Quick Reference Table
Item | Details |
|---|---|
License Types | Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber |
Regulating Agency | Montana Board of Plumbers (Department of Labor & Industry) |
Experience Required | Journeyman: 5 years/7,500 hours; Master: 4 years as journeyman plus 3 years in a supervisory role |
Exams | Journeyman: Written, ≥70% passing |
Renewal Cycle/CE | Annual (due September 1); 4 hours continuing education per year |
Fees | Master Plumber of Record form: $50 (as of Jan 17, 2024). Other fees not published, verify at Montana Board of Plumbers fee schedule. |
Official Links | Board homepage; Apply/Renew EBIZ Portal; Journeyman application checklist |
Who Needs a License in Montana?
Every person performing plumbing work in the field in Montana must hold a valid Plumbing license issued by the Montana Board of Plumbers. This includes both residential and commercial jobs, with no minimum project value or monetary threshold for exemption.
According to Plumbing license requirements in Montana, both journeyman and master plumbers must be licensed. Journeyman plumbers are required to work under the employment of a licensed master plumber, while only master plumbers can bid, contract, supervise, and set plans for plumbing projects. The law does not provide exemptions for homeowners or handymen, so even small projects performed independently require licensure.
In short, if you intend to perform or supervise plumbing in Montana, including service, repair, installation, or new construction, you must hold a valid license in the appropriate class. Always verify project scope with the Montana Board of Plumbers if you are unsure.
Plumbing license requirements in Montana: License Types
Montana issues two main license types specific to plumbing:
Journeyman Plumber: This license allows you to perform plumbing work in the field. However, you cannot bid, estimate, contract, or supervise jobs alone. You must work under the direct employment of a licensed master plumber.
Master Plumber: With a master plumber license, you can perform all work that a journeyman may do, but you may also bid, estimate, contract, supervise, and take legal responsibility for plumbing projects. Permit applications, supervision of journeymen, and employment decisions all require a master plumber’s license.
There are no further classifications such as apprentice, or specialty licenses within state law for plumbing. To progress from journeyman to master, you need substantial additional verified experience as detailed below.
How to Meet Plumbing License Requirements in Montana
To meet Plumbing license requirements in Montana, follow these concrete steps. The process is different for journeyman and master plumber applicants.
Document relevant experience: For journeyman, collect written affirmation proving at least 5 years or 7,500 hours of valid plumbing work, or supply your apprenticeship completion certificate or educational transcript.
Submit your application: Complete the appropriate state forms, attach documents, and submit through the Montana Board of Plumbers’ online EBIZ portal. Journeyman application checklist and forms are published online.
Sit for the written exam: The Board will contact you with exam details. Journeyman candidates face a written exam and must score at least 70% to pass.
Receive your license: Once you pass, the Department of Labor & Industry will issue your journeyman license.
Apply for master status (if eligible): After at least 4 years as a licensed journeyman (plus 3 years working with a master plumber or supervising), apply for the master plumber exam via the same portal and submit supervisory experience documentation.
Take and pass the master exam: This is a separate written test devised by the Board. Verified passing scores are not published but are likely similar to the journeyman benchmark.
Renew annually and complete CE: All plumbing licenses in Montana must be renewed every year by September 1, and licensees must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education each renewal cycle.
Experience Verification
For journeyman applications, you need written statements or certificates as proof. Supervisory time for master applicants must be detailed and signed by your employer or supervising master plumber. All documentation is checked for authenticity by the Board.
Application Submission
The Board directs all new licensing and renewal applications to its online EBIZ system. Physical and PDF forms must be scanned for upload. You must submit all evidence at the time of application for timely processing.
Application Requirements
Applicants for Plumbing license requirements in Montana must meet experience criteria and submit sufficient documentation. The state does not specify age or citizenship minimums, but does require detailed verification of experience.
Experience and Documentation
Journeyman: Provide one of the following: signed written affirmation from a licensed plumber confirming you have worked 7,500+ hours over 5 years, official apprenticeship completion certificate, or transcript evidencing trade education.
Master: Submit evidence of at least 4 years of experience holding a Montana journeyman plumber license, plus 3 years (defined as 1,500 hours for each year) in a supervisory capacity or working with a licensed master plumber.
Bond and Insurance Requirements
Montana does require a Master Plumber of Record registration, which includes a $50 fee (as of Jan 17, 2024), but no other general bond or insurance minimums are published in official board materials. No details are available regarding general liability insurance or workers compensation for applicants. Verify current insurance and bond requirements at the Montana Board of Plumbers homepage.
Background Checks and Additional Certifications
There are no requirements for a background check, fingerprinting, or federal certifications such as the EPA 608 for applicants, based on all currently available official sources. Future changes may introduce such requirements, so check the board’s official policies each year when applying or renewing.
Exams
Passing a board-administered written exam is a key part of meeting Plumbing license requirements in Montana.
Journeyman Exam: You must take a written examination set by the Montana Board of Plumbers after your experience and application have been verified. The passing score for the journeyman test is at least 70%. The exam is a trade exam covering practical and theoretical plumbing topics required for field practice. No further information about format, number of questions, or whether the exam is open book is available. The exam provider’s official link: Journeyman Exam Statute.
Master Exam: The master exam is also written, with subjects and format prescribed by the Board, but the required passing score is not explicitly published. All applicants must pass this test after the Board reviews supervisory experience. Official exam requirements are detailed here: Master Exam Statute.
There is no separate business law or contractor management test. The Board does not publish information about retakes or waiting periods, so verify these details before scheduling your exam session each year.
Fees
Current Plumbing license requirements in Montana only confirm a $50 fee for the Master Plumber of Record form (as of January 17, 2024), based on documents available at the board’s website.
Fee Type | Amount (as of Jan 17, 2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|
Master Plumber of Record form | $50 | |
Journeyman application | Not published | Verify at Montana Board of Plumbers |
Master application, licensing, renewal, exam | Not published | Verify at Montana Board of Plumbers |
Late penalty | Not published | Verify at Montana Board of Plumbers |
Bond (if any) | Not published | Verify at Montana Board of Plumbers |
No application, examination, initial license, or renewal fee schedules are currently published on official sources for other license types or activities. You must review the most up-to-date information before submitting your application, as fees may change yearly.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Meeting annual renewal and education requirements is part of Plumbing license requirements in Montana. All licenses expire on September 1 each year. Renewal opens July 2 and closes September 1 for the coming license year.
Renewal Timeline
Once licensed, you must use the EBIZ portal to renew your license by September 1 every year. If you renew after September 1, you will face a late renewal fee, but the Board does not state the exact penalty in public documents. In some years, certain renewal fees may be temporarily reduced or waived to help licensees, but do not rely on this for future cycles.
Continuing Education Hours
Montana requires all licensed plumbers (journeyman and master) to complete 4 hours of approved continuing education (CE) annually to renew. The state does not specify required topics or approved providers, but you should only take training that meets board guidelines. Keep good records and upload your CE certificate at the time of renewal.
If Your License Lapses
If you miss the renewal deadline, you will need to pay a late fee to reactivate your license. The Board has not published the exact process or whether reinstatement requires additional documentation or re-examination. Always renew timely to avoid interruption in your legal ability to work, supervise, or contract for plumbing projects in Montana.
Reciprocity
There are no formal reciprocity or endorsement agreements in place for Plumbing license requirements in Montana. If you hold a license from another state, you must apply as a new applicant and provide all required verifications and proofs of experience, as state law does not allow for simple transfer or recognition of out-of-state credentials.
Official sources state that no endorsement pathways or alternative application streams for experienced out-of-state plumbers exist. You should be prepared to submit references, documentation, and complete the Montana exam process even if you are licensed elsewhere.
