Maine Plumbers' Examining Board · checked 2026-10-20
Maine Plumber License Requirements
Statewide trainee, journeyman-in-training, journeyman and master plumber licenses set by 32 M.R.S. § 3501. Master Plumber: 3 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1T · Trainee Plumber entry level
- 2J · Journeyman Plumber 2 years
- 3M · Master Plumber 3 years
License levels in Maine
The Maine path has 3 steps on this page: Trainee Plumber, Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. The source counts experience in hours; the "time from start" column turns those hours into full-time years at 2,000 hours a year.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T Trainee Plumber | none stated | — | entry level | No | Not printed |
| J Journeyman Plumber | 4,000 hours at the prior level | — | 2 years | Yes | Not printed |
| M Master Plumber | 2,000 hours at the prior level | — | 3 years | Yes | Not printed |
Trainee Plumber (T)
Issued without examination to a person employed by a licensed master plumber, or by an entity that employs one, to assist that plumber. § 3501(3). Source: 32 M.R.S. § 3501.
Journeyman Plumber (J)
At least 2 years with 4,000 hours of work in plumbing installations as a licensed trainee plumber under a master plumber, and a passing grade on the journeyman's examination. § 3501(2)(A). Source: 32 M.R.S. § 3501.
Master Plumber (M)
At least one year with 2,000 hours of work as a journeyman plumber, or at least 4 years with 8,000 hours as a trainee plumber, and a passing grade on the master's examination. § 3501(2-A). Source: 32 M.R.S. § 3501.
Maine also issues narrower classes on the same page: Journeyman-in-training: 2,000 hours under a master plus one year (two semesters) of plumbing coursework; a single nonrenewable four-year license.
Exam
2 of the 3 levels listed here require an exam: Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. The source does not print a pass mark.
Fees
The Maine source read prints no dollar amounts for this license. Section 3501 sets eligibility, not fees.
Reciprocity
The Maine sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How Maine compares
Among the 11 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top plumber credential, Maine ranks 1 of 11 from shortest (3 years) to longest (6 years). No other state here sets exactly 3 years.
Same trade elsewhere: Connecticut · Massachusetts · New Hampshire · Vermont · Rhode Island. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Other trades in Maine
- Electrician: Master Electrician: 6 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: Maine trade licenses.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · How trade license exams work.
Questions
Who issues the plumber license in Maine?
Maine Plumbers' Examining Board. Statewide trainee, journeyman-in-training, journeyman and master plumber licenses set by 32 M.R.S. § 3501.
How long does it take to qualify for the Master Plumber in Maine?
3 years by this site's count. At least one year with 2,000 hours of work as a journeyman plumber, or at least 4 years with 8,000 hours as a trainee plumber, and a passing grade on the master's examination. § 3501(2-A).
Does Maine have plumber license reciprocity?
The Maine sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Maine Plumbers' Examining Board | 2026-10-20 |
| T requirements | 32 M.R.S. § 3501 | 2026-10-20 |
| J requirements | 32 M.R.S. § 3501 | 2026-10-20 |
| M requirements | 32 M.R.S. § 3501 | 2026-10-20 |
| Law cited | 32 M.R.S. § 3501 | 2026-10-20 |
This page summarises what the Maine source said on 2026-10-20. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with Maine Plumbers' Examining Board before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.