NEW-JERSEY · plumber
Master Plumber
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers →Scope of Work
A New Jersey Master Plumber is authorized to engage in the business of plumbing, contract for plumbing work, and pull plumbing permits. The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, administers the license under N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1 et seq. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu).
Experience and Training
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and satisfy one of the qualifying pathways: (a) completion of a 4-year USDOL-approved plumbing apprenticeship (with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related instruction over the 4 years) plus 1 year (1,200 hours) of practical hands-on experience as a journeyman plumber in New Jersey, totaling approximately 9,200 hours of documented experience; or (b) a Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering from an accredited institution, including education in propane services meeting Board requirements, plus 1 year (1,200 hours) of practical hands-on journeyman experience in New Jersey. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers FAQ (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu/Pages/FAQ.aspx).
Exam
Administered in three parts: a plumbing trade section, a business and law section, and a practical section. Applicants must score at least 70% on each section to pass. Content covers the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code plumbing subcode (which incorporates the National Standard Plumbing Code), N.J.S.A. 45:14C, and Board rules. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers FAQ (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu/Pages/FAQ.aspx).
Fees
Exam application fee is $100; initial license fee is $160, per the Board's published schedule. Verify current fees before applying. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu).
Renewal and CE
2-year renewal cycle. Verify current continuing-education rules on the Board's website before renewal. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu).
Reciprocity
New Jersey 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. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
New Jersey plumbing apprenticeships run through UA-affiliated Plumbers Local 14 (Bergen County), Local 24 (Bloomfield), Local 9 (Trenton), Local 322 (southern NJ), and related locals, plus non-union programs registered with PHCC of New Jersey and MCANJ. New Jersey county vocational schools and Mercer County Community College provide related-instruction hours. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
Only a licensed Master Plumber (or a firm employing one as Master of record) may pull plumbing permits and contract for plumbing work in New Jersey. A journeyman plumber works under a Master. Out-of-state licensees have no automatic authority in New Jersey; they must qualify and test through the Board.