12 Professional Licenses Required by State and How to Start

9. Plumber

Plumbing is another trade regulated through state or local licensing boards, typically using apprentice, journeyman, and master levels. You’ll often enter an apprenticeship program that combines classroom coursework with supervised fieldwork, accumulate required work hours, and pass a trade exam for journeyman status. Master-level licensure, which allows you to run jobs and pull permits, usually requires extra years of experience plus a specialized exam and sometimes proof of business insurance or bonding. Some states require continuing education on code changes for license renewal. If you plan to work in several states, check if any reciprocal agreements exist, though local permits and contractor registration rules may still apply. For accurate steps, contact the state plumbing board or your local building department and get the detailed checklist for apprenticeships, exams, and fees.