While many states have a single statewide licensing board for plumbers, Kansas operates on a local level, with individual cities and counties setting their own specific requirements. This guide will help you navigate this decentralized process, using the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) in Wichita/Sedgwick County as a detailed example. We will walk through the typical steps for earning a local certificate and point you to the right authorities for your jurisdiction.
Do You Need a Plumbing License in Kansas? (The Local-Only Reality)
No, Kansas does not issue a statewide plumbing license; instead, individual cities and counties establish their own requirements for plumbers and plumbing contractors. To perform plumbing work legally, you must obtain a license or certificate from the local building department in the jurisdiction where the work will be performed. The state delegates the authority to regulate trades like plumbing to local governments, as outlined in state statutes like Kansas Statutes Annotated Chapter 31.
Understanding Kansas Plumbing Licenses: State vs. Local Rules
Kansas does not have a mandatory statewide building code, which gives local jurisdictions the authority to adopt and enforce their own codes and licensing rules. While the state's Office of Facilities and Property Management (OFPM) adopts specific codes, such as the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), for state-owned property, this does not apply to private construction projects statewide.
Your primary point of contact for all licensing matters—including applications, exams, and renewals—will always be the city or county building department where you plan to work.
Steps to Get a Local Plumbing License in Kansas (Using MABCD as an Example)
The following steps use the requirements from the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD), which serves Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita, as a representative example.
MABCD Journeyman Plumbing Certificate Requirements
To obtain a Journeyman Plumbing Certificate from MABCD, you must meet experience requirements, pass an exam, and submit an application.
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Meet Experience or Education Requirements You must provide documented proof of meeting one of the following criteria:
- One year of field experience plus one year of education from an approved plumbing trade school.
- Two years of verifiable field experience. Experience must be documented with hours on official company letterhead.
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Pass the Required Exam You must achieve a score of 75% or higher on one of the following exams:
- International Code Council (ICC) exam K9R Plumbing with Gas or 560 Journeyman Plumber with Gas.
- An approved IAPMO exam.
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Submit Your Application Once you meet the experience and exam requirements, submit your application to MABCD with the following:
- A completed application form.
- The $35 application fee.
- Proof of qualifying experience.
- A copy of your exam results.
- A valid photo ID.
MABCD Master Plumbing Certificate Requirements
To qualify for a Master Plumbing Certificate from MABCD, you must first hold a Journeyman certificate and gain additional experience.
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Hold a Journeyman Certificate You must be a certified Journeyman Plumber to be eligible for the Master certificate.
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Gain Additional Field Experience You must meet one of the following experience thresholds after becoming a Journeyman:
- Hold a Journeyman certificate and have two years of field experience as a certified Journeyman.
- Hold a Journeyman certificate and have a total of four years of field experience.
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Pass the Master Plumbing Exam You must score 75% or higher on one of the following master-level exams:
- International Code Council (ICC) exam K9F Master Plumber with Gas or 557 Master Plumber with Gas.
- An approved IAPMO exam.
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Submit Your Application Submit your application to MABCD with the required documentation, including proof of experience, exam results, and the $35 application fee.
Local Plumbing License Fees in Kansas (MABCD Example)
Licensing fees are set by each local jurisdiction. The fees for MABCD (Sedgwick County / City of Wichita) are as follows:
- Journeyman Certificate Application Fee: $35
- Master Certificate Application Fee: $35
- Annual Renewal Fee (Both Tiers): $35
Exam fees are paid separately to the approved testing provider.
Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Plumbers in Kansas
Confirm current general liability insurance and bonding requirements with the local city or county building department where work is performed. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) does not set a statewide insurance floor for plumbing contractors. MABCD does not list a specific general liability or bond minimum for individual Journeyman or Master certificate holders on its trade certificate page. However, a plumbing business will likely need to carry commercial general liability insurance and may need workers' compensation insurance if they have employees.
Renewing Your Plumbing License and Continuing Education (MABCD Example)
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Plumbing License in Kansas?
In jurisdictions like Sedgwick County/City of Wichita, plumbing certificates renew annually. The renewal cycle for MABCD certificates is annual, with a renewal fee of $35. Renewal periods and fees vary by municipality, so you must confirm the schedule with your local licensing authority.
What Are the Continuing Education Requirements for Plumbers in Kansas?
Continuing education (CE) requirements for plumbers in Kansas are set at the local level. For example, MABCD requires 12 continuing education units (CEUs) for each Journeyman and Master certificate renewal. These units must be completed before the certificate's expiration date. Check with your local jurisdiction to determine its specific CE requirements.
Does Kansas Have Plumbing License Reciprocity with Other States?
Kansas does not have a statewide plumbing license, so there is no statewide reciprocity with other states. Reciprocity policies are determined by individual local jurisdictions. For instance, MABCD explicitly states on its website that it "does not reciprocate with state testing," meaning it only accepts the specific ICC or IAPMO exams it has approved. Always contact the local building department in the city or county where you wish to work to inquire about their specific reciprocity policies.
Kansas Plumbing Codes and Regulations
What Plumbing Codes Are Used in Kansas?
While Kansas does not have a mandatory statewide building code, local jurisdictions adopt their own codes. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) via K.A.R. 28-4 for public water supply and wastewater systems. For state-owned properties, the state has adopted the Kansas Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC). For all other projects, the plumbing code is determined by the local city or county government.
What Plumbing Work Can Be Done Without a License in Kansas?
The scope of work that can be performed without a license is determined by local ordinances. Generally, minor repairs such as fixing a leaky faucet or clearing a simple clog may not require a license. However, any work that involves altering, installing, or replacing plumbing systems typically requires a permit and must be performed by a locally licensed plumber. Always check with your local building department to understand what work requires a permit and licensure.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Plumbing License in Kansas?
The time it takes to get a plumbing license in Kansas varies significantly by jurisdiction and is primarily influenced by the required years of documented experience. For a Journeyman certificate in a jurisdiction like Sedgwick County, you will need between one to two years of combined trade school and field experience. To become a Master Plumber, you will need an additional two to four years of experience. After accumulating the necessary experience, you must also account for time to schedule and pass your exam and for the local department to process your application.
Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Kansas
Penalties for performing plumbing work without the proper local license are set and enforced by city and county authorities. Consequences can include stop-work orders, substantial fines, and potential legal action. Working without a license can also jeopardize your ability to obtain a license in the future.