Texas · Plumber

How to get a Plumber license in Texas

Yes — Texas requires a Plumber license, issued by Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). You must pass the state exam, document your qualifying experience. The license fee is $40, and it renews every 1 year.

Texas Plumber license requirements at a glance

License required	Yes (state)
Issuing board	Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
Exam	Yes — Per-level exams: Tradesman-Limited ($36 app), Journeyman ($40 app), Master ($25 processing + $128.50 exam via Pearson VUE)
Experience	Tradesman: 4,000 hrs + 24-hr course; Journeyman: 8,000 hrs + 48-hr TSBPE-approved course; Master: JM license 2 yrs (or 1 yr + US DOL apprenticeship)
Bond	No
License fee	$40
Renewal	Every 1 year(s)
Reciprocity	No formal agreements; out-of-state Journeyman/Master skip the 48-hr course but must pass the Texas exam

License required

Yes (state)

Issuing board

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)

Exam

Yes — Per-level exams: Tradesman-Limited ($36 app), Journeyman ($40 app), Master ($25 processing + $128.50 exam via Pearson VUE)

Experience

Tradesman: 4,000 hrs + 24-hr course; Journeyman: 8,000 hrs + 48-hr TSBPE-approved course; Master: JM license 2 yrs (or 1 yr + US DOL apprenticeship)

Bond

License fee

$40

Renewal

Every 1 year(s)

Reciprocity

No formal agreements; out-of-state Journeyman/Master skip the 48-hr course but must pass the Texas exam

Step by step

Meet the experience requirement. Tradesman: 4,000 hrs + 24-hr course; Journeyman: 8,000 hrs + 48-hr TSBPE-approved course; Master: JM license 2 yrs (or 1 yr + US DOL apprenticeship)
Pass the required exam. Per-level exams: Tradesman-Limited ($36 app), Journeyman ($40 app), Master ($25 processing + $128.50 exam via Pearson VUE)
Pay the license fee and apply. Submit your application to Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) with the $40 fee.
Keep the license current. Renew every 1 year to stay eligible to pull permits.

Fee detail and fine print

TSBPE is an independent board (NOT absorbed by TDLR). Journeyman initial license $40, renewal $40; Master initial $75. Annual renewal required per Occupations Code Sec. 1301.401.

Already licensed in another state?

No formal agreements; out-of-state Journeyman/Master skip the 48-hr course but must pass the Texas exam

Texas Plumber reciprocity in detail →

Official source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) →

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Texas?: Yes. Texas requires a Plumber license issued by Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
How much does a Plumber license cost in Texas?: The license fee is $40. TSBPE is an independent board (NOT absorbed by TDLR). Journeyman initial license $40, renewal $40; Master initial $75. Annual renewal required per Occupations Code Sec. 1301.401. Exam, fingerprinting, bond premium and insurance are billed separately where they apply.
How much experience do you need?: Tradesman: 4,000 hrs + 24-hr course; Journeyman: 8,000 hrs + 48-hr TSBPE-approved course; Master: JM license 2 yrs (or 1 yr + US DOL apprenticeship)
What exam do you have to pass?: Per-level exams: Tradesman-Limited ($36 app), Journeyman ($40 app), Master ($25 processing + $128.50 exam via Pearson VUE)
Is a surety bond required in Texas?: No surety bond is required for this license by Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). TSBPE is an independent board (NOT absorbed by TDLR). Journeyman initial license $40, renewal $40; Master initial $75. Annual renewal required per Occupations Code Sec. 1301.401.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states?: No formal agreements; out-of-state Journeyman/Master skip the 48-hr course but must pass the Texas exam
How often do you renew?: Every 1 year.