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Plumber · Local (city/county) licenses

How to become a licensed plumber in New York

State law and licensing-board sources · Last reviewed October 11, 2026

Journeyman level Licensed by cities or counties, not the state What's a journeyman?

In New York, plumbers are licensed by local governments such as New York City and Westchester County. In New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB) registers journeyman plumbers and licenses master plumbers. You can register as a journeyman after five years of full-time plumbing work under a licensed master plumber, or after a New York State registered training program plus one year of work in the city. The master license takes seven years of experience, at least two of them as a registered journeyman, and a written and a practical exam. [1][2][3][4]

New to the trade?

Starting from zero in New York

NYC's plumbing credentials start at the journeyman level, after years of work, and Westchester's journey-level license also comes after 5 years of work or a 5-year apprenticeship. Your first step is to get hired by a licensed master plumber, or to apply to a registered apprenticeship posted on the New York State Department of Labor's recruitment page. In New York City, keep records of every employer and supervisor: your hours under a licensed master plumber count toward the journeyman registration after five years, and the supervisor affidavits ask for your job title, such as helper. [2][12][14][15]

  • High school diploma or GED

    Set by the programs, not by a state or city license rule. The NYS Department of Labor says most registered apprenticeship sponsors require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Union pipe-trades programs upstate list it: Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 22 (Buffalo area, steamfitter apprentices) and Local 81 (Syracuse area) require a high school diploma or equivalency such as the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) or GED (General Educational Development test), and so did Local 7 (Albany area) in its 2025-26 recruitment, which closed September 30, 2026. NYC DOB's journeyman and master qualifications are based on age, English, fitness, character and experience. [2][3][15][17][18][20]

  • Minimum age

    Registered apprentices in New York must be 18, or 16 to 17 with parental approval (NYS Department of Labor). Local 22 requires 18 (as did Local 7's 2025-26 recruitment) Local 81 takes applicants at 17. NYC's journeyman registration and master license both require age 18. [2][3][15][17][18][20]

  • Register before you start work

    NYC DOB's plumbing credentials start at the journeyman level, which needs years of experience first. In a registered apprenticeship, you and the sponsor sign a written apprenticeship agreement that the NYS Department of Labor approves and registers. [1][2][15]

  • Helper jobs

    NYC counts full-time plumbing experience under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber. Gas work is different: in NYC only a licensed master plumber or a holder of a DOB Gas Work Qualification may do it. [2][6]

  • NYC Site Safety Training (SST) card

    On NYC job sites that need a Site Safety Plan and a designated superintendent or site safety coordinator or manager, workers need an SST card showing at least 40 hours of DOB-defined safety training. The city's Department of Small Business Services offers free SST training and cards. [21]

  • Aptitude test or math

    Programs set their own tests. Local 22 requires a score of at least 4 out of 7 on WorkKeys Applied Mathematics, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy Local 7's 2025-26 recruitment required a score of 50 or higher on the Wonderlic Basic Skills test to be interviewed. [17][20]

  • Driver's license and transportation

    Local 22 requires a valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation Local 81 requires a valid driver's license. [17][18]

  • Drug test and physical

    Local 22 requires a drug test (paid by the sponsor) and a physician's statement Local 7's 2025-26 recruitment required a physical exam and drug test after selection, paid by the sponsor. [17][20]

  • Application windows

    Union programs accept applications only during recruitment periods, which the NYS Department of Labor posts by region. For example, Local 22 hands out applications in person on the second Tuesday of each month from January 13, 2026 through January 12, 2027, and requires residence in its Western New York counties. [14][17]

  • Pre-apprenticeship (Direct Entry)

    NYS DOL-approved Direct Entry programs teach basic workplace math and work skills, help with a high school equivalency diploma, can't charge tuition, and give successful participants a direct chance to interview with a registered apprenticeship sponsor. You still have to meet the sponsor's minimum qualifications. [19]

  • Credit for prior experience

    NYS DOL (U.S. Department of Labor) says your employer may give you credit toward your apprenticeship for prior work experience or coursework in the trade. In NYC, a completed New York State registered training program plus one year of NYC experience qualifies you for the journeyman registration. [2][15]

  • Pay while you learn

    Registered apprentices have a job from day one, with salary steps over time. Related classroom training is usually offered by the sponsor at no cost to you, and classes are usually in the evenings. [15][22]

  • Still in high school?

    The NYS Department of Labor says registered apprenticeship programs are open to people as young as 16 while they're still in high school (16- and 17-year-olds need parental approval), though the union plumbing programs listed here start at 17 or 18. In school, look for a NYSED-approved career and technical education (CTE) program (NYSED CTE program approval): approved programs lead to an industry-recognized credential, certificate or degree, can give you college credit or advanced standing while still in high school, and let you use the CTE "4+1" graduation pathway. NYC's journeyman and master qualifications count work experience, degrees and registered training programs High school courses aren't on the list. [2][3][15][17][18][22][23]

Where to apply in New YorkHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs

New York plumbing license at a glance

Who issues licenses
Local governments In New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB); in Westchester County, the Department of Consumer Protection [1][4]
NYC journeyman plumber
DOB registration: 5 years of full-time work under a licensed master plumber (1 in NYC), or a NYS registered training program plus 1 year in NYC $50 [2]
NYC master plumber experience
7 years within the last 10 under a licensed master plumber, at least 2 of them as a registered journeyman plumber [3]
NYC master exams
Written ($585; multiple choice, no reference materials, 70% to pass) and practical $530 [3]
NYC master license fees
$200 license + $50 seal 3-year term; renewal $150 + $75 seal with a 7-hour continuing education course [1][10]
Gas work in NYC
Requires a master plumber license or a DOB Gas Work Qualification Local Law 150 of 2016 [6]
Westchester County
Journey-level plumber (5 years or a 5-year apprenticeship) and master plumber (10 years) licenses, each with a county exam [11][12]
Minimum age (NYC)
18 [2][3]
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Starting from zero
  3. The license pathway
  4. Who licenses plumbers in New York
  5. NYC journeyman plumber registration
  6. Gas work in NYC
  7. NYC master plumber requirements
  8. The NYC master plumber exams
  9. NYC fees and renewal
  10. Westchester County plumbing licenses
  11. Union and open-shop apprenticeships
  12. If you're licensed in another state
  13. Steps to get licensed
  14. Where to get the hours
  15. Licensed in another state?
  16. Questions people ask

The license pathway in New York

  1. 1

    Plumber's helper or apprentice (no license)

    • Registered apprenticeships include related classroom instruction

    You work under a licensed master plumber. New York State's registered plumber apprenticeship has a 60-month term. In NYC, your full-time hours under a licensed master plumber are what later qualify you for the journeyman registration. [2][15][16]

  2. 2

    Journeyman Plumber (NYC registration)

    • 5 years of experience
    • Or a NYS registered training program plus 1 year of NYC experience
    • $50 registration

    A DOB registration for experienced plumbers working under a master. You qualify with 5 years of full-time plumbing under a licensed master plumber (at least 1 in NYC), or by completing a New York State registered training program and working 1 year in NYC. You apply in DOB NOW: Licensing with notarized employer affidavits and a Social Security earnings history. [2]

  3. 3

    Journey-Level Plumber (Westchester County)

    • 5 years of experience
    • Or completion of a 5-year plumbing apprentice program
    • Yes: county exam based on the 2024 International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code
    • $25 application

    Westchester requires plumbers to hold a county trade license. You qualify with 5 years in the plumbing business as an apprentice employed by licensed master plumbers, or by completing a 5-year plumbing apprentice program. [4][11][12][13]

  4. 4

    Master Plumber (NYC)

    • 7 years of experience
    • Yes: written ($585) and practical ($530)
    • $200 license + $50 seal
    • Every 3 years; $150 + $75 seal; 7-hour CE course

    Lets you do plumbing work in New York City. You need 7 years within 10 under a licensed master plumber, at least 2 as a registered journeyman (shorter routes exist for engineering graduates and NYS-licensed architects and engineers), and you must run a business with a place of business in the city. [1][3][10]

  5. 5

    Master Plumber (Westchester County)

    • 10 years of experience
    • Yes: county exam based on the 2024 International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code
    • $50 application

    The county-wide master license. You need 10 years of full-time experience employed by a licensed master plumber. [11][12][13]

Who licenses plumbers in New York

Plumbing licenses in New York come from local governments. The biggest licensing body is the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), which licenses master plumbers and registers journeyman plumbers. Westchester County says plumbers "must obtain a trade license from Westchester County in order to work in the county," starting with a county licensing exam. Suffolk County's licensing law (Chapter 563) also refers to electricians and plumbers licensed under its Article XI.

If you'll work somewhere else in New York, ask that city's, town's or county's building department or consumer affairs office what it requires. A license from one place doesn't automatically let you work in another. [1][2][4][5]

NYC journeyman plumber registration

To register you must be at least 18, able to read, write and understand English, fit to do the work and of good moral character. DOB also expects "a progressive understanding, proficiency and competence" in the trade, including working familiarity with the Code and the ability to draft simple diagrams and read drawings. Then you need one of these:

You apply in DOB NOW: Licensing. Upload photo ID, your Social Security card, a DPL1 form, any Department of Labor apprenticeship or training certificate, typed notarized affidavits from your employers (sealed if they are NYC licensees), a Social Security earnings history and a child support form, and pay the $50 fee. [2]

Gas work in NYC

Local Law 150 of 2016 requires anyone doing gas work in NYC to hold a DOB master plumber license or a Gas Work Qualification. Doing gas work without one can bring a $5,000 violation and a stop work order.

Each qualification has a $50 registration fee. [6][7][8][9]

NYC master plumber requirements

You must be at least 18, able to read and write English, fit to do the work and of good moral character, and meet one of these experience options:

As a license applicant you must be an officer, partner or sole proprietor of a business with a place of business in NYC in a properly zoned location. The business needs general liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance. [3]

The NYC master plumber exams

The exam administrator emails scheduling instructions within 2 to 3 weeks, and exams are given at several locations around New York State. The DOB Licensing & Exams Unit's phone number is (212) 393-2259. [3]

NYC fees and renewal

[1][10]

Westchester County plumbing licenses

Westchester's Board of Plumbing Examiners gives exams for a journey-level plumber and a county-wide master plumber license. Exams are based on the 2024 International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code, and in 2026 they're held in February, April, June and November.

You document experience with a Social Security earnings report (or W-2s) and notarized employment verification forms. Call the Trades Licensing Division at (914) 995-2657. [11][12][13]

Union and open-shop apprenticeships

The New York State Department of Labor posts recruitments for registered apprenticeship programs by region, and keeps a list of active sponsors you can search by trade. Its plumber apprenticeship runs 60 months, and plumber and steamfitter programs run 51 to 60 months.

Union plumbing apprenticeships are run by United Association (UA) locals. Recent examples on the state's list include Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 22 (Western New York) and Local 81 (Syracuse, Ithaca, Oswego and Gouverneur). Compare routes in union vs. non-union and how to get an apprenticeship. [14][15][16][17][18]

If you're licensed in another state

What matters is the rules of the city or county where you'll work. In NYC, master plumber candidates must pass both the written and practical exams, but experience under a licensed master plumber anywhere "in the United States" can count, as long as you meet the NYC and journeyman parts of the rule. Westchester asks for letters of good standing from any outside jurisdiction where you or your employer hold licenses.

See our license reciprocity guide and reciprocity map. [3][12]

Steps to get licensed in New York

  1. Get hired under a licensed master plumber

    Start as a helper or registered apprentice. Find open recruitments on the NYS Department of Labor announcements page. [2][14]

  2. Register as a journeyman plumber (NYC)

    After 5 years of full-time plumbing under a licensed master plumber (1 in NYC), or a NYS registered training program plus 1 year in NYC, apply in DOB NOW: Licensing with typed, notarized employer affidavits, a Social Security earnings history and the $50 fee. [2]

  3. Get a Gas Work Qualification if you'll do gas work

    The Full Gas Work Qualification requires a 50-question exam (70% to pass) and either a journeyman registration, a completed DOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 year under a master plumber, or 5 years of gas work. The registration fee is $50 and the qualification doesn't expire. [6]

  4. Build master-level experience

    You need 7 years within the last 10 under a licensed master plumber in the United States, with at least 2 years as a registered journeyman plumber. [3]

  5. Pass the written and practical exams

    Pay $585 for the written exam through the License Exam Application/Payment function on the DOB NOW public portal, then $530 for the practical. You have 24 months from your written result to pass the practical. [3]

  6. File the background application

    Within 1 year of your practical exam notification, upload your score report, physical exam form, supervisors' experience verification forms, earnings history, ID and business documents in DOB NOW: Licensing. [3]

  7. Renew every 3 years

    Renew in DOB NOW: Licensing with a physical exam form and a 7-hour continuing education certificate. Renewal is $225 ($150 license, $75 seal). [1][10]

Where to get the hours

Programs that train plumbers in or for New York, from their own official pages. Listed by type, not ranked.

Licensed in another state?

We didn't find a reciprocity agreement published by the licensing office for this license. Ask the office how it treats an out-of-state license or experience before you apply.

Open the reciprocity map · How reciprocity works

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NY Listed here (agreement or endorsement)

Questions people ask

Is there a journeyman plumber license in New York City?

Yes, as a DOB registration. You qualify with 5 years of full-time plumbing under a licensed master plumber (1 year in NYC), or a New York State registered training program plus 1 year in NYC. The fee is $50. [2]

How long does it take to become a master plumber in NYC?

Usually 7 years of experience within the last 10 under a licensed master plumber, with at least 2 of those years as a registered journeyman plumber. Then you pass a written and a practical exam. [3]

Do I need a license to do gas work in NYC?

Yes. Under Local Law 150 of 2016 you need a master plumber license or a DOB Gas Work Qualification (Limited or Full). [6]

Do I need a diploma to become a plumber's apprentice in New York?

It depends on the program. The NYS Department of Labor says most sponsors require a high school diploma or equivalent, and union locals such as Local 22 and Local 81 require one. [15][17][18]

Sources (23)
  1. Master Plumbers & Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  2. Obtain a: Journeyman Plumber/Fire Suppression Piping Installer Registration, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  3. Obtain a: Master Plumber License, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  4. Plumbing and Electrical Licenses, Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  5. Suffolk County Law Regarding Home Improvement License (Chapter 563), Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  6. Full Gas Work Qualification, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  7. Limited Gas Work Qualification, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  8. Local Law 150 of 2016 (gas work qualifications), New York City Council / NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  9. 1 RCNY 104-12: Gas Work Qualifications, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  10. License Renewal: Master Plumber & Master Fire Suppression Contractor, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  11. Apply for a Plumbing or Electrical License, Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  12. Master and Journey-Level Plumbing Exam Application, Westchester County Board of Plumbing Examiners. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  13. 2026 Exam Schedule: Master Electrician, Master Plumber and Journey-Level Plumber, Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  14. Apprenticeship Announcements, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  15. Become an Apprentice, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  16. Apprenticeship Trades, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  17. Plumbers & Steamfitters LU #22 JAC of Western NY: Plumbers & Steamfitters Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  18. Plumbers & Steamfitters JATC LU# 81: Plumbers & Steamfitters Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  19. Apprenticeship Direct Entry, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  20. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #7 JAC: Plumbers and Steamfitters Recruit Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  21. SST Information, NYC Department of Buildings. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  22. The Registered Apprenticeship Program for Apprentices, New York State Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  23. CTE Program Approval, New York State Education Department. Accessed October 11, 2026.

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