For most states across the US, contractors need to obtain a license to work. If they don’t have a work license, their work is not legal and may face repercussions. However, contractors cannot obtain a country-wide license.
They need to get one from the state in which they are working. Therefore, the requirements for each state differ from the other.
Connecticut, like any other state, requires contractors to obtain a license to work. Among these contractors, plumbers must also get one.
There are different levels of plumbing licenses in the state. The first two levels are for plumbers working under the supervision of a contractor. The third level is for plumbers to obtain a plumbing license on their own.
Can licensed plumbers from other states work in Connecticut?
Some states in the United States allow licensed professionals from other states to work without obtaining a new license. The arrangement of one state with another for allowing licensed contractors to work is known as license reciprocity.
Connecticut does not have such an agreement with any other state. However, it does let plumbers show proof of their experience, comparable to an apprenticeship.
How to get a plumbing license in Connecticut?
As mentioned, there are three levels of plumbing licenses. For Connecticut, plumbers must start with an apprentice plumbing license.
After working as an apprentice for a while, they can move to obtain journeyperson plumbing licenses. Lastly, if plumbers want to work on independent contracts, they must get the Connecticut contractor plumbing license.
Apprentice Plumbing License
The apprentice plumbing license is for beginner plumbers. Plumbers need to complete an apprenticeship before obtaining the journeyperson plumbing license.
As mentioned above, however, licensed contractors from other states can skip this license. They can do so by presenting proof of their experience from their previous works.
For a worker that does not have any prior experience, going through the apprenticeship is a requirement. Plumbers that want to enrol in an apprenticeship program must register with the Office of Apprenticeship Training.
They must also seek out a sponsor, usually a contractor or employer, and fill out some forms. These include the following.
- Apprentice registration agreement.
- Journeyperson list.
- Registration or payment invoice.
- Pay $110 in enrolment cost, out of which the sponsor is responsible for $60.
The plumber must pay the Department of Labor/Apprenticeship fee through check or money order.
Once they have completed the forms and submitted the required payment, they can mail it to the Connecticut Department of Labor.
The department will then approve the enrollment. The sponsor will receive an apprentice identification card, which they must give to the plumber. From there, the apprentice can work towards obtaining a journeyperson plumbing license.
Journeyperson Plumbing License
Apprentices must fill out the Occupational Trade License Application and the exam application form to become a journeyperson.
However, they must first complete their apprenticeship and attach the original copy of their Letter of Apprenticeship Completion Certificate with the application. Apprentices who want to get a contractor license must submit a photocopy of their current license.
The fee to apply for the journeyperson license is $90. For the contractor license, the charge is $150. There’s also a fee related to sitting and exam.
For journeyperson license candidates, it is $65. However, for plumbers that want to obtain the contractor license, the fee is $130.
Plumbers must pay the fees through credit card, money order, cashier’s check, personal check or company check.
Plumbers can mail the packet to “PSI Licensure: Certification”. Then, they can schedule their exam, either online or through a phone call. Candidates have the option to choose between six different testing locations. Similarly, they must obtain at least 70% more on the tests to pass the exam.
Contractor Plumbing License
There are two types of contractors in Connecticut, limited and unlimited. As the name suggests, unlimited contractors can work on any plumbing-related work. However, limited plumbers must work within a limit set for them.
Only journeyperson licensed plumbers can obtain the contractor plumbing license. They need to satisfy the following requirements first, though.
- Work as a journeyperson for at least two years.
- Complete the contractor license exam.
Contractors must also pay a fee related to the exam and license, mentioned above. From there, plumbers can receive their contractor plumbing license.
Contractors don’t need to work under anyone’s supervision. They can also obtain independent contracts throughout the state of Connecticut.
Summary
Here’s a list of the requirements for each level of plumbing license in Connecticut.
Apprentice
- Enrol in an apprenticeship through the Office of Apprenticeship Training.
- Fill the apprentice registration agreement and journeyperson list.
- Pay $110 in enrolment cost.
Journeyperson
- Fill out the Occupational trade License Application and exam application form.
- Attach original copy of Letter of Apprenticeship Completion Certificate.
- Pay $90 license fee and $65 exam fee.
- Obtain at least 70% on the exam to pass.
Contractor
- Work as a journeyperson for at least two years.
- Complete the contractor license exam.
- Obtain at least 70% on the exam to pass.
- Pay $150 license fee and $130 exam fee.