Free practice test

Tests

Driving testsCitizenship testsSchool and university admissionsNursing, medicine and healthEnglish and French testsTeachingMoney, law and insuranceTrades and work licencesPilots, drones, boats and radio

Countries

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustraliaNew Zealand

United States · Licensing exam

Plumbing license renewal: deadlines, continuing education and fees

Every state here makes you renew, and six of the eight want continuing education first. The cycle runs from yearly in Texas, North Carolina and Illinois to every three years in Washington, Iowa and New York City. Miss a plumbing license renewal and it can cost you: let a Texas license lapse for more than two years and you start again as an apprentice.

Free practice test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Plumbing license renewal by state, as of October 2026

WhereHow oftenContinuing educationRenewal fee
TexasEvery year6 hoursJourneyman $40, master $75, tradesman $35, apprentice $15
WashingtonEvery 3 years, on your birthday24 hours (12 code, 4 electrical)$242.70 for journey level and residential
Iowa3-year period, July 1, 2026 to June 30, 20298 hours (2 code, 4 plumbing, 2 safety)Journeyperson $180, master $240
New York City (master)Every 3 yearsA 7-hour course$225
VirginiaEvery 2 years3 hours on the current IPCSet by DPOR
California (C-36)Every 2 years if activeNone listed$450 sole owner, $700 other businesses
North CarolinaEvery year, ends December 31None listedPaid in January
IllinoisEvery year, by April 30Yearly, hours set by IDPHSet by IDPH

What if your plumbing license renewal is late?

  • Texas: late fees are half or all of the renewal fee, depending on whether you're under or over 90 days late. After two years the license can't be renewed: you register as an apprentice again and retake the exams.
  • Washington: late renewal costs double ($485.40 for journey level), and late fees can't be paid online. After 90 days without fees or CE you must retest.
  • North Carolina: there's no grace period, and you must stop work until you renew. A late renewal adds $25. After three years you retake the exam.
  • New York City: $50 extra if 1-30 days late, $100 if later, up to a year.
  • Virginia: a 30-day grace period, but you can't work while the license is expired.
  • Iowa: licenses expire June 30 but stay valid through August 31. DIAL says to renew in July to avoid late fees.

Renewing a plumbing apprentice or trainee license

Texas apprentice registrations renew every year for $15. Washington trainee certificates last 12 months and need 8 hours of continuing education a year, plus notarized affidavits of your hours. Illinois apprentices can't renew after six years without applying for or passing the exam.

How plumbing apprenticeships work →

How to renew

Several boards renew online: Texas through its licensing system, Washington with a card or e-check once your CE is on file, Illinois through IDPH's renewal page, New York City through DOB NOW 30-90 days before expiry. California mails a renewal form about 60 days before the license expires.

What else you can do online →
Sources: TSBPE · Washington L&I · Iowa DIAL and 13 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewPractice testWhere to learnCostOnline examStudy guideJourneymanMaster plumberHow to get licensedContractor licenseLicense lookupDo you need a license?ApprenticeshipAptitude testState boards

By state

CaliforniaIllinoisIowaNew York CityNorth CarolinaTexasVirginiaWashington