Licensing & Registration
Licensing & Registration
Plumbers working in Onondaga County must be licensed and registered with WEP’s Plumbing Control Division. Registered plumbers of all experience levels must have their registration card on them as a means of identification for Plumbing Inspectors, property owners, and others while on the work site.
| Registration / License | Application Deadlines | Fees | Application Link |
| Apprentice | May 15 | $15 | Apprentice Plumber Registration Application |
| Journeyman | March 15 | $25 | Journeyman Plumber Registration Application |
| Master | January 15 | Based on Class | Master Plumber License Application |
Notes: (1) Late fees added to applications received after the deadline; (2) Lapse in registration for over a year will result in multiple fees.
Need assistance completing your application? Review our step-by-step guide by clicking here.
Apprentice Plumbers
Gaining on-the-job experience working under the guidance of more experienced tradesmen, apprentice plumbers are in the first stage of a plumbing career.
Apprentice Requirements
- Employed by a licensed Master Plumber
- Registered as Apprentice with WEP Plumbing Control
Journeyman Plumbers
With at least five years of skills and knowledge gained, Apprentices may become Journeyman Plumbers. These trusted professionals will continue working under Master Plumbers, further honing their trade skills.
Journeyman Requirements
- At least 5 years experience in the plumbing trade
- Educational experience may be submitted to satisfy up to one year of experience
- Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam
- Employed by a licensed Master Plumber
- Registered as Journeyman Plumber with WEP Plumbing Control
Master Plumbers
After an additional decade of experience, Journeyman Plumbers may become Masters, earning the highest professional level.
Master Plumbers can own and operate plumbing businesses, provided their Master license is current and active (Onondaga County, except the City of Syracuse).
Master Requirements
- 10 years experience as a Journeyman plumber, or
- 5 years as a Journeyman and 5 years as an Apprentice
- Educational experience may be submitted to satisfy up to one year of experience
- Pass the Master Plumber Exam
- Licensed as Master Plumber with WEP Plumbing Control
To be eligible for a Journeyman or Master license and registration in Onondaga County, plumbers must pass an exam and receive a Certificate of Competency from the Onondaga County Examining Board for Plumbers. All plumbers should be familiar with State and County codes and regulations. The Onondaga County Examining Board for Plumbers reviews applications and test scores. Qualifying applicants are issued a Certificate of Competency and can register and apply for the appropriate license with WEP’s Plumbing Control Division. In order to maintain a Journeyman or Master Plumber license, a plumber must renew the license and registration annually with WEP’s Plumbing Control Division and comply with insurance requirements set by the Onondaga County Examining Board for Plumbers.