Professional Trades Licensing

Location & Hours: 

City Hall (435 Hamilton St), 4th Floor

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

About

Get Tested and Licensed for Electrical, Plumbing, and Sheet Metal Trades through the City of Allentown. Note: to operate a contracting company, you must have BOTH a trades license and a business license

 

  1. Fill out an Electrical License Application and pay a fee at City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor, Allentown.
  2. You need approval from the Electricians’ Examining Board before taking the exam. They use ICC standard exams.
  3. Once approved, you'll get instructions to register for the exam.
  4. Pass the exam, pay for your license, and you'll receive it. License fees are in the Business Regulation and Tax Code.
  5. Renew your electrician's license every year.

  1. Fill out a Journeyman or Master Plumber License Test Application.
  2. Submit the application and a fee at the Plumbers' Licensing Board through the Building Office at City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor, Allentown.
  3. Include a copy of your US Driver's License or government ID.
  4. You need Board approval before taking the exam, which has two parts: a written and design section. You need at least 70% in both parts to pass.
  5. The exam is offered twice a year. Applicants will be notified via mail about the next test date.
  6. After passing, pay for and get your license. Fees are in the Business Regulation and Tax Code.
  7. Plumbers' licenses must be renewed each year.
  8. Journeyman and Master Plumber Deadlines and Exam Dates:
  • 2025 Exam Dates:

      • May 15, 2025 (Deadline: March 28, 2025)

      • November 06, 2025 (Deadline: September 19, 2025)

  1. Fill out a Sheet Metal License Application and pay the fee at the Sheet Metal Licensing Board through the Building Office at City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor, Allentown.
  2. You need Board approval before taking the exam, which requires scoring 75% or better to pass.
  3. The exam happens four times a year. Applicants will receive mail about the next test date.
  4. After passing the exam, pay for and get your license. Fees are listed in the Business Regulation and Tax Code.
  5. Sheet Metal licenses need renewal every two years.
  6. Sheet Metal Deadline and Exam Dates:
    • 2024 Exam Dates:

      • February 7, 2025 (Deadline: January 24, 2025)
      • May 10, 2025 (Deadline: April 25, 2025)
      • August 8, 2025 (Deadline: July 25, 2025)
      • November 15, 2025 (Deadline: October 31, 2025)

Important Note: Any permits for work involving sheet metal systems must be applied for by someone holding a valid Sheet Metal Systems Technician License.

 

 

Important Law for Contractors:

In 2008, Pennsylvania made a law called the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. If a contractor does $5,000 or more of home improvements yearly, they need to register with the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General keeps a list of registered contractors.

Contact

Contact Information
Trade Licensing Office Line

Laws

Article 5 § 270-32 - Electrician's Licensing Fees
Article V § 270-34 - Plumber's Licensing Fees
Article V § 270-36 - Sheet Metal Technician Licensing Fees

Forms

Electrical License Application
2025 Sheet Metal Exam Application
2025 Journeyman Plumber Exam Application
2025 Master Plumber Exam Application

Resources

International Code Council
PA Attorney General's Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Business Licenses