How long can a plumber's license stay expired before continuing education is needed to reinstate it?

Six-Year Rule for Reinstating a Plumber’s License: What You Need to Know

Think of your plumbing license like a badge you wear on every job. It signals competence, trust, and adherence to codes that keep homes safe and water bills honest. When that badge lapses, the clock starts ticking. If you’ve let your license expire, you’re not alone—but you do want to act smartly and fast. Here’s a clear, practical take on the most common question: what’s the maximum amount of time before you must complete continuing education hours to reinstate your license?

Let’s set the scene so the rules don’t feel opaque or mysterious.

The six-year rule in plain terms

In many jurisdictions, there’s a well-defined window after expiration. The most often cited limit is six years. What does that mean in everyday terms? If your license has been expired for up to six years, you’ll typically need to complete the required continuing education (CE) hours, file the renewal, and settle any fees to reinstate. Do six years feel generous? Some folks think so; others wish the clock paused a moment longer. The key point is simple: beyond six years, the pathway changes. The licensing authority may require a different process, and you might have to requalify more comprehensively, or even retake certain parts of the licensure assessment.

Now, you’re wondering, “Why six years?” Here’s the thing: codes, standards, and best practices evolve. What was current a decade ago may be outdated today. The six-year period aims to balance giving a professional a reasonable runway to get back on track while protecting the public by ensuring you’re up to date with current requirements and techniques.

What you need to reinstate after expiration

If you’re within that six-year window, the road map tends to look something like this:

• Confirm the expiration date with the state licensing authority

• Start with a quick check online or a call to the board. Some boards list exact CE hours required before renewal; others give a rough range and let you fill in the details as you go.

• Complete the required continuing education hours

• CE hours cover current codes, safety practices, and updated regulations. The number of hours varies by state, but the principle is universal: you must demonstrate current knowledge.

• Submit the renewal application and pay fees

• Renewal forms may be submitted online or by mail. Expect a fee, and possibly late fees if you’re nudging the deadline.

• Confirm any additional requirements

• Some places require a digital signature, a brief knowledge check, or even a short report on where you’ve worked during the lapse. It’s not a trick—just how the process keeps everyone aligned.

• Await renewal approval

• Once you’ve submitted CE proofs and fees, the board reviews and, if all is in order, reinstates your license.

CE hours: what counts and how to track them

Continuing education hours are the backbone of reinstatement, especially after expiration. Here are practical notes to keep you from guesswork:

• What counts

• Courses on current plumbing codes (like updates to the IPC, UPC, or local amendments)

• Safety training (confined spaces, lead-safe practices, trap and vent safety)

• Water efficiency and environmental regulations

• Systems updates (gas piping, backflow prevention, water heaters, sewer cleanouts)

• Ethics and professional conduct (some boards require at least a slice of ethics-related learning)

• How many hours

• The required number varies by jurisdiction. It could be as few as a dozen hours or well above that. Your board’s rules are the final word.

• How to track

• Save certificates of completion, digital transcripts from approved providers, and any emails confirming course attendance.

• Some boards accept online portals where you upload or link your CE records. Others want paper copies.

• How to choose CE providers

• Look for state-approved providers or courses that explicitly say they meet your board’s CE requirements.

• Short, focused modules can be easier to fit into a busy week than long weekend seminars.

• Mix practical, code-focused topics with a bit of safety and ethics to round out your hours.

Beyond the six-year mark: what changes

If expiration stretches beyond six years, the game changes. While inside the window you mainly gather CE hours and file renewal, crossing that line often triggers one of these possibilities:

• You may need to retake portions of the licensing exam

• Some jurisdictions require newer knowledge to be demonstrated through updated testing.

• You might face stricter renewal criteria

• A more rigorous submission process or a required re-qualification demonstration could come into play.

• Fees and penalties may escalate

• Lapsed licenses tend to carry penalties, and reactivation can involve additional administrative steps.

That’s why it pays to act early. It’s much less stressful to plan a thoughtful CE pathway and keep a running log than to scramble when the six-year clock is close to expiring.

Real-world sense-making: why this matters on the job

You might think, “I’ve done fine without the license for a few years.” The truth is a current license isn’t just a badge; it’s a signal to customers and inspectors that you’re up to date. The plumbing world is full of evolving codes, safety standards, and environmental requirements. Even small changes can affect how you install a shutoff, how you vent a system, or how you calculate load and pressure.

Plus, staying current isn’t a vague luxury; it’s a practical edge. When you show you’re informed about the latest requirements, you reduce the risk of call-backs, insurance concerns, and regulatory hiccups. That peace of mind matters on the job site and in your financial planning.

A few quick tips to stay ahead

• Build a CE calendar, not a last-minute scramble

• Schedule a few hours each month for approved courses. A little steady progress beats a last-minute binge near renewal.

• Keep a digital log

• A simple spreadsheet or a notes app can store course titles, hours, dates, and providers. When renewal time comes, you’ll be glad you did.

• Prioritize code updates

• Codes aren’t cosmetic changes; they affect how you work. If you can, target courses that cover the most recent code cycles first.

• Balance safety and efficiency

• Some CE topics are safety focused, others are efficiency or environmental topics. A well-rounded mix makes you a more capable tradesperson.

• Don’t ignore small requirements

• A minor ethics module or a brief safety refresher can be the difference between a smooth reinstate and a delay.

Common questions that come up

• Is six years the same in every state?

• Not quite. The six-year figure shows up in many places, but jurisdictions differ. Always verify with the local licensing board for your exact requirements.

• Can I reinstate if my license expired six years ago exactly?

• In many places, yes, you can reinstate by completing the required CE hours and filing renewal. If you’re at the six-year boundary, it’s smart to act promptly.

• Do I need to retake the licensing exam after reinstatement?

• It depends on your state and how long the license has been expired. Some systems require a retake or a knowledge check, especially if the lapse is long or if codes have changed dramatically.

• Are there penalties for letting it lapse?

• Often, yes. There can be back fees, late penalties, and added administrative steps. The cost of patience tends to be higher than the cost of staying current.

Staying oriented in a busy world

Here’s something practical to carry with you: your license is a living credential. It’s not just about the day you got it; it’s about keeping your skills relevant and your customers safe. The six-year window is a sensible guardrail—long enough to get your bearings, short enough to keep you sharp. If you’re within that window, think of CE hours as investments in confidence on the job site, not as a checkbox to chase.

As you navigate the Tier 1 licensure landscape, remember that the exam question you see in study materials reflects real-world expectations. The rule about six years isn’t a quiz trick—it’s a real guideline that helps ensure plumbers stay current with evolving codes and practices. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to the state board or a trusted professional mentor who knows the local rules inside and out. A quick call can save days of sleep and a lot of stress later.

In closing, the six-year ceiling gives a clear, workable path back to active licensing after expiration. It’s a balance between respect for public safety and practical timing for tradespeople who’ve taken a pause. By focusing on the CE hours, the renewal steps, and the state-specific rules, you can reinstate smoothly and get back to helping homes run safely and efficiently.

If you’re exploring topics tied to the Tier 1 licensure journey, keep in mind that licensure is about staying current as much as it’s about passing a test. It’s the daily habits—the logging of hours, the habit of reviewing updated codes, the proactive approach to renewals—that translate into reliability on the job and peace of mind for clients.