Plumber license requirements in Michigan.
Michigan licenses plumbers at the state level through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. There are two individual licenses — journeyman and master — built on a documented apprenticeship, and both require a state exam and periodic code training to renew.
What Michigan requires.
Journeyman Plumber
The working license. Requires four years (roughly 7,500 hours) as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber, plus the state journeyman exam.
Master Plumber
Requires a journeyman license plus at least two more years (about 3,400 hours) of journeyman-level work, then the master exam covering advanced work and business practice.
Getting the Journeyman Plumber
- Be at least 18 years old
- Journeyman: complete four years — roughly 7,500 hours — as an apprentice supervised by a licensed master plumber
- Pass the state journeyman plumber exam covering plumbing technique, safety, and Michigan code
- Master: hold the journeyman license, add about two years (roughly 3,400 hours) of journeyman experience, then pass the master exam
Renewal: Journeyman licenses renew annually by the end of April; master licenses renew every three years, also by the end of April. Licensees must complete a five-hour code course each licensing period.
The official board
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Michigan plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires a state plumbing license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Apprentices work under a licensed master plumber, and both the journeyman and master licenses require passing a state exam.
How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in Michigan?
Four years — roughly 7,500 hours — as an apprentice working under a licensed master plumber, then passing the state journeyman exam. You must be at least 18.
How do you become a master plumber in Michigan?
Hold a journeyman plumber license, work about two more years (roughly 3,400 hours) at journeyman level, and pass the master plumber exam, which covers advanced plumbing plus business practices.
When do Michigan plumbing licenses renew?
Journeyman licenses renew every year by the end of April. Master licenses renew every three years, also by the end of April. Each licensing period requires a five-hour code course.
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