The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors including plumbing contractors, however, Pennsylvania PHCC is working on this. For public works projects, see the General Services website of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services.
Requirements to Obtaining your PA License.
Master Plumber License Requirements
Plumbing work needs to be done by a licensed master plumber. Plumbing work includes the construction, alteration, or repair of any of the following systems or components: Drainage, Cesspools, Traps, Waste vents, Water piping and Fixtures attached to plumbing elements, excluding gas or electric heaters.
Pennsylvania Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
In Pennsylvania ALL plumbing licenses are issued by the county or city offices. A journeyman plumber will still need a journeyman plumbing license in order to work legally.
In Pennsylvania, the counties and cities issue the journeyman plumbing licenses and the requirements vary. In General the journeman plumber is required to have experience as an apprentice plumber working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. And will need to continue working under a licensed plumber in order to pass the licensing exam set by your county or city. Some of the jurisdictions include but are not limited to:
- Allegheny County - Becoming a Licensed Plumber
- Scranton - Licensing, Inspections, & Permits
- City of Easton - Plumbing Code Enforcement
- City of Philadelphia - Plumber License
- Warwick Township and Lancaster County - Plumber's Registration Information
How to Get a Journeyman Plumbing License in PA?
Applying to get your Journeyman License
- All applicants will need to be at least 18 years of age
- Applicants need bo in posession of a high school diploma or GED.
- Obtain an apprentice plumber license and complete 3-4 yrs. of employment with a registered master plumber
- Contact the city or council to register for the journeyman plumber examination
In the City of Philadelphia the following fees are associated with a journeyman plumbing license: Application fee: $25 and the License fee: $100
Applying for a Master Plumber License
Master plumbers is an individual who is responsible for the installation, repair, and assessment of all machinery and appliances related to plumbing like: Drainage, Cesspools, Traps, Waste vents, Water piping and Fixtures attached to plumbing elements, excluding gas or electric heaters.
The requirements for a Pennsylvania master plumber license are:
- All applicants need to have completed a state-approved apprenticeship program
- Applicant needs to have worked for at least two years as a journeyman plumber
- Povide proof of experience
- All applicants must have passed the required exam
- Have a high school diploma or GED;
- Be at least 21 years of age.
In the City of Philadelphia the following fees are associated with a master plumber license: the exam fee is $250 per exam and the License fee is $100.
Plumbing Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
There are plenty of plumbing schools that offer a great plumbing education in Pennsylvania. Some colleges provide only online classes while others teach on campus.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA
Phone: (570) 320-2400 ext. 7336
https://www.pct.edu/
Orleans Technical Institute
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Phone: (215) 728-4700
https://orleanstech.edu/
State Licensing and Exams
Licensing and plumbing certification requirements for plumbers are usually determined at the state level and tend to vary slightly from state to state. Often, the job of enforcing and regulating these requirements falls to individual municipalities. To check the requirements for a plumbing license in a particular state select your location on the the State Licensing Requirements page.
If you need more informations on passing the journeyman plumbing exams then perhaps you might want to read: How To Do The Plumber Journeyman Exam to help you get started as an apprentice plumber or journeyman plumber.
External References
- Pennsylvania Department of General Services (state.pa.us)
- How to Get a Journeyman Plumbing License in Pennsylvania (ehow.com)
- Philadelphia permits and licenses (phila.gov)
