Thinking about getting into plumbing? Probably a good choice. If you’re after job security, good money, and a skill that’s always in demand, plumbing checks every box. And it’s even better in Texas! With rapidly increasing construction, a growing population, and pro-business laws, licensed plumbers are in serious demand.

Whether you’re new to plumbing or already working in the industry, we’ve created a helpful step-by-step guide that covers how to become a licensed plumber in Texas.

Step 1: Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice

First thing on your to-do list: get registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Don’t worry, it’s straightforward.

Here’s what you need:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Fill out the form on the TSBPE website
• Pay a $36 registration fee (non-refundable, just FYI)
• Get fingerprinted and pass a background check

Once you’ve knocked that out, you’ve officially started your plumbing journey – and are ready to start getting hands-on experience.

Step 2: Join an Apprenticeship Program

Now it’s time to get to work. Like, real work. You’ll need 4,000 hours of supervised plumbing experience to qualify for the Tradesman Plumber exam. That’s about two years of full-time work – don’t worry, you get paid while you learn.

So how do you actually find an apprenticeship?

• Check with local plumbing companies – A lot of them are actively hiring apprentices.
• Look into union programs –Groups like the United Association (UA) offer paid training with benefits.
• Talk to trade schools or community colleges –They usually offer job placement services like career fairs and employer networks.
• Browse online – Sites like WorkInTexas.com or even the TSBPE’s own list of licensed plumbing companies can be useful.

Once you find a program and get hired, it’s time to build your skills through real-world experience.

Step 3: Complete a 24-Hour Training Course

Before you can officially become a licensed plumber, you’ll need to complete a 24-hour training course that’s approved by the TSBPE.

What’s covered in the course?

• Texas Plumbing Code
• Safety basics and system design
• Pipe installation and repair
• Plus, everything you need to prep for the exam

Courses are available online or in-person. Most plumbers choose to complete the course online, as it provides more flexibility.

Step 4: Take (and Pass!) the Tradesman Plumber-Limited Exam

Once you’ve put in the hours and finished your training, it’s time to prove your knowledge by passing the Tradesman Plumber-Limited Exam.

The exam has two parts:

• Written – to test your knowledge of plumbing codes safety rules, and residential systems
• Practical – where you’ll show off your hands-on skills

Once you pass, you’re officially licensed as a Tradesman Plumber. LFG!

With this license, you can:

• Work on plumbing in single-family and duplex homes
• Install and repair pipes, fixtures, water heaters, etc.
• Pull permits for residential jobs (as long as there’s a Master Plumber overseeing the work)
• Work independently on residential projects

Thinking about commercial work or supervising other plumbers? That’s what Journeyman and Master licenses are for – we’ll get to that next.

Step 5: Stay Licensed with Yearly Renewal & CE

Congrats! You’re licensed. But to keep it that way, you’ll need to renew your license every year and complete 6 hours of continuing education (CE).

Here’s what’s required:

• 1 hour on Plumbing License Law
• 1 hour on Board Rules
• 4 hours on trade-related topics (safety, code updates, etc.)
• Pay the renewal fee and submit your CE records

Too busy for in-person classes? No worries – most plumbers go for online CE courses.

💡 Types of Plumbing Licenses in Texas (And What You Can Do With Each)

Wondering what’s next after Tradesman? Here’s a quick look at your future upgrade options:

🔧 Tradesman Plumber-Limited

• What you can do: Residential plumbing only
• What you need: 4,000 hours + 24-hour course + pass the exam

🔩 Journeyman Plumber

• What you can do: Residential and commercial plumbing (with a Master’s supervision)
• What you need: 8,000 hours total + pass the Journeyman exam

🛠️ Master Plumber

• What you can do: Everything – manage jobs, supervise crews, start your own business
• What you need: Hold a Journeyman license for 4 years + pass the Master exam

🔍 Plumbing Inspector

• What you can do: Inspect plumbing work for code compliance
• What you need: A Journeyman or Master license + complete a 24-hour inspector course + pass the exam

Want Quality Jobs to Come to You? TradeRunner Makes It Easy.

Finding a good plumbing job doesn’t have to come with scrolling job boards or filling out endless applications. That’s where TradeRunner comes in.

TradeRunner is the easiest way for licensed plumbers in TX to match with full-time job opportunities. No applications, no job posts, no wasted time.

Here’s how it works:

✅ Fill out a short profile with your skills, certifications, & preferences

✅ Get matched with full-time jobs from verified employers in real-time

✅ Interview, message, and get hired all within TradeRunner

✅ Get notified via text of enhanced job opportunities simply by having a profile

No more chasing listings or jumping through hoops. TradeRunner puts you in front of verified employers and lets the right opportunities come to you.

👉 Create a profile here – completely free for plumbers of all skill levels.