Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
This page contains specific information about testing for a Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners examination.
Important note:
Your initial application must be made and approved through the TSBPE (Opens in new window). Incomplete applications will not be processed. A paper application can be requested by calling 512-936-5200 and pressing “0”. Note that paper applications can take up to 45 days to process. All applications and required attachments can be completed in your TSBPE online account. Once processed and approved, you will receive your initial authorization from Pearson VUE. Your initial written examination authorization is good for up to five attempts. After receiving your authorization, you must schedule your exam from this page. Please note that you must wait at least 30 days after your 1st failure, 60 days on a 2nd failure and 90 days on each failure thereafter.
Do not reapply for additional authorizations through TSBPE until you have exhausted your five attempts for your written examination with Pearson VUE. Your attempts must be completed within one year from the initial TSBPE application authorization. After successfully completing the written exam for a Journeyman from Apprentice, Tradesman from Apprentice, and medical exams, you must also take a practical exam.
If you are only required to take the written portion and are successful, then please return to the TSBPE online license system to pay for your first license. This includes those that take the Master exam, WSPS endorsement exam, Inspector medical gas exam, and the Journeyman from Tradesman examinations. You will see the score and your open initial application, if successful, in your account within 48-72 hours of testing. After receipt of your payment, your new license and number will be available on the public search site. Your new license card will go out via regular mail in 7 to 10 days.
The TSBPE will receive your written score from the Pearson VUE exam within 48 hours. Please allow additional time for holidays and non-business days. Once the TSBPE receives and reviews your score, you will receive an Authorization to Test email from Pearson VUE for the practical portion of the examination, if required. Your Authorization to Test for the practical exam will be offered at the TSBPE Austin or Waco examination centers. Exams are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis and are offered throughout the week. You must successfully complete the practical portion of the examination within one year of your successful written examination to obtain your official license and to perform unsupervised plumbing installations. Your Authorization to Test for the practical exam allows you to select an available date of your choice by logging into your existing Person VUE account. Note: Practical Exams are only offered at TSBPE WACO and AUSTIN locations. Practical examination failures will require you to submit a retest application after each failure and obtain a new Authorization to Test letter.
The practical portion of your examination includes a hands-on portion. The TSBPE furnishes all materials needed to take the examination. Short pants and open toed shoes are not allowed to be worn in the examination area. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Please refer to our full safety policy:
Please come prepared to demonstrate your practical installation abilities.
Please VERIFY that you have registered your LEGAL name as it appears on your government-issued ID and that your personal information is CORRECT. Contact TSBPE immediately at (512) 936 5200 (press 0) or email licensing.assist@tsbpe.texas.gov o correct the spelling of your name or update your personal information if you notice any errors. For spelling corrections, you will need to submit a copy of your government issued photo ID. For name changes in the event of marriage, adoption or court order, applicable documents will be required. Please allow 3-5 days to process requests.
Appointments may be made up to one calendar day prior to the day you wish to test, subject to availability. You must schedule your examinations through your PEARSON VUE online account.