Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the next license renewal?
A:  May 1, 2014

Q: How many hours of continuing education do I need per renewal cycle?
A: Gas Fitters: 6 hours                      Plumbers: 12 hours

Q: I have attended continuing education classes.  What classes do I need for the next license renewal?
A:  Complete Session 5 and Session 6 prior to May 1, 2014.

Q: I live outside Massachusetts.  Is there another means of earning continuing education credits?
A: Yes.  PHCC of MA offers a State approved correspondence course.  Click here for information on the PHCC of MA Correspondence Course, or click here to order the program..

Q: I am 65 years old.  Am I required to take continuing education?
A:   A Licensee is still responsible for completing continuing education in the renewal cycle in which Licensee turns 65.  A Licensee who has appropriately petitioned the Board will be eligible for an exemption from the continuing education requirement starting the first full renewal cycle after the Licensee has attained 65 years of age. Click here for a copy of the exemption form.

Q: I am inspector.  Should I attend the plumbing and gas fitting continuing education classes?
A:   No.  Inspectors are required to take 12 hours of continuing education comprised of 8 hours of class time and 4 hours attending meetings.

Q: How do I know if I am registering for the same class twice?
A:  Every year class topics and class name will change. PHCC of MA will have a unique name for the class each year.  If you take a class with another provider you must make sure that you are not attending a duplicate session.

Q: Does every provider offer the same curriculum?
A:  All providers must cover specific topics established by the Plumbing Board.  It is up to the provider to develop a detailed plan on what they will cover and how they will present the material.

Q: What are my requirements if I hold both a Journeyman & Master Plumbing License?
A:  You only need to complete 12 hours per renewal cycle. (6 hours per year).

Q: I received my Journeyman license this year.  When must I start take continuing education classes?
A:  If you received your Journeyman license during this renewal cycle, you can wait till the next renewal period to enroll in a class.

Q: I received my Master license this year.  Am I exempt from continuing education?
A:  No.

Q: How do I register several employees?
A:  You may register employees using online registration or you may mail or fax one paper registration per employee to the PHCC of MA office.

Q: I lost my certificate of completion.  How do I obtain another copy?
A:  Send a letter requesting a duplicate certificate to the provider with whom you attended class and include the required fee.  Include you name, license number, Session number and approximate date and location when you attended class.

Q: I missed taking continuing education before the deadline.  Will I have to retake the State Board exam?
A:  If your license expired for more then four years, you must complete the continuing education hours for the current renewal cycle and pass the full Board examination prior to being reinstated, or you may complete all Board required continuing education requirements for each two year cycle during the period in which the license was expired.  See 248 CMR 11.04 for details.

Q.  I want to register online.  What information will I need?
A.  All of the following:
      All Plumbing and/or Gas Fitting license numbers (Journeyman and Master)
      Email address (if you have one)
      Credit card
      PHCC of MA User ID and Password (If this is the first time you will attend a PHCC of MA continuing education class, you will not need this information)

Q.  Must I own my own computer to use the online registration tool?
A.  No.  Using any computer will do the job.

Q.  Must I have my own email address?
A.  Not necessary.  You may use a friend’s email address if you wish, providing your friend allows you to use it.

Q.  When is online registration available?
A.  24/7/365!!!