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Mission

The mission of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is to protect Texas citizens against the health and safety hazards that can result from improperly installed plumbing, gas, and medical gas systems.

Customer Service Standards

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) strives to ensure members of the public have a positive experience with us by providing the highest level of customer service possible. For quick and easy access, we maintain detailed up-to-date information on our web site and continually work to increase the number of online services available. Under our Compact with Texans we commit to:

• Treat you with courtesy and respect.
• Be fair, ethical and professional.
• Provide timely and responsive service.
• Give you clear, accurate and consistent information.
• Follow through on our commitments.
• Strive for continuous improvement in all of our services.
  

We are honored to serve you and welcome your feedback. Please send comments, suggestions, or complaints regarding customer service to info@tsbpe.texas.gov.

SERVICES

The TSBPE is responsible for regulating the plumbing industry in Texas through the administration and enforcement of the Plumbing License Law (Chapter 1301 of the Texas Occupations Code). The services provided by the TSBPE fall into four categories: examination, licensing, enforcement, and education.

The TSBPE issues the following types of licenses, endorsements, and registrations:

• Master Plumber License
• Journeyman Plumber License
• Tradesman Plumber-Limited License
• Plumbing Inspector License
• Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement
• Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement
• Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement
• Plumber’s Apprentice Registration
• Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration
• Drain Cleaner Registration
• Residential Utilities Installer Registration
  
  

EXAMINATION

The TSBPE’s examination function ensures that all those who hold a plumbing license or endorsement have met or exceeded minimum standards of competency and have the knowledge and experience needed to perform plumbing work properly. The Examination Department is primarily responsible for:

• Writing examinations and updating exam questions and content
• Developing examination review materials
• Processing applications for all licensure and endorsement examinations
• Processing applications for the Drain Cleaner-Restricted, Drain Cleaner, and Residential Utilities Installer Registrations
• Scheduling exams
• Administering and grading exams
• Notifying applicants of their exam results
• Responding to customer inquiries
  
  

Licensing

The TSBPE’s licensing function ensures that those working in the plumbing trade are staying current with changes in the plumbing codes, knowledgeable about technical advances in the industry, and improving their skill as plumbers through continuing education. The registration of Plumber’s Apprentices is vital to the growth of the industry because it provides a clear career path for obtaining a license. The Licensing Department is primarily responsible for:

• Processing initial applications for registration as a Plumber’s Apprentice Registration
• Issuing initial licenses and endorsements, including licensure certificates and pocket cards
• Processing renewals for all licenses, registrations, and endorsements
• Providing information and answering questions about continuing professional education requirements
• Providing technical support regarding online user accounts
• Testing improvements to the TSPBE’s online system
• Responding to customer inquiries
  
  
  

enforcement

Proactive enforcement of the Plumbing License Law, rules adopted by the Board, and plumbing codes protects both consumers and the plumbing industry. Identifying and penalizing individuals and companies offering or performing plumbing services without the proper license reduces the risk posed to consumers by improperly installed plumbing. Penalizing business owners, licensees, and registrants who fail to abide by the laws, rules, and ordinances regulating plumbing keeps industry standards high. The Enforcement Department is primarily responsible for:

• Processing consumer complaints
• Investigating consumer complaints
• Imposing administrative penalties for violations of the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules
• Reviewing exam applications and Plumber’s Apprentice Registration applications submitted by individuals with criminal convictions
• Conducting random, jobsite compliance checks
• Monitoring continuing professional education courses

The department also has an attorney who is responsible for:

• Advising the Enforcement Committee
• Representing the TSBPE at contested case hearings
• Drafting agency rules
• Assisting with the training of instructors of continuing professional education courses
• Drafting Final Orders and Agreed Final Orders for consideration by the Board
  
  

Education

Although not expressly required by statute, the TSBPE believes an education component is inherent in all of its functions. Without the TSBPE’s efforts to educate licensees and registrants about what is expected regarding compliance, many plumbers would find themselves in unintentional violation of the laws, rules, ordinances, and plumbing codes that regulate the industry. Educating consumers about the regulations helps them to understand what is expected of a licensed plumber, which in turn helps them to make better decisions when choosing who to hire. Raising awareness about the dangers of incorrectly installed plumbing systems also helps to deter consumers from hiring unlicensed individuals.

The TSBPE is committed to protecting the personal information of members of the public who access information from or through this website, to using personal information only as necessary to perform authorized governmental functions, and to providing clear notice regarding the agency’s website privacy, security, and linking practices. The TSBPE may not charge a fee to access, use, reproduce information on, or link to this website except to the extent specifically authorized by law.  

Website Linking

LINKING TO THE TSBPE WEBSITE

Individuals and entities are not required to obtain advance permission to link to the TSBPE website. However, any person or entity linking to this website must not represent TSBPE content as its own and must not misrepresent the origin, substance, or context of information on this website. Links to TSBPE pages should use the appropriate full URL and should deliver the user directly to the TSBPE website rather than through an abbreviated or misleading form. 

Because the TSBPE may revise website content at any time without notice, persons and entities linking to this website should routinely verify the accuracy of those links. Any person or entity that posts copies of TSBPE graphics, tables, or similar content in a way that could create an unnecessary burden on TSBPE systems should first contact the TSBPE for permission. Persons and entities linking to TSBPE websites should also make reasonable efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities may access their own websites. 

Copying or Reproducing Information from the TSBPE Website

Individuals and entities may copy or reproduce information posted on this public website without advance permission, provided that the information is not presented in a misleading way. Any copied or reproduced content must identify the TSBPE as the source, include the URL for the content or the nearest entry point to the content, and identify the date the content was copied. Any copied content must also preserve applicable copyright, trademark, service mark, or other intellectual property notices. 

Any person or entity that copies and presents TSBPE information on another website must include a statement that neither the person or entity nor the information as presented on that website is endorsed by the State of Texas or by the TSBPE. 

Links from the TSBPE Website to Third-Party Websites

The TSBPE may provide links to federal, state, local, and other third-party websites when those links provide information or services that benefit the public or further the agency’s mission and business functions. The TSBPE is not obligated to link to any third-party website unless required by law or rule, and the TSBPE may remove a third-party link at any time at its discretion. Reasons for removal may include, among other things, that the linked website contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, is no longer relevant to the TSBPE’s purpose, or fails to conform to applicable agency linking requirements. 

A link from the TSBPE website to another website does not constitute endorsement of that site’s content, viewpoint, accuracy, opinions, policies, products, services, or accessibility. The TSBPE disclaims liability and responsibility for the content, operation, or privacy and security practices of third-party websites. Users who follow links to outside websites are subject to the privacy and security policies of those websites.  

Privacy

To perform its public functions, the TSBPE may collect, maintain, and process personal information provided by members of the public through this website. The TSBPE and its employees have a duty to protect the personal information provided to the agency and to prevent its unauthorized disclosure. The TSBPE will collect, process, and maintain only the personal information reasonably necessary to perform authorized agency functions. If the TSBPE no longer has a business need for personal information it has collected, the agency will dispose of that information in accordance with applicable law and records retention requirements.

Information Collected Automatically

For site management, security, and statistical purposes, the TSBPE may automatically collect certain technical information when a user visits this website. This information is used to analyze trends, assess what information is of most interest to users, determine technical design specifications, identify system performance or problem areas, and protect the website from unauthorized access or misuse. This information is not reported or used in a manner that would ordinarily reveal personally identifiable information and will not be released to outside parties except as required by law, including in connection with law enforcement investigations or other legal proceedings.

Information collected automatically may include:

• protocol and protocol version used
• client hostname or IP address
• browser type, browser version, and operating system
• referring page or source
• date and time of the request
• the exact request submitted
• server status code returned
• content length of the response
• request method used
• requested URL or URI
• query string information

Email and Web-Based Forms

Personally identifying information submitted in an email or through a web-based form is used only for purposes consistent with the reason it was provided, including responding to a question or comment, carrying out agency functions, providing requested services, or analyzing trends. The TSBPE may redirect or forward a submission to another governmental agency or to an appropriate person better positioned to respond to the request.

Under the Texas Public Information Act and other applicable laws, information submitted to the TSBPE may be subject to disclosure. The TSBPE notes that, with limited exceptions under Texas law, email addresses of members of the public may be confidential; however, other contents of communications sent to the agency may be subject to disclosure.

Any web-based form on the TSBPE website that requests information from the public should include a link to this Privacy, Security, and Linking Policy. 

What Information THE TSBPE Collects AND How It’s Collected

The TSBPE may collect personal information that an individual voluntarily submits through this website, such as a name, email address, mailing address, telephone number, license-related information, or other information necessary for the agency to respond, provide services, or carry out its legal duties.

The TSBPE collects this information directly from individuals through emails, web forms, and other online transactions. The TSBPE uses collected information only for legitimate governmental purposes, including responding to inquiries, processing requests or transactions, administering agency programs, maintaining required records, improving services, and carrying out functions authorized by law. The agency uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to secure collected information against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.  

Individual Access and Correction

With limited exceptions, an individual has the right to request to be informed about the information the TSBPE collects about that individual and to review that information. An individual also has the right to request correction of personal information maintained by the TSBPE that is incorrect. the TSBPE will maintain a reasonable procedure for individuals to access, review, and request correction of their personal information without imposing an undue burden. 

Requests to access or correct personal information maintained by the TSBPE may be submitted through the agency’s posted contact channels.

Security

The TSBPE uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information collected through this website and to maintain the integrity and security of its systems. These safeguards are intended to protect against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, destruction, or misuse of information maintained by the agency. No internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure, but the TSBPE takes reasonable measures to reduce risk and protect the information entrusted to it.

BREACH NOTIFICATION

If the TSBPE maintains sensitive personal information about an individual and that information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person, the TSBPE will provide notice of the breach as required by Section 521.053 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and, when required by law, will also notify the Office of the Attorney General.

CONTACT

Personally identifying information submitted in an email or through a web-based form is used only for purposes consistent with the reason it was provided, including responding to a question or comment, carrying out agency functions, providing requested services, or analyzing trends. The TSBPE may redirect or forward a submission to another governmental agency or to an appropriate person better positioned to respond to the request.

There are three different registrations that may be added to a Plumber’s Apprentice Registration. They include:

• Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration;
• Drain Cleaner Registration; and
• Residential Utilities Installer Registration.

The Drain Cleaner Registration may also be added to a Tradesman Plumber-Limited License.

Eligibility Requirements

Drain Cleaner-Restricted

You may register as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted if:

• you are currently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas; and
• you receive a passing score on the Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registrant Verification of Training Affidavit
  

Drain Cleaner

You may register as a Drain Cleaner if:

• you are currently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas;
• you have at least 4,000 hours working in the plumbing trade as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted; and
• you receive a passing score on the Drain Cleaner Verification of Training Affidavit.
  

Residential Utilities Installer

You may register as a Residential Utilities Installer if:

• you are currently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas;
• you have at least 2,000 hours working in the plumbing trade as a Plumber’s Apprentice; and
• you receive a passing score on the Residential Utilities Installer Verification of Training Affidavit.
  
  

Scope of Work Permitted

Drain Cleaner-Restricted
A Plumber’s Apprentice who holds a Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration may clear obstructions in building drains and sewers through any existing code-approved opening under the general supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. All other plumbing work performed by a Drain Cleaner-Restricted must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee.

Drain Cleaner
A Plumber’s Apprentice or Tradesman Plumber-Limited who holds a Drain Cleaner Registration may install cleanouts and remove and reset p-traps for the purpose of eliminating obstructions in building drains and sewers under the general supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. All other plumbing work performed by an Apprentice with a Drain Cleaner Registration must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee. All other plumbing work performed by a Tradesman with a Drain Cleaner Registration must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee unless the work is for a one or two-family dwelling.

Residential Utilities Installer
A Plumber’s Apprentice who holds a Residential Utilities Installer (RUI) Registration may construct and install yard water service piping and building sewers for one and two-family dwellings under the general supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. All other plumbing work performed by a RUI must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee. A RUI may not install piping for gas service or supervise a Plumber’s Apprentice.

How to Apply for a Registration

To obtain a registration you must submit a completed application, a Verification of Training Affidavit, and an $18 fee to the TSBPE. Applicants for the Drain Cleaner and Residential Utilities Installer Registrations must also submit Employer Certification Form(s). If you have been convicted of a felony, you must submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF).
Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration Application
Drain Cleaner Restricted Verification of Training Affidavit*
Drain Cleaner Registration Application
Drain Cleaner Verification of Training Affidavit*
Residential Utilities Installer Registration Application
Residential Utilities Installer Verification of Training Affidavit*
Employer’s Certification Form (ECF)
Supplemental Criminal History Information Form

*If you do not receive a passing score on the Verification of Training Affidavit, you will have to submit a new affidavit before your application can be approved.

Fees

The fees are the same for all three registrations:
Registration Application Fee: $18
Renewal Fee: $18
Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $9
Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $18

There are three different endorsements that may be added to a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Plumbing Inspector License. They include:

• Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement;
• Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement; and
• Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement.
  
  

Eligibility Requirements

Medical Gas Piping Installation

You may take the Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement Examination if:

• you are currently licensed as a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Plumbing Inspector in Texas; and
• you have completed a 24-hour training course approved by the TSBPE.
  
  

Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist

You may take the Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement Examination if:

• you are currently licensed as a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Plumbing Inspector in Texas; and
• you have completed a 24-hour training course approved by the TSBPE or you hold a current RME-General or RME-Dwelling License issued by the State Fire Marshal.
  
  

Water Supply Protection Specialist

You may take the Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement Examination if:

• you are currently licensed as a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Plumbing Inspector in Texas; and
• you have completed a 24-hour training course approved by the TSBPE.
  
  

Scope of Work Permitted

Medical Gas Piping Installation
A Journeyman or Master Plumber who holds a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement may install piping used solely to transport gases for medical purposes and under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber who also holds the endorsement. A Plumbing Inspector who holds a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement may inspect installations of medical gas and vacuum piping systems.

PLEASE NOTE: The American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) offers a national accreditation for Medical Gas Verifiers. The TSBPE does not regulate Medical Gas Verifiers. ASSE also offers accreditation for Medical Gas Installers, and Medical Gas Maintenance. Examinations for Medical Gas Installation Endorsements are based on the ASSE Gold and MFPA99.

Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist
A Journeyman or Master Plumber who holds a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement may install a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system in a one or two-family dwelling under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber who also holds the endorsement. A Plumbing Inspector who holds a Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement may inspect installations of these sprinkler systems.

Water Supply Protection Specialist
A Journeyman or Master Plumber who holds a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement may install, service, or repair plumbing associated with the treatment, use, and distribution of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture, appliance, or irrigation system under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber who also holds the endorsement. A Journeyman or Master Plumber who holds a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement may also perform a customer service inspection certification for a public drinking water system pursuant to 30 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 290. A Plumbing Inspector who holds a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement may inspect plumbing installed for the treatment, use, and distribution of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture, appliance, or irrigation system.

How to Apply for an Endorsement Examination

To apply for any of the endorsement examinations you must submit a completed application with all supporting documentation and the applicable fee to the TSBPE. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must also submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF).
Medical Gas Piping Installation Examination Application
Water Supply Protection Specialist Examination Application
Supplemental Criminal History Information Form

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you must submit the applicable fee to obtain a new pocket card showing the endorsement.

Fees

The fees are the same for all three endorsements. The amount of each fee depends on what type of license you are adding the endorsement to.

Exam Fee
Master – $80
Journeyman – $27
Inspector – $40

Initial Endorsement Fee
Master – $55
Journeyman – $14
Inspector – $27.50

Eligibility Requirements

You may register as a Plumber’s Apprentice if:

• you are at least 16 years old; and
• you are a citizen or national of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for licensure by the State of Texas

To register as a Plumber’s Apprentice you must submit a completed application and a $15 fee to the TSBPE. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must also submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF).
Plumber’s Apprentice Registration Application
Supplemental Criminal History Information Form

How to Register

To register as a Plumber’s Apprentice you must submit a completed application and a $15 fee to the TSBPE. The quickest and easiest way to submit this and most other plumbing related applications is via the Online Licensing System. If you prefer to mail your application via US Mail, printable versions of the necessary forms are available to download here. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must also submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF) along with your Apprentice application.
Plumber’s Apprentice Registration Application
Supplemental Criminal History Information Form

FingerPrints

All applicants and examinees in the state of Texas are required by law to submit fingerprint data. This is a one-time requirement; applicants who have previously submitted fingerprint data to the TSBPE are not required to re-submit per application. If the TSBPE has not received fingerprint data for a Apprentice registrant, however, the application will remain deficient until the issue has been resolved. For more information on fingerprints or to download instructions for applicants seeking to submit their fingerprints, please visit this page.

Scope of Work Permitted

A Plumber’s Apprentice may learn about and assist with the installation of plumbing under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber. Direct supervision means that a person who holds a plumbing license issued by the TSBPE is on the job site with you at all times you are performing plumbing work. If a licensee is not present, a Plumber’s Apprentice may only perform manual tasks like digging trenches.

IMPORTANT: You MUST register as a Plumber’s Apprentice before you can start counting the hours of experience you have working in the plumbing trade. Any hours worked before you are registered do not count toward the hours requirements for the Tradesman Plumber-Limited or Journeyman Plumber examinations.

Possible Endorsements

A Plumber’s Apprentice who meets the eligibility requirements may obtain a Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration, a Drain Cleaner Registration, or a Residential Utilities Installer Registration.  Click here to learn more about registrations.

Eligibility Requirements

You may apply for the Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Designation if:

• you are currently licensed as a Master Plumber in Texas;
• you are in good standing with the TSBPE; and
• you have submitted proof that you have obtained a minimum of $300,000 of commercial liability insurance coverage

PLEASE NOTE:  You may NOT receive the RMP Designation if you hold a Plumbing Inspector License.

How to Apply

The best way to apply for the RMP Designation is via your account in the Online Licensing System. Simply login, look for the Manage Your License Information section, click “<Choose Application>” next to your Master License number and then select “Add Responsible Master Plumber Designation with Required Certificate of Insurance” from the dropdown menu. The website will ask you to verify your contact information, upload the required Certificate of Insurance (COI) and then pay the $225 registration fee.

To apply for the RMP Designation in person or via US Mail, you must submit a completed application with all supporting documentation, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) signed by your insurance agent, and a $225 fee to the TSBPE.  If you have unpaid administrative penalties, you will also have to pay those penalties to bring your license into good standing.
RMP Designation Application
Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Scope of Work Permitted

As the name suggests, a RMP is responsible for the general supervision and management of plumbing work performed under contracts secured under his or her license regardless of whether the individuals performing the work are employees or subcontractors.  General supervision and management includes maintaining at least $300,000 of general commercial liability insurance; obtaining all necessary permits and requesting all inspections as required by  applicable plumbing or building codes; ensuring that all individuals performing plumbing work hold a current license or registration; ensuring that a licensee is present and providing direct supervision at all job sites where one or more registrants are engaged in plumbing; and ensuring that all service vehicles display the company name and RMP2’s license number.  A RMP may act as the RMP of record for only one company at a time.

*If you apply for the RMP Designation during your renewal period, which opens 90 days before your expiration date, you are only required to pay the $300 renewal fee and do not have to pay the $225 initial application fee.

How to Drop the RMP Designation

If you no longer wish to act as a RMP, you must submit a signed and notarized Request to Relinquish RMP Designation Form to the TSBPE along with a $10 fee.  A request submitted in person at the TSBPE headquarters does not need to be notarized; however, you will need to show a valid Texas photo I.D.  If you submit the form with your regular license renewal form, you do not need to include the $10 fee.
Remove RMP Designation Form