Official-source review: August 24, 2026
Alabama plumbing license: Alabama regulates plumbing statewide through apprentice registration and journeyman and master certification. Journeyman applicants generally document two years as an apprentice or an approved program; Master applicants document one current year as a Journeyman and pass the written exam.
What the Alabama plumbing license covers
Alabama regulates plumbing statewide through apprentice registration and journeyman and master certification. Journeyman applicants generally document two years as an apprentice or an approved program; Master applicants document one current year as a Journeyman and pass the written exam.
- Plumbing work within the apprentice, journeyman or master level issued.
- Work only within the credential issued.
- Obtain every local permit and inspection.
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Alabama plumbing license requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | Apprentice registration to Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber certification, with separate gas and medical-gas credentials |
| Experience | Journeyman: generally two years as a registered apprentice or approved program. Master: one current year as a Journeyman Plumber. |
| Exam | Pass the written examination for Journeyman or Master certification; endorsements require their own verification. |
| Fees | Application, examination, registration, certification and annual renewal fees apply by level; code review, medical-gas and permit charges are separate. |
| Insurance or bond | Maintain contractor and business insurance required by the employer, project and local permit authority. |
| Renewal | Annual renewal period is October through December, with CE due before the published November deadline. |
Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.
How to complete the Alabama plumbing license process
- Identify the individual, contractor and business credentials.
- Complete the required education and documented experience.
- Obtain approval and pass each required examination.
- Submit the application, supporting records and current fee.
- Complete insurance, bond, business and permit requirements.
- Renew on time and retain compliance records.
Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.
Important Alabama rules and boundaries
- Gas fitting is a separate certification.
- Medical gas is an endorsement requiring accepted ASSE certification.
- Apprentices work under the required supervision.
- Local permits remain separate.
Alabama may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.
Alabama plumbing license cost and renewal
Budget separately for applications, examinations, training, insurance, bonds, business filings and permits.
Renew individual, company and specialty credentials separately and verify current charges before filing.
Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.
Alabama plumbing license checklist
- Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
- Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
- Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
- Use the current official form and fee schedule.
- Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
- File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
- Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
- Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this credential statewide?
The principal credential is statewide, but local business licensing, permits and inspections still apply.
Is an exam required?
Pass the written examination for Journeyman or Master certification; endorsements require their own verification.
When does it renew?
Annual renewal period is October through December, with CE due before the published November deadline.
Are local permits separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Licensing authority
- Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
- Fees
- Application, examination, registration, certification and annual renewal fees apply by level; code review, medical-gas and permit charges are separate.
- Experience
- Journeyman: generally two years as a registered apprentice or approved program. Master: one current year as a Journeyman Plumber.
- Exams
- Pass the written examination for Journeyman or Master certification; endorsements require their own verification.
- Insurance or bond
- Maintain contractor and business insurance required by the employer, project and local permit authority.
- Continuing education
- Complete the Board’s renewal continuing education by the published deadline; plumbing and gas hours are allocated by credentials held.
- Renewal period
- Annual renewal period is October through December, with CE due before the published November deadline.
Official sources
Official sources last checked August 23, 2026.
Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.