Plumber · State license
How to become a licensed plumber in Washington, DC
State law and licensing-board sources · Last reviewed October 11, 2026
Journeyman level 8,000 hours on the job + state exam What's a journeyman?
The District of Columbia licenses plumbers and gasfitters through the Board of Industrial Trades at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). You start as a registered apprentice working under a licensed master. A journeyman plumber or gasfitter license takes at least 8,000 hours over at least 4 years as an apprentice plus a passing exam score, or completion of a nationally certified apprenticeship in place of the exam. A master license takes 4 more years as a journeyman. [1][2][3]
New to the trade?
Starting from zero in District of Columbia
In the District you start as a registered apprentice plumber working under a licensed master. Get hired by a plumbing contractor or accepted into an apprenticeship such as the one run by Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5, then apply online to DLCP for your apprentice registration with proof of that job or school enrollment. DC's apprenticeship office at the Department of Employment Services (DOES) runs information sessions about local programs. [1][2][3][11][14]
High school diploma or GED
Not listed by the District for an apprentice plumber: the law registers apprentices without an exam, and DLCP's instructions say no experience is required. Programs set their own rules: Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 requires a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development test) and official transcripts or GED scores, and DOES says a diploma or GED is required for most apprenticeship programs. [2][3][11][14]
Register before you start work
Plumber/gasfitter is a licensed occupation in DC, and no one may practice it without a current license or registration, so register as an apprentice before you do plumbing work. Apply through DLCP's online application with a 2x2 photo, a government ID and proof of employment or school enrollment Fees are $65 plus $110. [1][3][4][5]
Who you work under
An apprentice plumber may work only under the direct personal supervision and control of a licensed master plumber/gasfitter or master gasfitter. [2]
Application windows
As of October 2026, Local 5 is taking online applications for the 2027/2028 school year Applications are open year-round, but the entrance exam is given on set dates and classes start in September. [11]
Pay while you learn
Local 5 says its apprentices are paid for their work assisting journey-level plumbers while they take related classes. [10]
Still in high school?
District law lets students in a recognized training program practice a trade as part of a course, under a licensed or qualified teacher. Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School, a selective DC public school, offers industry certifications in pathways such as construction and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education), the District's education agency, runs a paid, credit-bearing Advanced Internship Program for juniors and seniors in career and technical education (CTE) programs, including architecture and construction See OSSE's CTE program resources. No District rule was found that counts high school CTE hours toward a license. [7][22][23][24][25]
Where to apply in District of ColumbiaHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs
Licensing office Board of Industrial Trades, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) · (202) 671-4500 [1]
District of Columbia plumbing license at a glance
On this page
- At a glance
- Starting from zero
- The license pathway
- Who needs a license in the District
- The license ladder: apprentice to master
- The exam
- Fees and renewal
- Union and open-shop apprenticeships in the District
- If you're licensed in another state
- Steps to get licensed
- Where to get the hours
- Licensed in another state?
- Questions people ask
The license pathway in District of Columbia
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1
Apprentice Plumber
- $65 application plus $110 (up to 2 years)
- Expires March 31 of even-numbered years; $110 renewal
Your entry registration. DLCP registers you without an exam once you show proof of employment or school enrollment. You may work only under the direct personal supervision and control of a licensed master plumber/gasfitter or master gasfitter. [1][2][3]
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2
Journeyman Plumber or Journeyman Gasfitter
- 8,000 hours on the job
- 4 years of experience
- Yes: PSI, journeyman plumber 70 questions, 3 hours; journeyman plumber with gas 70 questions, 4 hours; open book, $52 (waived after a nationally certified apprenticeship)
- $65 application plus $110 (up to 2 years)
- Expires March 31 of even-numbered years; $110 renewal
You qualify with at least 8,000 hours over at least 4 years as an apprentice plumber or gasfitter, or a mechanical engineering degree plus 2 years of practical experience verified by a master, and pass the exam. A certificate showing you completed a registered national apprenticeship, passed its exam and were designated a journeyman replaces the exam and experience requirements. [1][2][3][9]
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3
Master Plumber/Gasfitter
- 4 years of experience
- Yes: PSI, 100 questions, 4 hours, open book, $52 (master plumber or master plumber with gas)
- $65 application plus $120 (up to 2 years)
- Expires March 31 of even-numbered years; $155 renewal
You need a journeyman license (or the journeyman qualifications) and at least 4 years working as a journeyman plumber or gasfitter. DLCP's instructions list 8 years and 16,000 hours of experience for the master exam. A licensed master supervises apprentices and is the master a plumbing contractor designates. [1][2][3][8][9]
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4
Plumbing/Gasfitting Contractor
- $65 application plus $120 (up to 2 years)
- Expires March 31 of even-numbered years; $180 renewal
A business license with no exam. The company must be registered and in good standing with DLCP, designate a DC-licensed master, and post $5,000 surety bonds for both the company and the master. [1][8]
Who needs a license in the District
Plumber/gasfitter is one of the occupations DC law regulates, and no one may practice a licensed occupation without a current license, certificate or registration. The law defines a plumber broadly: anyone who designs, installs, repairs or removes plumbing fixtures, water supply or drainage piping, or excavates to connect a building to water mains or sewers. A gasfitter works on gas piping and appliances from the meter to the appliance.
DLCP offers plumbing, gasfitting and combined plumbing/gasfitting licenses. Federal government employees acting in their official duties are outside the District licensing law. [3][4][5][6][7]
The license ladder: apprentice to master
- Apprentice Plumber: registered without an exam; works under a licensed master.
- Journeyman Plumber or Gasfitter: 8,000 hours over at least 4 years as an apprentice, plus an exam (or a national apprenticeship certificate instead).
- Master Plumber/Gasfitter or Master Gasfitter: a journeyman license plus at least 4 years as a journeyman, and an exam.
- Plumbing/Gasfitting Contractor: a business license that needs a designated DC-licensed master and surety bonds; no exam.
DLCP's application instructions describe the experience as 4 years and 8,000 work hours for the journeyman exam and 8 years and 16,000 hours for the master exam.
Compare with other places on the plumber hub and in journeyman vs. master. [2][3][8]
The exam
DLCP uses PSI. Schedule online at psiexams.com or by phone at (855) 557-0616.
PSI's DC bulletin (updated August 2022) lists the journeyman plumber exam at 70 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours and the journeyman plumber with gas exam at 70 questions in 4 hours. Master exams are 100 questions in 4 hours. All are open book and cost $52. The bulletin and DLCP's instructions list the 2012 International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code as references; check the current editions with PSI before you buy books.
With proof that you completed a nationally certified apprenticeship, you can skip the journeyman exam. The law accepts a certificate from a national certifying organization registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or the DC Apprenticeship Council in place of the exam and the experience requirement. [1][2][3][9]
Fees and renewal
The Board of Industrial Trades lists a $65 application fee for plumbers and gasfitters. A license costs $110 for an apprentice or journeyman and $120 for a master or contractor, each for up to 2 years. Renewals are $110 for apprentices and journeymen, $155 for masters and $180 for contractors, with a $50 late fee. PSI's exam fee of $52 is separate.
Every plumbing and gasfitting license expires on March 31 of even-numbered years, whenever you got it. Application fees are not refundable. [1][3][9]
Union and open-shop apprenticeships in the District
The union route is Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5, part of the United Association (UA). Its training school uses UA training materials, and it picks apprentices on test scores and an interview.
Open-shop training is offered through ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) of Metro Washington's CraftMasters program, where registered apprentices work for an approved apprenticeship employer and attend classes, usually at night.
The District's apprenticeship office at DOES says most programs want a diploma or GED, some give an aptitude test, and transportation is usually required. More background: how to get an apprenticeship and union vs. non-union. [10][11][12][13][14]
If you're licensed in another state
On October 8, 2025, DLCP announced that journeyman and master plumbers and gasfitters licensed in Maryland are eligible for a DC license through reciprocity, without the exam, and began taking applications. You must have earned your Maryland license by examination and hold a current, active license in good standing, and you upload a letter of good standing or verification from Maryland's board. Maryland's Board of Plumbing minutes from October 16, 2025 say the agreement was fully executed and in place, covering only master and journeyman plumber/gas fitters and requiring a backflow certification.
The DC Board's draft minutes record votes on December 16, 2025 approving the Maryland and District of Columbia Plumbing Reciprocity Agreement and a revised version. Maryland's minutes from December 18, 2025 say the revised agreement is in effect and does not include gas-fitter-only licenses. Apply through DLCP's online portal, and confirm the current terms with DLCP first.
The DC minutes also say staff are talking with Maryland and Virginia about more reciprocity for plumbers; that work was ongoing as of February 2026. DC law separately lets the Board waive the exam for someone licensed in a state with standards at least as high as the District's that admits DC licensees the same way. See our reciprocity guide and the Maryland plumber page. [1][15][16][17][18][19][20]
Steps to get licensed in District of Columbia
Get hired or accepted into an apprenticeship
Find work with a plumbing contractor or apply to a program such as Local 5. DLCP needs proof of employment or school enrollment to register you. [3][11]
Register as an apprentice
Apply through DLCP's online application with a 2x2 photo and a government ID. The application fee is $65 and the apprentice license is $110 for up to 2 years. There is no exam. [1][2][3]
Work 8,000 hours under a master
Log at least 8,000 hours over at least 4 years as an apprentice. Ask each master you work under for an employment verification letter that shows how long you worked and what you did. [2][3]
Apply for the journeyman license
Submit tax records and employment verification letters. If you completed a nationally certified apprenticeship, send your certificate of completion to waive the exam. [3]
Pass the PSI exam
Schedule with PSI online or at (855) 557-0616. The journeyman plumber exam is 70 questions, 3 hours, open book, $52. [1][9]
Work toward master
After at least 4 years as a journeyman, apply for the master plumber/gasfitter license and take the 100-question master exam. [2][9]
Where to get the hours
Programs that train plumbers in or for District of Columbia, from their own official pages. Listed by type, not ranked.
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Union
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 apprenticeship (UA)
The United Association plumbers' program for the DC area, listed by DLCP as a training resource. Apprentices are paid for on-the-job work and take related classes; applications are online. [3][10][11]
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Open shop
ABC of Metro Washington CraftMasters
Associated Builders and Contractors' training trust offers apprenticeship training in up to 21 trades, approved by the DC Apprenticeship Council. Registered apprentices must be employed and enrolled by an approved apprenticeship employer. [12][13]
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State program
DOES Office of Apprenticeship Information and Training
The District's apprenticeship office. To apply for apprenticeship through DOES you attend a virtual information session about DC's apprenticeship system, pre-apprenticeship and eligibility. [14]
Licensed in another state?
Master and Journeyman Plumber/Gasfitter: MD
On October 8, 2025, DLCP announced that journeyman and master plumbers and gasfitters licensed in Maryland can get a DC license by reciprocity, without the exam, if they earned the Maryland license by examination and hold it current, active and in good standing; you upload a letter of good standing. The agreement was revised in December 2025: Maryland's Board of Plumbing says it now covers only master and journeyman plumber/gas fitter licenses (not gas-fitter-only licenses) and requires backflow certification. Confirm the details with DLCP before you apply. [1][15][16][18][19]
Also listed by: Delaware, Maryland, Utah (their own boards list District of Columbia as a partner; check both sides before you move).
Questions people ask
How many hours do you need to be a journeyman plumber in DC?
At least 8,000 hours over at least 4 years as an apprentice plumber or gasfitter, plus a passing PSI exam score. A completed nationally certified apprenticeship can replace the exam. [2][3]
Do I need a license to be a plumber's helper in DC?
Plumbing is a licensed occupation in DC, so register as an apprentice plumber with DLCP before you start. There's no exam; you need proof of employment or school enrollment, and fees are $65 plus $110. Apprentices work under a licensed master. [1][2][3][4]
Is the DC journeyman plumber exam open book?
Yes. PSI's bulletin lists 70 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, open book, for $52, using the International Plumbing Code as the reference. [3][9]
Does DC accept a Maryland plumbing license?
Yes. Since October 2025, DLCP accepts journeyman and master plumbers and gasfitters who earned their Maryland license by exam and hold it in good standing, without the DC exam. Maryland's Board of Plumbing says the agreement, revised in December 2025, covers master and journeyman plumber/gas fitter licenses (not gas-fitter-only) and requires backflow certification. Confirm the current terms with DLCP. [15][16][18][19]
Sources (25)
- Board of Industrial Trades, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.122, Eligibility requirements (plumbers and gasfitters), Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Plumbing/Gasfitting: Application Instructions, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Board of Industrial Trades. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.02, License, certification, and registration criteria, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.04, Regulated non-health related occupations and professions, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.121, Scope of practice for plumbers or gasfitters, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.03, Scope of subchapter, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Trade Contractor Licensing (All Trades), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Board of Industrial Trades. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Washington D.C. Contractor/Trades Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 8/25/2022), PSI Services LLC. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Apprenticeship, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local Union 5 Training Center. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Apprenticeship Applications, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local Union 5 Training Center. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Apprenticeship and Skills Training, ABC of Metro Washington. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- CraftMasters Apprenticeship Prospect Application, ABC of Metro Washington. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- How to Be an Apprentice, DC Department of Employment Services. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- ATTENTION | New Licensure Reciprocity for Maryland Plumbing Professionals in DC (October 8, 2025), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Board of Industrial Trades. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Board of Industrial Trades Meeting Minutes, December 16, 2025 (draft), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Board of Industrial Trades Meeting Minutes, February 17, 2026 (draft), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- State Board of Plumbing Business Meeting Minutes, October 16, 2025, Maryland Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- State Board of Plumbing Business Meeting Minutes, December 18, 2025, Maryland Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.12, License, certification, and registration criteria; waiver, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- D.C. Code § 47-2853.06, Establishment of boards, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School, My School DC (District of Columbia public school lottery). Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Mayor Bowser and OSSE Invite Residents to Explore Education and Professional Development Opportunities in the New Year, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Mayor Bowser Calls on Employers to Host DC High School Student Interns this School Year, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Career and Technical Education Providers, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Accessed October 11, 2026.