Renewing your Medical Gas (MedGas) Endorsement involves strategic planning to ensure you meet all legal requirements. By following this guide, you can seamlessly plan and complete your MedGas CE requirement, guaranteeing your endorsement remains valid and up-to-date. Download a printable version of this How-To Guide here.
TSBPE_HowTo_MedGasCE-1
[AUSTIN, TEXAS, September 10, 2024] — The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is pleased to announce the launch of “Ask Kevin” on Facebook Messenger. Visitors to the Official TSBPE Facebook page can now enjoy a seamless experience by simply clicking the “message” button, allowing them to instantly chat with Ask Kevin. This intelligent resource is here to provide comprehensive, accurate, and current information about Texas plumbing regulations and industry queries.
Since its inception, Ask Kevin has become an indispensable customer service tool for the TSBPE, successfully completing nearly 20,000 conversations with the public on the TSBPE website in less than a year. Now, this wealth of knowledge is available to the Facebook community with just a couple of quick clicks or touches. Whether it’s inquiries about the industry’s policies or the nuances of plumbing licensing and regulation in Texas, Ask Kevin offers fast, thorough and precise answers in just minutes.
Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director of TSBPE, shares her enthusiasm: “Ask Kevin provides an immediate source of answers to every facet of the plumbing industry in Texas. We encourage users not only to utilize this service but also to share Ask Kevin’s responses in relevant discussions on Facebook, as these answers are rooted in the most reliable and up-to-date information.”
Frank S. Denton, Chairman of the TSBPE Board, adds: “With the introduction of Ask Kevin on Facebook, we are making this effective use of human intelligence available to the plumbing industry in an even more accessible format. It’s an exciting step forward in our ongoing commitment to customer service and education.”
As the TSBPE marks the one-year anniversary of Ask Kevin’s original launch on the TSBPE website this month, the agency is excited to bring this enhanced level of service and transparency to its Facebook followers.
Ask Kevin is available 24/7 on Facebook by visiting facebook.com/TSBPE_Official and clicking “message.”
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) understands the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl. We are in the process of deploying Field Investigators to affected areas to ensure that plumbing services are provided by licensed professionals and to prevent exploitation by unlicensed contractors.
TSBPE welcomes licensed Plumbers and Apprentices from other states to assist in the recovery. The TSBPE reciprocates plumbing licenses from both Arkansas and Louisiana as well as a streamlined licensure process for plumbers from other states.
Reciprocal License Verification Request (Louisiana and Arkansas ONLY)
Out-of-State Examination Request
Please use the following form for expedited assistance with questions related to disaster assistance. You may also call us at 512-936-5200 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. PLEASE ONLY USE THIS CONTACT METHOD FOR DISASTER RECOVERY PURPOSES.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
SAN ANTONIO, TX, March 6, 2024 – The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) welcomed a significant turnout at its latest Townhall meeting in San Antonio, with well over 200 industry professionals in attendance. Hosted by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) of San Antonio and the Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MCA-SMACNA) of San Antonio, the event stands as the most attended TSBPE Townhall Meeting thus far.
Frank S. Denton, Chairman of the TSBPE, shared his thoughts on the meeting’s impact: “We had a great time in San Antonio. The level of engagement and the incredible turnout tells us that our community outreach efforts are headed in the right direction.”
That “incredible turnout” was noteworthy not just for its size, but also for its role diversity. Apprentices, Responsible Master Plumbers (RMPs), inspectors, continuing education and career high school administrators from all over the greater San Antonio region engaged in dialogues about the plumbing industry’s current policies and future direction. Topics covered included agency statistical information, its evolving examination policies and processes, artificial intelligence and the TSBPE’s new “Ask Kevin” tool, as well as the usual friendly pushback and grievance airing befitting the event’s true Townhall meeting-style setting.
Heidi Trimble, Executive Director of PHCC San Antonio, commented on the event’s atmosphere, “PHCC was very happy to provide our members and the San Antonio community at large the opportunity for open discussion with their regulatory body. And the turnout exceeded our expectations on every level.”
Mr. Denton’s introduction of the 2-hour long session was followed by TSBPE Executive Director Lisa Hill’s presentation of practical information related to agency statistics and policies. Ms. Hill’s portion covered everything from the raw numbers of licensees in Texas to the TSBPE’s new self-scheduling option, a feature licensed plumbers and inspectors have been requesting for years. At the conclusion of Ms. Hill’s portion, Mr. Denton joined her for the event’s Q and A section in which attendees were told “no topic is off limits.” The candid discussion that followed emphasized the TSBPE’s dedication to transparency and helped attendees parse through the significant noise and hearsay that inevitably challenges an industry with more than 70k licensees.
“Our aim for these Townhall meetings is to ensure that we remain approachable and responsive to the industry we serve,” said TSBPE Executive Director Lisa Hill. “We achieved that goal in San Antonio and are looking forward to communicating the same message at future Townhalls.”
The TSBPE’s Townhall Series has several more cities slated for events in 2024, including upcoming trips to Lubbock, Amarillo and Beaumont, Texas. More information is available on the Townhall Meeting Series page on the TSBPE’s website: tsbpe.texas.gov/townhallmeetings/
When it comes to applying for an exam with the TSBPE, a lot has changed in the past couple years. Exam wait times have decreased, a new testing center has been added, and you can finally schedule your own test (!). This next installment in our How-To series seeks to take some of the complication out and give you a clear, step-by-step reference for whatever exam you’re taking with the TSBPE. Download a printable version of this How-To here.
TSBPE_HowTo_ApplyForAndTakeAnExam
With cold weather on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re choosing a licensed plumber for your needs. Hiring a licensed professional not only guarantees they’ve met specific standards, but it also means they’re accountable to our state regulatory board.
To better prepare for the impending cold weather, consider utilizing our downloadable Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Spreadsheet. This list contains comprehensive information about Responsible Master Plumbers (RMPs) and their associated companies:
Additionally, individuals employed by plumbing companies can be found using the TSBPE’s Public License Search:
Please note: while the TSBPE recommends obtaining bids for plumbing projects, we understand that emergencies might necessitate immediate action. Be aware that the TSBPE doesn’t regulate the pricing of plumbing services, which can result in different hourly rates and pricing strategies across individual plumbers and firms. However, we do require that all plumbers and plumbing companies provide accurate portrayals of their prices and services. Should you need our assistance, we encourage you to email our Enforcement department: complaints@tsbpe.texas.gov.
As we prepare for the cold weather and the new year, we at TSBPE want to wish you a warm and Happy New Year!
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is pleased to announce significant progress in combatting unlicensed and other illegal plumbing activities for Fiscal Year 2023. Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to industry regulations and public safety, the TSBPE’s Enforcement Division conducted a notable total of 646 investigations during Fiscal Year 2023.
Steve Davis, the TSBPE’s Director of Enforcement, offered a closer look at the year’s Enforcement strategies: “Our team is focusing significant effort on curbing unlicensed plumbing practices throughout Texas. In FY 2023, we executed a total of 292 enforcement actions against unlicensed individuals including 189 agreed orders and 103 cease and desist letters—that’s nearly 50% of our total enforcement activity aimed directly at unlicensed plumbing.”
Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director of the TSBPE, commented on the year’s achievements: “Our approach this year as it has been every year is about ensuring the health and safety of Texans. The significant number of investigations and our targeted efforts against unlicensed activities highlight our dedication to maintaining high standards in the plumbing industry.”
Building on the significant achievements in tackling unlicensed activity in 2023, the TSBPE is poised for an even more impactful year ahead. The groundwork laid by this year’s enforcement actions has set the stage for a 2024 agenda with broader initiatives aimed at further suppressing illegal plumbing practices.
The TSBPE’s Enforcement Division’s performance in fiscal year 2023 serves as assurance to lawmakers and the public at large that the TSBPE remains committed to maintaining a safe and reliable plumbing infrastructure in Texas. The Enforcement team’s success is a testament to that commitment and serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of continued support and investment in the regulation of the plumbing trade in Texas.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) proudly announces a remarkable achievement in its examination and licensure program for fiscal year 2023. Building on public feedback and directives from the 88th Texas Legislature, the TSBPE has dramatically increased the number of written and practical examinations conducted, alongside an impressive rise in pass rates.
In fiscal year 2022, the TSBPE administered 4,963 examinations with a 70% pass rate. In a striking advancement, fiscal year 2023 saw this number soar to 9,616 examinations, accompanied by an enhanced pass rate of 72.3%. This growth is a direct response to the public’s need for more qualified plumbers and the legislative mandate to strengthen the plumbing industry in Texas.
TSBPE Board Chair Frank S. Denton reflects on these milestones, saying, “The progress we’ve made this past year is a testament to our commitment to elevating the plumbing profession in Texas. By listening to public feedback and adhering to the legislative mandate, we’ve not only increased our examination capacity but also enhanced the quality of our licensure process. This success signifies our dedication to ensuring the highest standards in plumbing services for the people of Texas.”
A significant factor in this achievement is the opening of the TSBPE’s Exam Center in Waco, a venture made possible through a collaborative partnership with Texas State Technical College (TSTC).
TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser commends this effort, stating, “Our inter-agency efforts have been a model for how government in Texas can get stuff done by working together. Our common mission of supplying a high-quality workforce made it a possibility, but the TSBPE’s willingness to work together toward tangible results was the secret weapon in achieving a meaningful outcome. We’re making a difference statewide!”
Another pivotal development contributing to this success is the implementation of Computer-Based Testing with partner, Pearson VUE. This initiative has expanded the availability of TSBPE examinations to more than 60 testing centers across Texas, significantly increasing accessibility for aspiring plumbers.
The TSBPE remains dedicated to its mission of protecting the health and safety of Texans by ensuring the integrity and proficiency of licensed plumbers. These achievements mark a significant stride towards a future where every Texan can trust in the quality and reliability of plumbing services in our great state.
Homebound people or anyone who lives too far away from an IdentoGO can opt to have their fingerprints taken the old-fashioned way with ink on a paper card and then sent via mail to IdentoGO. Download a printable version of this How-To Guide here.
TSBPE_HowTo_FingerprintHardCard-1
