Plumbing license requirements in Virginia
The Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) issues plumbing licenses in Virginia. Here's what each license level takes, from the official rules.
Issued by
Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR)
Official siteSince April 1, 2025, Virginia also issues a residential plumber tradesman license for residential work only. Official source
Requirements checked October 21, 2026
License levels
In order, from the first license to the top one.
- 1
Journeyman Plumber
Eight years of practical experience, or four years plus 240 hours of formal vocational training, among other combinations. Then the exam.
Official source - 2
Master Plumber
A journeyman license held for at least one year, or nine years of practical experience. Then the exam.
Official source
Rules, fees and exam schedules change. Confirm the details with the Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) before you apply.
Plumbers in Virginia
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See a city for local wages and contractor counts.
- Plumbers employed
- 13,780
- Median hourly wage
- $29.07
Plumbing market data by city
Once you're licensed
Tradesman runs the business side for plumbers: estimates, scheduling, invoicing and payments in one app.
Plumbing licensing in Virginia: common questions
Who issues plumbing licenses in Virginia?
The Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR). The license levels and what each takes are listed above, with a link to the official source for each.
What does the Master Plumber license take in Virginia?
A journeyman license held for at least one year, or nine years of practical experience. Then the exam.
What's the first plumbing license in Virginia?
The Journeyman Plumber. Eight years of practical experience, or four years plus 240 hours of formal vocational training, among other combinations. Then the exam.
Licensed and ready for more customers?
Tradesman handles estimates, scheduling and invoicing so you can spend your time on the work. Now in early access.