Do you need a Georgia plumbing license to work?
Yes, you must have a plumbing license from the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers to work as a plumber in the state of Georgia. There are two types of Georgia plumbing licenses: journeyman plumber and master plumber.
You’ll begin your career as an apprentice, then advance to a journeyman plumber before finally applying to become a master plumber.
Insurance requirements for a Georgia plumbers license
Protect your business from the unexpected with the right plumbing insurance coverage. Here’s what you need to know about insurance for Georgia plumbers:
Workers’ Compensation insurance
Workers’ comp isn’t optional if you have three or more people on your team. Georgia law requires you to buy this coverage to help pay for medical expenses and lost wages in the event any of your staff is hurt on the job.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors.
General Liability insurance
General liability coverage is a plumber’s first line of defense if a job leads to accidental property damage or injury. It helps cover legal fees or repair costs if, for instance, a pipe you installed bursts and floods a client’s space.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
Commercial Property insurance
Commercial property insurance protects the physical parts of your business — your office, workshop and all the tools and materials you rely on. This coverage helps with repair or replacement costs so that a sudden event doesn’t put your work on hold.
Business Owner’s Policy
A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance, provides broad coverage of general liability and commercial property policies combined in a single, more cost-efficient bundle. That means it can help cover damage that you or your employees may inadvertently cause to another person’s property and help protect your business inventory in the event of a fire or other covered event.
Tools and Equipment insurance
Could you work tomorrow if someone cleaned out your truck tonight? Your tools aren’t just expensive — they’re your money-makers. Tools and equipment coverage helps you bounce back when things go sideways.
Commercial Auto insurance
Your personal auto policy likely won’t apply when driving a work van or truck loaded with tools. Commercial auto insurance can step in to help cover business-related accidents and damage.
In Georgia, minimum coverage requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
How to get a plumbing license in Georgia
To get a plumbing license in Georgia, you must follow a specific process, starting with an apprenticeship.
Begin as an apprentice
To begin your plumbing career, the first step is to get hands-on work experience by working as an apprentice. You can look for local plumbing companies hiring apprentices or explore trade school programs through the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Georgia.
Apprenticeships typically last for three to five years.
Apply for a Journeyman Plumber license
After getting at least three years of experience, you can apply for a journeyman plumbing license in Georgia. You’ll submit the Master and Journeyman Plumbers Application, $40 application fee, and the necessary documents, including:
- A “secure and verifiable document,” such as a passport, military ID, or driver’s license.
- Three reference forms from licensed plumbers (make sure at least one is from a licensed master plumber.
- A background check from your local law enforcement office.
- A letter of explanation for any offense other than a minor traffic violation.
Once your application is approved, the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board will send you an Exam Approval Letter — this is your ticket to register for the journeyman plumber exam through PSI, the testing vendor. Passing the Georgia plumbing license test means you have the necessary knowledge and experience to work as a journeyman plumber in Georgia.
Move up to a Master Plumber license.
If you want to move up the ladder and take on larger projects, you can apply to become a master plumber. You must have five years of plumbing work experience, with at least two years as a licensed journeyman.
You’ll submit the same application, documents, and a copy of your journeyman license to the Board and pass the master plumbing license exam to get your Class 1 restricted license.
At this level, you can work on plumbing systems for single-family homes and smaller commercial projects. If you have documented experience in commercial or industrial plumbing, you can advance to a Class 2 non-restricted plumbing license.
How long does it take to get your Georgia plumbing license?
The process to get your Georgia plumbing license doesn’t happen overnight. The Board reviews applications in the order received, and the exact time it takes varies. If your application is missing information, the Board will send you a deficiency letter. Respond as soon as possible — your application can be withdrawn if the deficiency isn’t resolved within 60 days.
If you’re wondering, visit the Georgia Secretary of State website to check the status of your application.
Plumber license renewal requirements in GA
Georgia requires plumbers to renew their licenses in even-numbered years. You can renew your license online from September through November. You’ll need to complete four hours of continuing education each year (eight hours per each two-year renewal cycle).
Georgia plumbing license reciprocity
Georgia doesn’t offer reciprocity for plumbing licensure. If you’re moving to Georgia and already have a plumbing license from another state, you’ll need to meet Georgia’s licensing requirements and pass the state plumbing exam to work here.
