Massachusetts Plumbing License (Master, Journeyman)

Requirements to Obtaining your License

Master Plumber

• Applicants for a master plumber’s license shall have had a Massachusetts journeyman plumber’s license for not less than one (1) year, and shall have completed not less than 100 hours of advanced plumbing theory in a day or night course at a state, municipal or private school accredited by the Massachusetts State Department of Education and approved by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters, before being eligible for examination.

Journeyman Plumber

• Every applicant for a journeyman plumber’s license shall have worked for not less than three years in Massachusetts as an apprentice

Work that can be Done Under this License

Master Plumber - A plumber having a regular place of business and who, by himself or journeyman plumbers in his employ, performs plumbing and gas fitting work, subject to inspection and in compliance with any law, rule, or regulation pertaining to same.

Journeyman Plumber - A person who himself does any work in plumbing and gas fitting, subject to inspection under any law, rule, or regulation.

Applying to get your License

• An application for licensure can be obtained by contacting the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure at 617-727-3074.

Reciprocity Agreements

The Electricians’ Board currently has reciprocity with New Hampshire for both Master and Journeyman licensees. There is also reciprocity with Washington state for Journeyman Electricians only.

Continuing Education

There are no reciprocal agreements as of this time.

Exam Details

• Candidates will have to sit for a two part exam. After you have been approved to take the exam, contact PSI at 1-800-733-9267 to schedule.

  Master Exam

  • Part I has 70 questions and a time limit of 150 minutes. A 70 % is required to pass.
  • Part II has 30 questions and a time limit of 120 minutes. A 70% is required to pass.

  Journeyman Exam

  • Part I has 60 questions and a time limit of 120 minutes. A 70% is required to pass.
  • Part II has 30 questions and a time limit of 120 minutes. A 70% is required to pass.

  Topics on the examinations include general regulations, gas piping, fixtures, water heaters, valves and controls, water supply, drain, waste vent, traps and interceptors, safety, joints and connections, and isometric analysis.

Books and References for the Exam

The examination is based on the following references. These references can purchased at our online bookstore or by calling 1-800-952-0910.However, they are not permitted to be used during testing.

• Massachusetts Uniform State Plumbing Code (Available to Purchase from the State Board by calling 1-617-727-2834)
• NFPA 54
• NFPA 58
• OSHA Part 1926
• State of Massachusetts Dig Safe Rules (Available to Print Online)
• MGL Chapter 142: Supervision of Plumbing (Available to Print Online)

Exam Review, Training, Education

We do not offer exam review for this license as of this time.