The United States of America is a developed country. You need to get licensure before working as a contractor, no matter in which state you live. And that’s the law for most developed countries; they value consumers and keep them on the safe side.
So, just like other skilled contractors, North Dakota requires you to have a license and several years of training before you can install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems.
With the development in science and technology, today’s plumbers need an array of skills to work in residential and commercial settings, even though the plumbing trade has been around since the 1800s. In fact, plumbers often collaborate with electricians, HVAC contractors, electricians, general contractors, and other contractors in the construction industry.
Similarly, learning, basic training, and getting a license in North Dakota as a plumber usually take years. However, once you complete your training and work as a journeyman, you would be able to earn more than a media salary with ultimate job securities and never-ending opportunities.
Down the road, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) states that roughly 1,550 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work in North Dakota. Also, the CareerOnestop has a prediction that tells this industry will grow by 11% by 2030 in North Dakota, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
If you’re wondering, “how to become a Licensed Plumber in North Dakota – ND,” here’s the complete guide. Just follow up to the end to get all the information of becoming a skilled contractor in upcoming years.
Table of Contents
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in North Dakota?
The ND State Plumbing Board handles all the chores related to plumbing licenses. Relatively, you will be required a general contractor’s license that is issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office to work as a professional plumbing contractor.
There are three types of plumbing licenses available in North Dakota;
- Apprentice Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
Each subsequent license makes you an advance plumber. Also, there are four types of general contracting licenses in North Dakota, including Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D.
The value of contract and repair decides which one you should get. The maximum value that can be assigned to a single contracting project is the following for each license:
- Class A- Unlimited
- Class B- $500,000
- Class C- $300,000
- Class D- $100,000
Let’s get to know the requirements of an Apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber license!
License Requirements in North Dakota – ND
North Dakota Apprentice Plumber Requirements
Apprentice is your first step towards becoming a professional plumber. To get a journeyman or master plumber license in North Dakota, you must join an apprenticeship program or fulfill the requirements.
In a similar fashion, becoming an apprentice plumber provides the opportunity to earn an income while gaining practical knowledge. In North Dakota, you must be 18 years or older to apply as an apprentice. You can get a license via a trade school {join an apprenticeship program and get an education} or work under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
Following this, you should submit an application form to the plumbing board within 30 days of starting your apprenticeship. In most cases, it’s basically your license application. This license expires on 31 Dec, every year. And, you must renew it within 30 days to continue working and learning as an apprentice.
The renewal fee varies from;
- 1st year – Up to $20.00 (dependent on the time of year)
- 2nd year – $30.00
- 3rd year – $40.00
- 4th year – $50.00
- 5th year and beyond – $75.00.
You must work for 4 years under Master Plumber to make sure your spot of becoming a journeyman plumber.
North Dakota Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
A journeyman plumber in North Dakota is a person other than a master plumber, is licensed in practical installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing.”
In addition to a Journeyman license for their specific field, plumbers must have a general contractor license. The following prerequisites must be met by Journeyman plumbers:
- Four credit hours ongoing education regarding plumbing;
- Must be accomplished in two years;
- Must be done from a reputable and approved training center and an approved course by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.
- $30 fee.
- Four years of authentic work experience, equivalent to 7,600 work hours under a licensed master plumber;
- If a plumbing professional has five years or more of experience in an area where a license is not required, they may apply for the Journeyman plumber examination if they can provide four affidavits of work experience.
- Application form filled and submitted to the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.
- Your application form will expire in 6 months if you don’t comply to complete your education within the given time.
- $100 application fee
North Dakota Master Plumber License Requirements
After successfully completing your journey in an apprenticeship program and working as a skilled journeyman, you can apply for a Master Plumber license. According to the state board law, every Master Plumber must have a General Contractor’s License to work professionally.
The following prerequisites must be met while applying for a Master Plumber license:
- Authenticate two years of experience equivalent to 3,400 hours working as a Journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
- Pay $200 application form fee with the Master Plumber application form to North Dakota State Plumbing Board to get register for the Master Plumber exam.
- After passing the exam, you can acquire your Master Plumber license by paying a $165 fee.
- All licenses must be renewed after 31 Dec of each year.
- The North Dakota State Plumbing Board requires Master Plumbers to complete four credit hours of continuing education within two years of receiving their license.
Journeyman and Master Plumber License Exams
To get your journeyman or master plumber license, you must pass the state of North Dakota Journeyman or Master exam. The cost for the Journeyman exam is $25, whereas the fee for the Master Plumber exam is $35.
Surprisingly, it’s included in the application form fee, so you don’t have to pay an additional exam fee. In case of failure, you should wait for 6 months to retake the exam.
Popular Plumbing Trade Schools in North Dakota
Many aspiring plumbers can attend trade schools or other colleges that offer plumbing courses. The following schools provide plumbing apprenticeship programs in North Dakota:
- North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. It’s a public institution that costs $5,184.81 for the complete training program. You can contact them via;
- PH: (800) 342-4325
- Physical Address: 800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076
- Official Email Address
- Turtle Mountain Community College. It’s a private institution located within the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation: You can contact them via;
- Fee: Approximately $1,000 for 12 credits (the plumbing program is 17 credits)
- PH: (701) 477-7862
- Physical Address: 10145 BIA Rd 7, Belcourt, ND 58316
Does Your North Dakota Plumbing License Work in Any Other States?
Indeed. North Dakota permits reciprocity licensure agreements with multiple states, including;
- Minnesota,
- Montana,
- Florida,
- New York,
- Nebraska
- South Dakota.
According to the North Dakota State Plumbing Board, “You can be registered as a licensed plumber without examination upon payment of the required fee. Other state’s registered under the laws must possess requirements for regulating a plumbing license in North Dakota.”
Mean Salary for a Plumber in North Dakota:
Now you know how to become a licensed plumber in North Dakota, it’s time to reveal the mean salary of the average plumber in North Dakota. One thing to keep in mind is that the salary ranges from city to city and includes other factors like work experience, other certifications.
However, the average wage is;
- For an apprentice, the average salary in North Dakota is $33,377.
- The base salary for a journeyman in North Dakota is $50,034.
- Lastly, the average for a master plumber in North Dakota is $57,388.
