Strategic Partnerships and New Facilities Support Plumbing Industry Across Texas

Austin, TX – April 15, 2025 – The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is proud to announce major growth in plumbing licensing exams over the past three calendar years, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen the plumbing workforce across Texas.

Since 2022, the number of licensing exams administered by the TSBPE has risen by 111%, jumping from 4,953 exams in 2022 to 10,447 in 2024. In just one year, between 2022 and 2023, exams increased by 94%, reaching 9,616 — a strong sign of expanded access to, and interest in, the plumbing profession in Texas.

“This growth shows how much work we’ve put into making it easier and more convenient for people to become licensed plumbers in Texas,” said Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director of the TSBPE. “By opening new testing locations and offering more flexible options, we’re making sure the plumbing industry continues to thrive and meet the needs of our growing communities.”

In addition to the hard work of TSBPE’s dedicated staff, much of this success is thanks to partnerships with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and Pearson VUE. In Waco, the TSBPE and TSTC teamed up to open a full-time testing center, giving more candidates the opportunity to take their practical exams. Meanwhile, Pearson VUE’s computer-based testing services have made written exams more accessible than ever across the state.

Even more growth is just around the corner. Beginning in May of this year, students who have enrolled in plumbing programs developed by the TSBPE and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) — currently in place at 60 high schools and seven trade schools — will begin graduating and entering the workforce. These new graduates represent the next generation of licensed plumbing professionals ready to serve communities across Texas.

To keep up with the increasing demand, the TSBPE will be further leveraging its strategic partnership with TSTC to open a third testing facility on the TSTC campus in Harlingen. The Board is also developing a mobile testing unit that will allow practical exams to be offered anywhere in Texas — bringing even more flexibility to future plumbers.

“We are focused on the future,” said Frank S. Denton, Chairman of the TSBPE. “By expanding access and meeting candidates where they are, we’re making it easier for Texans to join a critical and rewarding profession. The work we’re doing today will pay off for years to come.”

TSBPE continues to focus on improving services for the plumbing industry and the public, supporting the state’s economy and maintaining high standards of public health and safety.

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About Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing qualified individuals in the plumbing sector and ensuring they abide by the established laws and best practices, all in the interest of safeguarding the health and safety of Texas residents. TSBPE media contact: Kevin.Dick@tsbpe.texas.gov

45% of Disciplinary Actions Targeted the Illegal Practice in Fiscal Year 2023.

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.

Dramatic Increase in Exam Capacity is a Direct Response to Public Feedback and Legislative Mandate. 

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. 

We are excited to announce the launch of our completely revitalized website! As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the Texas plumbing community has easy access to essential information, we’ve made a series of updates to improve your online experience.

What’s New:

• Updated Look & Feel: The new site features new fonts, vibrant colors, and an enhanced layout. Our aim was to make the website not only more attractive but also more intuitive.
• Persistent UI Navigation: No matter where you find yourself on our site, our user interface stays consistent. This makes navigation simpler and quicker, saving you time and reducing any potential frustration.
• New Contact Page: We’ve added a contact form to the contact page that will help streamline email communication with the TSBPE.
• New Board Meeting Video Archive Page: The TSBPE website now includes archived videos of all Board meetings held since we began broadcasting them online in 2020
• Streamlined Content: We’ve made the conscious effort to declutter our site by removing outdated pages and information. Now, everything you find here is relevant and up-to-date, ensuring you have the best resources at your fingertips.
  
  

Coming Soon:

Now that the new site is operational, we’re not stopping here. We’ve got some exciting new features planned that are designed to further assist and empower our plumbing community.

On behalf of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, thank you for your continued support and trust.

Warm regards,

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Staff