State licensing boards (UPC/IPC-based)

Journeyman Plumber Exam

Journeyman Plumber License Exam

The state licensing exam an apprentice plumber must pass to work independently as a journeyman. Administered per state (often through PSI) and based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC), depending on the state's adopted code.

Varies by state (commonly 3–4 hours)Required to practice

What's on the exam

Typical state journeyman plumber blueprint (UPC/IPC-based; verify against your state's candidate bulletin)

Administration, Permits, and General Regulations

~12%

Code scope and structure · Permits and inspections · Definitions · General plumbing regulations · Code navigation

Water Supply and Distribution

~20%

Water service and distribution sizing · Water supply fixture units (WSFU) · Pressure requirements · Water heaters and circulation · Materials and joints

Drainage, Waste, and Vent (DWV)

~22%

Drainage pipe sizing and fixture units (DFU) · Vent types and sizing · Trap seal protection · Cleanouts and slopes · DWV installation requirements

Cross-Connection Control and Backflow

~12%

Backflow prevention devices · Air gaps · Cross-connection hazards · Testing and protection · Potable water protection

Fixtures, Equipment, and Appliances

~14%

Fixture installation and clearances · Required fixtures by occupancy · Special-use fixtures · Interceptors and separators · Fixture materials

Special Systems and Gas

~12%

Fuel gas piping basics · Storm drainage · Medical gas and special-waste systems · Sanitary sewers and septic · Nonpotable and reclaimed water

Materials, Methods, and Safety

~8%

Approved pipe materials · Joining methods · Hangers and supports · Testing and inspection of installations · Job-site safety

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Journeyman Plumber Exam cost?

Fees vary. Set per state; exam fees commonly run $50–$150, plus separate state license fees.

How long is the Journeyman Plumber Exam and how many questions does it have?

Varies by state (commonly 80–125 questions) — Varies by state (commonly 3–4 hours).

What do you need to pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam?

Varies by state; commonly a scaled score around 70–75%.

Can you retake the Journeyman Plumber Exam?

Permitted after a state-set waiting period; rules vary by state.

What is the best way to study for the Journeyman Plumber Exam?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Administration, Permits, and General Regulations ~12%, Water Supply and Distribution ~20%, Drainage, Waste, and Vent (DWV) ~22%, Cross-Connection Control and Backflow ~12%, Fixtures, Equipment, and Appliances ~14%, Special Systems and Gas ~12%, Materials, Methods, and Safety ~8%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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