Are you thinking about becoming a plumber in Puerto Rico? In this article, we’ll cover the steps required to obtain your plumbing license in Puerto Rico.
Although there are plumbers in Puerto Rico who perform plumbing services without having a state license, the ideal is to obtain your license. It conveys to the public that you can be trusted, that you are a professional, and that you can justify charging more than a non-licensed “plumber”.
Having a license makes you a better plumber because you will have to know the correct building code requirements for your industry.
Obtaining a plumbing license will take few steps, but it guarantees that the plumbing services are made in an orderly, regulated and responsible way for all involved.
According to your work experience and studies at the moment, you’ll be able to pursue a different license. The first step would be to be a plumber apprentice, that is being authorized by the Examining Board of Master and Official Plumbers of Puerto Rico to perform plumbing jobs as long as you’re under the direction and supervision of a master plumber and are currently taking a plumbing course. Another license available is for an Official Plumber, which is needed to be authorized to work as a plumber under the direction and supervision of a Master Plumber. And finally, the Master Plumber license, which implies being authorized to perform the profession, inspect plumbing jobs and certify them.
What do you need to obtain the Plumber Apprentice license?
You’ll have to create an account with Professional Credential Services (PCS), institution that specializes in examining, certification and licensing services for State and Federal entities, here. With this account you’ll be able to make an official application for this license and the following will be needed:
- Color digital picture with a dark background
- Copy of a Negative Criminal Record Certificate
- Copy of a recent Health Certificate or Medical Exam (1-year max)
- Copy of negative Certificate or Compliance of Child Support Payment
- Have at least 16 years of age
- Diploma of Plumbing Training course (Vocational School or Private Institution)
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Be an American citizen or Puerto Rico Resident
This type of license doesn’t require an exam, fulfilling the previous points will be enough and paying the $30.00 USD fee. Have in mind that the license last for 1 year and has to be renewed after.
What do you need to obtain the Official Plumber license?
If what you’re looking for is to obtain a license as an Official Plumber in Puerto Rico, which authorizes you to develop the plumbing profession under the direction and supervision of a master plumber. You need to have an account with Professional Credential Services (PCS) or create one here to generate an application and complete all the questions. The following will be requested in the website:
- Color digital picture with a dark background
- Copy of a Negative Criminal Record Certificate
- Diploma or certificate of completing higher education
- Copy of negative Certificate or Compliance of Child Support Payment
- Certificate of Apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber by the Board
- Certificate or Diploma of Plumbing Training course
- Present the tasks by work unit in Plumbing with seal by an institution recognized by the Board
- Present a copy of the results of the different exams (Practical, Blueprint and Theorical)
This type license requires the grades of three different exams, which need to be taken before creating the application and you can register to take the exams through DIDAXIS, company authorized by the Department of State for the administration of exams in different professions, including plumbing here. The application for the license has a fee of $40.00 USD.
What do you need to obtain the Master Plumber license?
The Master Plumber license in Puerto Rico implies being authorized to perform the profession, inspect jobs and provide certificated for them. This license requires greater knowledge and experience. You need to have an account with Professional Credential Services (PCS) or create one here to generate an application and complete all the questions. The following will be requested in the website:
- Recent color picture with a dark background
- Be older than 18 years old
- Copy of a Negative Criminal Record Certificate
- Copy of a recent Health Certificate or Medical Exam (1-year max)
- Copy of negative Certificate or Compliance of Child Support Payment
- Copy of Official Plumber license
- Evidence of being active in the Puerto Rico’s Plumber Association
- Certification of having at least four (4) years of practice as an Official Plumber under the supervision of a Master Plumber with a license from the Board
- Birth Certificate
- Present a copy of the results for the different exams (Practical, Blueprint and Theorical)
This type of license requires the grades of three exams, which need to be taken before completing the application and you can request your enrollment through DIDAXIS, company authorized by the Department of State for the administration of exams in different professions, including plumbing here. The application for the license has a fee of $60.00 USD. The license is issued for 4 years and then it needs to be renewed.
Exam information and costs
Both the license for Official Plumber and Master Plumber require the grades for three different exams. The Examining Board of Master and Official Plumbers of Puerto Rico celebrates these exams at least once (1) a year and in the months, days and places that are convenient, as long as there is a certain convocation at least sixty days before the established date.
You can fill an application for any of the exams through the Internet, in www.didaxispr.com. You need to have a valid email address to create and account and scan certain documents, it’s important to mention that pictures of the documents are not accepted.
The costs of the different exams are the following, for your consideration:
Official Plumber Theoretical Exam – $100
Official Plumber Practical Exam – $60
Official Plumber Blueprint Exam – $60
Master Plumber Theoretical Exam – $100
Master Plumber Practical Exam – $60
Master Plumber Blueprint Exam – $60
We hope this information is helpful for you in your path to becoming a licensed plumber in Puerto Rico!
