New York State Plumbing License

Anyone wanting to work as a plumber in New York needs to get a New York State Plumbing License. Licensing is usually regulated within a local government level, since these entities are in charge of all trading of plumbing affairs based on NYS General City law's article 4, which examines boards of plumbers in the state's cities, vacancies, qualifications, powers and duties, examinations, and other sections related to plumbing and drainage. However, to become a licensed plumber, applicants have to first register at New York's Secretary of State and pass a plumbers exam before they can conduct business or the trade of plumbing.

Deciding on a New York State Plumbing License

Obviously, an individual seeking to apply for a New York State plumbing license has to be a trained individual, whether having enrolled in a plumbing course, training program, or a related technical career. There are two types of licenses to apply for: one is a Journeyman License and the other a Master Plumber License. Anyone is entitled to apply as a Journeyman to conduct regular plumbing business in New York city, but as a Master Plumber, an individual is licensed to perform any plumbing or plumbing-related service in the State of New York.

Requisites to Get a New York State Plumbing License

Applicants for a New York state plumbing license must be at least 18 years old and be aware that background education and experience in this field is necessary to get a license, along with being able to read, write, and understand the English language, besides good moral character and meet the minimum qualifications in any case.

Further information on requisites needed for either a Journeyman or Master Plumber License, you can refer to:

The NYC Department of Buildings website
The NYC Department of Buildings Licensing Unit
New York City DCAS (Department of Citywide Administrative Services)
Any other New York licensing authority

Although the application can be sent through an online form or via fax, it is necessary that the applicant visit the licensing unit within the first ten working days after submitting such application, taking documents such as personal identification, social security number, proof of studies and experience, list of jobs and duties performed, etc.

Who Can Apply for New York State Plumbing License

Any person with technical knowledge and prior working experience can apply for a license, including professional engineers licensed by the State of New York, registered architects, individuals with a bachelor's degree in engineering or any plumbing-related career, people who have undergone an apprenticeship program.

Applicants must pass two exams, one is a written multi-choice test and the second is a practical exam to test their knowledge. There is an exam fee of $210 and the schedule for Construction Trades Licensing Exams is usually posted ahead of time at the DCAS website.

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services has additional information and resources to make it easier get a New York State Plumbing License, including a licensing guide, how to do the exams, and a comprehensible FAQ to clarify any question.