Requirements Needed to Become a Licensed Plumber in California

Plumbers in California who offer contracting services may need a contractor license.Ranch image by Alhazm Salemi from Fotolia.com

In California, plumbers who offer contracting services may be required to have a contractor license. A plumber needs a license if he performs services in which the total costs of projects, including labor and materials are $500 or more. If he advertises services to the public, he must possess a license. He must also be licensed if he submits bids to clients for providing services for home improvement. Public employees who work on public projects do not need licenses. Employees of private companies who do not have any authority on the direction or control of projects do not need licenses either.

Plumbing Contractor License

The California Contractor's State License Board is responsible for regulating the construction industry, issuing contractor licenses and enforcing the licensing laws. It grants plumbing contractor licenses to individuals, businesses (partnerships or corporations) or joint ventures. It does not confer licenses to limited liability companies. New licenses are valid for two years. Contractors with an active status can renew licenses for two years, while those with an inactive status can renew them for four years.

Applicants for the plumbing contractor license must be at least 18 years old. Minimally, they must have four years of work experience as journeyman plumbers or plumbing foremen, supervisors or contractors. The board may allow plumbers to substitute apprenticeship training, technical training or college education for part of the work experience.

Applicants who do not meet the general requirements can still pursue their licenses while being represented by plumbers who do qualify. According to the license board, qualifying individuals are persons who meet the work experience requirements and pass the license examinations. They may be designated employees, business partners or corporate officers. Qualifying individuals are responsible for plumbing operations.

Applicants must pass two written exams. The law and business examination test an applicant's knowledge about operating a contracting service. It covers such topics as bookkeeping, bid procedures, contracts, insurance and employee issues. The trade examination tests an applicant's proficiency on such areas as safety procedures, plumbing tools, materials and equipment, trade practices and the Uniform Plumbing Code.

Fingerprints must be submitted by applicants and obtained through a licensed agency recognized by the state. Applicants must provide details about any criminal convictions. A contractor may be disqualified if he has committed a crime that is related to the duties, functions and qualifications of a contractor, according to the California Contractor's State Licensing Board Website.

An applicant must fulfill financial requirements in order to become licensed. When applying, he must have $2,500 or more of operating capital. Once applicants pass the examinations whether as an individual or qualifying person for his employer's business, he must submit a surety bond or cash deposit to the license board. Additionally, plumbers must provide proof of having obtained Workers Compensation Insurance if hiring employees.