Construction / Plumber License / South Dakota
- South Dakota
- Plumber License
- Journeyman & Contractor
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your South Dakota Plumber License
South Dakota licenses journeyman plumbers and plumbing contractors through the State Plumbing Board. Here’s the experience you need, how the exam works and what it takes to renew.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from South Dakota State Plumbing Board requirements
Application fee
$50
Plus $100 exam fee
Exam time
Not stated
The Board sends exam details after approval
Time to get license
~4 yrs
Journeyman: 4 years as an apprentice
Continuing ed
4 hrs
Before each renewal
Overview
Do you need a South Dakota plumber license?
Yes. South Dakota requires journeyman plumbers and plumbing contractors to pass an exam and hold a license from the State Plumbing Board. Journeymen work under a plumbing contractor, while contractors can run the business of plumbing.
License required when
- You install plumbing as your main job while working under a plumbing contractor (journeyman)
- You contract for plumbing installations or run a plumbing business (plumbing contractor)
- You plan and superintend plumbing installations
Common exceptions
- Apprentices working toward the 4-year journeyman requirement
- Other exemptions aren’t stated in our source, so ask the Board before you start
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. In general, the State Plumbing Board can discipline licensees and act against unlicensed plumbing work, so get licensed before you take on jobs.
Your fast-track South Dakota plumber license checklist
The South Dakota application, one page
- Documented experience at 1,900 hours a year
- Signed, completed application to the Board
- Exam registration by phone after you apply
- Passing score on your exam
- 4 hours of CE before each renewal
Types
South Dakota plumber license types and classifications
South Dakota has two main plumbing licenses. Most people start as an apprentice, become a journeyman, then move up to plumbing contractor.
JRY
Most common
Journeyman Plumber
Installs plumbing as an employee of, or under the direction of, a plumbing contractor.
Exam
Journeyman exam
Limit
Works under a contractor
CON
Run a business
Plumbing Contractor (Master)
Plans, superintends and installs plumbing, and can contract for plumbing work and run a plumbing business.
Exam
Contractor exam
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
South Dakota plumber license requirements, class by class
Both licenses need an approved application, an exam and full-time experience of at least 1,900 hours a year.
| Requirement | Journeyman | Plumbing Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years as an apprentice | 6 years, with at least 2 as a contractor or plumber |
| Hours per year | 1,900 | 1,900 |
| Military credit | 1 year per 2 years served, up to 5 years | Not stated |
| Application | Signed application to the Board | Signed application to the Board |
| Application / exam fee | $50 / $100 | $50 / $100 |
| Exam | Journeyman Plumbing exam | Plumbing Contractor exam |
| Continuing ed | 4 hrs per renewal | 4 hrs per renewal |
Steps
How to get your South Dakota plumber license, step by step
- Get your experienceBefore you apply
Journeymen need 4 years as an apprentice. Contractors need 6 years, with at least 2 as a contractor or plumber. Both need 1,900 hours each year. - Submit your applicationBefore the exam
Send a signed, completed application and the $50 nonrefundable application fee to the South Dakota State Plumbing Board. You must apply before you can sit for the exam. - Register for the examAfter approval
Once your application is in, call 605-773-3429 to register. The Board sends your exam details after it approves you, and the $100 exam fee is due before you test. - Pass the examExam day
The exam is open book, so bring your tabbed and highlighted references. - Get your licenseAfter you pass
Pay the license fee ($105 for a plumber, $275 for a plumbing contractor) to receive your license from the State Plumbing Board.
Exam
What to expect on the South Dakota plumber exam
Each license has its own exam: Journeyman Plumbing or Plumbing Contractor. The State Plumbing Board runs registration, and you’ll get the details once your application is approved.
Format
Open book
Questions
Not stated
Passing score
Not stated
Exam vendor
State Plumbing Board
Scoring & content
- Separate exams for journeyman and plumbing contractor
- Open book; references may be tabbed and highlighted
- Reference listed: 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Question count and passing score: Not stated
Retake policy
- Waiting period between attempts: Not stated
- Retake fee: $100, the same as the first attempt
- Call the Board at 605-773-3429 to register again
Exam references · Open book
South Dakota’s Journeyman Plumber and Plumbing Contractor exams are open book, and the approved reference can be tabbed, highlighted and used during the test.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | 2015 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best South Dakota plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a South Dakota plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $50 |
| Exam fee | Fixed | $100 |
| Plumber license fee (annual) | Fixed | $105 |
| Plumbing contractor license fee (annual) | Fixed | $275 |
| Code book for the open-book exam | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exam | Application, exam and first license fee; excludes code books | $255 plumber; $425 contractor |
Fees from South Dakota administrative rules chapter 20:53:12 and the State Plumbing Board exams page, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does South Dakota accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
South Dakota has limited reciprocity agreements. Check with the Board to see whether your license qualifies.
Limited agreements — ask the Board
Our source doesn’t list which states qualify. Call the State Plumbing Board at 605-773-3429. If your state isn’t covered, apply as a new applicant and take the exam.
Local
Do South Dakota cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your license comes from the state, but cities and counties still handle permits and inspections where you work.
State handles
- Journeyman and plumbing contractor licenses
- Exam registration and approval
- Continuing education for renewal
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local business licenses
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in South Dakota
Oversight responsibilities
- Reviews applications and approves exam candidates
- Issues journeyman and plumbing contractor licenses
- Sets continuing education for renewal
- Disciplines licensees
Maintenance
How to renew your South Dakota plumber license and keep it active
You need 4 hours of continuing education before each renewal. Licenses renew every year: $105 for a plumber and $275 for a plumbing contractor.
Renewal cycle
Annual
CE hours
4
Renewal fee
$105 plumber; $275 contractor
Late penalty
Not stated
Renewing your license?
See the South Dakota CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
South Dakota plumber license FAQs
How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in South Dakota?
About 4 years. You need 4 years as an apprentice with at least 1,900 hours each year.
What do I need to become a plumbing contractor?
6 years of experience, with at least 2 as a plumbing contractor or plumber, at 1,900 hours a year, plus the Plumbing Contractor exam.
Does military experience count?
Yes, for the journeyman license. You get 1 year of credit for every 2 years of military plumbing, up to 5 years.
Is the South Dakota plumbing exam open book?
Yes. You can tab and highlight your references and use them during the exam.
How much does a South Dakota plumbing license cost?
The application fee is $50 and the exam is $100. The annual license fee is $105 for a plumber and $275 for a plumbing contractor.
How do I schedule the exam?
Submit your application to the State Plumbing Board first, then call 605-773-3429 to register.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. You need 4 hours before each renewal.
Sources
Official sources for the South Dakota plumber license
- South Dakota State Plumbing Board, Licensing
- 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code
- ARSD 20:53:12, Application, exam and license fees
- South Dakota State Plumbing Board, Exams
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the South Dakota State Plumbing Board.