Plumber License Requirements in Kentucky
- Training hours
- —
- Upfront cost
- $120
- Exam
- Kentucky Journeyman Plumber Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 1 year
- Issuing board
- Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check. KRS 318.040 requires applicants to be at least 18, of 'good moral character,' and either a U.S. citizen or a resident alien authorized to work in the U.S. Kentucky is often cited as unusual among states for statutorily requiring 'good moral character' for a plumbing license; recorded as backgroundCheck=true since character/history review is part of the statutory application standard, though it is not described as a fingerprint-based criminal background check specifically. [3]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete the required training. Per 815 KAR 20:030, an applicant for a Journeyman Plumber license must complete either (a) at least 2 consecutive years of experience as a registered apprentice plumber, or (b) a department-approved plumbing course plus 1 year as an apprentice plumber. Kentucky states this as a years-of-experience requirement rather than a fixed classroom/work-hour count, so hours is left null; approvedProgramRequired is false because pathway (a) does not require a formal approved course. [1]
- 3
Kentucky Journeyman Plumber Examination
Pass the Kentucky Journeyman Plumber Examination. Written and practical sections; a minimum score of 75% is required on each portion. The written portion covers plumbing principles and KRS Chapter 318; the practical portion requires the applicant to demonstrate proper installation and connections, using materials the applicant supplies with one week's advance notice of requirements. Regular exams are conducted yearly in February, May, August, and November. No separate exam fee is published; the $60 application/license fee (Form PLB-2) appears to cover the licensing examination, so fee is left null rather than duplicating the license fee. [1]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing with the $60 application fee. [1]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of Plumbing issues your Journeyman Plumber License for Kentucky.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $60 |
| License fee [1] | $60 |
| Renewal fee [1] | $60 |
| Kentucky Journeyman Plumber Examination [1] | None specified |
815 KAR 20:030 sets a single $60 fee for the initial Journeyman Plumber license (Form PLB-2), which may be prorated for initial terms between 7 and 18 months since the license expires on the last day of the licensee's birth month, and a $60 annual renewal fee (Form DHBC L-1). An inactive-status fee of $30 and a $30 reactivation fee also apply if a license is placed on inactive status.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 1 year. 6 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Journeyman Plumber licenses expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month and renew annually for $60, with proof of at least 6 hours of approved continuing education (business, job safety, the Kentucky State Plumbing Code, or subject matter directly related to the plumbing trade, max 2 of the 6 hours from safety practices) completed in the 12 months prior to renewal, per 815 KAR 2:010. First-time renewal may be waived if the initial license was issued within 12 months of that renewal. Up to 12 excess CE hours can carry forward across 2 successive years.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
KRS 318.040(6): the Department may issue a Kentucky license to a person who holds a valid license in another state, but only if that state (a) has a statewide plumbing code, (b) has an examination at least equal to Kentucky's, and (c) agrees to reciprocate with Kentucky. This is a conditional, state-by-state reciprocity provision rather than a blanket endorsement or a named interstate compact; no interstate compact covers plumbing.
4 state-approved training providers in Kentucky — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $60
- $60
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to become a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Kentucky?
Be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or authorized resident alien, be of good moral character, and complete either 2 consecutive years as a registered apprentice plumber, or a department-approved plumbing course plus 1 year as an apprentice -- then pass the Kentucky Journeyman Plumber exam.
Who administers Kentucky's Journeyman Plumber exam?
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction administers its own exam (no third-party testing vendor). It has written and practical sections, each requiring a 75% passing score, and is offered yearly in February, May, August, and November.
How much does a Kentucky Journeyman Plumber license cost, and how often does it renew?
$60 for the initial license (Form PLB-2, prorated based on issue date), and $60 annually to renew, due on the last day of your birth month. Renewal requires proof of at least 6 hours of approved continuing education completed in the prior 12 months.
Does Kentucky have reciprocity with other states for plumbers?
Conditionally. Under KRS 318.040(6), Kentucky may issue a license to someone already licensed in another state only if that state has a statewide plumbing code, an exam at least equal to Kentucky's, and agrees to reciprocate with Kentucky -- it is not a blanket endorsement.
Does Kentucky have a background-check or character requirement for plumbers?
Yes -- KRS 318.040 requires applicants to be 'of good moral character' as a statutory qualification for licensure, in addition to being at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or authorized resident alien.
Sources
- [1] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/020/030/ — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/815/002/010/ — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx — accessed 2026-07-12