Texas Plumbing License Guide: TSBPE Journeyman Plumber Exam, Requirements and Renewal
Reviewed by Carlos Aldaba, CBO, Certified Building Official (ICC), Building Code & Permitting Consultant ·
A Texas plumbing license is issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) under the Plumbing License Law, Chapter 1301 of the Texas Occupations Code, and the Board rules in 22 TAC Part 17. This guide covers the Journeyman Plumber exam: who can sit for it, what it costs, its format and pass score, retakes, renewal and reciprocity, all from TSBPE documents.
Texas Plumber (TSBPE) Practice TestTexas Plumber (TSBPE) Full Mock Exam
Texas Plumbing License Types (TSBPE)
TSBPE lists four plumbing licenses on its license types page: Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Inspector. A Master Plumber who meets the insurance and other requirements can act as a Responsible Master Plumber (RMP), the only license that can advertise plumbing to the public, sign contracts and pull permits.
| Credential | Key requirement | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber's Apprentice | At least 16 years old | Assist under direct supervision of a licensee |
| Tradesman Plumber-Limited | 4,000 hours plus 24 hours of training | One- and two-family dwellings under an RMP |
| Journeyman Plumber | 8,000 hours plus 48 hours of training | All plumbing under an RMP, and supervise apprentices |
| Master Plumber | Journeyman for 2 years (1 year with a DOL apprenticeship) | Can act as RMP: advertise, contract, pull permits |
| Plumbing Inspector | Journeyman or Master, PE or architect, or equivalent out-of-state inspector | Inspect for a political subdivision |
Endorsements add Medical Gas Piping Installation, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist and Water Supply Protection Specialist scope. Registrations include Drain Cleaner, Drain Cleaner-Restricted and Residential Utilities Installer.
Texas Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
The TSBPE Journeyman Plumber page and 22 TAC §363.5 set these requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for Texas licensure.
- Hold a current Plumber's Apprentice Registration, a Tradesman Plumber-Limited License or another state's Journeyman license.
- Have at least 8,000 hours of trade experience under an RMP, documented on an Employer's Certification Form (ECF) from each employer. The RMP must return a requested ECF within 30 business days.
- Finish 48 hours of TSBPE-approved training, unless you are in or have completed a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship or hold an out-of-state Journeyman license. The Board can credit up to 1,000 hours of experience for an approved program's classroom work.
- Submit fingerprints to DPS. You do this only once, not again for each renewal.
The 48 hours are two 6-hour CPE classes, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Outreach, 8 hours of residential code training (IRC and/or UPC) and 18 hours of commercial code training. The 18 hours include 2 hours each on water heaters, water supply, sanitary drainage, vents, fuel gas and conservation technology. Plan your study around those hours, because they reflect the exam's focus.
TSBPE Journeyman Exam Format and Number of Questions
The TSBPE Journeyman Examination Review Course says the exam has three parts:
- 90 multiple-choice questions, now delivered as a computer-based test (CBT) by Pearson VUE.
- Hands-on shop work: measuring, cutting and joining solvent-cemented PVC, soldered and brazed copper, threaded steel and no-hub cast iron, plus spotting violations on numbered water heater installations.
- Drainage and vent design: a two-story sanitary drainage and vent system for up to 10 fixtures, built in a scale model.
If you already hold a Tradesman Plumber-Limited License, you take only the written portion. According to the TSBPE CBT FAQ, the CBT is the same length and format as the old written exam. Practicals are held at TSBPE sites in Austin and Waco and are scheduled only after you pass the CBT. Pearson VUE has over 40 Texas test centers.
Which Code Is on the Texas Plumber Exam?
Under 22 TAC §367.2, TSBPE has adopted the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code and the 2018 International Plumbing Code, along with the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code and 2018 International Residential Code. The review course says the exam is not specific to one code, so study the one your area uses and skip the other. It also points you to Plumbing License Law sections 1301.351, .356, .403, .404, .452, .502, .508, .701 and .702, and Board Rules 361.1, 365.1, 367.2, 367.4, 367.5 and 367.7. Our practice bank covers those rules. Test code content with your own code book.
Is the TSBPE Exam Open Book?
The TSBPE documents we reviewed do not say whether code books are allowed in the CBT. Follow the instructions in your Pearson VUE Authorization to Test. Rule §363.19 does say examiners may not give oral versions of the written components. If you have a diagnosed learning disability, you can request extra time or a separate room.
Texas Journeyman Plumber Exam Cost
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Journeyman exam application (TSBPE, non-refundable) | $40 |
| Computer-based test (Pearson VUE) | $68.50 |
| Fingerprints (IdentoGO) | $39.05 |
| Initial Journeyman license | $40 |
| Annual renewal | $40 |
| Master Plumber exam / license | $175 / $75 |
Fees come from the Journeyman exam application and 22 TAC §361.6. Military service members, veterans and spouses who substantially qualify have their initial license, application and exam fees waived. Incomplete applications expire one year after receipt, and typical processing takes 30–45 days.
TSBPE Pass Score, Retakes and Results
Under 22 TAC §363.22, a score of 69.9 or less on any part is a fail, so you need at least 70 on each part. You retake only the part you failed, with a 3-hour time limit and a new application and fee. Before each retake you must complete a training period: 30 days after a first failure, 60 after a second, and 90 after a third or later. Results arrive within 30 days. If you ask within two weeks of being notified, the Board will give you an analysis of your performance. To cancel without losing your fee, notify TSBPE in writing, postmarked at least 10 business days before the exam. A work conflict is not an excused emergency.
How Hard Is the Texas Journeyman Plumber Exam?
TSBPE does not publish a pass rate. The hard parts are the practicals: you have to cut and join five pipe materials correctly and design a two-story drain, waste and vent system to scale. The written test also includes license-law questions that catch people out, such as RMP duties, medical gas endorsement scope and pocket card rules.
Texas Plumbing License Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses renew every year. Before expiration, send the renewal application, complete at least 6 hours of continuing education and pay the fee. Late renewals pay half the renewal fee if less than 90 days late and the full fee if more. You may not do licensed work between expiration and reissue. A license expired for more than two years cannot be renewed. It must be reinstated. The full rule text is in the TSBPE Administrative Rules.
Texas Plumbing License Reciprocity and State Differences
Texas uses a single statewide license from one board, so it works in every Texas city. Cities can still add local code amendments and require permits. TSBPE does not list blanket reciprocity agreements. Instead, a current out-of-state Journeyman license satisfies the license-holding requirement and exempts you from the 48-hour training, but you still pass the Texas exam. Military applicants with a similar license in good standing elsewhere receive the same license type, and the agency must respond within 10 business days. After a declared disaster, TSBPE can issue 30-day temporary licenses to out-of-state plumbers. Installing LP-gas also requires a separate license from the Texas Railroad Commission.
Texas Plumbing License Search
Use the TSBPE Public License Search to check any licensee. TSBPE suggests checking your own record before you apply, because it shows fingerprint status, training classes and certified hours. Licensees must carry their pocket card on every jobsite. Companies must show the RMP number, preceded by "M", "MPL" or "RMP", in letters at least 2 inches high on both sides of service vehicles.
Texas Journeyman Plumber Study Plan
- Weeks 1–3: go through your chosen code chapter by chapter: definitions, general regulations, fixtures, water heaters, water supply, drainage, vents, traps and fuel gas.
- Week 4: study the license law and Board rules, then take the Texas Plumber (TSBPE) Practice Test.
- Week 5: take the timed Texas Plumber (TSBPE) Full Mock Exam and practice PVC, copper, steel and cast iron joints and DWV riser drawings.
Studying the UPC or IPC? See our Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep and Plumbing License Guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Texas plumbing license requirements for Journeyman?
A current Plumber's Apprentice Registration or Tradesman Plumber-Limited License (or a Journeyman license from another state), at least 8,000 hours of trade experience, 48 hours of TSBPE-approved training or a DOL-approved apprenticeship, fingerprints, and a passing score on the exam.
How much does the Texas Journeyman Plumber exam cost?
The TSBPE exam application fee is $40, Pearson VUE charges $68.50 for the computer-based test, and the license itself is $40. Fingerprinting through IdentoGO costs $39.05.
What score do I need to pass?
TSBPE rules define a failing score on any part as 69.9 points or less, so you need at least 70 on each part.
How many questions are on the Texas Journeyman Plumber exam?
The TSBPE review course lists 90 written multiple-choice questions, plus hands-on shop work and a drainage and vent design for applicants who are not already Tradesman licensees.
Can I retake only the part I failed?
Yes. You retake only the failed part, with a 3-hour time limit, after a new application and fee and a training period of 30, 60 or 90 days depending on how many times you have failed.
Which plumbing code is on the exam?
TSBPE has adopted the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code and the 2018 International Plumbing Code (with the 2018 IFGC and IRC). The review course says the exam is not specific to one code, so you study just one.
How do I renew a Texas plumbing license?
Renew every year before expiration: send the renewal application, finish at least 6 hours of continuing education, and pay the fee. A late renewal costs extra, and you may not do licensed work during the unlicensed period.
Does Texas have plumbing license reciprocity?
TSBPE has no blanket reciprocity, but a current Journeyman license from another state lets you skip the 48-hour training and counts toward eligibility. Military members, veterans and spouses get extra recognition routes.
How do I look up a Texas plumbing license?
Use the TSBPE Public License Search, which shows license status, fingerprint status, training classes and certified hours.
Is the exam offered in Spanish?
Not on computer yet. After a complete application you can email TSBPE to be scheduled for a Spanish written exam in Austin.
TradeExamHub is independent and not affiliated with TSBPE or Pearson VUE. Our questions quote TSBPE rules and documents and do not come from the actual exam.