MARYLAND · plumber
Master Plumber/Gas Fitter
Maryland Department of Labor — State Board of Plumbing, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing →Scope of Work
A Maryland Master Plumber/Gas Fitter is authorized to contract for and supervise plumbing and gas-fitting work and to pull plumbing permits statewide. The Maryland State Board of Plumbing, within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at the Maryland Department of Labor, administers licensure under Md. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions §12-301 et seq. Source: Maryland State Board of Plumbing (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/pl/) and License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/pl/plreq.shtml).
Experience and Training
Standard pathway: hold a Maryland Journey Plumber's license, then gain an additional 2 years of experience and complete at least 3,750 hours of plumbing-installation training under the supervision of a Maryland Master Plumber. Apprentice and Journey Plumber registration are prerequisites. Source: Maryland State Board of Plumbing License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/pl/plreq.shtml).
Exam
Administered by the Board's designated exam vendor. A passing score of at least 75% is required. Content covers the plumbing code currently adopted in Maryland (the Maryland Plumbing Code), Md. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions Title 12, and Board rules at COMAR 09.20. Source: Maryland OneStop Master Plumber/Gas Fitter License (https://onestop.md.gov/licenses/master-plumber-gas-fitter-license-5d1540a254f24d03e9997d59).
Insurance Required
All Maryland Master Plumbers must maintain a minimum of $400,000 in insurance coverage consisting of $300,000 commercial general liability and $100,000 property damage, written by a company approved by the Maryland Insurance Administration. Proof of current backflow certification is also required. Source: Maryland State Board of Plumbing License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/pl/plreq.shtml).
Renewal and CE
2-year renewal cycle. Licensees must complete 6 hours of Board-approved continuing education per renewal cycle. CE completed in another state to meet that state's renewal requirements does not automatically satisfy Maryland's 6-hour requirement. Source: Maryland State Board of Plumbing License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/pl/plreq.shtml).
Reciprocity
Maryland reviews reciprocal Master Plumber licensure on a case-by-case basis. Applicants licensed in another state should submit a license-verification letter and confirm current terms with the Board. WSSC Water (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties has its own separate plumbing licensure; verify WSSC requirements if working in that service territory. Source: WSSC Plumber Information (https://www.wsscwater.com/work-with-us/plumbing-and-inspections/plumber-information-and-licenses).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
Maryland plumbing apprenticeships run through UA-affiliated Plumbers Local 5 (Washington DC/Maryland), Local 486 (Baltimore), Local 602 (Washington DC area), and through non-union programs registered with PHCC Maryland, ABC Greater Baltimore, and ABC Chesapeake Shores. Community College of Baltimore County and Anne Arundel Community College provide plumbing curricula. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
Only a licensed Maryland Master Plumber/Gas Fitter (or a firm employing one as Master of record) may contract for plumbing and gas-fitting work and pull plumbing permits statewide. A Journey Plumber works under a Master. Out-of-state licensees have no automatic authority in Maryland; they must qualify and test through the Board.