IDAHO · plumber
Journeyman Plumber
Idaho Division of Building Safety — Plumbing Bureau →Scope
Idaho licenses plumbers at the state level through the Plumbing Bureau at the Division of Building Safety (DBS) under Idaho Code Title 54 Chapter 26 (Idaho Plumbing License Act). DBS issues Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Contractor plumber credentials. Source: Idaho DBS Plumbing (https://dbs.idaho.gov/bureaus/plumbing/) and DBS Plumbing Licensing (https://dbs.idaho.gov/bureaus/plumbing/licensing/).
Experience
A Journeyman Plumber applicant must document 8,000 hours (approximately four years) of practical plumbing experience as a registered apprentice under the supervision of a licensed Idaho Master or Journeyman Plumber. Hours are counted through DBS apprentice registration or an equivalent registered apprenticeship. Source: Idaho Code 54-2608 and IDAPA 07.02.05.
Education
Applicants must complete the classroom instruction in plumbing theory, code, and safety required for a four-year apprenticeship, typically delivered through PHCC Idaho, UA Local 296 JATC, or an Idaho-approved post-secondary program.
Exam
Administered by DBS directly or by a contracted testing vendor listed on the DBS plumbing licensing page. The exam is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code edition currently adopted by Idaho plus Idaho-specific law and rule under IDAPA 07.02.05. Verify current passing score and exam fees on the DBS plumbing licensing page.
Reciprocity
Idaho has plumbing reciprocity agreements with neighboring states under Idaho Code 54-2615 and IDAPA 07.02.05. Historical reciprocal states have included Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Alaska, subject to current DBS rule and equivalent licensing standards. Verify the current reciprocity list on the DBS plumbing licensing page before relying.
Renewal and CE
Idaho plumber licenses renew annually under Idaho Code 54-2609. Journeyman and Master Plumbers must complete approved continuing education each renewal, including plumbing-code update instruction, per IDAPA 07.02.05. Verify the current CE structure and approved courses on the DBS plumbing CE page before each renewal.
Background Check
Idaho Code 54-2608 authorizes DBS to require background checks for new applicants.
Scope Limits
A Journeyman Plumber performs installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems under the supervision of a Master Plumber. The journeyman cannot pull permits in the journeyman's own name; permits are pulled by a licensed Plumbing Contractor with a Master Plumber of record.
Reciprocity
Accepts from: montana, wyoming, oregon, washington, utah, alaska