01-06-2020 - Fast Track Plumbing Master / Journeyman License Exam Prep - Falls Church, VA

Plumbing is licensed in Virginia at 3 levels: journeyman, master, and contractor. To become either a journeyman plumber or a master plumber, there are two examination portions that must be passed: statutory and regulatory portion and the trade portion. To become an plumbing contractor, a Virginia Class A, B, or C license must also be obtained along with a master plumber license.

• Pre-approval from the state is required to sit for the examination.
• To sit for the trade examinations, a candidate must document that they have met one of the following experience requirements. Individuals who hold a currently valid license or certification from another state as a journeyman or master tradesman may sit for the same level examination by providing a copy of that license or certification card.

Journeyman license:

• Two years of practical experience in the trade and a degree or certification showing the completion of a two year program from either a trade or technical school, or a community college; or
• Four years of practical experience in the trade and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
• Five years of practical experience in the trade and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
• Six years of practical experience in the trade and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
• A bachelor’s degree received from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and 1 year of practical experience in the trade; or
• Ten years of practical experience in the trade, verified by an affidavit from those who observed the candidate’s work in the trade

Master license:

• One year of practical experience as a licensed Virginia journeyman; or
• Ten years of practical experience in the trade, verified by an affidavit from those who observed the candidate’s work in the trade. 

Work that can be Done Under this License:

This type of contractor allows contracts including the installation, maintenance, extension, alteration or removal of all piping, fixtures, appliances, appurtenances in connection with; boilers, backflow prevention devices, hot water heaters, hydronic systems, process piping, steam heating systems, venting systems related to plumbing, and others.

Applying to get your License:

Applications for licensure can be obtained from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation State Board for Contractors by calling 1-804-367-8511.