work for pay without a license breaks Oregon’s licensing rules, and the state can take enforcement action against people who do it.
Your fast-track Oregon plumber license checklist
The Oregon application, one page
- Apprenticeship certificate or referral letter, or proof of 576 classroom hours
- Verified 3,850 commercial and 3,850 residential job hours (non-apprentice route)
- Application submitted to the Building Codes Division
- Exam date from the state after approval
- Tabbed and highlighted Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
Types
Oregon plumber license types and classifications
Our source covers Oregon’s main plumbing license, the journeyman plumber. It lets you do all plumbing installation, alteration and remodel work.
JRY
Main license
Journeyman Plumber
Licensed to perform all plumbing installation, alterations and remodels.
Exam
Oregon plumbing exam
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Oregon plumber license requirements, class by class
There are two ways to qualify. Finish a registered apprenticeship, or document classroom training plus commercial and residential job hours.
| Requirement | Apprenticeship route | Classroom + experience route |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Certificate from a registered 4-year apprenticeship, or a referral letter from the training committee or a Board-approved program | 576 hours of classroom training in subjects listed in OAR 918-695-0030(2)(a) |
| Commercial experience | Part of the apprenticeship | 3,850 hours on the job |
| Residential experience | Part of the apprenticeship | 3,850 hours on the job |
| Application | Approved before you can test | Approved before you can test |
| Exam | Oregon plumbing exam, 70% to pass | Oregon plumbing exam, 70% to pass |
| Minimum age | Not stated | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Oregon plumber license, step by step
- Pick your routeBefore you start
Either complete a registered 4-year apprenticeship, or combine 576 classroom hours with 3,850 commercial and 3,850 residential on-the-job hours. - Document your training and hoursBefore you apply
Gather your apprenticeship certificate or referral letter, or verified proof of classroom hours and job experience. - Submit your applicationPre-approval
Send your application with verified education and experience to the Building Codes Division. Details: oregon.gov/bcd. - Get your exam dateAfter approval
Once approved, the state contacts you with an exam date and location. Testing centers are in larger cities around Oregon. - Pass the plumbing examExam day
64 questions in 240 minutes, open book, 70% to pass. You can tab and highlight the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code. - Receive your licenseAfter passing
With a passing score, you’re licensed as an Oregon journeyman plumber.
Exam
What to expect on the Oregon plumber exam
The journeyman plumbing exam is open book, based on the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code. If you also need an Oregon contractor license, that’s a separate 80-question, 180-minute exam on business and law topics.
Format
Open book
Questions
64
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
State of Oregon
Scoring & content
- 64 questions in 240 minutes
- 70% correct to pass
- Reference: 2021 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
- References can be tabbed and highlighted
- Contractor exam (separate): 80 questions, 180 minutes
Retake policy
- Wait at least 30 days between attempts
- A retake needs a reapplication form and the $100 fee
- Call the Building Codes Division at 503-378-4133 before rebooking
Exam references · Open book
The Oregon Journeyman Plumbing exam is open book, and the reference can be tabbed and highlighted. No online course material is allowed in the room.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best Oregon plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does an Oregon plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $100 |
| Exam fee | Fixed | Included in application fee |
| License fee | Fixed | Included in application fee |
| 2021 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code | Variable | Varies |
| Classroom training (non-apprentice route) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes code book and training | $100 |
Fees from BCD Forms 440-2571 and 440-2574, ORS 693.135 and the Oregon Business Xpress license directory, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Oregon accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Oregon has reciprocity agreements with two states for journeyman plumbers.
Idaho — journeyman plumber reciprocity
Covers journeyman plumbers. Contact the Building Codes Division for the application steps.
Montana — journeyman plumber reciprocity
Covers journeyman plumbers. Contact the Building Codes Division for the application steps.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant with verified training and experience, then take the Oregon exam.
Local
Do Oregon cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your plumber license is issued by the state and covers all of Oregon. Local building departments still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Journeyman plumber licenses
- Application approval and exam scheduling
- Continuing education before renewal
- The Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Job-site inspections
- Local business registration
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Oregon
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews journeyman plumber licenses
- Reviews applications and schedules exams
- Works with the Oregon State Plumbing Board on approved training programs
- Sets continuing education requirements for renewal
Maintenance
How to renew your Oregon plumber license and keep it active
Oregon journeyman plumber licenses renew every three years. You must finish continuing education before every renewal, so confirm the hours and renewal fee with the Building Codes Division.
Renewal cycle
3 years
CE hours
Required (hours not stated)
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the Oregon CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Oregon plumber license FAQs
Do I need a license to do plumbing in Oregon?
Yes. Anyone who does plumbing work for pay in Oregon needs a plumber license.
How many hours do I need for an Oregon journeyman plumber license?
Without a finished apprenticeship, you need 576 classroom hours plus 3,850 commercial and 3,850 residential on-the-job hours. A registered 4-year apprenticeship also qualifies.
Is the Oregon plumbing exam open book?
Yes. The 64-question exam is open book with the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, which you can tab and highlight. You have 240 minutes and need 70% to pass.
How do I schedule the exam?
You can’t book it yourself up front. Submit your application, and once it’s approved the state contacts you with an exam date and location.
Does Oregon have plumbing reciprocity?
Yes, for journeyman plumbers licensed in Idaho or Montana. Everyone else applies as a new applicant.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. Oregon requires CE before each renewal. Check with the Building Codes Division for the current hours.
Sources
Official sources for the Oregon plumber license
- Oregon Building Codes Division, Plumbing program
- OAR 918-695-0030, journeyman plumber qualifications
- 2021 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
- Oregon Building Codes Division, Journeyman Plumber License Application (Form 440-2571)
- Oregon Building Codes Division, License Reapplication (Form 440-2574)
- ORS 693.135, plumbing license fees
- Oregon Business Xpress License Directory, Journeyman Plumber
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Oregon Building Codes Division.