Highway Prequalification:
Contractors must submit financial statements for annual
prequalification. Bid limits are based on the working capital reflected in the statements. The average processing time on applications is 2 weeks. For highway projects contractors must use the E-verify program to verify employee information.
Prequalification is valid for 1 year from the date of the financial statements submitted
or, if no financials are provided, 1 year from our receipt date of the application. The
bidding capacity is generated based off the firm's working capital presented in the
financial statements and, on occasion, based on their completed project work history.
After completion of the forms, contractors can submit the questionnaire by mal, fax
(512) 416-2414, or by E-Mal to cst_prequalification@txdot.gov. There are no fees
directly from prequalification and the average processing time for application is 2
weeks.
Fire Alarm:
Applicants must pass from 1 to 3 examinations, depending on the
classification, with a minimum score of 70% on each . Examinations are closed book.
Registered Firms must maintain a general liability insurance that includes Products and Completed Operations Coverage in the amount of $100,000 single limit and $300,000 aggregate total. This also applies to Fire Extinguisher and Sprinkler.
Other than NICET, tests for fire alarm, sprinkler, and extinguisher have been outsourced to PSI. Go to http://candidate.psiexams.com to schedule a test and pay applicable test fee.
For additional information go to: www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlialarm.html.
Licensed Individuals:
Type of License / Initial Fee / Biennial Renewal
All Categories / $120 / $200
Company Registration Fees:
Type of Certificate / Initial Fee / Biennial Renewal
Company Registration / $500 / $1,000
Single Station / $250 / $500
Branch Office / $150 / $300
Fire Extinguisher:
Applicants must pass both a NICET Level Ill and a statute and rules
test for the Type PL license. For the Type A license applicants must pass a Technical Type A, K test and B test and the statute and rules test. For the Type K license applicants must pass a Technical Type K test and B test and the statute and rules test. For the Type R license, an applicant must pass the Statute and Rules Test. For the Type B license, an applicant must pass both the Technical Type Band the statute and rules test. No testing is required for the Type C registration. Applicants must receive a 70% or better on all tests. Li cense fees for employees and companies are as follows:
Licensed Individuals:
Type of License / Initial / Biennial Renewal
Type PL Planning / $70 / $100
Type A, B, K, R / $70 / $100
Apprentice Permit / $30 / N/A
Company Registration Fees:
Type of license / Initial / Biennial Renewal
Type - Main Office / $450 / $600
Type - Branch Office / $100 / $200
Type C - Registration / $250 / $300
For more information go to: www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fm liexting.html
Fire Sprinkler System: For a General RME license, the applicant must pass the Level Ill NICET examination and an agency examination with a minimum score of 70% or the applicant must be currently registered in Texas as a professional engineer. Requirements vary for each type of license similar to fire alarm. For more information go to:www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlisprinkler.html
Responsible Managing Employee Fees:
Type of License / Initial / Biennial Renewal
General / $200 / $350
Dwelling / $150 / $200
Underground Fire Main / $150 / $200
General Inspector / $50 / $100
Company Registration Fees:
Type of Certificate / Application Fee / Initial Fee / Biennial Renewal
General / $50 / $900 / $1,800
Dwelling / $50 / $300 / $600
Underground Fire Main / $50 / $300 / $600
Plumbers:
The State of Texas requires that anyone seeking any credential issued by the
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) must be a citizen or national of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for licensure by the State of Texas.
An applicant may obtain a Plumber's Apprentice Registration if the individua l is at least 16 years old. The entry -level credential issued by TSBPE is the Plumber's Apprentice Registration. Currently, TSBPE has three additional registrations: 1) Drain Cleaner, 2) Drain Cleaner-Restricted, and 3) Residential Utilities Installer. These additional registrations are obtained after working the designated number of hours as a Plumber's Apprentice and submitting the required training affidavit. The specific hours worked under these registrations will be discussed later in this overall summary.
Hours worked equates to experience gained in the plumbing industry and is
documented by an employer using an Employer's Certification Form ("ECF"). The ECF is completed by an employer and includes the on-the-job work hours for the applicant to qualify to take an exam and obtain specialized registrations that were mentioned above.
TSBPE offers licensure through the following designations: 1) Tradesman-Plumber
Limited License, 2) Journeyman License, 3) Plumber Inspector, and 4) Master Plumber, License. Additionally, TSBPE offers specialized endorsements to eligible licensed plumbers through the designations of a Medical Gas Pipping Installation Endorsement and Water Supply Protection Endorsement
A brief overview summary will be provided on these licenses and endorsements before going into the specific requirements for each one. First, et us provide an overview regarding licenses. An applicant seeking licensure generally must pass a written and practical examination with a minimum score of 70%. Master Plumbers, Journeyman Plumbers, Tradesman Plumbers-Limited Plumbing Inspectors are required to renew the license annually and complete Continuing Professional Education ("CPE") that is provided by a TSBPE approved CPE provider. Upon issuance of an applicant's first license, and expiration date will be selected at random for anywhere from 6-18 months from the date of his/her successful examination and his/her initial license fee will be prorated for that time period. The only exception to this is for Plumbing Inspector licenses, which expire in January and the initial fee is not prorated.
The Medical Gas Pipping Installation Endorsement and Water Supply Protection
Endorsement are renewed every 3 years and the expiration date is matched to the
same date as the expiration date for the applicable Master Plumber License or
Journeyman Plumber License. CPE is required for the Medical Gas Pipping Installation Endorsement.
Master Plumbers:
Applicants must be licensed as either a Journeyman Plumber in
Texas or another state for four years. An applicant without four years of working
experience is eligible for a Master Plumbing License with one year of working
experience as a Journeyman Plumber if: 1) an applicant successfully completes
a training program approved by the United States Department of Labor; or 2) an
applicant successfully completes a training program approved by TSBPE.
An applicant that holds a Master Plumber License in another state must successfully
pass a written and practical examination with a score of 70% on each portion just like any other candidate that holds a Journeyman Plumber License to be issued a Master Plumber License by TSBPE.
Journeyman Plumbers:
Applicants must pass a written and practical examination with
a score of 70% on each section to be licensed as a Journeyman Plumber. Additionally, an applicant must have completed 48 hours of a classroom training program that is approved by TSBPE and the instructor providing the training must be approved by TSBPE as well. This class must provide instruction concerning health and safety, the latest version of all plumbing codes, and water conservation.
Applicants must have the following to be eligible for a Journeyman Plumber License:
a. 8,000 hours of working experience under the supervision of a Responsible
Master Plumber for those applicants that were issued credentials by TSBPE (an
ECF is submitted by the employer verifying the hours worked).
b. Currently possess one of the following: 1) current Plumber's Apprentice
Registration or 2) Tradesman Plumber-Limited License.
c. Out-of-state applicants must have a current Journeyman Plumber License from
the respective state and have obtained 8,000 hours of working experience under
one holding a Master Plumber License in that particular state.
There are exceptions to the training requirements and an applicant may receive credit for up to 1,000 hours for the working experience requirement. Since, this is just an overview of the requirements in Texas please see 22 Tex. Admin. Code§ 363.5 for specific details. These rules may be accessed on-line at https://tsbpe.texas.gov/plumbing-license-law-board-rules/.
Tradesman Plumber-Limited:
Applicants must pass a written and practical
examination with a score of 70% on each portion, which qualifies the applicant to
receive a Tradesman Plumber-Limited License from TSBPE. Furthermore, an applicant must have completed 24 hours of a classroom training program that is approved by TSBPE and the instructor providing the training must be approved by TSBPE as well.
Applicants must have the following to be eligible for a Tradesman Plumber-Limited
License:
a. 4,000 hours of working experience under the supervision of a Responsible
Master Plumber for those applicants that were issued credentials by TSBPE (an
ECF is submitted by the employer verifying the hours worked.
b. Currently possess a Plumber's Apprentice Registration issued by TSBP E.
c. Out-of-state applicants with a current Plumber's Apprentice Registration,
Journeyman Plumber License or a current Master Plumber License are eligible to
take the examination.
Like the Master Plumber License discussed above there are exceptions to the training requirements and an applicant may receive credit for up to 1,000 hours for the working experience requirement. Since, this is just an overview of the requirements in Texas please see 22 Tex. Admin. Code§ 363.6 for specific details. These rules may be accessed on-line at https://tsbpe.texas.gov/plumbing-license -1 aw-board-rules/.Plumbing Inspectors: An applicant is eligible to receive a Plumber Inspector License from TSBPE if the candidate meets one of the following:
a. a current Journeyman or Master Plumber License issued by TSBPE or another
state agency (out-of-state applicants must pass the Journeyman examination in
Texas to be eligible for a Plumbing Inspector License).
b. a current Plumbing Inspector license issued in another state that has licensing
requirements that are substantially similar to TSBPE.
c. a current professional engineer or professional architect license issued in Texas.
d. An applicant may be exempt from one of the requirements above if the applicant
has completed a total of 500 hours of training or has acquired 500 hours of
working experience that is verified by the ECF. An applicant may receive credit
toward the 500 hours through a combination of hours as follows:
1. 100 hours for successful completion of a certification in the Uniform
Plumbing code or the International Plumbing Code, issued by the International
Plumbing Code, issued by the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials ( IAPMO) or the International Code Council;
2. 100 hours credit for successful completion of a TSBPE approved Medical Gas
Piping Installation Endorsement training program;
3. 100 hours for successful completion of a TSBPE approved Multipurpose
Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Endorsement training program;
4. 100 hours of credit for successful completion of a TSBPE approved Water
Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement training program;
5. 100 hours of credit for successful completion of a TSBPE approved Backflow
Tester Certification program;
6. Completion of 6 hours of any TSBPE approved CPE for licensed plumbers
and Pluming Inspectors;
7. Up to 100 hours of credit for submitting documentation of attendance at a
plumbing-related training academy or plumbing related educational sessions;
8. Up to 200 hours of credit for working in the plumbing trade or a similar
plumbing-related trade, which is verified by the ECF submittal of hours;
9. Up to 200 hours of credit for working in the enforcement of plumbing codes,
which must be verified through the submission of a ECF, under the direct
supervision of a licensed Plumbing Inspector.
Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement:
An applicant that holds a Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License or a Plumbing Inspector License that is issued by TSBPE is the initial requirement to obtain this endorsement. Additionally, one must successfully complete a TSBPE approved training program in medical gas piping installation that is based on the National Fire Protection Association 99 Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99).
Specific information regarding the training program above is available by referencing 22 Tex. Admin. Code§ 363.9, which is available on our website, https://tsbpe.texas.gov/plumbing-license-law-board-rules/.
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement:
An applicant that holds a Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License or a Plumbing Inspector License that is issued by TSBPE is the initial requirement to obtain this endorsement. Also, one must successfully complete a TSBPE approved training program that is 24 hours in length providing instruction on the proper installation of a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Standard 130 and any other applicable codes
recognized in Texas.
Specific information regarding the training program above is available by referencing 22
Tex. Admin. Code§ 363.10, which is available on our website, https://tsbpe.texas.gov/
plumbing-license-law-board-rules/.
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement:
An applicant that holds a
Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License or a Plumbing Inspector
License that is issued by TSBPE is the initial requirement to obtain this endorsement.
Additionally, an applicant must successfully complete a TSBPE approved training
program, which is a least 24 hours in length with a maximum of 8 hours of instruction
per day, based on the following: Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Federal Clean Water
Act, On-site wastewater, site evaluations and graywater re-use, Water quality training,
water treatment, water utilities systems and regulations, water conservation, rainwater
harvesting systems, xeriscape irrigation, fire protection systems, backflow prevention,
Texas laws regulating lead contamination in drinking water
Specific information regarding the training program above is available by referencing 22
Tex. Admin. Code§ 363.11, which is available on our website, https://tsbpe.texas.gov/
plumbing-license-law-board-rules/.
Residential Utilities Installers:
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this registration:
1. A current Plumber's Apprentice Registration
2. 2,000 hours working under the supervision of a RMP and the direct supervision
of one of the following: i) a Tradesman-Plumber Limited licensee, ii) Journeyman
Plumber licensee, and iii) Master Plumber licensee.
3. The 2,000 working hours must be verified through the submission of a ECF
4. Completion of a TSBPE approved training program.
Drain Cleaner Registration:
An applicant must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this registration:
1. A current Plumber's Apprentice Registration
2. 4,000 hours working in the trade as a Drain Cleaner Restricted Registrant under
the supervision of a RMP.
3. The 4,000 working hours must be verified through the submission of an ECF.
4. Completion of a TSBPE approved training program.
Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration: An applicant must meet the following criteria
to be eligible for this registration:
1. A current Plumber's Apprentice Registration.
2. Completion of a TSBPE approved training program.
Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsements:
Applicants must hold a current
Journeyman or Master Plumber license and have successfully completed a Board
approved training program in medical gas piping installation.
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsements:
Applicants must hold a Journeyman or Master Plumber license and have successfully
completed a training program approved by the Board that provides the training
necessary for the proper installation of a multipurpose residential fire protection
sprinkler system as required by the applicable codes recognized by the state.
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsements:
Applicants must hold a current
Journeyman or Master Plumber License, have successfully completed a Board
approved training program in backflow prevention and have successfully completed
a Board approved training program designed around the Federal Safe Drinking Water
Act and the Federal Clean Water Act, on-site wastewater and site evaluations and
graywater re-use, water quality training and water treatment, water utilities systems
and regulations, water conservation, xeriscape irrigation, fire protection systems, and
state laws regulating lead contamination in drinking water.
Residential Utilities Installers:
Applicants must be registered as a Plumber's
Apprentice, have completed at least 2,000 hours working at the trade as a Registered
Plumber's Apprentice under the direct supervision of a Tradesman Plumber-Limited,
Journeyman Plumber, or Master Plumber, and the supervision of a Responsible Master
Plumber, as verified by employers and complete a Board approved training program.
Drain Cleaners:
Applicants must be registered as a Plumber's Apprentice have
completed at least 4,000 hours working at the trade as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted
Registrant under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber, as verified by
employers and complete a Board approved training program.
Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registrants:
Applicants must be registered as a Plumber's
Apprentice, working under the direct supervision of a Tradesman Plumber-Limited,
Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber, and under the supervision of a Responsible
Master Plumber; and complete a Board approved training program.
Type of License / Initial License, Endorsement & Registration Fee / Exam Fee
Master Plumber I $230 I $175
Journeyman Plumber l $40 j $40
Medical Gas Installation Endorsement (Master) / $55 / $80
Medical Gas Installation Endorsement (journeyman) / $14 / $27
Plumbing Inspector License / $55 / $55
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement (Master) / $55 / $80
Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement (journeyman) / $14 / $27
Tradesman Plumber - Limited / $36 / 1$36
Plumber's Apprentice / $18 / N/A
Residential Utilities Installer $18 IN/A
Drain Cleaner / $18 / N/A
Drain Cleaner - Restricted / $18 / N/A
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler / $55 / $80
Specialist Endorsement (Master)
Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler / $14 / $27
specialist endorsement (journeyman)
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor
applicants must provide evidence of 4 years of experience earned under the
supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor during the past 6
years. Licenses are good for 1 year and require continuing education for renewal. Exams
require prequalification and are given by appointment at PSI Test Centers. Exam fees
are paid directly to PSI. The minimum passing score is 70%. General liability (property
damage & personal injury) insurance policies are required in minimum amounts of
$100,000 per occurrence/$200,000 aggregate for Class B licenses and $300,000
per occurrence/$600,000 aggregate for Class A licenses. An additional $100,000
per aggregate for products/ completed operations is required for Class B licenses; and,
an additional $300,000 aggregate for products/completed operations is required
for Class A licenses. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians performing nonexempt
maintenance work are also required to be registered.
License Type / Exam Fee / Application Fee / Renewal Fee
Environmental Air Class A / $74 / $115 / $65
Environmental Air Class B / $60 / $115 / $65
Commercial Refrigeration Class A / $74 / $115 / $65
Commercial Refrigeration Class B / $60 / $115 / $65
A CR Technician / No Exam / $20 / $20
A CR Certified Technician / Exam in development / $35 / $20
LP-Gas:
Applicants must pass an exam and work for a licensed company. The original
license fee is $100 for the Category D (General Installers and Repairman) license and
$70 for each annual renewal. Applicants must also provide general liability insurance
($25,000 per occurrence, $50,000 in the aggregate) and a workers' compensation
or accident and health insurance coverage. Examinations are given 5 days a week in
Austin and on certain dates at other sites throughout the state. A schedule is posted
online at : www.rrc.texas.gov. License and exams are waived for those who have a
current air conditioning and refrigeration contractor's license or a master plumber
license. Applicants exempted from exams must still register with the Railroad
Commission.
Electricians:
Applicants must have varying amounts of experience for the various types
of electrical licenses and must pass an exam. Licenses are good for 1 year and most
require continuing education for renewal. Exams require prequalification and are given
by appointment at PSI Test Centers. Exam fees are paid directly to the third party exam
provider, PSI. The minimum passing score is 70%. General liability (property damage
& personal injury) insurance policies are required in the amount of $300,000 per
occurrence/$600,000 aggregate. An additional $300,000 aggregate insurance for
products/completed operations is also required.
License Type / Exam Fee / Application Fee / Renewal Fee
Electrical Contractor / No Exam / $110 / $110
Electrical Sign Contractor / No Exam / $110 / $110
Residential Appliance Install contractor / No Exam / $110 / $110
Master Electrician / $74 / $45 / $45
Master Sign Electrician / $60 / $45 / $45
Journeyman / $74 / $30 / $30
Journeyman Industrial Electrician / $64 / $30 / $30
Journeyman Lineman / $57 / $30 / $30
Journeyman Sign / $60 / $30 / $30
Residential Wireman / $60 / $20 / $20
Maintenance Electrician / $60 / $20 / $20
Residential Appliance Installer / $60 / $30 / $30
Apprentice Training Program Registration / No Exam / $95 / $95
Elevator Contractors:
Any person that performs installations, repairs, a Iterations or
maintenance of elevators, escalators or related equipment must be registered with the
Department. The registration is good for 1 year and requires compliance with state law,
departmental rules and adopted standards. Registrants are required to submit plans for
review/approval for all new and altered equipment, prior to the acceptance inspection.
License Type / Exam Fee / Application Fee / Renewal Fee
Elevator Contractor / No Exam / $115 / $115
Water Well Driller and Pump Installers:
Applicants are required to have 2 years
experience under the supervision of a licensed driller or installer. License period is 1
year. Applicants must pass an examination(s) with a minimum score of 70. Exams
require prequalification and are given by appointment at PSI Test Centers. Exam fees
are paid directly to the third party exam provider, PSI. Closed-loop geothermal well
drillers are also licensed and regulated under this program.
License Type / Exam Fee / License Fee / Registration Fee
Water Well Driller
General Water Well Driller / $52 / $215 / N/A
Water Well Driller Endorsement / $52 / $25 / N/A
Monitor Well Driller Endorsement / $52 / $25 / N/A
Closed Loop Geothermal Well Driller Endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Injection Well Driller Endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Dewatering Well Driller Endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Well Driller Apprentice / N/A / N/A / $65
Pump Installer
General Pump Installer / $52 / $215 / N/A
Single-Phase Pump Endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Pump Installer
Three-Phase Pump Endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Line-Shaft Turbine Pump endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Windmills, Hand Pump, and Pump Jack Installer Endorsement / $43 / $25 / N/A
Pump Installer Apprentice / N/A / N/A / $65
Combined Licenses
Combination Driller/Installer / $104 / $325 / N/A
Driller/Installer Apprentice / N/A / N/A / $115
Other:
Additional licensing/registration requirements may exist at the local level for
work not regulated.by the state. A performance bond is required for public works
contracts over $25,000.
Manufactured Housing Licensing Requirements:
All applicants must attend an 8
hour Core Licensing Education Class (LEC) on the rules, law and consumer protection
regulations and successfully pass an examination prior to issuance of license.
Additionally, retailers must attend an additional 4 hour Retailer Licensing Education
Course and successfully pass an examination prior to issuance of license. Installers
must attend an additional 4 hour Installer Licensing Education Course and successfully
pass an examination prior to issuance of license. A salesperson may apply for a
license without having completed the course of instruction provided that the person
successfully completes the Core LEC within 90 days after the date of the applicant's
licensure. The LEC is conducted in Austin every 2 months. The fee to attend the LEC
is $150 per person for the Core LE C, $50 per person for the Retailer LEC, and $50 per
person for the Installer LEC. Please visitwww.tdhca.state.tx.us/mh/docs/lecenroll.pdf
for the enrollment form: Education class enrollment form (PDF).
After the licensing class is completed, proof of class completion (copy of the certificate
of attendance), a bond, proof of business name filing with the Secretary of States
office or local County, and the required fee must be submitted. Once the application
is received in our office and is complete, the processing time is 7 working days, not
including mail time to and from the department.
Manufactured Housing Renewal Requirements:
In order to prevent the expiration of
a license, the renewal application, proof of continuing application, and the required
fee must be received by the Department prior to the date on which the current license
expires. A person whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require a
license until the license has been renewed. License renewals not received by the date of
expiration are subject to a late fee.
A salesperson's license renewal application must be sponsored by a licensed retailer or
broker.
All licensees are required to include evidence that they have completed the required 8
hours of certification and continuing education programs. Only programs recognized or
administered by the Manufactured Housing Board may satisfy this requirement.
All licensees are required to pass the required state Business and Trade exam(s) with
a score of 70 or above. There are not any requirements in place for experience or
financial screenings such as financial statements, credit checks, etc. The Recovery Fund
Limits and Funding Method is a maximum of $35,000 per claim.
License Type, Good for 2 Years / Bond/CD / License/Renewal Fee
Manufacturer* / $100,000 / $850
Retailer / $50,000 / $550
Broker / $50,000 / $350
Installer / $25,000 / $350
Salesperson / N/A / $200
*If an out of state manufacturer doesn't have another facility in the state of Texas to
perform warranty service, an additional $100,000 bond or other security is required.
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS
An A/C and refrigeration reciprocity agreement is in effect with Georgia and South
Carolina.
A Master Electrician reciprocity agreement is in effect with Louisiana (State
Contractors' License) and North Carolina (Master Electrician or Unlimited Electrical
Contractor).
A Journeyman Electrician reciprocity agreement is in effect with Arkansas, Idaho,
Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.