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Ohio Plumbing License Requirements

Ohio doesn't license individual plumbers. Plumbing contractors need a state license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Commerce). Some cities license plumbers.

Contractor only · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated

License tiers

ApprenticeNo state license
JourneymanNo state license; cities license
MasterNo state license
ContractorOCILB Plumbing contractor

Requirements

Contractor experience5 years as tradesperson
ExamOCILB exam
Minimum age18
Renewal1 or 3 years
Continuing education8 hours (1-year) or 24 hours (3-year)
Local licenseWorkers may need local license
BoardOhio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Commerce)

Board website

Local licenses in Ohio

  • Columbus

    City

    Journeyperson plumber license; OCILB contractor registration

    Columbus Building and Zoning Services

    Columbus City Code ch. 4114: all contractors must hold the right city license or registration before pulling permits. City issues a journeyperson plumber license; plumbing contractors register their OCILB license.

  • Cleveland

    City

    City contractor registration plus plumber license

    Cleveland Department of Building and Housing

    To build or rehabilitate Cleveland homes, contractors must be bonded, insured and registered; electricians and plumbers must also be licensed. Owner-occupants of 1-2 family homes may work without registration.

  • Cincinnati

    City

    City contractor registration

    Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections

Exam

Exam providerPSI (for OCILB)

OCILB testing application: exams via PSI for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics and refrigeration contractors. Format not in the application.

Apprenticeship

Registering agencyState Apprenticeship Agency (ApprenticeOhio (ODJFS))

Plumbing code

Code in force2021 IPC with state amendments (as 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code)

2024 Ohio codes from the 2021 I-Codes with Ohio amendments, effective March 1, 2024. Commercial buildings; residential follows the Residential Code of Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

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