How to Get Your Plumber License in Pennsylvania
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Pennsylvania. Last verified: February 2026.
Important Note
Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. Plumber licensing is handled at the local (city or county) level. Philadelphia has its own plumber licensing through the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Requirements, exams, and fees vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Major Local Licensing Jurisdictions
What You Still Need — Regardless of Jurisdiction
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training (required on most commercial and union job sites)
- ✓Backflow Prevention Certification (required by some municipalities for testing/repair of backflow preventers)
- ✓Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration with the PA Attorney General's office (required for residential plumbing work)
Quick Facts
Hours Required
N/A — no statewide license
Exam
Local Plumber Exam (varies)
Fee Range
Varies by jurisdiction
Governing Body
Local Jurisdiction
Requirements
Pennsylvania has no statewide plumber licensing law. Each municipality sets its own requirements. Philadelphia issues Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses through L&I. Other cities and counties in Pennsylvania maintain their own programs. If you perform plumbing work across multiple jurisdictions, you may need multiple local licenses.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Identify the specific city or county where you will perform plumbing work.
- 2
Contact the local building department or plumbing licensing authority for current requirements.
- 3
Complete the required apprenticeship or experience hours for your jurisdiction.
- 4
Submit a license application with proof of experience and pay the required fees.
- 5
Pass the local plumber examination.
- 6
Receive your local plumber license and maintain it through required renewals.
Exam Details
Exam requirements depend on the local jurisdiction. Philadelphia's plumber exams cover the Philadelphia Plumbing Code, which is based on the International Plumbing Code with local amendments. [VERIFY requirements with your local building or licensing department]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: Varies by jurisdiction
Fees vary by jurisdiction. Philadelphia journeyman plumber license fees are set by L&I. [VERIFY current Philadelphia L&I fee schedule at phila.gov/li]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pennsylvania have a statewide plumber license?
No. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide plumber license. All plumbing licensing in Pennsylvania is local — handled by individual cities, counties, or municipalities. Check with your local building department.
How do I get a plumber license in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia issues Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses through the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I). Requirements include documented apprenticeship experience and passing the Philadelphia plumber exam. Details are at phila.gov/li.
What plumbing code does Pennsylvania use?
Pennsylvania has adopted the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as part of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Individual municipalities such as Philadelphia use locally amended versions. [VERIFY currently adopted edition for Pennsylvania]
Why doesn't Pennsylvania have a statewide plumber license?
Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code sets statewide building standards, but plumber licensing authority has historically remained with local municipalities. Cities like Philadelphia have their own well-established licensing boards. Pennsylvania has not enacted a law creating a uniform statewide journeyman plumber license.
How do I find my local plumber license requirements in Pennsylvania?
Contact the building department of the city or county where you'll work. Philadelphia: phila.gov/li (Department of Licenses and Inspections). Pittsburgh: City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection [VERIFY — pittsburghpa.gov]. For other PA municipalities, contact your local building department or UA plumbing union hall.
Start Studying Now
Plumber Prep
Whether your exam is state or local, the fundamentals are the same. Practice with Plumber Prep.
Also Available
Plumber License in other states
Other licenses in Pennsylvania