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Plumber · State license

How to get a plumber license in Utah

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?

Utah licenses plumbers statewide through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). You start with an apprentice plumber license, which needs no exam, and work under licensed plumbers. For journeyman you need a 576-hour approved training program plus 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice, or 16,000 hours of experience without the program, and you must pass a written exam and a hands-on practical. Utah also issues residential journeyman, residential master and master plumber licenses, and it licenses out-of-state plumbers by endorsement. [1][2][3][4]

New to the trade?

Starting from zero in Utah

In Utah you start by getting hired by a plumbing company and applying to DOPL for an apprentice plumber license; your employer signs a form naming who will supervise you. You then add classes: a technical college program DOPL recognizes, the union program at the Utah Career Center, or the UPHCA Academy. You can apply to the Utah Career Center year-round, and it doesn't require plumbing experience. [5][16][17][20][25][26][33]

  • High school diploma or GED

    Not on the state's list: DOPL's apprentice plumber page lists one requirement, a Verification of Supervision form completed and signed by your employer. Programs set their own rules. The Utah Career Center (the UA Local 140 and Utah Mechanical Contractors Association program) and the UPHCA Academy both require a high school diploma or GED. Mountainland Technical College's (MTECH) plumbing page lists a minimum age and an entrance assessment (or qualifying documents) but no diploma requirement. [16][25][26][30]

  • Minimum age

    We found no state minimum age for the apprentice license. The Utah Career Center requires you to be at least 18. MTECH's plumbing apprenticeship classes take students from age 17 High school students must be seniors. [16][30]

  • Get your apprentice license

    Apply through DOPL's apprentice plumber page with your employer's signed Verification of Supervision form. The fee is $110 plus surcharges ($116 on DOPL's paper application). Utah law requires you to name your proposed supervisor, and DOPL's rule counts only work done under the licensing and supervision rules. [2][5][14][25][27]

  • Helper jobs

    As a licensed apprentice you must work under the immediate supervision of a licensed plumber. On commercial jobs your supervisor must be on the same site On home jobs the supervisor may be away but must be available to direct and inspect your work. One licensed plumber may supervise up to three apprentices. [2][5]

  • Drug test and assessment

    The Utah Career Center requires a 10-panel drug test (you pay the testing fee), then group assessment testing, an orientation and an interview. MTECH requires its entrance assessment, or qualifying documents, before you enroll. [16][30]

  • Pay while you learn

    The Utah Career Center says its plumbing apprentices start at about 55% of the journeyman rate, currently $25.36 an hour plus benefits, and work about 1,500 hours on the job each year. [34]

  • Credit for school

    A licensed apprentice can take DOPL's competency exams (1A through 2B) to satisfy the education requirement or to place into a later year of a training program. DOPL credits at most 3,000 work hours in any 12 months. [2]

  • Still in high school?

    The state's Apprenticeship Utah site describes youth apprenticeships for ages 16 to 24 Its program, TRAC, is currently offered in the Salt Lake School District and at Salt Lake Community College. The Utah State Board of Education's Construction and Structural Systems pathway for 2026-27 includes Plumbing 1 and 2 and an apprenticeship option; some courses in it, such as Residential Construction 1 and Electrician 1, are concurrent enrollment (college credit) courses. MTECH lets high school seniors take its daytime first-year plumbing class tuition-free (fees and materials only). We found no Utah rule that counts high school CTE hours toward a plumber license; DOPL's training programs must be approved by the Utah Board of Higher Education. [2][30][31][35][36]

Where to apply in UtahHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs

Licensing office Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Plumbing · (801) 530-6628 [13]

Utah plumbing license at a glance

Who issues licenses
Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Department of Commerce [13]
Apprentice license
Required No exam, but your employer completes and signs a Verification of Supervision form [3][5][25]
Journeyman experience
576 classroom hours plus 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice, or 16,000 hours of experience alone [1][2]
Journeyman exams
Written exam (100 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass) plus a hands-on practical exam 2 projects, 2.5 hours [2][11]
Residential journeyman
432 classroom hours plus 6,000 hours as a licensed apprentice, or 12,000 hours of experience [2][8]
Master experience
4,000 hours of work plus 4,000 hours of supervisory experience as a licensed journeyman, or an associate of applied science degree plus 2,000 supervisory hours [2][11]
License fees
$110 application, $68 renewal (all plumber classifications), plus small surcharges [14]
Renewal and CE
Due November 30 of even years 12 hours of CE per 2-year period [6]
Out-of-state licenses
Licensure by endorsement if you held an equivalent license for at least 1 year [4][23]
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Starting from zero
  3. The license pathway
  4. Who needs a license in Utah
  5. The license ladder
  6. The exams
  7. Fees and renewal
  8. Union and open-shop training
  9. If you're licensed in another state
  10. Law changes coming in 2027
  11. Steps to get licensed
  12. Where to get the hours
  13. Licensed in another state?
  14. Questions people ask

The license pathway in Utah

  1. 1

    Apprentice plumber

    • $110 application (DOPL's paper form lists $116 with surcharges)
    • Every 2 years (November 30 of even years)

    Utah licenses apprentices. There is no exam; your employer completes and signs a Verification of Supervision form. You work under the immediate supervision of a licensed plumber; from your fourth year of training you may work unsupervised up to 8 hours in any 24-hour period. [3][5][6][14][25][27]

  2. 2

    Residential journeyman plumber

    • 6,000 hours on the job
    • 3 years of experience
    • 432 hours (a 3-year approved program)
    • Yes: Utah Residential Plumber Written Exam (90 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass) and the Utah Plumber Practical Exam
    • $110 application; Prov exam fees ($85 written, $78 practical)
    • Every 2 years; 12 hours CE

    For plumbing in one- to four-unit homes. You qualify with a 3-year, 432-hour approved program plus 6,000 hours as a licensed apprentice, or with 12,000 hours of experience. [2][5][6][8][11][14][28]

  3. 3

    Journeyman plumber

    • 8,000 hours on the job
    • 4 years of experience
    • 576 hours (4-year approved program)
    • Yes: Utah Plumber Written Exam (100 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass) and the Utah Plumber Practical Exam (2 projects, 2.5 hours)
    • $110 application; Prov exam fees ($85 written, $78 practical)
    • Every 2 years; 12 hours CE

    The full commercial and residential working license. You qualify with a 4-year, 576-hour approved program plus 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice, or with 16,000 hours of experience without the program. [1][2][6][11][14]

  4. 4

    Residential master plumber

    • 4,000 hours on the job
    • Yes: Utah Master Plumber Law and Rule Exam (40 questions, 2 hours, 75% to pass); practical if not already passed
    • $110 application
    • Every 2 years; 12 hours CE

    Requires 4,000 hours of work and 4,000 hours of supervisory experience as a licensed residential journeyman, or an associate of applied science degree plus 2,000 supervisory hours. A residential master can qualify a residential plumbing contractor. [2][3][5][10][11][14]

  5. 5

    Master plumber

    • 4,000 hours on the job
    • Yes: Utah Master Plumber Law and Rule Exam (40 questions, 2 hours, 75% to pass); practical if not already passed
    • $110 application
    • Every 2 years; 12 hours CE

    Requires 4,000 hours of work and 4,000 hours of supervisory experience as a licensed journeyman, or an associate of applied science degree plus 2,000 supervisory hours. A plumbing contractor must be a licensed master plumber. [2][3][5][9][11][14]

Who needs a license in Utah

Utah licenses plumbers statewide under the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act. DOPL issues five plumber licenses: apprentice, residential journeyman, journeyman, residential master and master. Like electricians, Utah plumbing apprentices get an actual license, not just a registration.

A plumbing contractor must be qualified by a licensed master plumber, and a residential plumbing contractor by a master or residential master plumber. Working after your license expires is unlawful conduct and a criminal offense under Utah law.

There is a narrow exemption for minor plumbing repairs to a fixture or appliance that don't change the water, drain, waste or vent piping or any gas appliance. It does not cover installing or replacing a water heater. [2][3][5][6][7]

The license ladder

To count, an approved program must include at least 72 classroom hours each semester, and you must pass each class with at least 75%. DOPL credits at most 3,000 work hours in any 12-month period. [1][2][5][8][9][10][11]

The exams

Prov runs Utah's plumbing exams. Journeyman candidates take the Utah Plumber Written Exam (100 questions, 4 hours) and residential candidates take the Residential Plumber Written Exam (90 questions, 4 hours); both need 70% to pass. Both also take the hands-on Utah Plumber Practical Exam: 2 projects (plastic and copper assembly) in 2.5 hours, at a Prov test center in Utah. Masters take the 40-question Master Plumber Law and Rule exam and need 75%. The written journeyman exam can be taken remotely.

Prov charges $85 for each written exam and $78 for the practical. If you fail, you can retest after 30 days, for up to six failures, then 120 days after any later failure.

When you can test: DOPL's rule lets journeyman candidates test once they have finished the first semester of their program's fourth year, are enrolled in the second, and have at least 6,000 work hours. DOPL's exam page lists 7 semesters (or the competency exam equivalent) plus 6,000 hours. DOPL's FAQ says more broadly that work and school hours must be met before you are approved to test, so confirm with DOPL.

2026 changes: Since January 1, 2026, first-time journeyman and residential journeyman candidates who trained in an approved Utah program must be approved for testing by their school, and since January 19, 2026, first-time candidates upload the Verification of Plumber Experience form when they register. DOPL's exam page still says pre-approval for testing is not required; the newer notices refer to the school's approval. [2][3][11][12][13]

Fees and renewal

DOPL charges a $110 application fee and a $68 renewal fee for all plumber classifications, plus surcharges such as a $5 plumber education and enforcement fund fee and a $1 e-library fee. Exam fees go to Prov.

Plumbing licenses renew by November 30 of even years. You need 12 hours of continuing education (CE) per period: at least 8 core hours (codes, safety and similar topics) and 4 more core or professional hours. Active-duty military members and spouses may qualify for a fee waiver. [2][6][14][15]

Union and open-shop training

The Utah Career Center runs the union route with UA Local 140 and the Utah Mechanical Contractors Association: a five-year plumbing, pipefitting and welding apprenticeship. UA Local 140 says people without trade experience should apply there. The UPHCA Academy, run by the Utah Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association, offers an online plumbing apprenticeship program; Associated Builders and Contractors of Utah says it does not run its own apprenticeship and partners with UPHCA.

Technical colleges teach the classroom part of plumbing apprenticeships; DOPL publishes a list of recognized programs. Salt Lake Community College, for example, says it does not provide on-the-job training or sponsor apprentices, so you must find your own employer. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]

If you're licensed in another state

Utah is a licensure by endorsement state. Utah Code 58-1-302 says DOPL shall license you if your out-of-state license covers a similar scope of practice, you have at least 1 year of experience under it, and it is in good standing.

For plumbers, DOPL publishes an "Endorsement to Utah" map for each license type. The journeyman map (last updated July 1, 2020) shows journeyman licenses from 32 states and Washington, D.C. as equivalent (the list above); California, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and the Carolinas are among those shown with no equivalent license. Because it dates from 2020, confirm your state with DOPL. Request a Verification of Licensure from your state and upload it with your application.

A Canadian Plumber Red Seal held at least one year is treated as equivalent to the Utah journeyman license, through the endorsement route. See also our guide to license reciprocity. [1][4][12][23]

Law changes coming in 2027

Utah has reorganized its Construction Trades Licensing Act. From January 1, 2027, the plumber qualifications move to a new section, Utah Code 58-55-404. It keeps the same basic routes: four years of training as a licensed apprentice in an approved program or eight years of approved experience for journeyman, and two years of supervisory experience as a journeyman for master. Check DOPL's laws and rules page for the current text. [24]

Steps to get licensed in Utah

  1. Get hired and apply for an apprentice license

    Find a plumbing employer, have it complete the Verification of Supervision form, and apply through DOPL's apprentice plumber page. The application fee is $110 plus surcharges. [14][25]

  2. Complete school and work hours

    For journeyman, finish an approved 576-hour program (at least 72 classroom hours each semester, 75% in each class) and 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice, or 16,000 hours without the program. DOPL credits at most 3,000 hours in any 12 months. [1][2]

  3. Register for the exams with Prov

    Register with Prov and upload the Verification of Plumber Experience form. Since January 1, 2026, first-time journeyman candidates from approved Utah programs must be approved for testing by their school. Pass the written exam and the hands-on practical. [11][13]

  4. Apply for your journeyman license

    After you meet all hour and school requirements and pass both exams, apply through DOPL's journeyman plumber page. DOPL asks you not to apply until you have passed all required exams. [1][3]

  5. Renew every two years

    Renew by November 30 of even years and complete 12 hours of approved continuing education, at least 8 of them core hours. [6][15]

Where to get the hours

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

Licensed in another state?

  • Journeyman: AK, AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NM, OK, OR, RI, SD, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV

    DOPL's "Endorsement to Utah" journeyman plumber map shows these jurisdictions' licenses as equivalent to Utah's. DOPL still links the map, but it is dated July 1, 2020, so confirm your state with DOPL. You must have held the license at least 1 year, active and in good standing, and send an official verification. New Jersey licensees need documentation of passing similar exams. [1][23]

  • All levels (Utah licensure by endorsement law)

    Utah Code 58-1-302 requires DOPL to license someone from another state whose license has a similar scope of practice, who has at least 1 year of experience under it, and who is in good standing. DOPL may also license people whose education, exams and experience show competency. [4]

Also listed by: Alaska, New Hampshire (their own boards list Utah as a partner; check both sides before you move).

Open the reciprocity map · How reciprocity works

AlaskaAK MaineME VermontVT New HampshireNH WashingtonWA IdahoID MontanaMT North DakotaND MinnesotaMN IllinoisIL WisconsinWI MichiganMI New YorkNY Rhode IslandRI MassachusettsMA OregonOR NevadaNV WyomingWY South DakotaSD IowaIA IndianaIN OhioOH PennsylvaniaPA New JerseyNJ ConnecticutCT CaliforniaCA UtahUT ColoradoCO NebraskaNE MissouriMO KentuckyKY West VirginiaWV VirginiaVA MarylandMD DelawareDE ArizonaAZ New MexicoNM KansasKS ArkansasAR TennesseeTN North CarolinaNC South CarolinaSC District of ColumbiaDC OklahomaOK LouisianaLA MississippiMS AlabamaAL GeorgiaGA HawaiiHI TexasTX FloridaFL
UT Listed here (agreement or endorsement) Lists UT

Questions people ask

How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in Utah?

About four years with an approved program: 576 classroom hours plus 8,000 hours as a licensed apprentice. DOPL credits at most 3,000 work hours a year. Without a program you need 16,000 hours of experience. [1][2]

Do apprentice plumbers need a license in Utah?

Yes. Utah issues an apprentice plumber license. There is no exam, but your employer must complete a Verification of Supervision form, and the application fee is $110 plus surcharges. [3][14][25]

Do I need a high school diploma to become a plumber in Utah?

DOPL's apprentice license page doesn't list one; it asks only for your employer's supervision form. The Utah Career Center and the UPHCA Academy both require a high school diploma or GED. [16][25][26]

Does Utah accept plumber licenses from other states?

Yes, by endorsement. If DOPL's endorsement map shows your state's license as equivalent and you have held it at least one year in good standing, you apply with a verification of licensure. [1][4][23]

How much continuing education do Utah plumbers need?

12 hours each two-year renewal period, with at least 8 core hours. [6][15]

Sources (36)
  1. Apply for a Journeyman Plumber License, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  2. R156-55c, Plumber Licensing Act Rule (effective 01/15/2026), Utah Office of Administrative Rules. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  3. Exam Information (Plumbing), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  4. Utah Code 58-1-302, License by endorsement, Utah State Legislature. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  5. Utah Code 58-55-302, Qualifications for licensure, Utah State Legislature. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  6. Renew a Plumbing License, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  7. Utah Code 58-55-305, Exemptions from licensure, Utah State Legislature. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  8. Apply for a Residential Journeyman Plumber License, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  9. Apply for a Master Plumber License, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  10. Apply for a Residential Master Plumber License, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  11. State of Utah Plumbing Candidate Information Bulletin (2026.08.07), Prov, Inc.. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  12. Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  13. Plumbing, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  14. DOPL Fee Schedule, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  15. Continuing Education (Plumbing), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  16. How to Apply to the Utah Career Center Apprentice Program, Utah Career Center (UA Local 140/UMCA). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  17. Joining Local 140, UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 140. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  18. Frequently Asked Questions, UPHCA Academy (Utah Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  19. Apprenticeship Program, Associated Builders and Contractors of Utah. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  20. Resources (Plumbing), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  21. Recognized Utah Plumber Apprentice Programs (PDF), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  22. Plumber Independent - Apprenticeship Training, Salt Lake Community College. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  23. Endorsement to Utah: Journeyman Plumber (map, last updated 7/1/2020), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  24. Utah Code 58-55-404, Qualifications for licensure (effective 1/1/2027), Utah State Legislature. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  25. Apply for an Apprentice Plumber License, Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  26. Student Requirements & Responsibilities, UPHCA Academy (Utah Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  27. Apprentice Plumber application (PDF), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  28. Utah Code 58-55-102, Definitions, Utah State Legislature. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  29. Websites (Plumbing), Utah Division of Professional Licensing. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  30. Plumbing Apprenticeship, Mountainland Technical College. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  31. Find Opportunities, Apprenticeship Utah (State of Utah). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  32. Construction, Apprenticeship Utah (State of Utah). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  33. HVAC Apprenticeship, Utah Career Center (UA Local 140/UMCA). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  34. Plumbing Apprenticeship, Utah Career Center (UA Local 140/UMCA). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  35. Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection (TRAC), Talent Ready Utah, Utah System of Higher Education. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  36. Career Pathway Chart 2026-2027: Construction & Structural Systems, Utah State Board of Education. Accessed October 11, 2026.