Plumbing board to suspend practical exams for two weeks in April as new testing shop is finished

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners told members on March 4 it will temporarily suspend practical exams for two weeks in April while the agency completes shop-area renovations at its new testing facility.

Chair said staff informed the board the agency "are going to suspend doing exams the last 2 weeks in April" so contractors can finish interior build-out including an office for exam staff, insulation, and cooling units. Executive Director Lisa described ongoing on-site work: plumbers are finishing restroom tie-ins, security cameras covering exam areas and entrances are installed, and network upgrades have improved system stability.

Board members framed the pause as short but necessary. Staff said materials for the work are on order and believe the major build-out can be completed in that two-week window. The chair and executive director also said the renovations are part of a wider plan to expand practical testing capacity in Waco and Austin and to add a planned Harlingen facility in the coming years.

The board noted funding for renovations was allocated through the facilities commission but that a bid initially exceeded the allocated amount. "We were designated $575,000 to do the renovations," the chair said, and staff reported a facilities bid of about $870,000; the chair said the agency intends to pay only the authorized $575,000 and expects the difference to be resolved by the services commission.

The board emphasized continuity of exams during the transition; staff reported the agency has continued to operate exams since moving and expects the temporary suspension to allow a smoother, safer facility for examinees once complete.

Next steps: staff will implement the short suspension in April and report completion progress and any scheduling effects at subsequent meetings.