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Plumbing is an essential service for residential and commercial customers alike, and in the state of Virginia, as in many other states, plumbers must be licensed to work. This requirement is meant to ensure standards for training and experience but also to protect public health and safety.

Once you’ve met the considerable requirements to obtain your journeyman or master license, including hours of training, years of experience, and passing the state exam, you’ll have to maintain it. This means completing continuing education in order to renew your license periodically.

How do you go about renewing your plumbing license in Virginia? Here’s what you should know.

Don’t Let Your License Expire

It’s important to understand that there are serious consequences for allowing your license to expire, namely that you will no longer have the legal right to work. If you miss your renewal deadline, the state offers a 30-day grace period for reinstatement, but your license will still be expired in the interim.

You’ll also face additional fees if you miss your renewal deadline, and if you further fail to meet the reinstatement deadline, you’ll have to reapply for a license, facing all the related requirements. This could significantly impact your ability to earn a living and disrupt any current projects you’re working on.

How to Renew Your Plumbing License

Renewing your license requires that you complete continuing education to update your knowledge so you can better meet the needs of your customers and comply with changing regulations for your field. Renewal occurs at three-year intervals, at the end of the month your license was originally issued.

For example, if your license was issued on June 1, 2020, the expiration date would be June 30, 2023. You are required to complete three hours of plumbing continuing education through a state-approved course that covers International Plumbing Code (IPC) changes.

While licenses are administered by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR), the Board of Contractors is tasked with regulating license renewal. Once you have completed your course for continuing education, you must submit proof, along with your renewal fee.

Choosing a Suitable Renewal Program

Choosing the right renewal program can feel like a daunting task, but there are certain things you can look for to make it easier. First and most important, the program must be approved by the DPOR.

The best programs are created by industry experts and educators and offer online access 24/7 so you can proceed at your own pace using your preferred devices. You might also want to look for lifetime access, so you can refer back to learning materials as needed.

Additionally, look for a program that offers an instant certificate of completion for your personal records and daily notifications to the state for your peace of mind.

When it comes to license renewal, RocketCert has the approved courses and convenient features working professionals are looking for. If you’re ready to renew your Virginia plumbing license, contact us today to get started.