Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board
About the Board
The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board was established to administer and enforce the provisions of Iowa law regarding the licensing and regulation of plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors. The board issues trade licenses to plumbers, HVAC-refrigeration, sheet metal, hydronic and mechanical professionals, specialty licenses, contractor licenses, and medical gas piping installation certification. Anyone working in these disciplines in the state of Iowa is required to be licensed with the board. The board also investigates complaints filed against licensees and investigates complaints alleging someone is practicing one of these trades without a license.
For questions, please call our toll-free number at 1-866-280-1521 or by using the "Contact Us" option on this site. If you have email, please subscribe to the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board topic through the GovDelivery list serve. By entering your email address at the following link, you will automatically be subscribed and receive periodic updates about upcoming board meetings and other board news.
Announcements
March 9, 2022 Update: Proposed Rule Changes
The Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board is proposing to change some of its rules related to examination qualifications. At their January board meeting, the Board voted to approve a Notice of Intended Action that would allow apprentices to take their journeyperson exam 12 months prior to the completion of an apprenticeship. The current rules allow apprentices to take the exam 6 months prior to completion, so the new rules provide 6 additional months. Apprentices must still complete their apprenticeships in addition to passing an exam in order to qualify for a journeyperson license.
New Codes Effective June 23, 2021
The State Plumbing Code and State Mechanical Code have been updated.
June 14, 2021 CEU Update
The CEU committee has updated it previous guidance related to CEUs. The CEU committee has clarified that the guidance related to CEUs will end on June 30, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later. All CEUs needed for the 2020 renewal period can be completed online through June 30, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later. All currently approved in-person courses can be offered through webinar, web conferencing, or other similar technology that allows for remote access for students through June 30, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later.
On June 30, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later, the normal rules for CEUs will again be effective. This means that up to half the CEUs can be completed through computer-based education courses. At least half of the CEUs must be from in-person courses. Courses that would normally be conducted in-person should resume to in-person on June 30, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later. The CEU Committee notes that if the normal rules still present a hardship due to COVID-19 then a request for a waiver of administrative rules can be submitted.
June 1, 2021 Update
On June 1, 2021 the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) convened and voted to adjust the 2020 renewal period again. This was necessary as some provisions of Governor Reynolds’ Proclamation of Disaster Emergency regarding the PMSB are still in place. The current proclamation is set to expire June 26, 2021. The Board's actions eliminated late fees for the 2020 renewal cycle, and clarified the lapsed date will be July 1, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later. The PMSB will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments if necessary. To download a copy of the Memorandum regarding these actions, click here.
- Licensees will now have until June 30, 2021 to renew their license(s) without penalty for the 2020 renewal. For plumbing and mechanical contractors, this also includes the associated contractor registration with the Iowa Division of Labor. If the proclamation is extended past June 30, 2021, licensees will have until the expiration of the proclamation to renew without penalty for the 2020 renewal.
- No new license documents will be issued (wall certificates, registrations and wallet cards). All licenses will still have an expiration date listed as June 30, 2020. All licenses with an expiration date of June 30, 2020 shall still be valid for practice until July 1, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later.
- On July 1, 2021 or the expiration of the proclamation, whichever is later, a license with a June 30, 2020 expiration date is no longer valid for practice and must be reinstated rather than renewed.
March 29, 2021 Update
2020 Renewal Extended Two Additional Months
On March 29, 2021 the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) convened and voted to extend the 2020 renewal period for an additional two months. This extension is intended to help eliminate confusion within the industry as to when PMSB licenses will ultimately expire. One of the provisions of Governor Reynolds’ Proclamation of Disaster Emergency prevents licenses issued by the PMSB from expiring. It is anticipated that this will be the final extension given by the PMSB for the 2020 renewal. However, the PMSB will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments if necessary. To download a copy of the Memorandum of Rulemaking click here.
- Licensees will now have until June , 2021 to renew their license(s) without penalty for the 2020 renewal. For plumbing and mechanical contractors, this also includes the associated contractor registration with the Iowa Division of Labor.
- No new license documents will be issued (wall certificates, registrations and wallet cards). All licenses will still have an expiration date listed as June 30, 2020. All licenses with an expiration date of June 30, 2020 shall still be valid for practice until July 1, 2021.
- On July 1, 2021 a license is no longer valid for practice. On July 1, 2021 licensees must reinstate a license that expired on June 30, 2020.
August 25 Update
CEU Guidance – COVID-19
The CEU Committee has updated its previous guidance related to CEUs. The original guidance issued in March had an expiration date of September 1, 2020. See previous guidance below.
Pursuant to 641 - 30.(2), Half of the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can be completed through computer-based education courses. The Governor's proclamation suspends this rule. This means all of the CEUs can be completed through computer-based education courses. Further, all currently approved in-person courses can now be offered through webinars, web conferencing, or other similar technology that allows for remote access for students.
The updated guidance is mostly the same with an extension through June 30, 2021. All CEUs needed for the 2020 renewal period can be completed online through June 30, 2021. All currently approved in-person courses can be offered through webinar, web conferencing, or other similar technology that allows for remote access for students through June 30, 2021. This updated guidance is meant to cover the altered 2020 renewal timelines, including any late renewal applications.
For the 2023 renewal period, the rules remain in effect and at least half of the required CEUs must be completed via in-person courses.
July 31 Update
Examinations
The Licensing and Exam Committee recently approved extra time for all individuals that might have been impacted by the closed testing centers due to COVID-19. All individuals that had an active approved exam application anytime during the time period of March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 will have until July 1, 2021 to pass the exam. All of these individuals will receive a revised approval letter with the new expiration date the week of August 10.
June 22 Update
Examinations
Examination locations are beginning to reopen across Iowa. The exams are offered at community colleges all throughout Iowa through an agreement with Kirkwood Community College. Kirkwood has reported that some locations in Iowa have recently reopened. For the most up to date information of what locations are open and when others are planning to reopen please contact Kirkwood Community College at:
Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=35342
Email: ContactCE@kirkwood.edu
Phone: 319-398-4482 or 1-800-332-8833
March 30 Guidance - COVID-19
On March 22, 2020 Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation pertaining to licensing programs in Iowa during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) is one of many licensing programs affected by that proclamation. The proclamation directed programs to issue rules or guidance as needed. On behalf of the PMSB, the Licensing and Exam Committee and the CEU Committee are hereby issuing the following guidance.
- Pursuant to 641 - 30.(2), Half of the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can be completed through computer-based education courses. The Governor's proclamation suspends this rule. This means all of the CEUs can be completed through computer-based education courses. Further, all currently approved in-person courses can now be offered through webinars, web conferencing, or other similar technology that allows for remote access for students. This guidance is effective through the 2020 renewal period and ends on September 1, 2020.
- Pursuant to 641 - 29.6, Individuals that are currently approved for an exam, but are not able to test due to the closure of the testing locations, will be given extra time to take the exam. The amount of extra time is not known at this time since it is unknown how long the testing locations will remain closed. Be assured that the Board will allow ample time to complete exams for those individuals who have already been approved. The Board will continue to assess the situation and take appropriate action as necessary to ensure individuals are able to take the exam.
Beginning on May 1, 2020, email notifications will be sent to all individuals and business regarding renewal. The notifications will contain information, directions and links on how to complete the renewal process. Throughout the renewal timeline, outlined above, similar email notifications will be sent to those that have not completed the renewal process.
This guidance does not alter any Board rules except as set forth above. If the Governor's proclamation is extended, or if the Governor issues another proclamation addressing additional rules, or if circumstances otherwise change, the Board will issue further guidance.
Contractors/Business Owners
If you contract for plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, sheet metal or hydronics services in the state of Iowa your business must have a contractor license and contractor registration from the Division of Labor. Please note that the business license is separate from the master license! Simply renewing your master license is not sufficient.
You must also submit a separate renewal form and fees for the contractor license. The application and fees also include a 3-year renewal fee for contractor registration through the Division of Labor at Iowa Workforce Development. Once an application is submitted to the board office, a portion of the fees paid and data are sent to the Division of Labor electronically. The Division of Labor will review and issue a new contractor registration number and send a new contractor registration card directly to you. Once the new registration number is issued, board staff review the application to determine if the license can be issued. If all requirements are met (master license has been renewed or issued, bond and insurance on file), then the contractor license is issued. Keep in mind that BOTH are required in Iowa. If you have not received BOTH a new registration card from the Division of Labor AND a license certificate for the BUSINESS from the board office, you have not completed the requirements.
Links to the online application and forms to obtain a new license and registration or renew an existing license or registration are available on our website here: https://idph.iowa.gov/pmsb/licensure/contractor. Bond and insurance requirements are also detailed on that page.
Public Search for a License/Online License Verification -
The board's online license verification system is now available on the IDPH Regulatory Programs Public Search Portal Page. The public search page allows you to search for both individual license holders and contractor licenses. To search by an individual name, enter the search criteria in first name and last name, and then click on "Search." To search for a contractor license, enter the business name under the field for "Facility," and then click on "Search." For best results, enter the percent symbol (%) at the beginning or end of your search criteria to do a wildcard search for partial values. For example, type J% under first name and Anders% under last name to find anyone whose first name begins with a "J" and whose last name starts with "Anders," such as Andersen or Anderson. Click on the link for "Details" to see specific license details including trade licenses held, approval date of the license, and expiration date of the license. Be advised that the link for "File a Complaint" does not work at this time. If you want to know whether someone has ever been disciplined by the board, please visit our Discipline and Public Actions page.
Online Database Help
The Iowa Department of Public Health has a dedicated support team to assist users with the new online database. Support team hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please be at your computer with internet and email access when calling. If you are trying to renew your license, you should also have your continuing education course information available.
Contact the support team toll free at 1-855-824-4357.
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board 2020/2021 Annual Budget
Pursuant to Iowa Code 105.9, the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board has submitted their 2019 Annual Budget Report to the Iowa State Legislature. The report is now available for review.
Contact Information
Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board office
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
Phone: 1-866-280-1521
FAX: 515-281-6114
Email: Please submit your questions using our online Contact Us Form