Your license pathway
From Apprentice to Master Plumber — current Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) requirements, hours, training, and exams.
Apprentice Plumber
done- Minimum age 16
- Register with TSBPE before hours count
- Work under direct supervision of a licensed plumber
- No minimum hours required to register
2
Tradesman Plumber-Limited
active- Minimum 4,000 hours of plumbing experience
- 24-hour TSBPE-approved training (6-hr CPE + OSHA 10-Hour + 8 hrs IRC/UPC)
- Registered Apprentice or qualifying out-of-state license holder
- Pass Tradesman Plumber-Limited exam (residential scope only)
Journeyman Plumber
locked- Minimum 8,000 hours of plumbing experience
- 48-hour TSBPE-approved classroom training
- Hold Apprentice registration or Tradesman license
- Pass Journeyman exam (commercial and residential scope)
Master Plumber
locked- Hold Journeyman license for at least 2 years (or 1 year + U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship)
- Pass Master Plumber exam
- Optional Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation
- RMP requires $300,000 commercial general liability insurance
Plumbing Inspector
locked- Active Journeyman or Master Plumber license
- Pass Plumbing Inspector exam
- Continuing professional education for renewal
- May not also hold the RMP designation
Endorsements
Add specialized TSBPE endorsements to your license. Each endorsement has its own training and examination requirements.
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Medical Gas
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Water Supply Protection
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Multipurpose Fire Protection
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Drain Cleaner / Drain Cleaner-Restricted
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Residential Utilities Installer