Everything You Need To Know About Getting Your South Dakota Plumbing License

Are you looking to become a licensed plumber in the state of South Dakota? 

Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss all the requirements and processes for obtaining a plumbing license in South Dakota. 

Plumbing licenses, unlike general contractor licenses, are administered by the South Dakota plumbing commission. Therefore, the only method to obtain a plumbing license in South Dakota is through on-the-job training, tests, and experience.

We will also touch on some of the advantages of having a plumbing license in this region, as well as common questions about applying for a license. Read on to learn more about how to get a plumbing license in South Dakota.

South Dakota Plumbing License Requirements

If you want to become a licensed plumber in South Dakota, there are certain requirements that you must meet. 

• First, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Next, you must complete an accredited plumbing program. 
• Once you have completed the plumber’s apprentice training, you will need to pass the state-administered licensing exam. The cost of the exam is $200. After passing the exam, you will be issued a license that must be renewed every three years. There is a renewal license fee of $100.
• After passing the exam, you will be issued a license which will allow you to work as a plumber in South Dakota by the South Dakota plumbing commision.

1. South Dakota Journeyman License Requirements

In compliance with state mandates:

• Have worked as a plumbing apprentice for at least 4 years.
• During these four years, you must have averaged at least 1,900 hours of apprenticeship work per year.
• Submit a completed application for a license and the required payment.
• Get your plumbing license in South Dakota.

2. South Dakota Plumbing Contractor License Requirements

• Comply with local regulations
• Have at least two years of experience working as a plumbing contractor, restricted plumbing contractor, underground irrigation installer, water conditioning installer, sewer and water installer, or plumber and six years of experience in the plumbing industry overall.
• Have worked in the plumbing industry for at least six years, averaging 1,900 hours annually as a plumber, plumbing contractor, or plumbing trainee
• Submit a completed application for a license and the required payment.
• Get your plumbing license in South Dakota.

South Dakota Plumbing License Process

If you’re a plumber in South Dakota, you need to have a license. The process and cost of getting a license vary depending on your experience and qualifications.

• If you’ve been working as a plumber for at least four years, you can apply for a journeyman license, underground irrigation contractor’s license, underground irrigation installer’s license, underground irrigation apprentice’s license, water conditioning contractor’s license, mobile home contractor’s license or water contractor’s license.

  To get this license, you’ll need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of plumbing systems, military plumbing codes and regulations. The cost of the examination and license fee is $200, according to dlr.sd.gov. 
• An apprenticeship can get you a plumbing license without four years of experience. Three- to four-year apprentice plumber programs include classroom and on-the-job training. The average cost of a plumber’s apprentice is approximately $5,000.

Once you have your plumbing license, you’ll need to renew it every two years. The renewal license fee is $100. To work as a plumber in South Dakota, you must have a valid plumbing license. The cost of the license fee is $60, and the process to obtain the license is as follows: 

• Complete an application form available from the State Board of Technical Professions.
• Submit the completed application form, along with the required examination and license fee, to the Board office.
• Once your application has been processed, you will be notified by the Board office and given instructions on how to schedule an examination date. You must pass an examination before a license is issued to you.
• After passing the examination, you will need to submit proof of completion of at least 4,000 hours of paid work experience in the plumbing trade. This experience must have been acquired within the past 10 years.

Renewing Your South Dakota Plumbing Contractor License

To renew your license, you’ll need to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Of those 16 hours, at least eight must be related to uniform plumbing code updates. You can find more information on renewing your plumbing contractor’s license on the Board’s website.

To renew your South Dakota plumbing contractor license, you must submit a completed renewal application to the Department of Labor and Regulation. The application must include:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• The last four digits of your social security number
• Your license number
• The expiration date of your current license
• Confirmation that you have completed the required continuing education courses

Benefits of a South Dakota Plumbing License

To get a plumbing license in South Dakota, you must have at least four years of journeyman-level experience or two years of apprenticeship experience. You must also pass an examination administered by the state board. Many benefits come with having a plumbing license in South Dakota. 

• For one, it allows you to work legally as a plumber in the state or in the military for military plumbing. This means that you can advertise your services and take on clients without having to worry about violating the law. 
• Having a license also demonstrates to potential clients that you are a qualified professional who has the skills and training needed to do the job right.
• In addition to being able to work legally as a plumber in South Dakota, having a license also gives you access to certain privileges that unlicensed individuals do not have. For example, you may be able to get discounts on supplies and materials from local vendors. 
• You may also be able to join professional organizations, which can provide networking opportunities and access to industry news and resources.
• Once your experience has been verified, you will be issued a plumbing license which is valid for 2 years.

Overall, having a plumbing license in South Dakota confers many advantages and benefits. If you are planning on working as a plumber in the state, then taking the time to get licensed is well worth it.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a License?

If you don’t have a plumbing license in South Dakota, you may be able to get by without one for a little while from the South Dakota Plumbing commission. However, if you’re caught working without a license, you could face some serious penalties.

Here’s what could happen if you’re caught working without a plumbing license in South Dakota:

• You could be fined up to $1,000.
• You could be imprisoned for up to 30 days.
• Your name could be published in the local newspaper as a journeyman plumber or apprentice plumber who has been convicted of working without a license.
• You could be required to take classes and pass an exam to get your license.
• In addition to the penalties listed above, not having a plumbing license can also make it difficult to find work. Most reputable companies will only hire licensed apprentice plumbers. So, if you’re not licensed, you may have to settle for working for a less-than-reputable company or doing odd jobs here and there.

Conclusion

In South Dakota, there are two ways to become a licensed plumber. The initial step is to complete an apprenticeship program, followed by a journeyman or master plumber program. Apprenticeships last four years, while journeyman and master plumber programs last two years.

After successfully completing your license program in South Dakota, make sure that you run your plumbing business in the most organized manner. And it is possible through InvoiceOwl. 

The software allows you to create, send, and manage estimates, invoices, purchase orders, credit memos, and much more. Track your invoices, payments, and customers all in one place and streamline your plumbing business.