Licensing Guides
New Hampshire Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in New Hampshire
Plumbing, NH
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in New Hampshire
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in New Hampshire?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in New Hampshire?
Does My New Hampshire Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in New Hampshire?
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in New Hampshire?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in New Hampshire?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and New Hampshire employs 2,530 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034 adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In New Hampshire, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly higher at 9% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in New Hampshire in July 2025 totaled 32,200, a decrease of 100 (-0.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 3,500 or 12% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. New Hampshire has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in New Hampshire
Is a license required to perform plumbing work in New Hampshire? Yes. It is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of New Hampshire, to legally perform plumbing work of any kind, you must be licensed. The state licenses every level of this workforce including apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. Licensing is overseen by The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in New Hampshire
What are the types of plumber licenses in New Hampshire?
There are three plumbing licenses available in New Hampshire. They include:
Apprentice — Works under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber to gain practical experience and complete required training hours.
Journeyman — Performs installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems. They can work independently, but under the general supervision of a master plumber.
Master — Allows the plumber to own and operate a plumbing business, train apprentices, and supervise journeymen.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice/Trainee
Be at least 16 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status.
File an application and submit appropriate fees.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Submit an endorsement letter, a signed letter written by a master plumber, or a completed apprenticeship agreement as signed and authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor for the New Hampshire Plumbing Apprentice Program.
Journeyman
Be at least 18 years old.
Complete a four-year apprenticeship program in plumbing (8,000 hours) and obtain an apprenticeship completion certificate from a qualifying plumbing apprentice program.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Submit an application to the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board.
Pay a $198 initial application fee.
Register for and pass the journeyman exam.
Master
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a journeyman plumber’s license for at least six months.
Submit an application for master plumber professional licensing to the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Pay a $330 initial application fee.
Register for and pass the master plumbing contractor license exam.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in New Hampshire
Be at least 16 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Enroll in an apprentice program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, or become sponsored by a master plumber.
Apply for an apprentice license with the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board, which requires meeting all requirements and paying a fee. Receive apprentice license.
Complete four-year apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Apply for a journeyman license.
Register for and pass the journeyman exam.
Gain six months of work experience as a licensed journeyperson working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Apply for a master license.
Register for and pass the master exam.
Receive master license.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in New Hampshire
There are many benefits to getting your New Hampshire plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in New Hampshire to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed master plumbers can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in New Hampshire?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in New Hampshire is $64,080, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In New Hampshire those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $71,200
Senior (4-7 years): $77,100
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in New Hampshire?
The application fees for New Hampshire licenses include:
Apprentice: $88
Journeyman: $198
Master: $330
Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
The journeyman and master plumber exams are $90 each.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in New Hampshire
Becoming a plumbing professional in New Hampshire isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program to begin your plumbing career. The state requires completion of a four-year apprenticeship program in plumbing, totaling 8,000 hours of hands-on training, along with 600 hours of education.
To start the process, candidates need to apply directly to a company or sponsor that offers plumbing apprentice programs, and then register the apprentice agreement letter with the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board to obtain an apprentice identification card. All candidates must pay an initial apprentice registration fee of $88.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After completing an apprenticeship, you may apply for the journeyman license. Then, after working as a journeyman for six months, you can apply for the master plumber license.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: At each of the following levels of licensure — journeyperson or master — you must pass an examination administered by ProV. There’s a $90 fee per exam.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in New Hampshire?
You can become an apprentice plumber after enrolling in an accredited trade school and/or working with a licensed master plumber and applying for an apprentice plumber license. It takes at least four years to become a New Hampshire journeyman plumber after fulfilling the apprentice plumber requirements. After six months of working as a licensed journeyman plumber, you can apply to become a master plumber.
New Hampshire Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. Since the state of New Hampshire requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you for an apprenticeship in plumbing.
In addition to its apprenticeship program, the New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades offers Plumbing 101, a pre-apprenticeship course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to advance in the apprenticeship application and interview process. Classes focus on general plumbing practices, terminology, and repairs. Students will learn about everyday tools and their uses with an emphasis on safety and use a hands-on lab for instruction on the layout and installation of basic venting, drainage systems, and domestic water piping. This program lasts between eight and 15 weeks, and tuition is $2,540.
In partnership with PHCC, Granite State Trade School offers a Plumbing Pre-Apprentice online educational course designed to help entry-level plumbing workers be productive helpers. The course includes an in-depth introduction into plumbing definitions and principles, customer service and soft skills, safety, science and math, plumbing systems and products, and troubleshooting fixtures and gas. The course only costs $29 and must be completed in four months.
Apprenticeship: Contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Education and Training Office of Apprenticeship-NH for information on accredited apprenticeship programs at (603) 225-1446 or (603) 225-1444, or visit the state apprenticeship website for more information.
Program Prerequisites: For any of these paths, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in New Hampshire, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Journeyman and master plumbing license exams are administered through ProV. To register and schedule for testing, go to https://www.provexam.com/register or call 866-720-7768. ProV also provides a candidate information bulletin that provides everything you need to know about registering for and taking the required exams.
The journeyman plumbing exam consists of 100 questions and has a three-hour time limit. Topics covered include:
Calculations
Drainage requirements
Fixtures and faucets
Plumbing fundamentals
Scope and administration
Traps and interceptors
Venting regulations
Water distribution
The master plumber exam consists of 100 questions on the same topics and must be completed in three hours.
The plumbing exam fee is $90 for each exam. Testing sites are available in Manchester, Gorham, Hampton, Nashua, and New London.
In New Hampshire, plumbing apprentice candidates may also take the First Year Bypass Test, an electronic exam with 100 multiple-choice questions. A passing grade of 70 percent is required to bypass the first year of apprenticeship-related instruction. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and eligible for an apprenticeship card at the time of test.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in New Hampshire?
Licenses are issued by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. The Board also licenses fuel gas fitters
Does My New Hampshire Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
New Hampshire doesn’t have active reciprocity agreements with other states. However, many states offer a streamlined path to licensure to out-of-state plumbers who have licensing requirements similar to their own. This will be determined on a state-by-state basis.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire grants license reciprocity to states with similar licensing requirements. Applicants need to fill out an application, pay an application fee, and provide proof of licensure in another jurisdiction.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to New Hampshire
To keep your New Hampshire state-issued license current, you must renew it every two years. Licenses expire two years from the date of issuance, on the last day of the month in the month the license was issued. License renewal fees are the same cost as the initial license.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in New Hampshire?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarship programs available in New Hampshire. Options include:
Medallion Fund Scholarship: For students of any age who are pursuing short-term vocational or technical studies.
New Hampshire Building Officials Education Foundation Scholarship: For students attending higher education and trades schools.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in New Hampshire can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many New Hampshire community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in New Hampshire?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in New Hampshire through an online portal. Users search by license type, then name or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in New Hampshire?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a New Hampshire plumbing license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about New Hampshire plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board Laws and Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in New Hampshire?
Performing plumbing work in New Hampshire without a license is a misdemeanor, and may lead to potential fines and other legal penalties. For more information, refer to the official Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board Laws and Rules.
Continuing Education
Journeyman and master plumbers must complete three years of code update continuing education each year, totaling six hours per license cycle. The OPLC provides a list of approved educators on its website.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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