MICHIGAN · plumber
Journey Plumber
Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes, Plumbing Division →Scope of Work
Michigan plumbing licensure is administered statewide by the LARA Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC), Plumbing Division under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (2016 PA 407, MCL 339.6101 et seq.) and the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act. The state issues three stacked credentials: Journey Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor. Only a licensed master or journey plumber may perform plumbing in Michigan (MCL 339.6121). Source: Michigan Legislature (https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-407-of-2016).
Experience and Apprentice Registration
A Journey Plumber applicant must document at least 6,000 hours of practical plumbing experience obtained over not less than 3 years while actively registered as a Plumbing Apprentice under the supervision of a licensed master or journey plumber (MCL 339.6115). Apprentices must register with LARA within 30 days of first employment using BCC Form 3328 and renew the registration annually by April 30. Experience is certified on the Plumbing Experience Affidavit (BCC 3926) signed by the supervising master. Source: LARA Plumbing Apprentice Registration (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bcc-media/Licensing/BCC-3328-Plumbing-Apprentice-Registration-0322.pdf).
Exam
The Journey Plumber examination is administered by PSI Services under contract with LARA BCC. The written exam tests the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code (Part 7 of the state construction code, R 408.30701 to R 408.30792, effective March 12, 2024), Skilled Trades Regulation Act provisions, and standard plumbing practice including DWV, water supply and distribution, fixtures, venting, backflow, medical gas, and fuel-gas piping where applicable. The exam fee is $100 per attempt (BCC Form 741296). Source: LARA Plumbing Exam Info (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/exam-lic/plumbing-examination-licensing-registration-application-information).
FEES
Exam fee $100 per sitting. Initial license issuance typically includes a licensing fee and a regulatory assessment; applicants should confirm the current fee on the application cover sheet, as LARA periodically republishes the schedule. Verify current amounts on the Journey Plumber Application (BCC 741296).
Renewal and CE
Journey Plumber licenses renew annually by April 30. Journey plumbers must complete 5 hours of LARA-approved continuing education every 3 years, tied to the Michigan Plumbing Code update cycle; master plumbers and plumbing contractors must complete 6 hours every 3 years. Source: LARA License Renewals (https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/license-registration-renewals).
Reciprocity
Michigan does not maintain formal plumber reciprocity with other states. Out-of-state journey plumbers apply on the same forms and must sit for the Michigan exam. The Skilled Trades Regulation Act waives application, registration, and exam fees for qualifying veterans, and a 6-month temporary license is available to spouses of active-duty service members stationed in Michigan who hold an out-of-state license in good standing.
Pathway to Master
After holding a Journey Plumber license, the plumber may apply for Master Plumber licensure upon documenting an additional 4,000 hours of experience obtained over not less than 2 years immediately preceding application (MCL 339.6117). The Master credential is prerequisite to a Plumbing Contractor license, which authorizes contracting and pulling plumbing permits in the licensee's name.