Navigating New Hampshire's plumbing licensing landscape can seem complex, but the path to becoming a licensed plumber in the Granite State is clearly defined by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. Whether you're starting as an apprentice or aiming for a Master Plumber certification, understanding the state's precise requirements is your first step. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the license types, application steps, fees, and renewal processes based on official state sources.
Is a Plumbing License Required in New Hampshire?
Yes, the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board requires individuals performing plumbing work to hold a state-issued license. The specific requirements for licensing are established in state law under RSA 153:27-38 and the Board's administrative rules.
New Hampshire Plumber License Types & Scope
The New Hampshire OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board issues three primary individual licenses and a business certificate for plumbing work: Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and a Plumber Water Treatment Business Certificate. Each credential has a distinct scope of work and set of requirements.
Apprentice Plumber (Registration)
An Apprentice Plumber registration is the entry-level credential for individuals starting in the plumbing trade. Apprentices must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Plumber to gain the necessary on-the-job training and experience. The scope of work for an apprentice is determined by the tasks assigned by their sponsoring master.
Journeyman Plumber
A Journeyman Plumber is qualified to perform plumbing work independently but cannot sponsor apprentices. To qualify, an individual must typically complete a state-approved apprenticeship program and work under the sponsorship of a Master Plumber. The scope of work authorized by the journeyman license is set in RSA 153:27 and the Board's published rules.
Master Plumber
A Master Plumber license authorizes the holder to perform all types of plumbing work, design plumbing systems, and sponsor and train apprentice plumbers. This is the highest level of individual plumbing licensure in New Hampshire. Applicants must have held a New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber license for a specified period and meet other experience criteria.
Plumber Water Treatment Business Certificate
This is a specialized certificate for business entities that engage in the trade of water treatment appliance installation. The specific requirements and scope for this certificate are established by the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board.
How to Get Your New Hampshire Plumbing License: Step-by-Step
The pathway to becoming a licensed plumber in New Hampshire follows a clear progression from gaining experience to passing an exam and submitting a complete application to the OPLC.
Step 1: Meet Experience & Education Requirements
Your experience path will depend on the license you are seeking.
Apprentice Plumber Registration
- Secure employment with a New Hampshire licensed Master Plumber who will sponsor your registration.
- Submit the required registration application to the OPLC.
Journeyman Plumber Experience
- Apprenticeship: Complete an approved apprenticeship program, per Saf-Mec 304.04.
- Sponsorship: Obtain a sponsorship letter from a licensed Master Plumber.
- The Board's rules in Saf-Mec 300 set the specific experience and training requirements; confirm the current details with the OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board before applying.
Master Plumber Experience
- Journeyman Tenure: You must have held a New Hampshire journeyman plumber license for at least 6 months, per Saf-Mec 305.01(a)(2).
- Complaint History: You must have no history of consumer complaints that resulted in disciplinary sanctions within the past year, as specified in Saf-Mec 305.01(a)(1)(c).
Step 2: Pass the Required Examination
Both Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses require passing a state-approved examination.
- Exam Provider: OPLC currently approves two testing organizations to administer the plumbing exam on its behalf. Schedule your test directly with one of them (e.g., NH Gasfitters, (978) 338-6252) before submitting paperwork to OPLC.
- Passing Grade: The required passing grade is set by the Board.
- Scheduling: After confirming your eligibility, you can schedule your exam directly with the provider.
- Application: After successfully passing the exam, you will submit your passing score report along with your license application to the OPLC.
Step 3: Complete Your Application & Pay Fees
Assemble your application package for submission to the OPLC. Official forms are available on the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board's website.
A complete application typically includes:
- The completed application form for your desired license tier.
- Proof of meeting the required experience and/or education.
- A copy of your passing exam score report.
- The non-refundable application fee.
Step 4: Criminal History Records Check
Applicants for Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses must undergo a criminal history records check. Per administrative rule Plc 313.24, this is a mandatory part of the application process. You must submit the required forms and fees to the New Hampshire Division of State Police to initiate the check and have the results sent to the OPLC.
New Hampshire Plumbing License Fees
The fees for New Hampshire plumbing licenses vary by tier and are set by the OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. The following fees are required for initial application and biennial renewal, as published on the Board's official fee schedule.
Application & Renewal Fees by License Type
- Apprentice Plumber: $88 (Application/Renewal/Reinstatement)
- Journeyman Plumber: $198
- Master Plumber: $330
- Plumber Water Treatment Business: $275
Exam Fees The fees for the required plumbing examinations are paid directly to the OPLC-approved testing organization you schedule with (such as NH Gasfitters). The specific cost is published by the provider; confirm the current exam fee with them before scheduling.
Insurance and Bonding for NH Plumbers
The New Hampshire OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board does not mandate a general liability insurance or contractor bond minimum for state plumbing licenses. However, this does not mean you can work without coverage.
State-Level vs. Local Requirements
While the state license itself does not have an insurance prerequisite, individual cities and towns in New Hampshire may require proof of general liability insurance or a surety bond to register your business locally or to pull permits for specific jobs. It is your responsibility to verify and comply with all local requirements in the jurisdictions where you perform work.
Renewing Your New Hampshire Plumbing License
New Hampshire plumbing licenses are renewed biennially (every two years) and require licensees to complete specific continuing education hours to remain in good standing.
Renewal Cycle
All plumbing licenses (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master) follow a biennial renewal schedule. The OPLC will send renewal notices prior to your license expiration date.
Continuing Education Requirements
To be eligible for renewal, all licensees (except apprentices) must complete continuing education (CE) credits.
- Required Hours: You must complete 3 hours of approved code update training each year, for a total of 6 hours per two-year renewal cycle.
- Approved Providers: The OPLC Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board maintains a list of approved CE providers on its website. Courses must be taken from a provider on this list to count toward your renewal.
New Hampshire Plumbing License Reciprocity
New Hampshire offers reciprocity, also known as licensure by endorsement, for both Master and Journeyman Plumber licenses from qualifying jurisdictions that have substantially similar licensing standards.
Master Plumber Endorsement
According to the OPLC's published reciprocity information (per Plc 313.34), New Hampshire offers Master Plumber license endorsement for applicants licensed in the following states:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
Journeyman Plumber Endorsement
New Hampshire offers Journeyman Plumber license endorsement for applicants licensed in the following jurisdictions:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Applicants seeking licensure by endorsement must submit an application and provide verification that their license from the qualifying jurisdiction is in good standing.