Plumber / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Plumber License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Installs and repairs pipes and plumbing systems. Requires apprenticeship.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Plumbers

Becoming a licensed plumber in Rhode Island means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 6,973 training hours, a passing score on State Journeyman Plumber Exam, and 4 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Rhode Island regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Apprenticeship Program".

Budget $231 to get started, plus $194 at each renewal on a 1-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 8 hours of continuing education are due every 1-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Journeyman licenses rarely reciprocal — check state board.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
15/100
Plumber · Rhode Island

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
6,973 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$231
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$194/yr
$194 every 1 year
Continuing Education C+
8.0 hrs/yr
8 hours every 1 year
Experience Required F
4 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Apprenticeship Program
6,973 hours
Exam Requirement
State Journeyman Plumber Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$231
Renewal Fee
$194
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
4 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Plumber All Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Plumber in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island's requirements cover 6973 hours of education or training, the State Journeyman Plumber Exam exam, and an initial fee of $231. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Plumber in Rhode Island? ▼
To become a licensed plumber in Rhode Island, you must meet the state's requirements including 6973 hours of education and 4 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
Plumber licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Journeyman licenses rarely reciprocal — check state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Plumber licensing? ▼
Rhode Island does require a background check before issuing a plumber license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Plumber in Rhode Island? ▼
Licensed plumbers in Rhode Island must complete 8 hours of continuing education every 1 year. The renewal fee is $194.

Related Guides

What to do with this plumber license

Plumber in Rhode Island, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a plumber-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Rhode Island's plumber requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Plumber in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state plumber license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Rhode Island's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Rhode Island overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Rhode Island licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.