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As the cost of higher education skyrockets, more adults are looking for alternative career opportunities like skilled trades. Plumbers and gas fitters in Alabama can learn on the job, earn a good wage, and advance in a career path with lifelong potential. 

Once you’ve obtained your license from the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board, you can legally get to work installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing and gas systems and equipment. However, the state requires that you maintain a valid license to do so. 

This means submitting to periodic license renewal. Here’s what you need to know to renew your license and ensure that your ability to work isn’t interrupted. 

When and How to Renew Your License 

In Alabama, plumbing and gas fitting licenses expire on December 31, but the renewal period begins on October 1 and ends on October 31 each year. You must submit a completed application and renewal fees no later than the end of the business day on October 31 to ensure renewal. 

If you hold a journeyman plumber, journeyman gas fitter, master plumber, or master gas fitter license, you are required to complete four hours of state-approved continuing education (CE) coursework before you apply for renewal. Courses must cover one or more of the following topics: 

• Technology, procedures, and industry-related applications. 
• Administration, management, and supervision in plumbing or gas fitting, or related trade 
• Specialty areas of plumbing or gas fitting practices 
• Plumbing and/or gas fitting education 

There are some exemptions from the CE requirement. You may apply for license renewal without CE if you are 65 or older.  

Journeyman plumbers and gas fitters are not required to complete CE for their first license renewal if it falls within the same calendar year as obtaining a license.  

The same applies to journeyman and master plumbers and gas fitters who acquire their Alabama license through reciprocation/exam based on a license from another jurisdiction. 

Consequences of Letting Your License Lapse 

If you fail to submit proof of CE with a completed application by the end of business day on October 31, your license will not be renewed, and you will not be permitted to legally practice your trade after it expires on December 31. However, you will still be allowed to renew for up to one year from the expiration date. 

To do so, you must submit a Deficiency Plan that states when and how you will complete CE hours, along with a deficiency fee. If your license lapses for more than a year, you will have to reapply and retake your trade exams to obtain a new license. 

Choosing a Suitable Continuing Education Program 

Any course you select must, first and foremost, be state-approved. In addition, the program must submit proof of completed CE on your behalf, so it’s best to choose a provider that offers an instant Certificate of Completion for your records, along with daily notification to the state.  

Working professionals will benefit most from an online program that offers self-paced learning with materials developed by industry experts and educators. RocketCert meets all your needs with continuing education courses for Alabama plumbers and gas fitters. Contact us now to learn more.