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Plumber
Total cost: $110
Governing Authority
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Division of Plumbing
Official website →Yes
State Licensed?
8,000
Apprentice Hours
2
License Levels
$110
Total Fees
6 hrs
CE Hours
Kentucky State Plumbing Code (state-specific)
Code Version
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Get the Roadmap — $20Apprentice Registration Fee
$25
Apprentice registration fee
Journeyman License Fee
$60
Journeyman plumber license fee
Master Plumber License Fee
$250
Master plumber license fee
Exam Fee
$50 (journeyman) / $150 (master)
Plumbing exam fee
Renewal Fee
$60 (journeyman) / $250 (master)
Annual; due last day of birth month
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types Available
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Division of Plumbing
Apprenticeship Program
8,000
Total Hours
4 yrs
Duration
576
Classroom Hours
7,424
OJT Hours
Registered Apprenticeship Program Required
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Experience Required
Kentucky does not require a separate state apprentice license. Apprentices work under licensed plumbers.
No exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
At least 2 consecutive years as an apprentice plumber, OR completion of a department-approved course + at least 1 year as an apprentice
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
At least 2 years within the past 5 years as a journeyman, OR valid license from another state for 2 of past 5 years; must hold or have held a journeyman plumber license
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Exam Information
VerifiedJourneyman Exam
RequiredMaster Exam
RequiredExam Provider
Kentucky DHBC (state-administered exam)
Plumbing Code Version
Kentucky State Plumbing Code (state-specific)
Open Book Exam
Passing Score
75%
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Overall licensing difficulty: 25/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
Not sure if you need a plumber license? Check whether your state requires one.
Kentucky has 12% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 746 residents.
Kentucky has average plumbers density relative to population.
Kentucky ranks #38 out of 51 states by plumbers per capita.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Apprentice Registration Apprentice registration fee | $25 |
Journeyman License Journeyman plumber license fee | $60 |
Master License Master plumber license fee | $250 |
Exam Fee Plumbing exam fee | $50 (journeyman) / $150 (master) |
Renewal Fee Annual; due last day of birth month | $60 (journeyman) / $250 (master) |
Total Initial Fees Journeyman: exam ($50) + license ($60) = $110; Master: exam ($150) + license ($250) = $400 | $110 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
6
CE Hours Required
$60 (journeyman) / $250 (master)
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Required
Regulatory Board
Annual; due last day of birth month
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require plumbers to pass the local exam or apply for endorsement when transferring an out-of-state license. Requirements vary by state.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Kentucky with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Kentucky is one of few states with a practical (hands-on) exam where applicants must bring their own plumbing materials. Has a strong 5-state reciprocity network (IN, OH, TN, VA, WV).
Kentucky has a PRACTICAL hands-on exam for journeyman plumbers — applicants must bring their own plumbing materials (unusual among states)
No state apprentice license — apprentices work under licensed plumbers without state registration
Exams offered only 4 times per year: February, May, August, November
Passing score: 75% (higher than most states)
Kentucky reciprocates with 5 states: Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia — strong reciprocity network
Master renewal: $250/year (among the highest annual renewal fees)
Master must carry general liability insurance (minimum $100,000)
Uses Kentucky State Plumbing Code (state-specific, not IPC)
CE: 6 hours annually for both journeyman and master
Annual renewal due on last day of birth month
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Official Sources
Plumber requirements in Kentucky verified against Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — Division of Plumbing, April 2026.
Official regulatory agency — added during plumber audit
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-06
Accessed 2026-03-06