Montana Department of Labor and Industry · checked 2026-10-21
Montana Plumber License Requirements
Statewide journeyman and master plumber licenses issued for the State Board of Plumbers under Title 37, chapter 69 of the Montana Code. Master plumber: 9 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1J · Journeyman plumber 5 years
- 2M · Master plumber 9 years
License levels in Montana
The Montana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Journeyman plumber | 5 years | — | 5 years | Yes | Not printed |
| M Master plumber | 4 years at the prior level | — | 9 years | Yes | Not printed |
Journeyman plumber (J)
A specific record of five years of legally obtained plumbing experience and a written exam prescribed by the board. Source: MCA 37-69-304, Journeyman plumber qualifications.
Master plumber (M)
Four years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber and three years working with a licensed master plumber or in a supervisory role (the two may overlap), shown by time or pay records, then the board's master exam. A qualifying year is at least 1,500 hours of work within 12 consecutive months. Source: MCA 37-69-305, Master plumber qualifications.
Exam
2 of the 2 levels listed here require an exam: Journeyman plumber and Master plumber. The source does not print a pass mark.
Fees
The Montana source read prints no dollar amounts for this license. The sections read print no fee amounts.
Reciprocity
The Montana sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How Montana compares
Among the 25 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top plumber credential, Montana ranks 25 of 25 from shortest (2 years) to longest (9 years). No other state here sets exactly 9 years.
Same trade elsewhere: California · Texas · Florida · Illinois · Ohio. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Other trades in Montana
- Electrician: Master electrician: 8 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: Montana 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 Montana?
Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Board of Plumbers. Statewide journeyman and master plumber licenses issued for the State Board of Plumbers under Title 37, chapter 69 of the Montana Code.
How long does it take to qualify for the Master plumber in Montana?
9 years by this site's count. Four years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber and three years working with a licensed master plumber or in a supervisory role (the two may overlap), shown by time or pay records, then the board's master exam. A qualifying year is at least 1,500 hours of work within 12 consecutive months.
Does Montana have plumber license reciprocity?
The Montana sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Board of Plumbers | 2026-10-21 |
| J requirements | MCA 37-69-304, Journeyman plumber qualifications | 2026-10-21 |
| M requirements | MCA 37-69-305, Master plumber qualifications | 2026-10-21 |
| Law cited | MCA 37-69-304, 37-69-305 | 2026-10-21 |
This page summarises what the Montana 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 Montana Department of Labor and Industry before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.