KENTUCKY · plumber
Master Plumber
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Division of Plumbing →Scope of work
Kentucky issues Master Plumber and Journeyman Plumber licenses under KRS Chapter 318 and the Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations and Code (most recent revision 2022). The Division of Plumbing in the DHBC administers licensure. A Master Plumber may operate a plumbing business. A Journeyman Plumber installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems under master supervision. Source: KY DHBC Division of Plumbing (https://dhbc.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=337); 815 KAR 20:030 (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/030/).
Experience and training
Journeyman applicants must have at least 2 consecutive years as an apprentice plumber, or complete a department-approved course on plumbing practice or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code together with at least 1 year of apprentice experience. Master applicants must hold a Kentucky Journeyman Plumber license and have 2 additional years of work under a licensed master plumber's supervision, or hold a Kentucky engineer license. Source: 815 KAR 20:030 (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/030/); KY DHBC Plumbing Exam (https://dhbc.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=343).
Exam
Candidates register on Form PLB-3. Testing fee is $50 for the Journeyman exam and $150 for the Master exam. A passing score of at least 75 percent per section is required for Journeyman; 80 percent per section for Master. Source: KY DHBC Plumbing Licensing Examination (https://dhbc.ky.gov/newstatic_info.aspx?static_id=343).
Fees
Journeyman license fee is $60. Master license fee is $250. Annual renewal mirrors the license fee. Source: 815 KAR 20:030 (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/030/).
Renewal and CE
Annual renewal by the end of the licensee's birth month. 6 hours of continuing education are required each year for Kentucky plumbers. Source: KY DHBC (https://dhbc.ky.gov/).