Construction / Plumber License / Texas
- Texas
- Plumber License
- Tradesman, Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Texas Plumber License
Texas licenses plumbers through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This page covers the Tradesman, Journeyman and Master levels, what each exam looks like and how to get approved to test.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners requirements
Application fee
$36–$175
Exam application fee by level ($40 Journeyman); plus a license fee once you pass
Exam time
6 hrs
Master exam; Tradesman is 2 hrs written + 4 hrs practical
Time to get license
8,000 hrs
Hands-on experience for Journeyman
Continuing ed
6 hrs
Required for this license
Overview
Do you need a Texas plumber license?
Yes. In Texas, plumbers move up from registered apprentice to Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman and Master, and each level is licensed by the TSBPE. Each license takes a single exam.
License required when
- You install, change, repair, service or renovate plumbing as a journeyman or master
- You supervise Plumber’s Apprentices on a jobsite
- You supervise a Tradesman Plumber-Limited on jobs other than one- and two-family homes
Common exceptions
- Registered Plumber’s Apprentices, who work under supervision while they build hours
- Other exemptions aren’t stated in our source, so check with the TSBPE before you start
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. In general, the TSBPE can discipline licensees and act against people who do plumbing work without the required license.
Your fast-track Texas plumber license checklist
The Texas application, one page
- Registered apprentice or current license for your level
- Documented experience hours
- TSBPE-approved training course or apprenticeship
- Exam pre-approval from the TSBPE
- Passing score on your PSI exam
- 6 hours of CE to stay licensed
Types
Texas plumber license types and classifications
Most plumbers start as a registered apprentice, then work up through the license levels. Each level needs one exam.
TPL
Entry level
Tradesman Plumber-Limited
First license after apprenticeship. Needs 4,000 hours and a 24-hour TSBPE-approved course or an approved apprenticeship program.
Exam
Written + practical
Limit
Not stated
JRY
Most common
Journeyman Plumber
Installs, changes, repairs, services and renovates plumbing under a Responsible Master Plumber, and can supervise apprentices.
Exam
Journeyman exam
Limit
Under a Responsible Master
MST
Top level
Master Plumber
Installs, changes, repairs, services and renovates plumbing, and can supervise apprentices and Tradesman Plumber-Limited licensees.
Exam
Master exam
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Texas plumber license requirements, class by class
Each level builds on the last. You need TSBPE pre-approval before you can schedule any exam.
| Requirement | Tradesman | Journeyman | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current status | Texas apprentice, or out-of-state Journeyman or Master | Texas apprentice or Tradesman, or out-of-state Journeyman or Master | Journeyman license for 2 years (1 year with a DOL apprenticeship), or out-of-state Master |
| Experience | 4,000 hours | 8,000 hours | Not stated |
| Training | 24-hour TSBPE course or DOL apprenticeship | 48-hour TSBPE course or DOL apprenticeship | Not stated |
| Education | Not stated | Not stated | High school diploma or GED |
| Legal eligibility | U.S. citizen, national or eligible | Not stated | U.S. citizen, national or eligible |
| Fingerprints | Required | Not stated | Not stated |
| Exam | 90 written + 6 practical | Not stated | 220 questions |
| Exam fee | $36 | $40 | $175 |
| License fee | $35 | $40 | $75 |
Steps
How to get your Texas plumber license, step by step
- Meet the eligibility requirementsBefore you apply
Build your hours and finish the required training for your level. Tradesman needs 4,000 hours; Journeyman needs 8,000. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore the exam
Submit the right form through the TSBPE website. Add a valid email and you’ll get your exam date and results by email. - Schedule with PSIAfter approval
Call PSI at 833-333-4741. Pre-approval is required, and test centers are in larger cities around the state. - Pass your examExam day
All Texas plumbing exams are closed book. Tradesman has a written and a practical part; Master is 220 questions in 6 hours. - Apply for your licenseAfter you pass
Apply through the TSBPE. Questions? Call 512-936-5200.
Exam
What to expect on the Texas plumber exam
Each Texas plumbing license takes one exam, and all of them are closed book. The state assigns your test date and location once you’re approved.
Format
Closed book
Questions
90 (Tradesman) / 220 (Master)
Passing score
70% (Tradesman)
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Tradesman written: 90 questions, 120 minutes, 70% to pass
- Tradesman practical: 6 questions, 240 minutes
- Master: 220 questions, 360 minutes
- Journeyman question count: Not stated
- Texas recommends studying the 2018 IPC and IFGC, or the 2018 UPC
Retake policy
- Waiting period between attempts: Not stated
- Retake fee: Not stated
- Pre-approval is required to schedule
- Results are emailed if you give a valid email address
Exam references · Closed book
The Texas plumbing exams are closed book, so you can’t bring references into the testing room. These are the codes the Journeyman and Master exams are based on, for study.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2018 | Study only |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2018 | Study only |
| Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | 2018 | Study only |
Texas recommends studying either the 2018 IPC and IFGC or the 2018 UPC.
Prep
Best Texas plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Texas plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam application fee | Fixed | $36–$175 |
| License fee | Fixed | $35–$75 |
| TSBPE-approved training course (24 or 48 hrs) | Variable | Varies |
| Fingerprinting (Tradesman) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exam | Journeyman exam and license; excludes training course and fingerprinting | $80 |
Fees from TSBPE Administrative Rules section 361.6 (March 2026) and the TSBPE Journeyman Plumber page, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Texas accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Texas has limited reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state Journeyman and Master plumbers can qualify for Texas exams based on their license, so check with the TSBPE when you apply.
Limited agreements — check with the TSBPE
Our source doesn’t list which states qualify. An out-of-state Journeyman or Master license can make you eligible to test, and skips the Tradesman training course.
Local
Do Texas cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your plumbing license is issued by the state, but cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Tradesman, Journeyman and Master licenses
- Exam pre-approval
- Continuing education
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local registration where required
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Texas
Oversight responsibilities
- Approves applicants to take plumbing exams
- Issues Tradesman, Journeyman and Master licenses
- Approves required training courses
- Sets continuing education requirements
Maintenance
How to renew your Texas plumber license and keep it active
Texas requires 6 hours of continuing education for this license. Renewal fees are $35 for Tradesman Plumber-Limited, $40 for Journeyman and $75 for Master; check the renewal cycle with the TSBPE.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
6
Renewal fee
$35–$75
Late penalty
Half the renewal fee if under 90 days late; full fee after
Renewing your license?
See the Texas CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Texas plumber license FAQs
How many hours do I need for a Texas journeyman plumber license?
8,000 hours of practical experience, plus a 48-hour TSBPE-approved course or an approved apprenticeship program.
What does the Tradesman Plumber-Limited license require?
4,000 hours of hands-on experience, a 24-hour TSBPE-approved course or apprenticeship program, and fingerprints. The exam has a 90-question written part and a practical part.
How do I qualify for the Master exam?
You need a high school diploma or GED and a Journeyman license held for 2 years, or 1 year if you completed a DOL-approved apprenticeship.
Are the Texas plumbing exams open book?
No. All Texas plumbing exams are closed book.
Who gives the Texas plumbing exam?
PSI. You need TSBPE pre-approval first, then call 833-333-4741 to schedule.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. Texas requires 6 hours of continuing education for this license.
Sources
Official sources for the Texas plumber license
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
- 2018 International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code
- TSBPE Administrative Rules (March 2026)
- TSBPE, 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 Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.