Plumber license requirements in Kentucky.
Kentucky licenses plumbers statewide through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. There are two tiers — journeyman and master — and the master level adds a general liability insurance requirement on top of the exam.
What Kentucky requires.
Journeyman Plumber
Requires being at least 18 with four years in an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent field experience, plus the journeyman exam.
Master Plumber
Requires holding a valid journeyman license for at least two years, carrying general liability insurance, and passing the master exam.
Getting the Journeyman Plumber
- Journeyman: be at least 18 and complete a minimum of four years in an approved apprenticeship program, or accumulate equivalent field experience
- Journeyman: pass the exam and submit the application (form PLB-2) with a $60 application fee
- Master: hold a valid journeyman plumber license for at least two years
- Master: carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000, pass the master exam, and submit form PLB-1 with a $250 licensing fee
The official board
Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
815 KAR 20:030 (plumbing licenses)
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Kentucky plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky licenses plumbers through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, which issues journeyman and master plumber licenses under 815 KAR 20:030.
How do you become a journeyman plumber in Kentucky?
Be at least 18, complete a minimum of four years in an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent field experience, then pass the journeyman exam and file form PLB-2 with the $60 application fee.
How do you become a master plumber in Kentucky?
Hold a valid Kentucky journeyman plumber license for at least two years, carry general liability insurance of at least $250,000, pass the master exam, and submit form PLB-1 with the $250 licensing fee.
Do Kentucky master plumbers need insurance?
Yes. Master plumber applicants must show general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000 — the journeyman tier does not carry that requirement.
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