Requirements to Obtaining your License

  • Three exams must be passed to become a Master Plumber: Trade, Business and Law, and Practical.
  • Must be 21 years old for the Master.
  • A $3,000 bond is required for licensure.
  • No exam is required for the Journeyman, but 4 years of experience as an apprentice and 1 year Journeyman is required to apply to take the Master.
  • Required to have prior approval from the State Board before testing.

Work that can be Done Under this License

“Journeyman plumber” means any person other than a master plumber or apprentice plumber who installs, alters, repairs and renovates plumbing in accordance with standards, rules and regulations established by the board and who works under the supervision of a master plumber.

“Master plumber” means a person licensed pursuant to this amendatory and supplementary act who has the qualifications, training, experience and technical knowledge necessary to properly plan, lay out, install and repair plumbing apparatus and equipment and to supervise others in the performance of such work in accordance with standards, rules and regulations established by the State board.

Applying to get your License

  • $100 initial application fee and 3-year renewal fee of $150.
  • Department of Law & Public Safety
  • Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers
  • PO Box 45006
  • Newark, NJ 07101
  • (973)504-6420

Reciprocity Agreements

  • None at this time.

Continuing Education

  • 5 hours every biennial renewal period.

Exam Details

  • 50 questions and a time limit of 2 1/2 hrs (Business and Law)
  • 100 questions and a time limit of 3 hrs (Trade)
  • The practical exam is 2 hours.
  • Exam requires a 70% to pass.
  • Trade Exam Topics Include: General Knowledge, General Regulations, Plumbing Fixtures, Water Supply Systems, DWV, Indirect Waste, Roof Drain Piping, Specialty Piping, and Isometric Analysis.
  • Business and Law Exam Topics Include: Contract Management, Estimating and Bidding, Licensing, Labor Law, Tax Law, Lien Law, Business Organization, Project Management, Financial Management, Risk Management, Safety.
  • Call Prometric for testing info at 800.626.0750

Books and References for the Exam

  • The Trade Exam is based on these references.
  • National Standard Plumbing Code, 2009
  • Modern Plumbing
  • Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
  • OSHA Part 1926
  • New Jersey Plumbing Contractor’s Reference Manual