Kentucky Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Kentucky’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to get a Kentucky Journeyman Plumber License
- Have at least two consecutive years of experience as an apprentice OR have completed a department-approved course along with one year of experience as an apprentice.
- Submit a Plumbing Examination Registration Form along with a passport-sized color photograph.
- Pay required fee(s).
- Pass the written and practical portions of the examination.
How to Get a Kentucky Master Plumber License
- Have at least two years of experience within the past five years as a journeyman OR have a valid license issued in another state for two of the past five years.
- Submit a Plumbing Examination Registration Form along with a passport-sized color photograph.
- Pay required fee(s).
- Pass the written examination.
Kentucky Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Last day of your birth month, every year.
Continuing Education: Six hours of continuing education are required each year for Kentucky plumbers.
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Kentucky?
Individuals must be licensed to perform any type of plumbing work within the state.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Kentucky?
- Apprentice Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
Does Kentucky have reciprocal licensing with other states?
The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction may issue a Kentucky license to any person who holds a valid license in another state if:
- That state has a statewide plumbing code.
- The other state’s examination is at least equal to that of Kentucky’s.
- The other state agrees to reciprocate with Kentucky.
Can I take my licensing exam online?
No. You must complete your Journeyman or Master exam in person and during designated times. Exams take place each year in February, May, August, and November. To get started, complete and submit this exam registration form no later than three weeks prior to the exam date.
Exams are offered in the following locations:
- Louisville
- Reidland
- Lexington
- Hazard
- Morehead
- Madisonville
Renewing a License
How do I renew my journeyman or master plumber license in Kentucky?
To renew, you must complete the required continuing education and submit your renewal application and renewal fee to the state.
If your license lapses, you have up to 180 days to renew by paying an additional revival fee.
Do I need continuing education to maintain my journeyman or master plumber license in Kentucky?
Yes. You must complete six hours of continuing education each year.
My Kentucky plumbing license has lapsed — how do I get it reinstated?
To reinstate your license, you must:
- Complete your required continuing education
- Complete an application for renewal
- Pay all renewal and revival fees
- Comply with the terms set forth by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Kentucky?
- Have at least two consecutive years of experience as an apprentice OR have completed a department-approved course along with one year of experience as an apprentice.
- Submit the completed Application for Examination along with a passport-sized color photograph.
- Pay required fee(s).
- Receive a passing score on the written and practical examination.
When and where can I take my exam?
Exams are in-person only and take place each year in February, May, August, and November. To get started, complete and submit this exam registration form no later than three weeks prior to the exam date.
Exams are offered in the following locations:
- Louisville
- Reidland
- Lexington
- Hazard
- Morehead
- Madisonville
What can I expect from the Kentucky Journeyman plumbing exam?
The exam includes a written and practical portion, each with a 2.5-hour time limit. Exam questions cover material from the Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book. To pass, you need a final score of at least 75%.
Topics covered in our Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep come from the latest Kentucky Plumbing Code, including:
- Administration, Scope and Intent/Purpose
- Definitions and Symbols
- Plumbing Math
- General Regulations
- And more!
Download our free Exam Prep guide to learn more.
How do I know if I passed the Kentucky journeyman plumber exam?
Your score is given to you after you complete the examination. If you pass, you will receive a successful notification. If you do not pass, you can retake the failed portion at a future date.
How do I get my master plumbing license in Kentucky?
- Have at least two years of experience within the past five years as a journeyman OR have a valid license issued in another state for two of the past five years.
- Submit a Plumbing Examination Registration Form along with a passport-sized color photograph.
- Pay required fee(s).
- Pass the written examination.
What can I expect from the Kentucky master plumbing exam?
The exam includes a written and practical portion, each with a 2.5-hour time limit. Exam questions cover material from the Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code Book. To pass, you need a final score of at least 75%.
Topics covered in our Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep come from the latest Kentucky Plumbing Code, including:
- Administration, Scope and Intent/Purpose
- Definitions and Symbols
- Plumbing Math
- General Regulations
- And more!
Download our free Exam Prep guide to learn more.
When and where can I take my exam?
In-person exams take place each year in February, May, August, and November. To get started, complete and submit this exam registration form no later than three weeks prior to the exam date.
Exams are offered in the following locations:
- Louisville
- Reidland
- Lexington
- Hazard
- Morehead
- Madisonville
How do I know if I passed the Kentucky master plumber exams?
Your score is given to you after completing the examination. If you pass, you will receive a successful notification. If you do not pass, you will have the opportunity to retake the test.
What continuing education is required to renew my Kentucky plumber license?
Plumbers are required to complete 6 hours of continuing education every year.
Who submits my Kentucky plumbing continuing education course completions to the state?
We will submit your course completions to the state for you.
Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Kentucky?
Yes, our courses are approved for continuing education credit.
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
500 Metro St
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 573-0397
https://dhbc.ky.gov/
Once I order a course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, can I start and stop it at any time?
Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!
Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have access to my courses?
After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Do your courses have tests?
It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.
Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.