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The TSBPE Seal and the State of Louisiana

TSBPE Signs Reciprocal License Agreement with Louisiana

Agency News, Out-of-State Licensing / By
The TSBPE Seal and the State of Louisiana

TSBPE Signs Reciprocal License Agreement

with Louisiana

Louisiana Journeymen with Gasfitter Licensees in Good Standing are Now Eligible to Obtain the Equivalent License in Texas, No Exam Required

Reciprocal licensing, a long-requested licensure option in the plumbing community, has proven difficult for agencies to implement due to state-to-state variations in license requirements. “The plumbing skillset and licensing requirements in Louisiana are substantially equivalent to ours here in Texas.” said TSBPE Board Chair Frank S. Denton, “this agreement makes good sense for both states.”

Extreme weather events like Hurricane Ida and the deep freeze that hit Texas in early 2021 highlight the unique way in which both states will benefit from a streamlined out-of-state license registration and approval process.

This arrangement is as much a message of support to working plumbers as it is a net positive for plumbing companies in either state who will now have more options when hiring a licensed plumber. Ultimately, the consumer stands to benefit most from the landmark deal; both agencies expect it to significantly increase the availability of trained plumbing professionals across the Gulf Coast and beyond.

Click here to download the official press release.

Louisiana Plumbers Can Complete the Reciprocity Application Online RIGHT NOW. Follow These Instructions and You’lI be Licensed to do Plumbing Work in Texas in No Time!

  1. Click Here to create a new online account
  2. Login to your new account using the temporary password that was emailed to you and then choose your own password when prompted.
  3. In the “Start a New Application” section on the Quick Start Menu, choose “Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners” in the top menu and then
    “Reciprocity” from the second menu and then click Select.
  4. Follow the instructions from there until you’ve made the payment and then you’re done! Your new Texas plumbing license will arrive via US mail within
    30 days.
Fingerprinting Information

Fingerprint Requirement for ALL LICENSE TYPES

Fingerprints / By
What’s Happening?

Pursuant to House Bill 636, all applicants and licensees are now required to submit a copy of their fingerprints so that the TSBPE can conduct a criminal history check. That means all plumbers and plumbing inspectors in the state of Texas, regardless of license type, will be required to have their fingerprints on file with the TSBPE.

Who Does this Affect?

All licensed, or soon-to-be licensed Plumbers and plumbing Inspectors in the State of Texas. The fingerprint requirement applies to all exam applicants as well. If you are planning on applying for an exam in the Fall of 2021 or thereafter, you must follow the instructions listed below in “How Should You Do It?” when submitting your exam application. Otherwise, your application will not be processed. 

WHAT ABOUT REINSTATEMENTS?

Reinstate candidates must also submit their fingerprints. Requests for reinstatement of any previously issued license or registration type require the applicant to obtain fingerprints before the application will be processed.

What Should You do?

Get ahead of the curve. The fingerprint requirement will eventually become a deficiency that will prevent you from renewing your license or applying for examinations and endorsements. If you have not had your fingerprints scanned and submitted to the TSBPE, schedule your appointment today.

How Should You do It?

The TSBPE has made a handy-dandy instruction sheet with all the info you need to get this done. Print it out, email it to your fleet; do whatever you need to do to help yourself or the plumbers you work with satisfy this obligation.

But What if You’ve Already Submitted Your Fingerprint Data to Another State Agency?

In order to protect your privacy, state agencies are not allowed to share fingerprint data.  The TSBPE does not establish these laws but is compelled to develop procedures and rules to implement them. We appreciate your cooperation as we all work to comply with these legislatively-mandated fingerprinting requirements.

IS THERE AN EASIER WAY TO CHECK YOUR FINGERPRINT STATUS?

Yes! You can check to see whether or not the TSBPE has fingerprints on file for any plumber using Public License Search. Not sure how to use the Public License Search? Check out our How-To Guide here.