The state of Maine has a relatively straightforward process for plumbers looking to become certified. Prospective plumbers can start their plumbing career as journeymen-in-training.
They must enroll in a technical program and work their way up to trainee. From there, they can become a journeyman and, eventually, a master plumber.
The state also has further requirements. These requirements differ from those for general contractors. The requirements vary according to the level of experience.
Plumbers have to comply with these requirements to get certified and receive their plumbing licenses.
Can licensed contractors from other states work in Maine?
Some states within the US can allow licensed plumbers from other states to work without obtaining a license. It is known as license reciprocity. The state of Maine does not have such an agreement with other states.
However, it does consider license reciprocity according to the license standards and experiential requirements. These standards and requirements are unique to every applicant and their state of origin.
The Plumber’s Examining Board of Maine decides which plumbers can get license reciprocity. The board grants candidates a license if the state in which they hold a license has at least equal standards and requirements.
How to get a plumbing license in Maine?
Unlike some other states, Maine does not have apprenticeship requirements. However, it replaces it with journeyman-in-training and trainee levels for prospective plumbers.
Any aspiring plumbers must go through a journeyman-in-training program followed by a trainee program.
Once they are a trainee, they can get a journeyman license. Lastly, journeyman plumbers can get a master plumbing license.
The requirements for each level of the plumbing program or license are different. Therefore, it is crucial to look at each of these individually. However, most of these requirements also apply to the next level of license.
Journeyman-in-Training Plumbing License
As mentioned, prospective plumbers must enrol in a journeyman-in-training program. Journeymen-in-training can only assist in plumbing installations.
Similarly, they must work under the direct supervision of either a journeyman or master plumbers. From this level, they can work their way to becoming a trainee, with more responsibilities.
The requirements to enrol in a journeyman-in-training program are as follows.
- Plumbers must complete a 1-year plumbing program, which has two semesters. The program must also be from a board-approved community college.
- They must get a passing grade of at least 70% on the required exam.
Trainee Plumbing License
For plumbers enrolled in a journeyman-in-training program, becoming a trainee is the next level. Compared to other states, Maine uses the trainee program instead of the apprentice program.
The trainee program is for plumbers pursuing full licensure and also involved in learning the trade.
Trainee plumbers work under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. Trainees can assist their supervisor in their work or make plumbing installations on their own.
The requirements for becoming a trainee plumber in the state of Maine are as follows.
- Plumbers must fill out and submit the trainee application.
- They must pay an application fee of $25.
- They must pay a $21 criminal background check fee.
- They must pay a license fee of $200.
Journeyman Plumbing License
The next step for trainee plumbers is to get their journeyman plumbing license. They can perform all duties required of a plumber.
However, they must still work under the direct supervision of a master plumber. The requirements for getting a journeyman plumbing license in Maine are as follows.
- Plumbers must have performed 4,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee plumber in at least two years. OR;
- They must have performed at least 2,000 hours of work as a licensed journeyman-in-training within four years of obtaining that license.
- They must fill out and submit the journeyman plumber application.
- They must pay a $25 application fee, $200 license fee and $21 criminal background check fee.
- They must pass the journeyman plumber exam.
Master Plumbing License
Lastly, plumbers in Maine can receive their master plumbing license. They must have a journeyman license to get their master license.
Master plumbers can complete any plumbing tasks according to their needs. There are some requirements for obtaining the master plumbing license, which is as below.
- Plumbers must have performed 2,000 hours of work as a licensed journeyman in at least one year. OR;
- They must have performed at least 8,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee in the last four years.
- They must fill out and submit the master plumber application.
- They must pay a $25 application fee, $200 license fee and $21 criminal background check fee.
- They must pass the master plumber exam.
Summary
Given below is a summary of the requirements to obtain different levels of plumbing licenses in Maine.
Journeyman-in-Training Plumbing License
- Plumbers must complete a 1-year plumbing program, which has two semesters. The program must also be from a board-approved community college.
- They must get a passing grade of at least 70% on the required exam.
Trainee Plumbing License
- Plumbers must fill out and submit the trainee application.
- They must pay an application fee of $25.
- They must pay a $21 criminal background check fee.
- They must pay a license fee of $200.
Journeyman Plumbing License
- Plumbers must have performed 4,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee plumber in at least two years. OR;
- They must have performed at least 2,000 hours of work as a licensed journeyman-in-training within four years of obtaining that license.
- They must fill out and submit the journeyman plumber application.
- They must pay a $25 application fee, $200 license fee and $21 criminal background check fee.
- They must pass the journeyman plumber exam.
Master Plumbing License
- Plumbers must have performed 2,000 hours of work as a licensed journeyman in at least one year. OR;
- They must have performed at least 8,000 hours of work as a licensed trainee in the last four years.
- They must fill out and submit the master plumber application.
- They must pay a $25 application fee, $200 license fee and $21 criminal background check fee.
- They must pass the master plumber exam.
Resources
- “Plumbing Examining Board Home” – https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/plumbers-examining-board
- “Plumbing Applications and Forms” – https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/plumbers-examining-board/applications-forms
- “Plumbing licensing” – https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/plumbers-examining-board/licensing
- “Plumbing Examining Board Main Menu” – https://licensing.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/licensing/begin.pl?board_number=4460
- “Maine Plumbing Exams” – https://www.tests.com/Maine-Plumbing-License-Exam