The Alabama Plumber Guide

Alabama plumbers are regulated by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. Apprentices must register and work under supervision. Becoming a Journeyman Plumber requires 2 years of apprentice experience. Becoming a Master Plumber requires 1 year of experience as a certified Journeyman.

1. To become a Journeyman Plumber, individuals must complete at least two years as a registered Apprentice, or complete an approved training program combined with apprentice time equaling two years. (Source: https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/; verbatim: “Individuals who wish to become certified as a Journeyman Plumber must complete a minimum two years as an Apprentice, or successful completion of a board approved apprentice training program”)

2. Eligibility for the Master Plumber Exam requires certification as a Journeyman Plumber for at least one year. (Source: https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/; verbatim: “To become eligible to take the Master Plumber Exam, an individual must be certified as a Journeyman Plumber for a minimum of one year.”)

3. Companies performing plumbing work must register with the board and designate a Principal Master. (Source: https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/; verbatim: “All companies must register with the board prior to bidding on or performing work in Alabama. Every company must have a Principal Master designee.”)

4. Out-of-state applicants may take the Alabama exam if their out-of-state license required passing an exam with a score of 70% or higher. (Source: https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/; verbatim: “The out of state license must have been issued based on successful completion of an exam with a minimum score of 70%.”)

5. Property owners performing plumbing work (excluding gas) in a building they own or occupy do not need a Master Plumber Certification. (Source: https://pgfb.alabama.gov/licensees/frequently-asked-questions/; verbatim: “Plumbing work (Not Gas) performed in or about a building owned, or occupied by the owner.”)

6. On residential jobsites, the required supervision ratio is at least one Journeyman or Master plumber for up to five apprentices. (Source: https://pgfb.alabama.gov/licensees/frequently-asked-questions/; verbatim: “Residential jobsites as defined by our law – Minimum of one Journeyman or Master for up to five apprentices.”)

Registered apprenticeship oversight in Alabama runs through Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (https://www.alapprentice.org).

Apprentice plumbers must fulfill board registration requirements and work directly under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber.