In Iowa, a state-level license is required for any individual performing or contracting plumbing work. These licenses are issued by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB), which is administered by the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL). This guide details every official requirement for securing your apprentice, journeyperson, master, or contractor plumbing license directly from the state authorities.
Do You Need a Plumbing License to Work in Iowa?
Yes, a plumbing license is required in Iowa for anyone performing plumbing work or contracting for those services. The legal basis for this requirement is established in Iowa Code Chapter 105, which mandates that individuals must be licensed by the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) to work in the trade. This applies to all levels of the profession, from apprentices to master contractors. Certain limited exemptions are outlined in the state code, but most professional plumbing work falls under the board's jurisdiction.
Iowa Plumbing License Types Explained
The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) issues several distinct license tiers: Apprentice Plumber, Journeyperson Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor. Each level has specific requirements for experience, examination, and scope of work.
Apprentice Plumber License
An Apprentice Plumber license is for individuals starting their careers in the trade. Applicants must be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program recognized by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship and must be licensed with the board while gaining practical experience.
Journeyperson Plumber License
A Journeyperson Plumber license authorizes an individual to perform plumbing work under the supervision of a Master Plumber. This license is a prerequisite for gaining the experience necessary to become a Master Plumber.
Master Plumber License
A Master Plumber license is the highest individual trade license, authorizing the holder to plan, design, and supervise all plumbing work. A Master Plumber is also required to act as the responsible master for a licensed Plumbing Contractor.
Plumbing Contractor License
A Plumbing Contractor license is required for any business entity that offers plumbing services to the public. The business must be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor and have a licensed Master Plumber designated as the responsible master-of-record.
Specialty and Inactive Licenses
The PMSB also issues specialty licenses, such as the Medical Gas System Installer license, and offers inactive license statuses for licensees who are not currently working in the trade but wish to maintain their license.
Iowa Plumbing License Requirements Checklist
General Requirements for All Applicants
All applicants for a plumbing license in Iowa must meet certain baseline criteria set by the PMSB.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be a high school graduate or have an equivalent (GED).
- Must submit a complete application, either online or on paper with the required surcharge.
Specific Experience Requirements by License Tier
Each license tier has a distinct pathway based on documented, verifiable experience.
- Apprentice: Must be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program with the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship.
- Journeyperson: Must complete at least four years of practical experience as a licensed apprentice in a USDOL-registered program.
- Master: Must hold a journeyperson license and have at least two years of documented experience working at the journey level.
Taking the Iowa Plumbing License Exam
The approved testing provider for Iowa plumbing license examinations is Kirkwood Community College, which operates 15 testing sites across the state. An exam is required to obtain a Journeyperson or Master Plumber license.
Exam Provider
All state plumbing exams are administered by Kirkwood Community College. After receiving approval from the PMSB, you will schedule your exam directly with one of their testing centers.
Exam Application Process
Applying for and taking the plumbing exam is a two-step process with separate payments.
- Submit Exam Approval Application to PMSB: First, you must submit an Exam Approval Application to the PMSB. This application includes a $35 fee per trade discipline exam.
- Schedule and Pay with Kirkwood: Once the PMSB approves your application, you will receive instructions to schedule your exam directly with Kirkwood Community College. You will pay a separate $95 examination fee per attempt directly to Kirkwood.
Exam Content and Format
Exams are based on the state-adopted plumbing code, which is the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The specific number of questions, time limits, and topics covered are detailed in the exam information provided by the PMSB and Kirkwood Community College.
What Happens After the Exam?
You will receive your results from the testing center. If you pass, you can proceed with your license application. If you do not pass, you must wait for the required period before reapplying to the PMSB and rescheduling with Kirkwood, which includes paying the examination fee again.
Iowa Plumbing License Fees
All fees paid to the PMSB are non-refundable and are based on a three-year licensing cycle.
Initial Application Fees (Prorated)
New license applications are prorated based on when you apply within the three-year cycle. The current cycle runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026.
- Apprentice/Inactive/Specialty: $50.00
- Journeyperson: $180.00
- Master: $240.00
- Medical Gas System Installer: $75.00
- Contractor: $400.00 ($250 license fee + $150 registration fee)
Renewal Fees
On-time renewal fees for the full three-year period are as follows:
- Apprentice/Inactive/Specialty: $50.00
- Journeyperson: $180.00
- Master: $240.00
- Inactive Master/Active Journeyperson: $230.00
- Medical Gas System Installer: $75.00
- Contractor: $400.00 ($250 license fee + $150 registration fee)
Exam-Related Fees
- Exam Approval Application Fee (to PMSB): $35.00 per trade discipline
- Examination Fee (to Kirkwood): $95.00 per attempt
Miscellaneous Fees
- Paper Application Surcharge: $25.00 for any application not submitted online.
- Late Renewal: Late fees begin to accrue on August 1st of the renewal year.
Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Iowa Plumbers
Only licensed Plumbing Contractors are required to maintain statewide insurance and bonding. Individual apprentice, journeyperson, and master licenses do not have a statewide insurance or bond requirement.
Public Liability Insurance
Plumbing Contractors must provide the PMSB with proof of a public liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage amount of $500,000.
Surety Bond
- In-State Contractors: Must file a surety bond of at least $5,000.
- Out-of-State Contractors: Must file a higher surety bond of $25,000 at the time of registration and renewal.
The policy and bond must be issued by an entity licensed to do business in Iowa.
Renewing Your Iowa Plumbing License
All PMSB licenses operate on a fixed, triennial (three-year) renewal cycle.
Renewal Cycle & Deadlines
All licenses are issued for a fixed three-year period. The current period is July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026, and the next is July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029. The online renewal portal opens on May 1st of the final year of the cycle. A late fee is assessed for renewals completed after August 1st of the first year of the new cycle.
Continuing Education Requirements
To renew an active license, you must complete 8 hours of continuing education (CEU) during each three-year licensing period.
- At least 4 hours (half) must be earned in person. Up to 4 hours may be completed online.
- All courses and instructors must be pre-approved by the PMSB.
- The Medical Gas System Installer license is exempt from CEU requirements; renewal is based on maintaining the necessary certifications.
Renewal Process
Licensees can renew online or by mail. To renew, you must submit the renewal application, pay the appropriate fee, and attest to completing the required continuing education.
Does Iowa Have Plumbing License Reciprocity?
Yes, Iowa has a plumbing license reciprocity agreement with the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission. This agreement, approved in May 2016, allows a person who obtained a South Dakota plumbing license by passing a written examination to obtain the equivalent Iowa license without re-taking an exam. Applicants must still meet all other Iowa licensing requirements, including submitting an application and paying the required fees.