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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.

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