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Looking for a rewarding career? Becoming a plumber can certainly fit the bill. It allows you to contribute positively to society while enjoying plenty of career advancement opportunities. If you’re interested, you first need to learn how to get licensed.  

Find out what you need to know about obtaining and maintaining a plumbing license in the state of Louisiana. 

What Kind of Work Does a Louisiana Plumbing License Allow For?

The kind of work you can do with a plumbing license depends on the type of license you obtain. The state gives you two options: 

• Journeyman Plumbing License: Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems under the direct supervision of a state-licensed master plumber 
• Master Plumbing License: Install, repair, maintain, plan, and lay out plumbing systems and supervise journeyman plumbers 

If you want to perform work valued at $10,000 or more, including the cost of labor and materials, you must hold both a master plumbing license and a commercial contractor license. 

How to Obtain Your Plumbing License in the State of Louisiana

To become a journeyman plumber in the state of Louisiana, you need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship program or show proof of five years  or 8,000 hours of experience working under a licensed Louisiana company.  

Those with a valid out-of-state license will not be able to obtain reciprocity in Louisiana, but the license can serve as proof of experience and will allow an applicant to sit for an exam. 

Master plumbers must already be license holders. They may have a current plumbing license, a statewide mechanical work license, or a current professional engineering license issued by the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. 

Both a journeyman and a master plumber’s license require an examination. Once you have verified your education and experience with the board, you can be pre-approved to take the exam.  

The Journeyman Plumbing exam has two parts. Part 1 is a three-hour open-book test with 80 questions covering the following administrative and plumbing topics: 

• Licensing  
• Permits  
• Inspections  
• ADA accessibility  
• General plumbing knowledge and regulations  

Part 2 is a practical portion involving hands-on work on floor plan, screw pipe, and copper projects.  

The Master Plumbing exam does not require hands-on work. Instead, it features a three-part open-book written exam: 

• Part 1: 80 questions on the International Plumbing Code, Louisiana Title 17, and general plumbing and safety knowledge 
• Part 2: 25 questions on the Title 51 Public Health Sanitary Code and practical topics like drainage and water supply systems and installation practices 
• Part 3: 40 questions on business and law knowledge like labor/safety regulations and project, contract, and financial management 

After passing your exam, you’ll be qualified to apply for your license with the board. 

Get the Test Prep You Need to Pass on the First Try

Whether you want to become a journeyman or a master plumber, passing the exam on the first try is critical to a successful start to your new career. RocketCert’s expertly written online course and exam prep materials can help you achieve that goal. 

We include isometric lessons that teach math concepts for sizing pipes based on drawings. We also provide highlighting and tabbing guides, quizzes, and a practice exam so you can simulate the real thing.  

If you’re ready for a new career, contact RocketCert today to discover how you can get the test prep you need to obtain your Louisiana plumbing license.