How to Get Your Journeyman Plumber License in Michigan
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Michigan. Last verified: February 2026.
Quick Facts
Hours Required
8,000 hrs OJT
Exam
MI Journeyman Plumber Exam
Fee Range
$65 app + exam fee [VERIFY]
Governing Body
MI LARA
Requirements
Michigan issues statewide plumbing licenses through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. A Michigan Journeyman Plumber license requires completion of a state-approved plumbing apprenticeship (8,000 hours / approximately 4–5 years) or documented equivalent OJT, plus required classroom instruction hours. Michigan also issues a Master Plumber license for those who have held a journeyman license for at least 2 years. Licenses must be renewed every 3 years with continuing education.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Complete a state-approved plumbing apprenticeship (8,000 hours) or document equivalent OJT with required classroom instruction hours.
- 2
Submit a Journeyman Plumber license application to MI LARA Bureau of Construction Codes online at michigan.gov/lara.
- 3
Pay the application fee (~$65) and have your apprenticeship or OJT hours verified.
- 4
Schedule and pass the MI Journeyman Plumber exam administered by PSI.
- 5
Receive your Michigan Journeyman Plumber license; renew every 3 years with 4 hours of CE.
Exam Details
The Michigan Journeyman Plumber exam is administered by PSI at testing centers throughout Michigan. It covers the Michigan Plumbing Code (based on the IPC with Michigan amendments) and plumbing practices. A passing score is required to obtain the license. [VERIFY currently adopted Michigan Plumbing Code edition and passing score at michigan.gov/lara]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: $65 app + exam fee [VERIFY]
The Michigan LARA application fee for a Journeyman Plumber license is approximately $65 [VERIFY current fee at michigan.gov/lara]. Exam fees are paid separately to PSI. Total estimated cost: ~$100–$150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan have a statewide journeyman plumber license?
Yes. Michigan issues statewide plumbing licenses through LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes. Journeyman, Master, and Plumbing Contractor licenses are all issued at the state level.
What plumbing code does Michigan use?
Michigan uses the Michigan Plumbing Code, which is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Michigan-specific amendments. [VERIFY currently adopted edition at michigan.gov/lara]
How often does a Michigan journeyman plumber license need to be renewed?
Michigan Journeyman Plumber licenses must be renewed every 3 years. Renewal requires 4 hours of approved continuing education. [VERIFY current Michigan CE requirements at michigan.gov/lara]
How long do I need to hold a journeyman license before getting a Michigan Master Plumber license?
Michigan requires that Master Plumber applicants have held a valid Michigan Journeyman Plumber license for at least 2 years before applying for the Master license.
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