How to get a Plumbing license in Pennsylvania
The full Pennsylvania plumbing licensing path — experience hours, required exam, fees, and where to apply. Verified 6/12/2026.
Career prep, not a license.
Prep for the Pennsylvania Plumbing exam
Plumbing 101 — Start Here (Free) — self-paced lessons, practice exam, certificate of completion.
Pennsylvania HIC + municipal Master Plumber License
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a plumbing license in Pennsylvania?
You need philadelphia master: 5 yrs (10,000 hrs) as registered journeyman + ipc exam. pittsburgh: similar with separate exam.. Then pass the Local exam (Philadelphia Plumbing Advisory Board most common) administered by Municipal. Applications go through the PA Attorney General (HIC) + municipal plumbing boards.
What exam do I need to pass?
Local exam (Philadelphia Plumbing Advisory Board most common) — administered by Municipal.
How much experience do I need?
Philadelphia Master: 5 yrs (10,000 hrs) as registered Journeyman + IPC exam. Pittsburgh: similar with separate exam.
What about fees, insurance, and continuing education?
No statewide PA plumbing license — Philly, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Bethlehem each license independently. Statewide HIC registration ($50, 2 yrs) is also required for residential work over $500. Reciprocity is rare; plan to license in each city you work.
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