United States · Licensing examRegistering as a journeyman plumber in NYC
You must be 18 or older. You need either 5 years of full-time plumbing experience under a licensed master plumber, with at least 1 year in New York City, or a completed New York State registered training program plus 1 year in the city. The DOB page lists a $50 registration fee and no exam.
What does the NYC plumbing license for master plumbers require?
- Be at least 18, able to read and write English, and of good moral character
- At least 7 years of plumbing installation experience in the 10 years before you apply, under a licensed master plumber, with at least 2 of those years as a registered journeyman plumber
- Shorter routes exist: 5 years with a mechanical engineering degree (2 in the city), or 3 years for a licensed architect or engineer (1 in the city)
The written and practical exams
| Exam | Format | Fee on the DOB page |
|---|---|---|
| Written | 100 multiple-choice questions on NYC codes and rules, 4 hours, 70 to pass, no books or calculators | $585 |
| Practical | A black steel piping assembly and a vertical copper sweat assembly, 4 hours, pass or fail on leaks, measurements and workmanship | $530 |
CPS HR runs both. The written exam covers gas piping (29 questions), equipment (23), drainage (21), water supply (17) and fire protection (10). You apply for the practical after passing the written one, and must pass it within 24 months. The June 2025 candidate bulletin still lists $525 and $350, so pay what DOB NOW charges.
After both, you have a year to send the background application, with proof of experience, insurance and a business location in the city. The license lasts 3 years.
Training in New York City
The registered training program route needs a New York State registered program, and DOB asks for its Department of Labor certificate. To find a registered apprenticeship, start with the Apprenticeship Finder or a United Association local.
Sources: NYC Department of Buildings · CPS HR · Apprenticeship.gov and 2 more. Checked October 2026.
- NYC Department of Buildings: Journeyman Plumber registration ↗
- NYC Department of Buildings: Obtain a Master Plumber License ↗
- NYC Department of Buildings: Master Plumbers ↗
- CPS HR: NYC DOB Master Plumber Candidate Information Bulletin (June 24, 2025) ↗
- Apprenticeship.gov: Apprenticeship Finder ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.