Plumbing contractors in the state of Alabama are governed by the:
- State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
There are five levels of Plumbers and Gas Fitters in the state of Alabama:
- Apprentice Gas Fitter or Plumber
- Journeyman Gas Fitter
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Gas Fitter
- Master Plumber
Once you obtain a Master Plumber & Gas Fitter’s license there is no cap as to how much you can charge for plumbing work in the state of Alabama
Who Needs a Plumbing License in Alabama?
Anyone performing plumbing work in Alabama must be registered with the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board as either an apprentice, journeyman, or master.
Plumbing Apprentice
“A plumber, who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of gas pipe, equipment, apparatus, and appliances, and shall work directly under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. The apprentice shall have in his or her possession a current annual certificate”
A plumbing apprentice must:
- Work under a journeyman or master plumber for at least 2 years
- Apply for an apprenticeship certificate and then renew on an annual basis
- Certificates must be available for inspection upon request
- Register as an apprentice
Journeyman Plumber
“Any plumber who engages in or works at the actual installation, repair, or replacement of plumbing systems, who has successfully fulfilled the examination requirements of the board, has been issued a journeyman plumber certificate by the board, and possesses a valid and current annual certificate issued by the board”
A journeyman plumber must:
- Pass a the journeyman examination
- Hold a journeyman plumber certificate
- Register as a Journeyman
Master Plumber
“Any person or legal entity that engages in or works at the actual installation, repair, or replacement of plumbing systems, that has successfully fulfilled the examination requirements of the board, has been issued a master plumber certificate by the board, and that possess a valid and current annual certificate issued by the board. The master plumber shall have in his or her possession a current annual certificate. The certificate shall be available for inspection on requisition. This person may at any time register with the board as a principal for any business, firm, or corporation”
A master plumber must:
- 2 years of current work experience as a journeyman
- Pass a the master plumber examination
- Hold a master plumber certificate
- Register as a Master Plumber
What Is Gas Fitting?
The 1996 Legislature has enacted and the Governor has signed into law Act No. 96-795 relating to medical gas piping in Alabama. This Act provides for all persons performing medical gas piping to meet the certification requirements of the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
The Act requires that any master, journeyman, or apprentice plumber or gas fitter performing medical gas piping provide proof to the Board that he or she has completed a current medical gas piping certification program approved by the Board. The Board has approved the certification program of the National ITC Corporation (NITC).
Alabama Plumbing License Requirements
You must meet the following requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- Valid Drivers License OR USA Issued Identification
- Social Security Number
You must also have:
- Meet the experience requirements of each classification
- Apprentices must work for a master plumber for at-least 2 years
- Journeyman must have 2 years work experience to become master plumbers
- Pay all current fees
Plumbing Contractor License Application Processing
The application process is as follows:
- Step 1:
Complete either an Apprentice or Journeyman Plumber application
- Step 2:
The Alabama Plumbing & Gas Fitter’s board will send you information on how to schedule your examination
- Step 3:
Packet for applicants who pass the Journeyman Exam
Packet for applicants who pass the Master Plumber Exam
The Alabama Plumbing License Examination
The only examinations required for plumbers are the journeyman and master plumber tests.
If for whatever reason you must also get licensed with the Alabama Board of General Contractors, you may also need to pass a Law & Business examination
Recommended Resources
Online Practice Tests and Answers – Master/Journeyman Plumber
Online Practice Tests and Answers – Alabama Law & Business
Journeyman Plumber Exam
The journeyman plumber exam is:
- 70 Questions
- 3 hours allowed
- Open Book
The examination will cover the following topics:
- Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
- Plumbing Fundamentals
- Traps, Clean outs, and Interceptors
- Drainage Requirements
- Vent Requirements
- Water Distribution
- Plan and Analysis
Master Plumber Exam
The master plumber exam is:
- 100 Questions
- 70% Passing Score
- 4 hours allowed
- Open Book
The examination will cover the following topics:
- Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
- Plumbing Fundamentals
- Traps, Clean outs, and Interceptors
- Drainage Requirements
- Vent Requirements
- Water Distribution
- Plan and Analysis
- Laws and Rules
Exam Site Locations
- Birmingham (Vestavia Hills)
100 Centerview Drive, Suite 100
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Huntsville
4900 University Square, Suite 4
Huntsville, AL 35816
- Mobile
Dorsey Center 6051-B Airport Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36608
- Montgomery
500 Interstate Park Drive, Suite 530
Montgomery, Alabama, 36109
Alabama Business License
If you are applying for an Alabama plumbing license as a business, the state board will require you to have an established business entity.
This can be set up through the Alabama Secretary of State
You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
For a deeper look at the advantages and disadvantages of each business entity, check out this free guide!
Worker’s Compensation laws for Alabama Plumbing Contractors
Alabama requires all plumbing companies with 1 or more employees to hold worker’s compensation insurance.
This also includes LLCs. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.
Contractors must be insured through a commercial provider, self-insured carrier, or through the Alabama Department of Labor
Alabama plumbing contractor license search
The state of Alabama’s Plumbing & Gas Fitter’s examining board’s number one responsibility is protecting the consumer public.
The agency exists not only to enforce rules on plumbing contractors but also to ensure that homeowners are not being overcharged.
If you are looking to verify a plumbing license in the state of Alabama, you can check a license here
Renewing your plumbing license in Alabama
Once your plumbing license is active, you will be responsible for renewing it on an annual basis. Make sure that you begin the renewal process 30 days in advance to make sure there is no gap in your licensing.
Alabama plumbing license renewal portal
Plumbing Apprenticeships
If you are entering the construction industry without any experience, you should absolutely explore starting out in an apprenticeship!
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself to earn an excellent living in a short time frame is by investing in your education.
Apprenticeships can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete, Landscaping, Painting, HVAC, Roofing, Carpentry, and much more!
If you are one day looking to get the Alabama General Contractors license, you must demonstrate skillsets beyond just your specific trade.
Check out our online course library:
If you have never heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, these courses may be perfect for you.
Each state may have different requirements and standards for what is considered a journeyman, check your state laws.
To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
Online Plumbing Schools
If you are looking to prepare for your Alabama plumbing license test, taking contractor classes could be a huge help.
Schools typically provide
- Home study materials
- Online classes taught by industry professionals
- Application assistance
- Insurance and Business services
Many tradesmen find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety, and Alabama state construction law.
These topics can be learned quickly. Studying consistently in the weeks leading up to your exam day will help you greatly.
Practice exams, study guides, and plumbing code books breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.
Blueprint Reading Course
For anyone looking to become a licensed general contractor, learning how to read blueprints is critical…
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to get into engineering or architecture.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
Alabama OSHA
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is taken very seriously by construction authorities in Alabama.
Whether it be HVAC, roofing, painting, landscaping, carpentry, electrical, or any other trade.
If your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Alabama OSHA Training
Alabama Plumbing License Reciprocity
You may qualify for reciprocity if you are licensed in the following states:
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
Learn more about plumbing license reciprocity
Get Started on Your Construction Career
Applying to the state of Alabama Plumbing & Gas Fitter’s Board can be a huge first step up in starting your own plumbing business.
The construction industry is very lucrative. There will be more and more opportunities for skilled tradesmen in the future.
The key is to use the information you have now and take action from beginning to end.
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about plumbing contractor licenses in California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Georgia, and Florida
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.