Construction / Plumbing Contractor License / West Virginia
- West Virginia
- Plumbing Contractor
- Journeyman, Master & Contractor
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your West Virginia Plumbing Contractor License
How West Virginia licenses journeyman plumbers, master plumbers and plumbing contractors, what each exam looks like, and what the contractor application needs.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and State Fire Marshal requirements
Application fee
$75–$90
Plumber certification $75, contractor license $90; plus $59.00 per exam
Exam time
Varies
Journeyman and Business & Law are 3 hrs each
Time to get license
~4 yrs
8,000 hours minimum of hands-on plumbing work
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE before renewal
Overview
Do you need a West Virginia plumbing contractor license?
In West Virginia, plumbers are licensed at the journeyman and master level through the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and plumbing businesses need a plumbing contractor license from the Contractor Licensing Board.
License required when
- Installing, maintaining, extending or altering piping, fixtures and appliances
- Venting systems and public or private water supply systems in or next to a building
- Gas piping and hot water piping for building heating
- Chilled water piping for refrigeration and comfort cooling, and standpipe piping
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions for plumbing work
- Ask the Contractor Licensing Board whether your project needs a contractor license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalties. In general, the Board can take action against anyone who contracts without the right license, so get licensed before you bid plumbing jobs.
Your fast-track West Virginia plumbing contractor license checklist
The West Virginia application, one page
- Verified hands-on plumbing experience
- Signed, notarized application and fee
- Passing exam scores (70%)
- State Tax Department registration (contractors)
- Wage bond and proof of insurance (contractors)
- Certificate of Authority, if required
Types
West Virginia plumbing contractor license types and classifications
West Virginia has three levels. Journeyman and master licenses cover the individual plumber. The contractor license covers the business that offers plumbing work.
JRY
Individual
Journeyman Plumber
Can instruct and supervise the work of a plumber in training.
Exam
Journeyman exam
Limit
Not stated
MST
Individual
Master Plumber
Can design plumbing systems and supervise journeyman plumbers and plumbers in training.
Exam
Master exam
Limit
Not stated
CON
Business
Plumbing Contractor
Installation, maintenance and alteration of piping, fixtures, venting, water supply, gas piping and related systems.
Exam
Contractor + B&L
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
West Virginia plumbing contractor license requirements, class by class
Our sources list a minimum of 8,000 hours (4 years) of hands-on plumbing work and also ask for proof of 12,000 hours, without saying which level each applies to. Confirm your hours with the agency before you apply.
| Requirement | Journeyman | Master | Plumbing Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 8,000–12,000 hrs (confirm) | 8,000–12,000 hrs (confirm) | 8,000–12,000 hrs (confirm) |
| Exam | Journeyman, 100 questions | Master exam | Contractor + Business & Law |
| Passing score | 70% | 70% | 70% |
| Exam scheduled by | State Fire Marshal | State Fire Marshal | Prov |
| Business registration | Not stated | Not stated | WV State Tax Department |
| Wage bond and insurance | Not stated | Not stated | Required |
Steps
How to get your West Virginia plumbing contractor license, step by step
- Build your experienceBefore you apply
Log a minimum of 8,000 hours (4 years) of actual, hands-on plumbing work, and keep records you can verify. - Submit your applicationBefore the exam
Send a completed, signed and notarized application with verified experience and the licensing fee. You need approval before you can test. - Schedule your examAfter approval
Journeyman and master exams go through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The contractor exam is scheduled with Prov at (801) 733-4455. - Pass your examsExam day
All exams are open book and need 70% to pass. Contractors also pass Business & Law (35 of 50 correct). - Set up your businessContractors only
Register with the West Virginia State Tax Department, and provide a Certificate of Authority if required, a wage bond and proof of insurance. - Receive your licenseAfter approval
Once everything is in, you receive your license from the agency that issues it.
Exam
What to expect on the West Virginia plumbing contractor exam
West Virginia’s plumbing exams are open book, and your approved references can be tabbed and highlighted. Contractors take the plumbing contractor exam plus Business & Law.
Format
Open book
Questions
100 (journeyman)
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
Prov / State Fire Marshal
Scoring & content
- Journeyman: 100 questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass
- Journeyman topics: fixtures, storm drainage, fuel gas, isometrics, water supply, water heaters, DWV, plumbing math and safety
- Master and contractor exams: 70% to pass (length not stated)
- Business & Law: 50 questions, 3 hours, 35 correct to pass
- Plumbing references include the 2018 International Plumbing Code and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Ask Prov or the State Fire Marshal about retake fees and waiting periods
- Pre-approval is required before you can test
Exam references · Open book
The West Virginia Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Contractor exams are open book, and you can tab and highlight the permitted references you bring in. The Business and Law exam is also required, and its study guide can be used during that exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — plumbing exams | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) — plumbing exams | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| Plumbing Basics for Contractors — plumbing exams | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| West Virginia Contractors Licensing Act Study Guide — Business and Law exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
West Virginia contractor exams moved to Prov in September 2024; the older PSI references could still be used until April 2025, and an existing copy of the West Virginia Business and Law Study Guide, 6th edition, may be used on the Business and Law exam.
Prep
Best West Virginia plumbing contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a West Virginia plumbing contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Master or journeyman plumber certification | Fixed | $75 |
| Contractor license fee | Fixed | $90 |
| Exam fees (Prov) | Fixed | $59.00 per exam |
| Wage bond (contractors) | Variable | Varies |
| Insurance (contractors) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Journeyman certification plus exam ($134), or contractor license plus plumbing contractor and Business & Law exams ($208); before bond and insurance | $134–$208 |
Fees from the West Virginia Division of Labor plumber certification fee page, the Contractor Licensing Board application and rule (28CSR2) and the Prov candidate bulletins, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does West Virginia accept out-of-state plumbing contractor licenses?
West Virginia handles reciprocity on an individual basis rather than through blanket agreements.
Case by case — individual review
There’s no published list of reciprocal states in our sources. Contact the Board about your out-of-state license, or plan to apply as a new applicant.
Local
Do West Virginia cities and counties have their own plumbing contractor licensing rules?
Your plumbing licenses are issued by the state. Cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Journeyman and master plumber licenses (State Fire Marshal)
- Plumbing contractor licenses (Contractor Licensing Board)
- Exam approval and scheduling
- Business registration with the State Tax Department
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits and inspections
- Local business licenses where required
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in West Virginia
Licensing authority
West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
304-558-7890
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues plumbing contractor licenses
- Reviews contractor applications, bonds and insurance
- Oversees the Business & Law and contractor exams
- Journeyman and master exams run through the State Fire Marshal’s Office
Maintenance
How to renew your West Virginia plumbing contractor license and keep it active
West Virginia doesn’t require continuing education before renewal. Master and journeyman certifications renew for $75 (Plumber in Training $25), and the contractor license renews every year for $90. Both carry a $25 late fee once you’re more than 15 days past expiration.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$75 certification; $90 contractor
Late penalty
$25 (more than 15 days late)
FAQ
West Virginia plumbing contractor license FAQs
What plumbing licenses does West Virginia offer?
Three: journeyman plumber, master plumber and plumbing contractor. Journeyman and master cover the individual, and the contractor license covers the business.
How many hours do I need for a West Virginia plumbing license?
Our sources list a minimum of 8,000 hours (4 years) of hands-on work and also mention proof of 12,000 hours. Confirm which applies to your level before you apply.
Is the West Virginia plumbing exam open book?
Yes. The plumbing exams are open book, and you can tab and highlight approved references. You need 70% to pass.
Who schedules the exam?
Journeyman and master exams go through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The plumbing contractor exam is scheduled with Prov.
Do contractors take a Business & Law exam?
Yes. It’s 50 questions in 3 hours, and you need 35 correct to pass.
Is continuing education required?
No. West Virginia doesn’t require CE before each renewal.
Does West Virginia have plumbing reciprocity?
Only on an individual basis. Contact the Board about your out-of-state license.
Sources
Official sources for the West Virginia plumbing contractor license
- West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
- Prov, Exam scheduler
- West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, Plumber licensing
- West Virginia Division of Labor, Plumber Certification Fees
- Prov, West Virginia Division of Labor candidate bulletin (PDF)
- Prov, West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board candidate bulletin (PDF)
- West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board, Contractor License Application/Affidavit (PDF)
- Title 28 Legislative Rule Series 2, West Virginia Contractor Licensing Act (PDF)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board or the State Fire Marshal’s Office.