Eligibility Requirements

Experience

You must document at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice under a master plumber. This experience must be gained through lawful plumbing work and can be accumulated from multiple employers. Keep detailed records of all plumbing work you complete as an apprentice, including specific projects, hours worked, and master plumbers you worked under.

Education

In addition to work experience, you must complete a plumbing education program approved by the Plumbing Board. This involves a minimum of 4 years (576 hours) of classroom education covering topics like code, safety, drafting, math, and more. Many plumbing apprenticeship programs integrate on-the-job training with required classroom hours.

The Plumbing Board maintains a list of approved plumbing education programs you can complete to fulfill this requirement.

Exam Eligibility

Once you’ve documented sufficient experience and education, you can apply to take the plumbing license exams. Submit proof of your qualifications to the Plumbing Board to be approved for exam eligibility.

Plumbing License Application

With approved exam eligibility from the Plumbing Board, you can apply for your North Dakota plumbing license. Follow these steps:

1. Submit your application

Fill out the plumbing license application form in its entirety and submit it to the Plumbing Board along with the $25 application fee. This fee can be paid via check or money order.

Your application must include:

  • Your full name and contact information
  • Details on your plumbing education and apprenticeship experience
  • Proof of exam eligibility approval from the Plumbing Board
  • Any supplementary documents required

2. Pass the exams

North Dakota requires all plumbing license applicants to pass two exams:

  • North Dakota Plumbing Code Exam – Tests your knowledge of state plumbing codes. Offered as a written exam by the Plumbing Board or can be satisfied by equivalent exam experience.
  • Journeyman Plumber Exam – 4-hour practical exam covering topics like piping, drafting, and plumbing installation. Administered by Experior Assessments.

You’ll receive details on scheduling and taking these exams once your application is received. Both exams do have fees ranging from $55 – $225.

3. License approval

With approved exams and a complete application, the Plumbing Board can issue your North Dakota Plumbing License. This will include your license number and expiration date.

New licenses are valid for 1 year, after which you must renew annually to remain current.

Reciprocity with Other States

If you hold a current plumbing license in another state, you may be able to transfer it and qualify for a North Dakota license through reciprocity without taking additional exams. However, your home state must have equivalent licensing standards.

You’ll still need to submit a full plumbing license application to the Plumbing Board documenting your original license, education, and experience. Approval for reciprocity is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Plumbing Board has reciprocity agreements with Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming. License holders from these states have an easier time qualifying in North Dakota.

License Requirements for Specific Counties

Some counties and cities in North Dakota require plumbers to hold additional local licenses to work there:

Bond Requirements

Licensed plumbers in North Dakota must obtain a $4000 plumbing work bond that’s valid for the term of their license. This bond helps protect homeowners in case of damage from faulty plumbing work.

Renewing your plumber’s bond annually is required for license renewal. Bonds can be obtained from your insurance agent or a specialty surety bond company.

The Plumbing Board provides a sample bond form plumbers can use. Your bond must be filed with the Plumbing Board.

Insurance Requirements

In addition to a bond, having proper insurance coverage is essential if you run a plumbing business in North Dakota. Key policies include:

  • General Liability Insurance – Covers property damage and injuries caused by your business. North Dakota requires plumbers to carry a minimum of $250,000 in general liability coverage. Higher policy limits are recommended.
  • Workers’ Compensation – Mandatory for businesses with staff. Provides benefits for employees injured on the job.
  • Business Auto Insurance – For company vehicles. Necessary if you drive between job sites. Minimum 50/100/50 liability limits.
  • Professional Liability – Optional but recommended. Protects against financial loss from plumbing mistakes or malpractice claims.

Discuss your specific insurance needs with a commercial agent to make sure you have adequate protection. Being properly insured reduces liability as a licensed plumber. To acquire in-depth knowledge about how much you would have to pay for securing your plumbing business in North Dakota, consider reading our detailed article on North Dakota Plumbing Insurance Guide & Quotes.

License Renewal

North Dakota plumbing licenses expire annually on July 31st. To maintain an active license, you must renew it each year by the expiration date. Follow these steps:

1. Complete 8 hours of continuing education

All plumbers must take 8 hours of continuing education to keep their skills and knowledge current. You can choose from courses approved by the Plumbing Board covering plumbing codes, practices, safety, and business topics relevant to working plumbers.

Keep copies of your CE course completion certificates.

2. Submit your renewal application

Fill out the license renewal form in full and send it to the Plumbing Board along with:

  • Your renewal fee payment ($50 for 1 year renewal)
  • Proof of your continuing education credits
  • An updated $4000 plumbing bond

Active military members and new licensees renewing for the first time are exempt from the CE requirement.

With an approved renewal, your license will remain valid for another year. Plumbers who fail to renew by the deadline will have an inactive license until requirements are met.

Resources for Exam Preparation

Passing the plumbing license exams is a crucial step to becoming a licensed plumber in North Dakota. Make sure you’re ready by utilizing these study resources:

  • PlumbingTraining.edu – Offers exam prep courses and practice tests based on the latest plumbing codes.
  • PSI Exams – Practice exams and study guides for the Journeyman Plumber test.
  • Experior Assessments – Administers the Journeyman Plumber exam. Their site has testing details.
  • Plumbing Code Books – Study the ND Plumbing Code to pass the state code exam.
  • Plumbing Board Resources – Check the Board’s site for applications, forms, testing details, and education programs.

Thorough preparation using these study materials can help you pass your plumbing exams the first time and become licensed.

Conclusion

Obtaining your North Dakota plumbing license takes dedication through education, experience, testing, and renewal. But the process ultimately protects public health and safety by ensuring plumbers meet strict standards. Follow the steps outlined here, meet all Plumbing Board requirements, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed plumber in North Dakota.