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Alabama Plumbing

Alabama plumbing license guide

Alabama plumbing and gas fitting certification is handled by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. The official pages explain apprentice, journeyman, master, medical gas, company registration, principal master, exam, forms, and lookup paths.

The short answer

Alabama plumbing contractors should start with the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. The board says Alabama law structures plumbing and gas fitting around apprentice, journeyman, master, and related certification paths, and companies performing plumbing or gas fitting work must register with the board before bidding on or performing work in Alabama.

Who this applies to

  • People performing plumbing work in Alabama should confirm whether apprentice, journeyman, master, medical gas, or company registration requirements apply.
  • Companies performing plumbing or gas fitting work should review the board's company registration and principal master requirements before bidding or performing work.
  • Homeowners, contractors, and businesses can use the PGFB lookup tools to verify individual or business status.

Requirement snapshot

Authority Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
Apprentice path The board says apprentice plumbers or gas fitters must be registered and work directly under the supervision of a journeyman or master.
Journeyman path The board says journeyman plumber candidates generally need at least two years as an apprentice, approved apprentice training plus time, or verifiable experience reviewed by the board.
Master path The board says a master plumber applicant must be certified as a journeyman plumber for at least one year before becoming eligible for the master exam.
Company registration The board says all companies must register before bidding on or performing plumbing or gas fitting work in Alabama and must have a Principal Master designee.
Exam updates The board's exams page says master-level applicants must also pass a business law exam effective January 1, 2026.

Practical application path

  1. Start with the board's how-do-I-become-licensed page to identify the apprentice, journeyman, master, gas fitting, medical gas, or company path.
  2. For journeyman or master exams, review the current exam application packets and experience rules before filing.
  3. If operating a company, register the business with PGFB and designate the required Principal Master before bidding or performing work.
  4. Use the official forms and applications page for the current packets, payment instructions, and contact route.
  5. Verify individual and business status through the PGFB online lookup tools before advertising or subcontracting plumbing work.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Do not treat an Alabama general contractor, home builder, or HVAC credential as a plumbing certification.
  • Plumbing and gas fitting are related but separate enough that contractors should confirm which certificate, endorsement, or registration applies.
  • Permits, inspections, local requirements, gas rules, medical gas rules, backflow, and company registration can apply beyond individual certification.

Official source links

Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board https://pgfb.alabama.gov/ PGFB how do I become licensed https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/ PGFB exams https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/exams/ PGFB forms and applications https://pgfb.alabama.gov/forms/ PGFB individual lookup https://alpgfb.igovsolution.net/online/Lookups/Individual.aspx

FAQ

Who handles Alabama plumbing licenses?

The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board handles Alabama plumbing and gas fitting certification and company registration resources.

Do Alabama plumbing companies need to register with the board?

Yes. The board says all companies must register before bidding on or performing plumbing or gas fitting work in Alabama and must have a Principal Master designee.