ALL PERSONS PERFORMING PLUMBING AND OR NATURAL GAS IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA MUST BE REGISTERED AS AN APPRENTICE IF UNLICENSED. THE LAW REQUIRES THAT YOU COMPLETE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED IN THE FIELD PRIOR TO TESTING WHILE WORKING AS A REGISTERED APPRENTICE.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF APPRENTICES. 

ONE PATHWAY IS THE INDENTURED APPRENTICE. THESE APPRENTICES ARE IN A DEPARTMENT OF LABOR APPROVED TRAINING PROGRAM COMPLETING CLASSROOM HOURS WHILE WORKING IN THE TRADE. THESE APPRENTICES REQUIRE LESS HOURS TO TAKE THEIR LICENSING EXAMINATIONS.

THE SECOND PATHWAY IS THE UNINDENTURED APPRENTICES. THESE APPRENTICES ARE NOT IN A TRAINING PROGRAM AND ARE ONLY WORKING IN THE TRADE.

EACH GRAPH BELOW DEPICTS EACH PATHWAY TO OPTAINING LICENSURE.

ALL PERSONS PERFORMING THE ART OF PLUMBING AND/OR GAS FITTING IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA MUST FIRST REGISTER AS AN APPRENTICE , BE IN THE EMPLOY OF A MASTER COMPANY AND PERFORM ALL WORK UNDER THE DIRECT, ON-THE-JOB SUPERVISION OF A JOURNEYMAN OR MASTER. 

There are two pathways to obtain an Apprentice Registration: 

1. Indentured Apprentice Plumbers and Apprentice Gas Fitters must be in an approved training program with the Louisiana Workforce Commission  and shall register with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. SPBLA registered apprentices may perform the work of both natural gas and plumbing under the direct, constant on-the-job supervision of a licensed plumber or gas fitter. All apprentices in an approved LWC Program will require less on-the-job training hours when applying for examinations.

2. Unindentured Apprentice Plumbers and Apprentice Gas Fitters shall work for a master company and shall register with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. SPBLA registered apprentices may perform the work of both natural gas and plumbing under the direct, constant on-the-job supervision of a licensed plumber or gas fitter.

Apprenticeship Pathway  Information

1. Indentured Apprenticeship Programs are regulated by Louisiana Workforce Commission. Please visit apprenticeshipla.com to find an Approved Apprenticeship Program. Once enrolled an applicant will apply for their Apprentice Registration card through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Please visit the forms page to print the apprentice registration application.

 2. Unindentured Apprentices need only to be completing their on-the-job training under a licensed Master employing entity and will apply for their Apprentice Registration card through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Please visit the forms page to print the apprentice registration application.

How do I apply for an Apprenticeship Registration Card?

1.Applicants will submit an Apprentice Application to the State Plumbing Board’s office. Applications can be printed at the following: https://spbla.com/new-license-applications/

2. The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $20.

3. Applications are processed in the order in which they are RECEIVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed an Apprentice Registration Card to the mailing address provided on their application. Applicants may also come into the office for same day processing.

What do I do after I receive my Apprenticeship Registration Card?

1.Please keep your registration on your person or keep a digital copy when out in the field.

2.Renew your apprentice registration every year by December 31st.

3.Apprentices DO NOT need Continuing Professional Education to renew.

4.Apprentices may renew online.

Residential Plumber License

A Residential Plumber licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, is qualified to independently perform repairs of existing residential plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings under the employment and at the direction of a Licensed Louisiana Master Plumber. Residential Plumbers may also work under the direct, constant on-the-job supervision of a journeyman or master and not be counted in the apprentice to journeyman ratio.

Who can apply to take the exam?

1.INDENTURED APPRENTICES: The applicant must be currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board and have performed 3,000 hours of manual labor of plumbing under the employment of a master plumber licensed by the Board.

2.UNINDENTURED APPRENTICES: The applicant must be a currently registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and have performed 4,000 hours of manual labor of plumbing under the employ of a master plumber licensed by the Board.

How to determine how many on-the-job training hours I have to apply for the exam?

If you are working full time (40) hours in 52 weeks (one year) you will have worked  a total of 2,080 hours. In two years working full time you will have worked a total of 4,160 hours.

Most Indentured apprentices are eligible to apply for a Residential examination in 1.5 years.

Most Unindentured apprentices are eligible to apply for a Residential examination in 2 years.

How can I show proof of hours?

1. Hours can be in the form of official payroll documentation from the employer. The payroll documentation must specify the companies name, the applicant’s name and total number of hours worked. A letter from the employer stating how many hours have been worked will NOT be accepted.

2.Hours may be submitted by supplying W-2’s from a licensed master company. If you are working full time, generally applicants have the time required when submitting at least 2 years worth of W-2’s. 1099’s are NOT  acceptable as a 1099 is for a contractor rather than an employee and all persons applying must be employed by a master.

3.If you are unable to obtain one of the options above, please visit the IRS website to obtain a transcript outlining your W-2’s.

Where can I find the application and information packet for the Residential Plumber Examination?

All applications can be found on the forms tab.

https://spbla.com/new-license-applications/

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $135.

Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are APPROVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time, and location of their exam.

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application for the next available exam.

  • If an applicant does not appear for the scheduled examination or cancels thirty (30) days prior, the exam fee will be forfeited.
  • If an applicant withdraws an application prior to thirty (30) days of the examination, fifty percent (50%) of the examination fee will be retained for administrative cost.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana of any address changes.

What is a Temporary Work Permit and how can I receive one?

Temporary work permits forms are available on the Residential Plumber application. An applicant must be deemed eligible for examination and scheduled for an examination before a permit can be issued. This permit will allow the applicant to work as a Residential Plumber until the date of the examination. Each applicant can be issued a secondary permit only of they have passed one part of the exam.

To obtain a Temporary Work permit, please submit the Residential Plumber Permit Form and send it in with a check or money order for $75.00.

Examination Information

Examinations are held in both Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Please view the exam schedule page for dates.

*Examination dates are subject to change due to conditions beyond the control of the Board.

The Residential exam consists of a one (1) part, 80 question, 3-hour written exam and a 1-hour, 3 part practical (hands-on) portion.

The written exam is based on the following reference material:

  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

The practical portion of the exam includes a:

  • Screw Pipe Project
  • Copper Project
  • Floor Project

Where can I obtain the reference materials necessary for the Residential Plumber Examination?

The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

For Purchase from ICC:

https://shop.iccsafe.org/2021-international-residential-coder.html

What happens if I pass/fail my exam?

  • Test results cannot be given over the phone. The State Plumbing Board will mail the results of the examination to the candidate. Please allow up to two (2) weeks to receive scores.

Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the Initial Residential License form and return it with a $40.00 fee for their license. Once applicants receive their license, they will be responsible for taking continuing education every year through an approved provider and renewing their license every year with the State Plumbing Board before December 31st to avoid delinquent fees.

Upon failing the examination, each applicant will be notified of their failing scores and provided a Retake Form in order to apply to be re-scheduled for examination. If an applicant passes one part but not the other, the passing score will be good for one (1) year. The applicant must take the exam again within that year in order to keep the passing score.

What happens after I receive my license?

Keep your license on your person. All licenses must be renewed each year by December 31st of each year. 3.5 hours of Continuing Professional Education are required each year prior to renewal. CPE Providers can be found at: https://spbla.com/cpe/journeyman-master-plumber-natural-master-natural-gas-fitter-approved-provider-list/

Journeyman License

A Journeyman Plumber licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, is qualified to perform installation, repairs, and maintenance of new and existing plumbing systems under the direct/indirect supervision of a Licensed Louisiana Master Plumber.

Where can I find the application and information packet for the Journeyman Plumber Examination?

All applications can be found on the forms tab.

https://spbla.com/new-license-applications/

What do you need to qualify for the Journeyman Exam?

To qualify for examination, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. CURRENTLY REGISTERED INDENTURED APPRENTICE: The applicant must be currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board and have performed 7,000 hours of manual labor of plumbing under the direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a journeyman or master plumber licensed by the board.
  2. CURRENTLY REGISTERED UNEDENTURED APPRENTICE: The applicant must be a currently registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and have performed 8,000 hours of manual labor of plumbing under the direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a journeyman or master plumber licensed by the board.

Note: The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana does only reciprocates with the State of Arkansas and Texas; however, if you have a valid plumbing license in another state, you may use it to qualify to take the Journeyman Plumber exam. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their out-of-state plumbing license with the application for approval. Only licenses that were obtained with at least 8,000 hours will be approved

 

How to determine how many on-the-job training hours I have to apply for the exam?

If you are working full time (40) hours in 52 weeks (one year) you will have worked  a total of 2,080 hours. In four years working full time you will have worked a total of 8,320 hours.

Most Indentured apprentices are eligible to apply for a journeyman plumber examination in 3.5 years.

Most Unindentured apprentices are eligible to apply for a journeyman plumber examination in 4 years.

Examination Information

Examinations are held in both Baton Rouge and Shreveport on a quarterly basis. Please view the exam schedule page for a list of examination dates.

*Examination dates are subject to change due to conditions beyond the control of the Board.

The Journeyman Plumber exam consists of a one (1) part, 80 question, 3-hour written exam and a 1-hour practical (hands-on) portion.

The written exam is based on the following reference material:

  • 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

The practical portion of the exam includes a:

  • Floor Plan Project
  • Screw Pipe Project
  • Copper Project

What should I know before applying?

  • If an applicant does not appear for the scheduled examination or cancels less than thirty (30) days prior, the exam fee will be forfeited.
  • If an applicant withdraws an application thirty (30) days prior to the examination, fifty percent (50%) of the examination fee will be retained for administrative cost.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana of any address changes.
  • Test results cannot be given over the phone. The State Plumbing Board will mail the results of the examination to the candidate. Please allow up to two (2) weeks to receive scores.

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

Applicants must submit applications no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the examination. Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are APPROVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time, and location of their exam.

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $135 ($125.00 Exam Fee + $10.00 Processing Charge).

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application for the next available exam.

What happens if I pass/fail my exam?

Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the Initial Journeyman License form and return it with a $50.00 fee for their license. Once applicants receive their license, they will be responsible for taking continuing education every year through an approved provider and renewing their license every year with the State Plumbing Board before December 31st to avoid delinquent fees.

Upon failing the examination, each applicant will be notified of their failing scores and provided a Retake Form in order to apply to be re-scheduled for examination. If an applicant passes one part but not the other, the passing score will be good for one (1) year. The applicant must take the exam again within that year in order to keep the passing score.

Where can I obtain the reference materials necessary for the Journeyman Plumber Examination?

The 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

For Purchase from ICC:

https://shop.iccsafe.org/2021-international-plumbing-coder.html

The 2021 International Residential Code

For Purchase from ICC:

https://shop.iccsafe.org/2021-international-residential-coder.html

 

What is a Temporary Work Permit and how can you receive one?

An applicant must be deemed eligible for examination and scheduled for an examination before a permit can be issued. This permit will allow the applicant to work as a Journeyman Plumber until the date of the examination. If an applicant fails the examination, no other permit can be issued. Each applicant is only able to receive one (1) permit per lifetime.

To obtain a Temporary Work permit, please submit the Journeyman Plumber Permit Form and send it in with a check or money order for $75.00.

Master Plumber License

A Master Plumber licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, is qualified to perform installation, repairs, and maintenance of new and existing plumbing systems, and employ registered Apprentices and Licensed Journeyman Plumbers.

Where can I find the application and information packet for the Master Plumber Examination?

All applications can be found on the forms tab.

https://spbla.com/new-license-applications/

What do you need to qualify for the Master Plumber Exam?

To qualify for examination, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

  • The applicant must have a current Journeyman Plumbing License
  • The applicant must hold a current license issued by the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board certifying or registering you as a professional engineer. Engineer license holders must produce a copy of a current license when applying.

Note: The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana does not reciprocate Master licenses.

(The State Plumbing Board does reciprocate with certain states for the journeyman license. Please visit the journeyman tab for further information)

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $110.

Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are APPROVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time, and location of their exam.

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application for the next available exam.

  • If an applicant does not appear for the scheduled examination or cancels thirty (30) days prior, the exam fee will be forfeited.
  • If an applicant withdraws an application prior to thirty (30) days of the examination, fifty percent (50%) of the examination fee will be retained for administrative cost.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana of any address changes.

Examination Information

Examinations are held in both Baton Rouge and Shreveport.. Please view the exam schedule page for a list of examination dates.

*Examination dates are subject to change due to conditions beyond the control of the Board.

The Master Plumber exam consists of a three (3) part written exam.

Part I of the examination is three (3) hours and eighty (80) questions and is based on the following materials:

Part II of the examination is two (2) hours and twenty-five (25) questions and is based on the following material:

  • Title 51, Public Health – Sanitary Code, Part XIII (13). Sewage Disposal (December 2022 edition)

https://spbla.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Title-51-PART-13-ONLY.pdf

Part III of the examination is two (2) hours and forty (40) questions and is based on the following material:

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are APPROVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time, and location of their exam.

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $110.

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application for the next available exam.

 

What happens if I pass/fail my exam?

  • Test results can not be given over the phone. The State Plumbing Board will mail the results of the examination to the candidate. Please allow up to two (2) weeks.

Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the Initial Master Plumber License form.

You may either choose an Active license for a fee of $190 and associate your license with a current plumbing company OR provide proof of insurances for a new company.

OR

You may choose an Inactive license for a fee of $40. Inactive status can be used in two manners: You may Inactivate your Master license and work as a journeyman under the employ of a Master company OR you may inactivate your Master license if you are not working in the trade.

Upon failing the examination, each applicant will be notified of their failing scores and provided a Retake Form in order to apply to be re-scheduled for examination. If an applicant passes one part but not the other, the passing score will be good for one (1) year. The applicant must take the exam again within that year in order to keep the passing score.

What happens after I receive my license?

Active Master Plumbers are responsible for renewing their license prior to December 31st of each year and completing 5 hours of Continuing Professional Education prior to renewing. CPE Providers can be found at: https://spbla.com/cpe/journeyman-master-plumber-natural-master-natural-gas-fitter-approved-provider-list/

There shall be one (1) designated Responsible Active Master Plumber for each company, however a company may have more than one (1) Active Master. Designated Responsible Master Plumbers are tasked with keeping up to date insurances with the Board as well as ensuring the Employing Entity is in accordance with LA R.S. 37:1361 et seq.

Inactive masters who are working as a journeyman are responsible for renewing their license prior to December 31st of each year and shall complete a minimum of 3.5 Continuing Professional Education hours prior to renewing.

Inactive Master Plumbers who are not working in the trade are not required to complete Continuing Professional Education and may complete the CPE exemption form when renewing. Please be advised that claiming an exemption from CPE will not allow you to work in the trade for that calendar year.

WSPS Endorsement

In order to apply for the Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement, applicants must be either a Journeyman or Master Plumber licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana or a Landscape Irrigator licensed through the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and complete a 40 hour tester certification

How do I become W.S.P.S Certified?

Applicants must complete a Tester Certification  through one of our approved providers. An Approved W.S.P.S. Provider list can be found on our website at the following:

https://spbla.com/cpe/wsps-certification-re-certification-approved-provider-list/

How do I apply for the W.S.P.S. Endorsement?

Please submit a W.S.P.S. Application with a copy of your Tester Certification to the State Plumbing Board office. Applications can be printed directly from our website.

Please Note: All applicants are responsible for making sure they are recertified every three years.

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

Applications are processed in the order in which they are RECEIVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will receive a license card in the mail that has the endorsement listed.

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $20 ($10.00 Fee + $10.00 Processing Charge).

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application

Medical Gas

In order to apply for a Medical Gas license through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, applicants must first complete a certification course through one of our approved Medical Gas providers.

How do I become Medical Gas Certified?

An Approved Medical Gas Provider list can be found on our website.

Please Note: All applicants are responsible for making sure they are recertified every three years.

How do I apply for the Medical Gas License?

Please submit a Medical Gas Application or Medical Gas Verifier Application along with copies of approved Medical Gas Certification to the State Plumbing Board office. Applications can be printed directly from our website.

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

Applications are processed in the order in which they are RECEIVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will receive a license card in the mail.

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $40 ($30.00 Fee + $10.00 Processing Charge) for Medical Gas or $210 ($200.00 Fee + $10.00 Processing Charge) for Medical Gas Verifier.

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application.

Natural Gas License

A Natural Gas Fitter licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, is qualified to install, repair, and alter natural gas systems under the direct supervision of a Licensed Louisiana Master Natural Gas Fitter.

Who can apply to take the exam?

  1. INDENTURED APPRENTICES: The applicant must be currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board and have performed 3,000 hours of manual labor of gas fitting under the direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a journeyman or master gas fitter licensed by the Board.
  2. UNINDENTURED APPRENTICES: The applicant must be a currently registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and have performed 4,000 hours of manual labor of gas fitting under the direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a journeyman or master gas fitter licensed by the Board.
  3. JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER: Who holds a current Louisiana Plumber License and must have performed manual labor of gas fitting in a two (2) year training period under the direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a natural gas fitter or master natural gas fitter.

Note: The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana does only reciprocates with the State of Arkansas and Texas; however, if you have a valid plumbing license in another state, you may use it to qualify to take the Journeyman Natural Gas exam. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their out-of-state plumbing license with the application for approval. Only licenses that were obtained with at least 4,000 hours will be approved

 

How to determine how many on-the-job training hours I have to apply for the exam?

If you are working full time (40) hours in 52 weeks (one year) you will have worked a total of 2.080 hours. In two years working full time you will have worked a total of 4,160 hours.

Most Indentured apprentices are eligible to apply for a Natural Gas examination in 1.5 years.

Most Unindentured apprentices are eligible to apply for a Natural Gas examination in 2 years.

How can I show proof of hours?

1. Hours can be in the form of official payroll documentation from the employer. The payroll documentation must specify the companies name, the applicant’s name and the total number of hours worked. A letter from the employer stating how many hours have been worked will NOT be accepted.

2. Hours may be submitted by supplying W-2’s from a licensed master company. If you are working full time, generally applicants have the time required when submitting at least 2 years worth of W-2’s. 1099’s are NOT acceptable, as a 1099 is for a contractor rather than an employee and all persons applying must be employed by a master.

3. If you are unable to obtain one of the options above, please visit the IRS website to obtain a transcript outlining your W-2’s.

Where can I find the application and information packet for the Natural Gas Fitter Examination?

All applications can be found on the forms tab.

https://spbla.com/new-license-applications/

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

The application must by legibly completed in its entirety by applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $135.

Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are APPROVED. Processing may take up two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time and location of their exam.

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application for the next available exam.

Examination Information

Examinations are held in both Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Please view the exam schedule page for dates.

*Examination dates are subject to change due to conditions beyond the control of the Board.

The Natural Gas Fitter exam consists of a one (1) part, 80 question, 3-hour written exam and a 30-minute practical (hands-on) portion.

The written exam is based on the following reference material:

  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

The practical portion of the exam includes a:

  • Screw Pipe Project

 

What should I know before applying?

  • If an applicant does not appear for the scheduled examination or cancels less than thirty (30) days prior, the exam fee will be forfeited.
  • If an applicant withdraws an application thirty (30) days prior to the examination, fifty percent (50%) of the examination fee will be retained for administrative cost.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana of any address changes.
  • Test results cannot be given over the phone. The State Plumbing Board will mail the results of the examination to the candidate. Please allow up to two (2) weeks to receive scores.

 

What happens if I pass/fail my exam?

Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the Initial Natural Gas License form and return it with a $50.00 fee for their license. Once applicants receive their license, they will be responsible for taking continuing education every year through an approved provider and renewing their license every year with the State Plumbing Board before December 31st to avoid delinquent fees.

Upon failing the examination, each applicant will be notified of their failing scores and provided a Retake Form in order to apply to be re-scheduled for examination. If an applicant passes one part but not the other, the passing score will be good for one (1) year. The applicant must take the exam again within that year in order to keep the passing score.

Where can I obtain the reference materials necessary for the Natural Gas Fitter Examination?

The 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

For Purchase from ICC:

https://shop.iccsafe.org/2021-international-fuel-gas-coder.html

 

 

 

Master Natural Gas License

A Master Natural Gas Fitter licensed through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, is qualified to install, repair, and alter natural gas systems and employ registered Apprentices and Licensed Natural Gas Fitters.

Examination Information

Examinations are held in both Baton Rouge and Shreveport on a quarterly basis. Please view the exam schedule page for a list of examination dates.

*Examination dates are subject to change due to conditions beyond the control of the Board.

The Master Natural Gas Fitter exam consists of a two (2) part, written exam.

Part I of the examination is three (3) hours and eighty (80) questions and is based on the following materials

  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

Part II of the examination is two (2) hours and  forty (40) questions and is based on the following material:

  • NASCLA Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Louisiana Master Plumbers and Master Natural Gas Fitters, 2nd Edition

What do you need to qualify for the Master Natural Gas Fitter Exam?

To qualify for examination, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. An applicant must hold a current Louisiana Natural Gas Fitter License issued by the State Plumbing Board.
  2. An applicant must hold a current Mechanical (Statewide) Work License issued by the State Licensing Board for Contractors. If you are applying with a Mechanical (Statewide) Work License, you will need to provide a copy of the license.
  3. An applicant must hold a current Professional Engineer License issued by the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. If you are applying with a Professional Engineer License, you will need to provide a copy of the license.

What should I know before applying?

  • If an applicant does not appear for the scheduled examination or cancels less than thirty (30) days prior, the exam fee will be forfeited.
  • If an applicant withdraws an application thirty (30) days prior to the examination, fifty percent (50%) of the examination fee will be retained for administrative cost.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana of any address changes.
  • Test results cannot be given over the phone. The State Plumbing Board will mail the results of the examination to the candidate. Please allow up to two (2) weeks to receive scores.

What happens after the State Plumbing Board receives my application?

Applicants must submit applications no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the examination. Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are APPROVED. Processing may take up to two (2) weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time, and location of their exam.

The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $110 ($100.00 Exam Fee + $10.00 Processing Charge).

* Any application that does not meet these requirements will result in a delay in processing the application for the next available exam.

What happens if I pass/fail my exam?

Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the Initial Master Natural Gas License form and return it with a $190.00 Active license fee or $40 Inactive license fee for their license. Once applicants receive their license, they will be responsible for taking continuing education every year through an approved provider and renewing their license every year with the State Plumbing Board before December 31st to avoid delinquent fees.

Note: Passing scores are only valid for ninety (90) days. If an applicant fails to send in the appropriate form and payment within the ninety (90) days, the applicant will forfeit their scores and will have to retake the entire examination.

Upon failing the examination, each applicant will be notified of their failing scores and provided a Retake Form in order to apply to be re-scheduled for examination. If an applicant passes one part but not the other, the passing score will be good for one (1) year. The applicant must take the exam again within that year in order to keep the passing score.

Where can I obtain the reference materials necessary for the Master Natural Gas Fitter Examination?

The 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

For Purchase from ICC:

https://shop.iccsafe.org/2021-international-fuel-gas-coder.html

 

NASCLA Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Louisiana Master Plumbers and Master Natural Gas Fitters, 2nd Edition

For Purchase from NASCLA: https://www.nascla.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?ID=16047726