Becoming a licensed plumber doesn’t require a college degree. However, finishing training and passing an exam is usually required to get a journeyman or master-level license.
This blog will discuss the differences between the licenses, general topics found on the licensing exams and the study resources available to help you pass your exam.
Whether you’re an apprentice ready to work independently as a journeyman or an experienced plumber looking for increased earning potential with a master-level license, here’s how to prepare for your exams.
Common Plumbing License Differences
For simplicity, we are comparing journeyman and master plumber licenses. Some states use different names or offer different license types. We recommend checking your state’s specific requirements. Click Exam Prep in the top navigation, select your state and then click your state’s plumber licensing FAQs link to check local standards.
Apprentice
The entry point to a plumbing career is becoming an apprentice. Apprentices work under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. They usually complete coursework and jobsite training.
Unlike college, where you pay to learn, many companies pay their apprentices while they train. At the time of writing, the national average salary for apprentice plumbers is about $43,000.
Most states don’t require an exam to become an apprentice.
Journeyman
Journeyman plumbers can work unsupervised. They can install or repair more complex systems. At the time of writing, the national average salary for journeyman plumbers is about $64,000.
In most states, a journeyman license applicant must meet an experience requirement and pass an exam. The journeyman period is typically three or four years.
Master
A master license is the highest level a plumber can achieve. Master plumbers can own plumbing businesses. They may also hire and manage junior plumbers. At the time of writing, the national average salary for journeyman plumbers is about $73,000.
Like a journeyman license, most states have experience requirements and an exam.
Preparing for Your Plumber License Exam
Sadly, there’s no single exam. Each state’s journeyman or master plumber test is different. States often include specific questions covering local laws and regulations. But some material is covered in most exams.
We’ll explore those topics below. Read on for study tips and resources, too!
Plumbing Exam Overview
Most plumbing licensing exams include questions on the following subjects:
- General Plumbing Regulations
- Piping, Valves and Controls
- Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
- Drain, Waste and Venting
- Backflow and Backflow Prevention
- Plan Reading
- And More
If your state uses modified versions of codes from the International Code Council, like the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or International Mechanical Code (IMC), your exam will include questions from those sources as well.
You can search your state’s licensing agency website to find out the exact topics discussed on your exam. Many states administer tests through PSI. PSI provides exam candidate bulletins that explain test material in detail.
But why spend time searching government websites or scrolling through overwhelming exam bulletins when we’ve done that for you? Our online exam prep courses cover everything you need to know for your state’s licensing exam. We even offer book packages for a true one-stop-shop exam prep solution.
State Journeyman and Master Plumbing Exam Differences
In some states, like Virginia, both versions of the exams cover similar material. They also have the same passing score. The major difference is that questions on the master plumber exam are more difficult or complex.
But in Michigan, the two exams are slightly different. The journeyman exam has 125 total questions. The practical portion focuses on reading isometric drawings.
The master exam has 130 questions. The practical portion of this test tasks students with determining the fittings and venting required for a hypothetical back-to-back restroom design.
General Plumbing Exam Tips
The content of your state’s plumbing exam may be unique, but here are some general study tips that, along with a comprehensive exam prep program, can help you pass your exam.
Dust Off Your Math Skills
Being a plumber involves a lot of math. Licensing exams test practical plumbing knowledge, including your math skills. It is vital to understand the algebra and geometry concepts required to calculate the surface area and volume of various pipes, fittings and fixtures.
You’ll also need to understand things like bend angle and temperature conversions, how to calculate offsets and pressures and more. If math isn’t your strong suit, focus on this area to ensure you pass that portion of your exam.
If you need help, talk to an experienced plumber. You might find one who’s happy to share tricks they’ve discovered over years of making calculations. Or you could take a class that thoroughly explains plumbing math concepts. Our online exam prep courses have an entire section dedicated to plumbing math. We also offer the math course separately if you ever need a refresher.
Get Familiar with the Code
Your state’s plumbing exam will expect you to master the local codes and general laws applicable to your work. Licensing exams usually reference your state’s plumbing code. Sometimes they include the fuel gas, residential or mechanical codes, too.
As you research the topics covered on your exam, check out what code books are referenced. Exams are usually open book, so it’s important to note what reference materials are and aren’t allowed during testing.
If you don’t feel like figuring out what codes you need to study on your own, our exam prep courses automatically present that information to you. We also offer book packages and helpful reference tabs so you always know exactly what to look up during your exam.
Practice and Prepare
After completing your state’s work requirements, it may seem like you don’t need to prepare that much for the licensing exam. But remember, knowing how to do something is different than understanding why something must be done a certain way.
Licensing exams test your knowledge of why plumbers must follow certain codes and regulations. While your exam might be open book, it won’t help to waste time searching for something you could’ve highlighted or attached to permanent index tabs in your books ahead of time.
If you’re feeling anxious about the exam, taking a practice test can help. Our exam prep courses include a practice exam designed to mimic the real thing.
Try replicating the actual testing environment. Take our practice test in a quiet room with your pre-marked study material. Keep your phone in a different room. Use a stopwatch to monitor how long it takes you to complete the practice test. This can help you determine what areas to review to finish your exam on time.
In addition to a practice test, our exam prep courses include an entire Effective Study Techniques section to help you take your exam with confidence.
Where to Start
Becoming a journeyman plumber or moving up to master level rests entirely in your hands. Thankfully, you’re not alone. Our website has many helpful resources that can help you prepare and pass your exam.
For some free, helpful information, check out the FAQ pages mentioned above. There you’ll find comprehensive information about your license and testing requirements all in one place. We also offer a free Exam Prep Guide that gives a more detailed look at exam prep.
For the ultimate exam-day confidence boost, consider our exam prep courses. Many states offer multiple package options to fit your budget. Our bookstore can make sure you have everything you need to succeed on exam day.
No matter where you are on your plumbing career journey, proper preparation will help you achieve your goals.
Sources
Indeed. (2023, January 26). What Are the Different Levels of Plumbers? Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/levels-of-plumbers
PVCworkshop. (2022, May 01). Do Plumbers Need to Know Math? Retrieved from https://www.pvcworkshop.com/do-plumbers-need-to-know-math/
Salary.com. (2023, November 27). Plumber, Apprentice Salary in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/plumber-apprentice-salary
Salary.com. (2023, November 27). Plumber, Journeyman Salary in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/plumber-journeyman-salary
Salary.com. (2023, November 27). Plumber, Master Salary in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/plumber-master-salary