Plumber Licensing in Alabama

Alabama Plumber License Verification

In Alabama, all individuals performing plumbing work must be certified by the governing authority, the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. This includes even those starting as an apprentice. The Board issues three primary levels of licensure: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumber.

To become a registered Apprentice Plumber, an individual must submit an application, provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, and pay a $35 fee. Apprentices are only permitted to perform work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master or Journeyman Plumber.

The next step is to obtain a Journeyman Plumber license. Eligibility requires a minimum of two years of work experience as a registered apprentice under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber, or completion of a Board-approved apprentice training program. Applicants must pass a licensing examination with a score of at least 70%. After passing, the application for certification, along with the required fees ($110 exam fee, $50 application fee, $75 certification fee), must be submitted within 90 days.

The highest level of certification is the Master Plumber license. To qualify, a journeyman plumber must have at least one year of experience working under a licensed master plumber. Effective January 1, 2026, Master Plumber examination applicants are required to pass both the plumbing exam and an additional business law exam to obtain certification. The master plumber examination fee is $160, with a $50 application fee and a $175 certification fee. Master plumbers can perform any plumbing job without supervision and are authorized to operate a business and advertise services.

All journeyman and master certificate holders are subject to continuing education requirements. Beginning January 1, 2025, four hours of continuing education are required annually, and these must be completed prior to renewing 2026 certifications, unless an age exemption (65 or older) applies. As of January 1, 2026, Alabama has a reciprocal agreement with the Mississippi Board of Contractors; however, for other states, applicants typically must still take the Alabama examination.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

To protect consumers and ensure financial responsibility, plumbers in Alabama must adhere to specific insurance and bonding requirements. If you own your own plumbing business, Master Plumbers must maintain a minimum of $300,000 in property damage liability insurance and $100,000 in general liability insurance. A current copy of the insurance certificate must be submitted to the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.

Additionally, for plumbing and gas fitting contractors, a $2,000 surety bond is required by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board before receiving a license or permit to operate. For businesses with five or more employees, workers' compensation insurance is mandated by Alabama law. Commercial auto insurance is also an important consideration for work vehicles used in the business.

Permitting and Local Regulations

While statewide licensing is essential, plumbers must also be aware of permitting and local regulations that can vary across Alabama. The State Building Code has jurisdiction over plumbing systems in new construction, additions, and renovations for state-owned property, public K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels, and movie theaters. However, it generally does not have jurisdiction over residential or other commercial properties.

For plumbing installations outside the jurisdiction of municipal corporations, permits and inspections must conform to the rules and regulations of the State Board of Health and/or county boards of health, with inspections performed by county health departments. Local city and county plumbing codes must also comply with state mandates, such as limiting the use of piping, flux, and solder containing more than specified lead percentages. It is critical for plumbers to verify specific permitting and code requirements with the relevant local authorities in each area where they intend to work.

Official Alabama Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding plumbing licensure and regulations in Alabama, please consult the official resources below:

State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board Official Website

Alabama Code Title 34, Chapter 37 – Plumbers & Gas Fitters

Rules of the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board (Alabama Administrative Code)

Directory of Plumber contractors serving Alabama