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How to get a plumbing license in Ohio

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance) licenses plumbing contractors in Ohio.

Who licenses plumbing work in Ohio

CredentialState license
BoardOhio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance) official statement
Official lookupSearch plumbing licenses
License typesPlumbing Contractor (PL), Hydronics Contractor (HY)

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance as a Plumbing Contractor (PL) or Hydronics Contractor (HY).
  2. Two-part PSI exam: one trade part and one business and law part, 70 percent needed on each part. source
  3. Experience: 5 years (Five years as a tradesperson in the trade immediately before applying (or 3 years of construction business experience for an Ohio registered engineer, or other experience the board accepts)). source
  4. Carry contractor liability insurance with completed operations coverage of at least $500,000. source
  5. Pay the application fee for the licensing examination, $25: $25. source
  6. Licenses expire every year on the original license date and renew without a new exam (licensees with a year of clean compliance may join the compliant contractor program and renew every three years). source

Plumbing requirements in Ohio

Plumbing: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamTwo-part PSI exam: one trade part and one business and law part, 70 percent needed on each part. source
Experience5 years (Five years as a tradesperson in the trade immediately before applying (or 3 years of construction business experience for an Ohio registered engineer, or other experience the board accepts)). source
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceContractor liability insurance with completed operations coverage of at least $500,000. source
RenewalLicenses expire every year on the original license date and renew without a new exam (licensees with a year of clean compliance may join the compliant contractor program and renew every three years). source
ReciprocityLicense without exam only for holders from a state with a written reciprocity agreement with the Ohio board and substantially equal requirements; other out-of-state license holders must still pass the exam. source
Fees
  • Application fee for the licensing examination, $25. source
  • License issuance fee after passing the exam, $25. source
  • PSI examination fee, $69 per registration, charged again for each retake. source
  • Annual renewal fee per license, $60. source
  • Triennial renewal fee per license, $180, available only to licensees in the compliant contractor program. source
  • Late renewal fee per license, up to a maximum of $120 set by administrative rule. source

Hiring a plumbing contractor?

See every official lookup in Ohio, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Ohio

Questions

Do you need a plumbing license in Ohio?
Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance) licenses plumbing contractors in Ohio.
How do I check a plumbing license in Ohio?
The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance) keeps the record for plumbing contractors in Ohio. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a plumbing license cost in Ohio?
Application fee for the licensing examination, $25. License issuance fee after passing the exam, $25. PSI examination fee, $69 per registration, charged again for each retake. Annual renewal fee per license, $60. Triennial renewal fee per license, $180, available only to licensees in the compliant contractor program. Late renewal fee per license, up to a maximum of $120 set by administrative rule.
How much experience do you need for a plumbing license in Ohio?
5 years (Five years as a tradesperson in the trade immediately before applying (or 3 years of construction business experience for an Ohio registered engineer, or other experience the board accepts)).
How often does a plumbing license renew in Ohio?
Licenses expire every year on the original license date and renew without a new exam (licensees with a year of clean compliance may join the compliant contractor program and renew every three years).

Other trades in Ohio

Plumbing license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.