Blog

The regulatory framework for plumbers in Louisiana is changing. Act 908 is transferring oversight to the State Licensing Board for Contractors, which will create new routes for individuals to obtain journeyman and master plumber licenses in the state. It’s important for new applicants and existing licensees to understand what these changes mean.

HB 953 Has Now Become Act 908

House Bill 953 has now become law as Act 908 with the signature of Governor Jeff Landry on June 12, 2026. While the law has been enacted, most of its licensing provisions will come into effect as of January 1, 2027. Until that point, applicants and licensees should continue to follow the Louisiana State Plumbing Board procedures.

Plumber Regulation in Louisiana Moving Forward

The Louisiana State Plumbing Board, which has been responsible for licensing thus far, will be abolished as of January 1, 2027. At that point, its authority will be transferred to the State Licensing Board for Contractors. The board is already responsible for most contractor regulation in the state, and soon, plumbers will also fall under that umbrella.

Trade-specific oversight will be handled by the new Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee within the board. Moving forward, the subcommittee will be able to address licensing rules, continuing education, enforcement, and other matters. The primary board will also add two active licensed plumbers to its ranks.

How Louisiana Plumbing License Requirements Are Changing

The most significant change with the coming transition will be a reduction in field experience requirements. Currently, journeyman applicants need 7,000 hours as indentured apprentices or 8,000 hours as unindentured apprentices. Act 908 will reduce this to 2,500 verified hours as licensed apprentice plumbers.

While experience requirements have been lowered, the written examination and practical assessment portions of eligibility will still stand. The process also requires proper records of apprenticeship to verify qualifying hours submitted, so you’ll want to keep any payroll records, W-2 forms, or other documentation.

To become a master plumber, a candidate must hold a journeyman plumber license and then complete 1,000 additional verified work hours, along with passing another written examination.

New Options Available for Plumbing Contractors

Act 908 also introduces a distinction between an individual plumber’s license and a plumbing contractor’s license. A person or business that advertises, contracts for, or offers plumbing work requires a contractor’s license, while employees only require an individual plumber’s license.

How This Affects Existing Licenses

Existing license holders don’t have to reapply for their licenses. Plumbers holding apprentice, journeyman, or master plumber licenses as of December 31, 2026, will receive an equivalent license from the contractors’ board on January 1, 2027. Any pending proceedings will also transfer to the new authority as of the transition date.

Obtaining Your Louisiana Contractor's License

While these changes give qualified plumbers a faster route to obtain licenses, there are still important requirements to be met. You’ll need to prepare for your Louisiana plumber’s license exams thoroughly to ensure a passing score. 

With RocketCert’s flexible online courses, you can prepare yourself on your own terms, with 24/7 access to the materials you need to succeed. Contact us to get started on obtaining your plumber’s license in Louisiana today.