Kentucky Department of Housing · checked 2026-10-21
Kentucky Plumber License Requirements
Statewide journeyman and master plumber licenses issued by HBC under KRS Chapter 318 and 815 KAR 20:030. Master plumber: 4 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1JP · Journeyman plumber 2 years
- 2MP · Master plumber 4 years
License levels in Kentucky
The Kentucky path has 2 steps on this page: Journeyman plumber and Master plumber. The source states the time in years.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP Journeyman plumber | 2 years | — | 2 years | Yes, 75% | Exam $50; License $60 |
| MP Master plumber | 2 years at the prior level | — | 4 years | Yes, 80% | Exam $150; License $250 |
Journeyman plumber (JP)
At least two consecutive years of experience as an apprentice plumber, or a department-approved course plus at least one year as an apprentice. Exam pass mark 75% on each portion. Source: 815 KAR 20:030, Plumbing licenses.
Master plumber (MP)
A journeyman plumber's license held for at least two years within the past five, with two years of employment under a licensed master plumber (or two years licensed in another state, or four consecutive years practising in a state with no plumbing license). Exam pass mark 80% on each portion. Source: 815 KAR 20:030, Plumbing licenses.
Exam
2 of the 2 levels listed here require an exam: Journeyman plumber and Master plumber. Published pass marks: 75% on the journeyman plumber exam and 80% on the master plumber exam.
Fees
- Journeyman plumber: exam $50, license $60 ($110 together).
- Master plumber: exam $150, license $250 ($400 together).
Reciprocity
The Kentucky sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How Kentucky compares
Among the 25 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top plumber credential, Kentucky ranks 10 of 25 from shortest (2 years) to longest (9 years). California, Florida, Illinois and Arizona set the same 4 years.
Same trade elsewhere: California · Texas · Florida · Illinois · Ohio. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Other trades in Kentucky
- Electrician: Master electrician: 8 years of experience at minimum.
All covered trades on one page: Kentucky trade licenses.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · What the license fees add up to.
Questions
Who issues the plumber license in Kentucky?
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC), Division of Plumbing. Statewide journeyman and master plumber licenses issued by HBC under KRS Chapter 318 and 815 KAR 20:030.
How long does it take to qualify for the Master plumber in Kentucky?
4 years by this site's count. A journeyman plumber's license held for at least two years within the past five, with two years of employment under a licensed master plumber (or two years licensed in another state, or four consecutive years practising in a state with no plumbing license). Exam pass mark 80% on each portion.
Does Kentucky have plumber license reciprocity?
The Kentucky sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
What are the Kentucky plumber license fees?
Journeyman plumber: exam $50, license $60. Master plumber: exam $150, license $250.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC), Division of Plumbing | 2026-10-21 |
| JP requirements | 815 KAR 20:030, Plumbing licenses | 2026-10-21 |
| MP requirements | 815 KAR 20:030, Plumbing licenses | 2026-10-21 |
| Law cited | 815 KAR 20:030; KRS Chapter 318 | 2026-10-21 |
This page summarises what the Kentucky source said on 2026-10-21. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with Kentucky Department of Housing before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.