248 CMR, § 11.02 - Education and Experience Requirements for Apprentices, Journeyman and Master Licensees; Education and Experience Requirements for Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installers and Limited Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installers

(1) Qualifications for Admission to the Journeyman Plumber Examination.

(a) Apprentice Plumber Licensed before September 1, 2008. An applicant who is a licensed apprentice plumber and the apprentice license was received prior to September 1, 2008 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3A shall be required to fill out a Board approved application and meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to the journeyman plumber examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof satisfactory to the Board of having completed practical work experience performing plumbing and gas fitting that totals no less than 8,000 clock hours as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber or under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber who is in the employ of a master plumber. Experience installing HVAC components for the installation of heating systems, steam piping and hydronic heat piping or other work not requiring a plumbing or gas fitting license shall not be considered qualifying experience.

2. Education.

a. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having received a high school diploma or the equivalent; and

b. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having successfully completed 300 clock hours of plumbing and gas fitting theory culminating in a school or instructor designed examination to ensure competency. This education must take place over a period of no less than four years and must meet the requirements of 248 CMR 11.00. For each calendar year, no more than 165 hours of education may be credited for licensure purposes.

3. Applicants enrolled in Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School Programs prior to September 1, 2008.

a. Eligibility. To be considered equivalent to an individual obtaining an apprentice license prior to September 1, 2008, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

i. The applicant must have been a secondary school student enrolled in a Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School plumbing program (not including exploratory hours) prior to September 1, 2008; and

ii. The applicant must have obtained an apprentice license within five years of beginning the high school plumbing program.

b. Credit Granted. Eligible applicants under 248 CMR 11.02(1) shall be granted up to 300 hours of education and 1,700 clock hours of experience credit from the Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School program.

4. The provisions of 248 CMR 11.02(1)(a) shall expire on May 1, 2021. All applicants for a journeyman plumbing license who submit an application on or after May 1, 2020 shall, without loss of any lawfully earned education or work experience, be subject to the same upgrading requirements as those imposed on apprentice licenses issued pursuant to 248 CMR 11.02(1)(b). Exception: the Board may, in its discretion, waive this deadline for individuals who suffered from a relevant, documented hardship. However, no such waivers shall be granted on or after May 1, 2021.

(b) Apprentice Plumber Licensed on or after September 1, 2008. An applicant who is a licensed apprentice plumber and the apprentice license was issued on or after September 1, 2008 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3A, not otherwise meeting the criteria outlined in 248 CMR 11.02(1)(a), shall be required to fill out a Board approved application and complete the following education and experience criteria to be eligible for admission to the journeyman plumber examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof satisfactory to the Board of having completed practical work experience that totals no less than 6,800 clock hours as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed master plumber or under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed journeyman plumber who is in the employ of a master plumber. Experience installing HVAC components for the installation of heating systems, steam piping and hydronic heat piping shall not be considered qualifying experience.

2. Education.

a. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having received a high school diploma or the equivalent; and

b. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having successfully completed 550 clock hours of plumbing and gasfitting theory culminating in a school or instructor designed examination to ensure competency. This education must take place over a period of no less than four years and must meet the Board administrated requirements of 248 CMR 11.00. For each calendar year, no more than 165 hours of education may be credited for licensure purposes.

c. Apprentices shall begin their education program within nine months of the initial issuance of their apprentice license.

3. Timeframes for Completing Education and Work Experience.

a. General Rule. An applicant will not receive credit for any work experience or education unless they were completed in conjunction with one another as measured by calendar years. For each year in which an apprentice obtains 165 clock hours of education (11/2 tiers), that apprentice must accrue 1,700 clock hours of qualifying work experience as a licensed apprentice. 248 CMR 11.02(1)(b)3.a. is subject to exceptions as described in 248 CMR 11.02(1)(b)3.b. and c.

b. Exception 1. In the event that, due to a hardship, an Apprentice is enrolled in a tier but loses their employment, they shall be permitted to complete the tier they are enrolled in. However, the Apprentice must obtain employment prior to enrolling in any additional tiers.

c. Exception 2. A licensed apprentice may complete all 220 hours of Tier 1 and Tier 2 in a single calendar year.

d. Exception 3. An unlicensed individual, who by definition may not accrue work experience, may complete Tier 1 of the education requirement prior to licensure. All remaining education and work experience must be accrued in compliance with the licensing and timeframes described in 248 CMR 11.02(1)(b)3.

4. Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School Program. An applicant who, as a secondary school student, successfully completes/graduates from a Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School Program following the CVTE (Career Vocational Technical Education) educational standard framework whose program is approved by the Board to meet the requirements of 248 CMR 11.00, may be granted a maximum of the first three tiers, comprising 330 hours of educational theory credit from that program. Additionally, secondary students may accrue a maximum of 1,700 hours of experience credit while enrolled in a Board approved Massachusetts Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School Program, said experience hours may be accrued as follows:

a. In a "shop" or "laboratory" facility at the school where students are under the direct supervision of one or more licensed plumbers who meet the educator licensing requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;

b. In a Board-approved, off-campus construction and/or maintenance project overseen by the school; or

c. After obtaining an apprentice license, in a school arranged co-op employment relationship with a master plumber. Subject to the limitations of 248 CMR 11.00, students working as apprentices are eligible for experience hours above and beyond the 1,700 hours of experience for work experience in a co-op relationship that is documented by the employing master plumber to have occurred outside of normal school hours (such as evenings, weekends, and summers).

(c) Limitation on Examination Attempts. A licensed apprentice shall not be permitted to attempt the journeyman license examination more than six times without special Board approval demonstrating good cause.

(d) Apprentice Plumber License Renewal Limited.

1. An apprentice license shall not be renewed (nor shall the licensee be eligible for a new license) after ten years from the date the license was initially granted on or after September 1, 2018, whichever comes later.

2. Waivers of Renewal Restriction. An apprentice whose license is not eligible for renewal pursuant to 248 CMR 11.02(1)(d) to petition the Board for reinstatement, for good cause, of his or her apprentice license.

(e) Credit for Licensure, Education, and Experience Obtained Pursuant to Other Board Issued Licenses.

1. A Massachusetts licensed journeyman or master gas fitter may, upon petition to the Board, utilize up to 220 hours of gas fitting education and 3,400 hours of gas fitting work experience towards the requirements necessary to obtain a journeyman plumbing license. 2. A Massachusetts licensed apprentice gas fitter who has not obtained a higher level license may, upon petition to the Board, utilize up to 110 hours of gas fitting education and 1,700 hours of gas fitting work experience towards the requirements necessary to obtain a journeyman plumbing license.

3. A Massachusetts licensed undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer or an unlicensed undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer in training may, upon petition to the Board, utilize up to 110 hours of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas education and 1,700 hours of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas work experience towards the requirements necessary to obtain a journeyman plumbing license.

4. No credit shall be granted for education or work experience as a limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer.

(2) Qualifications for Admission to the Master Plumber Examination.

(a) An applicant who is a licensed journeyman plumber shall be required to file a completed application and meet the following education and experience criteria to be eligible for admission to the master plumber examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board demonstrating completion of no less than one year practical experience totaling a minimum of 1,700 clock hours of experience as the holder of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts journeyman plumber license and demonstrating that he or she has been actively engaged in or working at the business of installing repairing, or maintaining plumbing and gas fitting systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures or other appliances typical to the discipline of the plumbing and gas fitting industry only.

2. Education. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board of having completed the 110 hour Tier Five of the five tier Plumber Educational Program as approved by the Board and described in 248 CMR 11.06. Individuals who completed this education as an apprentice shall not be required to complete any additional education.

(3) Qualifications for Admission to the Journeyman Gas Fitter Examination.

(a) Apprentice Gas Fitter Licensed before September 1, 2008. An applicant who is a licensed apprentice gas fitter and the apprentice license was received prior to September 1, 2008 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3A shall be required to fill out a Board approved application and complete the following education and experience criteria to be eligible for admission to the journeyman gas fitter examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board demonstrating completion of practical work experience of no less than 3,400-clock hours as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a licensed master gas fitter or under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman gasfitter who is in the employ of a master gasfitter in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3, installing, repairing, or maintaining gas piping systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures or other appliances typical to the discipline of the gasfitting industry only. Experience that is limited to installing HVAC components for the installation of heating systems, steam piping and hydronic heat piping shall not be considered qualifying experience.

2. Education.

a. The applicant shall furnish documentation to the Board of having received a high school diploma or the equivalent, and

b. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having completed 150 clock hours of gas fitting theory culminating in a school or instructor designed examination to ensure competency. This education must take place over a period of no less than two years and must meet the Board administered requirements of 248 CMR 11.00.

3. The provisions of 248 CMR 11.02(3)(a) shall expire on May 1, 2021. All applicants for a journeyman gas fitter who submit an application on or after May 1, 2020 shall, without loss of any lawfully earned education or work experience, be subject to the same upgrading requirements as those imposed on apprentice licenses issued pursuant to 248 CMR 11.02(3)(b). Exception: The Board may, in its discretion, waive this deadline for individuals who suffered from a relevant, documented hardship. However, no such waivers shall be granted on or after May 1, 2021.

(b) Apprentice Gasfitter Licensed on or after September 1, 2008. An applicant who is a licensed apprentice gasfitter and the apprentice license was received on or after September 1, 2008 in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3A shall be required to fill out a complete application and complete the following education and experience criteria to be eligible for admission to the journeyman gasfitter examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board demonstrating completion of practical work experience of no less than 5,100-clock hours as a licensed apprentice working as an employee under the direct supervision of a licensed master gasfitter or under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman gasfitter who is in the employ of a master gasfitter in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3, installing, repairing, or maintaining gas piping systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures or other appliances typical to the discipline of the gas fitting industry only. Experience that is limited to installing HVAC components for the installation of heating systems, steam piping and hydronic heat piping shall not be considered qualifying experience.

2. Education.

a. The applicant shall furnish documentation to the Board of having received a high school diploma or the equivalent; and

b. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having completed 330 clock hours of apprenticeship gasfitting educational theory culminating in a school or instructor designed examination to ensure competency. This education must take place over a period of no less than three years and meet the Board administered requirements of 248 CMR 11.00.

3. Timeframes for Completing Education and Work Experience.

a. General Rule. An applicant will not receive credit for work experience and education unless they were completed in conjunction with one another as measured by calendar years. For each year in which an apprentice obtains 110 clock hours of education, that apprentice must accrue 1700 clock hours of qualifying work experience as a licensed apprentice. 248 CMR 11.02(3)(b)3.a. is subject to exceptions as described in 248 CMR 11.02(3)(b)3.b. through d.

b. Exception 1. In the event that, due to a hardship, an Apprentice is enrolled in a Tier but loses their employment, they shall be permitted to complete the Tier they are enrolled in. However, the Apprentice must obtain employment prior to enrolling in any additional tiers.

c. Exception 2. A licensed apprentice may complete Tier 1 and Tier 2 in a single calendar year.

d. Exception 3. An unlicensed individual, who by definition may not accrue work experience, may complete Tier 1 of the education requirement prior to licensure. All remaining education and work experience must be accrued in compliance with the licensing and timeframes described in 248 CMR 11.02(3)(b)3.

(c) Limitation on Examination Attempts. A licensed apprentice shall not be permitted to attempt the journeyman license examination more than six times without special Board approval demonstrating good cause.

(d) Apprentice Gas Fitter License Renewal Limited.

1. An apprentice license shall not be renewed (nor shall the licensee be eligible for a new license) after ten years from the date the license was initially granted or on or after September 1, 2018, whichever comes later.

2. Waivers of Renewal Restriction. An apprentice who is not eligible for renewal pursuant to the requirements of 248 CMR 11.02(3)(d) shall be permitted to petition the Board for reinstatement, for good cause, of his or her apprentice license.

(e) Credit for Licensure, Education, and Experience Obtained Pursuant to other Board Issued Licenses.

1. While not required to practice gas fitting, a journeyman or master plumber who desires a journeyman gas fitting license may obtain the license by submitting a completed application, paying the appropriate fee, and passing the requisite examination. Such applicants need not obtain additional education or work experience.

2. A Massachusetts licensed undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer or an unlicensed undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer in training may, upon petition to the Board, utilize up to 220 hours of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas education and 3,400 hours of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas work experience towards the requirements necessary to obtain a journeyman gas fitting license.

3. A Massachusetts licensed apprentice plumber may, upon petition to the Board, utilize up to 110 hours of education and 1,700 hours of undiluted work experience towards the requirements necessary to obtain a journeyman gas fitting license. Said work experience must have been obtained performing gas installations with the applicant under the direct supervision of a Massachusetts licensed master plumber who can certify that the work experience was specific to gas fitting.

4. No credit shall be granted for education or work experience as a limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer.

(4) Qualifications for Admission to the Master Gasfitter Examination.

(a) An applicant who is a licensed journeyman gas fitter shall be required to complete the following education and experience criteria to be eligible for admission to the master gas fitters examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board demonstrating completion of no less than one year practical experience totaling a minimum of 1,700 clock hours of experience as the holder of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts journeyman gas fitter license and has been actively engaged in or working at the business of installing repairing, or maintaining gas fitting systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures, or other appliances typical to the discipline of the gas fitting industry only.

2. Education. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board of having completed 50 clock hours of gas fitting theory in a master gas fitter educational program, culminating in a school or instructor designed examination to ensure competency. This program must meet the Board administered requirements of 248 CMR 11.00. However, applicants who have completed the 110 hour tier three of the three tier Gas Fitter Educational Program as approved by the Board and described in 248 CMR 11.00 shall be exempt from having to obtain additional education.

3. Master Plumbers. While not required to practice gas fitting, a master plumber who desires a master gas fitting license may obtain the license by submitting a completed application, paying the appropriate fee, and passing the requisite examination. Such applicants need not obtain additional education or work experience.

(5) Qualifications for Admission to the Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installer Examination.

(a) An applicant for licensure as an undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer shall be required to complete the education and experience requirements in order to be eligible for admission to the undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer examination:

1. Experience. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board demonstrating completion of practical work experience of no less than 3,400 clock hours over a period of no less than two years specifically in the discipline of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installations working, as an employee under the direct supervision of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensed undiluted liquefied petroleum gas fitting installer or a licensed journeyman or master plumber or gas fitter licensed in accordance with M.G.L. c. 142, § 3. Said applicant shall only be granted experience in which he or she was engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining propane gas piping systems, apparatus, devices, fixtures or other appliances restricted to the discipline of the undiluted liquefied petroleum gas fitting industry. Experience that is limited to installing HVAC components for the installation of heating systems, steam piping, hydronic heat piping, and other work falling under the scope of the gas fitting license, shall not be considered qualifying experience. As of this time, individuals accruing experience under 248 CMR 11.02(5), who will be considered undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installers in training, are not required to hold a license in Massachusetts.

2. Education.

a. The applicant shall furnish documentation satisfactory to the Board of having received a high school diploma or the equivalent, and:

b. The applicant shall furnish documentary proof of having completed 220 clock hours of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas educational theory in a undiluted liquefied petroleum gas educational program culminating in a school or instructor designed examination to ensure competency. This program must meet the Board administered requirements of 248 CMR 11.00.

(b) Limitation on Examination Attempts. No individual shall be permitted to attempt the Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installer license examination more than six times without special Board approval demonstrating good cause.

(6) Qualifications for Admission to the Limited Undiluted Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installer Examination. An applicant for licensure as a limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer shall be required to complete the following education and experience requirements to be eligible for admission to the limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer examination:

(a) Education. An applicant must furnish documentary proof satisfactory to the Board of completing a ten hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration course in construction safety and health.

(b) Experience. An applicant shall furnish documentary proof satisfactory to the Board of having a minimum of 1,700 hours of work experience. As of this time, individuals accruing experience under 248 CMR 11.02(6)(b), who will be considered limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installers in training, are not required to hold a license in Massachusetts. The work experience must be accrued as follows:

1. 1,000 clock hours of general experience on construction sites, which shall be certified by a supervising individual holding a non-apprentice level construction related professional license.

2. 700 clock hours of experience installing, connecting and moving from place to place undiluted liquefied petroleum gas salamanders, space heaters and related equipment used in buildings under construction. This work must be under the direct supervision of a licensed limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer or a licensed journeyman or master plumber or gas fitter.

(c) Examination. An applicant for a limited undiluted liquefied petroleum gas installer license shall be capable of demonstrating, by a practical and written examination, to the satisfaction of the examiner, competence and skill in the installation, connection, and movement of undiluted liquefied petroleum gas salamanders, space heaters and related equipment used in buildings under construction.

(7) Applicants with Out-of-state or Out-of-country Education and Work Experience.

(a) Education or Experience Waivers and Equivalency. Applicants seeking a Massachusetts license who received their education or work experience in another state or country may submit to the Board a written request petitioning that such experience or education be considered for approval as being substantially equivalent to the experience and education requirements required in Massachusetts. Unless Massachusetts has a reciprocity agreement with the relevant jurisdiction, all applicants will be required to pass the relevant examination for the license being sought.

1. Licenses from Another United States Jurisdiction. An applicant who is licensed in another state or jurisdiction who is applying for the equivalent license in Massachusetts shall meet the following requirements:

a. Submit a completed application and the appropriate fee to the Board with documentation sufficient to demonstrate that the requirements for obtaining and maintaining the license are substantially equivalent to the requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

b. Submit a statement certified by the Keeper of Records of the issuing jurisdiction that such license is current, in good standing, and that there is no pending disciplinary action relating to the license.

2. Licenses from an International Jurisdiction. An applicant who is licensed in a jurisdiction outside of the United States as a journeyman or master plumber or the equivalent and who is applying for the equivalent licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall meet the following requirements:

a. Submit a completed application and the appropriate fee to the Board with documentation, translated into the English language, sufficient to demonstrate that the requirements for obtaining and maintaining the license are substantially equivalent to the requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

b. Submit a statement translated into the English language and certified by the Keeper of Records of the issuing international jurisdiction that such license or equivalent is current, in good standing, and that there is no pending disciplinary action relating to the license.

3. Individuals Holding No Licenses but Possess Out-of-state or Out-of-country Education/Work Experience.

a. No out-of-state or out-of-country education or work experience will be accepted unless the Board determines, in its discretion, that such credentials are substantially equivalent to those in Massachusetts. Individuals seeking such a determination must petition the Board to review those credentials prior to filing an application for any license.

b. The Board reserves the right to request additional information regarding qualifications and may choose not to grant or grant only in part a request for education or experience waivers.

(8) Unlicensed Practice. Other than work performed under a Public Comprehensive High School Career/Vocational Technical School Program as described in 248 CMR 11.00, the Board shall not grant any work experience credit to an individual for any period in which they did not hold a valid license issued by the Board. 248 CMR 11.02(8) shall not be construed as preventing the Board from taking additional disciplinary action against an individual for practicing without a license.

Notes

248 CMR, § 11.02

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1331, eff. 1/27/2017. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1442, eff. 4/30/2021. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1447, eff. 4/30/2021.