Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · checked 2026-10-20
Michigan Plumber License Requirements
Statewide journey plumber, master plumber and plumbing contractor licenses under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act; only a licensed master or journey plumber may perform plumbing (MCL 339.6107). Plumbing Contractor: 5 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1J · Journey Plumber 3 years
- 2M · Master Plumber 5 years
- 3PC · Plumbing Contractor 5 years
License levels in Michigan
The Michigan path has 3 steps on this page: Journey Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Contractor. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Journey Plumber | 6,000 hours | — | 3 years | Yes | Not printed |
| M Master Plumber | 4,000 hours at the prior level | — | 5 years | Yes | Not printed |
| PC Plumbing Contractor | none stated | — | 5 years | Yes | Not printed |
Journey Plumber (J)
At least 6,000 hours of experience over at least 3 years as an apprentice plumber under a master plumber, and the board exam; at least 18 years old. MCL 339.6115. Source: MCL 339.6115.
Master Plumber (M)
A journey plumber license and 4,000 hours of experience as a journey plumber over at least 2 years immediately before applying, and the board exam. MCL 339.6113. Source: MCL 339.6113.
Plumbing Contractor (PC)
Hold a master plumber license or employ a master plumber, and pass the board's examination. MCL 339.6111. Source: MCL 339.6111.
Exam
3 of the 3 levels listed here require an exam: Journey Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Contractor. The source does not print a pass mark.
Fees
The Michigan source read prints no dollar amounts for this license. The statute sections read do not print fee amounts.
Reciprocity
The Michigan sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How Michigan compares
Among the 11 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top plumber credential, Michigan ranks 10 of 11 from shortest (3 years) to longest (6 years). Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Ohio and Georgia set the same 5 years.
Same trade elsewhere: California · Texas · Florida · Illinois · Ohio. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Other trades in Michigan
- Electrician: Master Electrician: 6 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- HVAC: Mechanical Contractor (per classification): 3 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- General contractor: Maintenance and Alteration Contractor: the source states no minimum time, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: Michigan 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 Michigan?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (State Plumbing Board). Statewide journey plumber, master plumber and plumbing contractor licenses under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act; only a licensed master or journey plumber may perform plumbing (MCL 339.6107).
How long does it take to qualify for the Plumbing Contractor in Michigan?
5 years by this site's count. Hold a master plumber license or employ a master plumber, and pass the board's examination. MCL 339.6111.
Does Michigan have plumber license reciprocity?
The Michigan sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes (State Plumbing Board) | 2026-10-20 |
| J requirements | MCL 339.6115 | 2026-10-20 |
| M requirements | MCL 339.6113 | 2026-10-20 |
| PC requirements | MCL 339.6111 | 2026-10-20 |
| Law cited | MCL 339.6107 to 339.6115 | 2026-10-20 |
This page summarises what the Michigan 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 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.