Licensing Guides
Oklahoma Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Oklahoma
Plumbing, OK
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Oklahoma
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oklahoma?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Oklahoma?
Does My Oklahoma Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Oklahoma?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Oklahoma?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but time and effort leads to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Oklahoma employs 7,110 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In Oklahoma, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is also at 5% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in Oklahoma in July 2025 totaled 88,400, an increase of 2,700 (3.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,000 (9%) from February 2020.
If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Oklahoma has statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Oklahoma
Is a license required for plumbers in Oklahoma? Yes. It is mandated from the beginning. In the state of Oklahoma, to legally perform plumbing work of any kind, you must be licensed.
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) licenses professionals in several trades, including plumbing apprentices, journeymen, and contractors.
In addition, local jurisdictions may have their own licensing or registration requirements. For instance, in Oklahoma City, plumbing contractors must annually register their state license with the city. It’s important to check with the jurisdictions where you plan to work to make sure you meet local requirements.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Oklahoma
What are the types of plumber licenses in Oklahoma? There are five types of state-issued plumbing registration or licenses.
Plumbing Apprentice — An apprentice plumber is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber or plumbing contractor.
Plumbing Journeyman — A person other than a plumbing contractor who performs installation, alteration, repair, or renovation of plumbing systems.
Residential Plumbing Journeyman — A person other than a plumbing contractor who performs plumbing work for detached one- or two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height.
Plumbing Contractor — A person who is skilled in the planning, superintending, and practical installation of plumbing and knows plumbing laws and rules. In Oklahoma, a master plumber is referred to as a plumbing contractor. The term “plumbing contractor” may also refer to a plumbing business.
Residential Plumbing Contractor — A residential plumbing contractor performs plumbing contracting work for detached one- or two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings or townhouses not more than three stories in height.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice Plumber Registration
Be at least 16 years old.
Work for a licensed plumbing contractor.
Complete a CIB plumbing apprentice application.
Pay a $20 registration fee and $5 application fee.
Annually renew your apprentice registration until completing the three-year work experience requirement. Pay the $20 registration fee each year.
Plumbing Journeyman and Residential Plumbing Journeyman License
Be at least 18 years old.
Have at least three years of experience in the plumbing trade working for a licensed plumbing contractor. The state permits substituting two years of work experience for an associate’s degree or career tech diploma certifying completion of an approved plumbing educational program with a minimum of 1,000 classroom hours. A program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours may be substituted for one year of the work experience requirement.
Complete a CIB plumbing journeyman application.
Pay a $25 application fee and $50 license fee, for a total of $75.
Pass a journeyman plumber exam.
Plumbing Contractor and Residential Plumbing Contractor License
Be at least 18 years old.
Have at least three years of experience in the plumbing trade working for a licensed plumbing contractor. The work experience substitution for an approved educational program is the same as above.
Complete an additional year of work as a licensed plumbing journeyman.
Complete a CIB plumbing contractor application. Pay the $30 application fee and the $300 license fee, for a total of $330.
Pass a plumbing contractor exam.
Obtain a $5,000 corporate surety bond.
Obtain a minimum of $50,000 commercial general liability insurance.
Provide proof of bond and insurance to the CIB for your license to become active.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oklahoma
Be at least 16 years old.
Work for a licensed plumbing contractor.
Submit an apprentice registration application to the CIB and pay the $25 fee.
Obtain three years of work experience, registering with the CIB each year. Pay the $20 annual fee.
To obtain your plumbing journeyman license, submit an application to the CIB and pay the $75 fee.
Pass a journeyman plumber exam.
To become a plumbing contractor, work an additional year as a plumbing journeyman.
Submit a plumbing contractor application to the CIB and pay the $330 fee.
Pass an Oklahoma plumbing contractor and business and law exam.
Obtain and submit proof to the CIB of a $5,000 corporate surety bond and a minimum of $50,000 commercial general liability insurance to activate your plumbing contractor license.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Oklahoma
There are many benefits to obtaining your Oklahoma plumbing license:
Most importantly, Oklahoma requires plumbers to hold state licensure to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Oklahoma?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Oklahoma is $56,890, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Oklahoma those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $50,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,200
Senior (4-7 years): $71,700
Salaries vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oklahoma?
The cost to get started as a plumbing apprentice in Oklahoma is fairly low. Apprenticeship registration fees to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board cost $25 the first year and $20 for subsequent years.
Apprenticeship program costs vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. Your employer or union typically will absorb these costs.
Other licenses have additional fees. Journeyman plumbers pay a $75 application fee and pay a $92 fee to take the plumbing journeyman exam. Plumbing contractors pay a $330 fee when they apply for a license and pay a $92 exam fee. Contractors will pay additional expenses related to a surety bond and liability insurance.
It costs $75 to annually renew a plumbing journeyman license and $200 to renew a plumbing contractor license. Journeyman and contractors must complete six hours of approved continuing education within a three-year period. Six-hour continuing education courses vary in cost from $39 to $79.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Oklahoma
Becoming a plumbing professional in Oklahoma isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
COMPLETE APPRENTICESHIP: To start your apprenticeship, work for a licensed plumbing contractor and submit a plumbing apprentice registration application to the CIB. Pay the $25 fee. Register each year, paying a $20 fee, until you have three years of verifiable experience. The state permits substituting two years of work experience for completion of an approved plumbing educational program with a minimum of 1,000 classroom hours. A program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours may be substituted for one year of the work experience requirement.
APPLY FOR JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER LICENSE: Once you’ve met the work experience requirement, complete a plumbing journeyman application and pay the $75 fee.
PASS JOURNEYMAN EXAM: Once the CIB approves your application, schedule your journeyman plumber exam with PSI. The exam costs $92. PSI provides a detailed candidate information bulletin with exam details.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To become a plumbing contractor, you’ll need an additional one year of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber. Complete a plumbing contractor application and submit it to the CIB along with the $330 fee. Once your application is approved, take and pass the plumbing contractor exam with PSI. Cost is $92. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with exam details. Your license will become active once you submit proof to the CIB of a $5,000 corporate surety bond and minimum of $50,000 commercial general liability insurance. The surety bond must be made payable to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board and be in the individual license holder’s name. For the liability insurance, the Construction Industries Board must be the certificate holder, and the individual license holder’s name must be on the certificate.
The CIB lists forms on its plumbing forms page. It also answers commonly asked questions about licensing on its FAQ page.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Oklahoma?
It takes a minimum of three years to complete a plumbing apprenticeship in Oklahoma. Once you’ve worked as an apprentice for three years under a licensed plumbing contractor, you’re eligible to apply for a plumbing journeyman license. You’ll need to work an additional year as a plumbing journeyman before becoming eligible to apply as a plumbing contractor.
The great news is that as an apprentice you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you are a licensed plumber. Your salary increases again when you become a licensed plumbing contractor. As a contractor, you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
Oklahoma Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. In addition to mechanics, they must know and follow plumbing code.
Since the state of Oklahoma requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey with an apprenticeship, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, the state permits substituting two years of work experience for completion of an approved plumbing educational program with a minimum of 1,000 classroom hours. A program with a minimum of 500 classroom hours may be substituted for one year of the work experience requirement.
Applicants must attach a copy of the official school transcript or certificates of completion with their application.
Plumbing Trade Schools/Community Colleges
Plumbing training opportunities include:
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship opportunities include:
Those listed on job search sites such as Glassdoor, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter
Program Prerequisites: For most apprenticeship plumbing programs, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Applicants for a plumbing journeyman license and plumbing contractor licence must pass a plumbing exam.
To start the process, plumbing journeyman and plumbing contractor applicants must submit an application to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. Once the CIB approves the application, it notifies applicants how to schedule their PSI exam. Exams cost $92.
Testing locations in Oklahoma include:
Enid
Lawton
McAlester
Norman
Oklahoma City
Ponca City
Tulsa
Weatherford
Woodward
The journeyman plumbing exam and the trade portion of the plumbing contractor and natural gas exam is open book and consists of 85 questions. It has a three-hour time limit. Subject areas include:
General plumbing knowledge and regulations
Piping, valves, and control valves
Fixtures and equipment
Water supply
Drains and sewers
Vents
Traps, interceptors, indirect, and special waste
Isometric analysis
Fuel gas
Safety
Contractors must also pass an open book business and law exam consisting of 50 questions. The exam has a two-hour time limit. Subject areas include:
Bidding and estimating
Project management and supervision
Contracts
Financial
Labor and personnel
Risk management
Payroll and payroll taxes
Licensing requirements
A PSI candidate information bulletin lists detailed exam information, including approved references.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board issues plumbing apprentice, journeyman, and contractor licenses. CIB offices are at 2401 NW 23rd St., Suite 2F, Oklahoma City, OK 73107. The CIB may be contacted at (405) 521-6550.
Does My Oklahoma Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Oklahoma has a reciprocity agreement with Arkansas for a journeyman plumber license. This means if you have held a plumbing journeyman license with the CIB for one year and your license is in good standing, you may be eligible to obtain an Arkansas journeyman plumber license without taking an exam. Applicants will still need to apply for the Arkansas journeyman plumber license and follow the state’s licensing process.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Oklahoma?
Since Oklahoma has a reciprocity agreement with Arkansas, those holding an Arkansas journeyman plumber license for one year are eligible to obtain an Oklahoma plumbing journeyman license without taking an exam. Arkansas applicants complete the CIB’s reciprocity application form and follow the instructions on the form.
Licensed out-of-state plumbing contractors who are applying for an Oklahoma license must attach a copy of the original certificate or current license with their application, along with the licensing rules governing the state or local jurisdiction.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Oklahoma
State plumbing requirements may be found in Oklahoma statutes, the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC), and International Plumbing Code adoptions.
Oklahoma also requires plumbing contractors to display the firm name and the license number with the initials “OK” preceding the license number on all vehicles. The license numbers must be at least two inches high and located in conspicuous places on both sides of the vehicle in a contrasting color. Contractors must display their license number on all advertising, contracts, and bids.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are several plumbing or trade school scholarships in Oklahoma. They include:
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Oklahoma?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Oklahoma plumbing license by using the CIB’s license verification page. Search active licenses by:
Trade
Individual name
Business name
License number
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Oklahoma?
A suspended plumber’s license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. In Oklahoma, the Plumbing Hearing Board may suspend or revoke a plumbing license for many reasons, including:
Making a misstatement in the license application or renewal.
Loaning or illegally using the license.
Demonstrating incompetency to act as a journeyman plumber or plumbing contractor.
Violating the Plumbing License Law of 1955, any CIB rule or order, or any ordinance or regulation for plumbing installation enacted by a city, town, or sewer board.
Willfully and unreasonably failing to perform business obligations without justifiable cause.
In addition, violators of the state’s plumbing law may be subject to an administrative fine of up to $500 for each violation, not to exceed $1,000.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about state plumbing license regulations, refer to Oklahoma statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Oklahoma?
Performing plumbing work in Oklahoma without a license is illegal. Those contracting without an active license may face a $500 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for second or subsequent offenses, according to Oklahoma Administrative Code. An unlicensed journeyman plumber or unregistered apprentice plumber also face the same penalties.
Continuing Education
Journeyman plumbers and plumbing contractors must complete six hours of continuing education every three years. The CIB lists approved continuing education classes on its website. A licensee is exempt for the continuing education requirements for three years from the date of passing their current licensing exam.
Apprentice, journeyman, and plumbing contractors must renew their registration or license annually. Licenses expire each year on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. The CIB lists the journeyman and contractor renewal form on the plumbing page and the forms page.
License renewal costs are as follows:
Plumbing apprentice: $20
Plumbing journeyman: $75
Plumbing contractor: $200
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
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