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With the cost of obtaining a four-year degree out of reach for many young adults, skilled trades like plumbing have reemerged as desirable career paths, with benefits like job stability, livable wages, and the opportunity to become a business owner.  

To become a plumber in New Jersey, you will first have to obtain a license. The state offers both Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses issued by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. The requirements to acquire these licenses are outlined below. 

The Path of a Journeyman to Master Plumber

The progression of a career in plumbing begins with obtaining a Journeyman Plumber License, which permits you to install, alter, repair, and renovate plumbing under the supervision of a Master Plumber.  

From there, you can work toward a Master Plumber License that allows for additional tasks like planning, laying out, installing, and repairing equipment and systems, as well as supervising other professionals (journeymen, apprentices, etc.) in the performance of permitted plumbing activities. 

Requirements for Licensure

To obtain a journeyman’s plumber license, you must be at least 21 years old, hold a $3,000 bond, and complete four years of experience working under the supervision of a Master Plumber.  

Apprentices may also gain needed experience under the supervision of a designated Supervisor Journeyman Plumber who has completed a 4-year apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, plus three years as a Journeyman Plumber. 

From there, you can prepare to obtain a Master Plumber License, which requires the completion of a 4-year apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor and one year of practical experience as a Journeyman Plumber. Alternatively, you can obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary) and one year of experience as a Journeyman Plumber. You must also pass state exams to obtain a Master Plumber License. 

Testing

You must pass three state exams to obtain a Master Plumber License in New Jersey: the Master Plumber Trade Exam, the Master Plumber Practical Exam, and the Business and Law Exam. All are open-book tests and require a score of at least 70% to pass. 

The Master Plumber Trade Exam includes 100 questions covering the following topics: 

• General knowledge 
• Materials, uses, and specifications 
• Traps, interceptors, and backflow prevention 
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances 
• Water supply systems 
• Drains and waste, including indirect waster and roof drain piping 
• Specialty plumbing 
• Safety 
• Vent systems 

You will have 195 minutes (3 hours, 15 minutes) to complete the exam.  

The Master Plumber Practical Exam consists of 25 questions pertaining to Isometric Analysis and Figure Analysis, and you will have 130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes) to complete it. 

Lastly, the Business and Law Exam features 50 questions about these topics: 

• Business organization 
• Licensing 
• Estimating and bidding 
• Contract management 
• Project management 
• Risk management 
• Safety 
• Labor law 
• Financial management 
• Tax law 
• Lien law 

You will have 130 minutes to complete this exam. 

Exam Prep You Can Rely On 

With the right exam prep course from RocketCert, you have the best chance to pass state tests on the first try. If you’re ready to obtain your Journeyman or Master Plumber License in New Jersey, contact us today to learn more.