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Virginia · Plumbers · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Virginia Plumber License

Virginia plumbers must complete 3 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program rule on September 6, 2026.

CE hours
3 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Virginia plumbers holding a license in one of these classes: Plumbers (Tradesmen), Continuing education. Requirements are set by Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program.

When to renew

Virginia plumbers licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen)

The continuing education Virginia requires

Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program requires 3 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Changes to the International Plumbing Code currently in force in Virginia — at least 3 hours
  • Current edition of the International Plumbing Code / Virginia building code changes applicable to plumbing (18VAC50-30-220)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Virginia sets plumbers requirements by license class (Plumbers (Tradesmen), Continuing education). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 3 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program requires 3 hours every 3 years, including Changes to the International Plumbing Code currently in force in Virginia, Current edition of the International Plumbing Code / Virginia building code changes applicable to plumbing (18VAC50-30-220). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Virginia plumbers course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Virginia, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program

Virginia plumber renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Virginia plumbers need?
Virginia plumbers must complete 3 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program.
Which license classes does the Virginia plumbers CE requirement apply to?
The 3 hours requirement applies to: Plumbers (Tradesmen), Continuing education.
What topics are required for Virginia plumbers continuing education?
Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program requires coverage of: Changes to the International Plumbing Code currently in force in Virginia (3 hours); Current edition of the International Plumbing Code / Virginia building code changes applicable to plumbing (18VAC50-30-220).
Is an exam required to renew a Virginia plumbers license?
Yes — Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) - Tradesmen Program requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
Can Virginia plumbers complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Virginia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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