Plumbing contractors in Georgia are regulated by the:
- Division of Master Plumber and Journeyman Plumbers
There are 3 available classifications:
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber Class I
- Master Plumber Class II
Journeyman Plumber
“Any person other than a master plumber who has practical knowledge of the installation of plumbing and installs plumbing under the direction of a master plumber”
- Allows you to install, maintain, alter, or repair plumbing fixtures and systems under a master plumber
- Requires 3 years experience
Master Plumber Class I
“Any individual engaging in the business of plumbing under express or implied contract or who bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform plumbing contracting services under express or implied contract”
- Allows to perform work restricted to plumbing involving single family dwellings
- One-level dwellings designed for no more than 2 families
- Commercial structures not exceeding 10,000 square feet
- Requires 5 years experience
- 2 years must be as a licensed journeyman, plumbing contractor, plumbing foreman, plumbing superintendent, or military plumber
Master Plumber Class II
- Allows for perform plumbing work in any capacity with no restrictions
- Requires 5 years experience
- 2 years must be as a licensed journeyman plumber, plumbing contractor, plumbing foreman, plumbing superintendent, or military plumber
- Must provide proof of experience in commercial and industrial plumbing
Georgia Plumbing License Requirements
You must meet the following requirements:
- 18 Years of Age
- Valid Drivers License OR USA Issued Identification
- Social Security Number
- Complete Background Check
You must also have:
- Plumbing experience (2 years for journeyman and 5 years for master license)
- Three work related references (from licensed plumbing contractors)
- No more than 1 year of your experience can be from secondary education
- Complete citizenship affidavit if not U.S. Citizen
- See full list of forms
What is journeyman plumbing experience?
In the state of Georgia, to be considered a journeyman, you must hold a journeyman license. This will allow you to work under the supervision of a master plumber.
While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:
- Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
- Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
- Has supervisory level experience
Georgia Plumbing License Application Processing
Step 1:
Complete and submit you're: Plumbing Contractor License Application
Step 2:
Once you are approved by the Georgia state plumbing board. You will then be notified on how to schedule your examination
Applications can be submitted to:
Georgia Board of Construction Industry, Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers
237 Coliseum DriveMacon, Georgia 31217
How much does It cost to get the plumbing license in Georgia?
- $30 Exam Fee
- $75 Renewal Fee
- $100 Renewal Fee
- $150 Reinstatement (if lapse of more than 3 years)
- See Complete Fee Schedule
Plumbing License Exam in Georgia
To get licensed you will have to pass two examinations:
- Georgia Business and Law Exam
- Plumbing Trade Exam
- 70% Score required to pass
- Exam Application
- Journeyman Exam (100 Questions / 5 Hours allowed)
- Class I (80 Questions / 7 Hours allowed)
- Class II (100 Questions / 7 Hours allowed)
Georgia Business and Law Exam
Questions on your law & business exam will cover the following topics:
- Complying with Business Laws
- Workers’ compensation
- Unemployment insurance
- Employer’s tax guide
- State sales and use tax
- Business license
- Completion of I-9 form
- Lien rights
- Bonding and liquidated damages
- Insurance: liability, property damage, auto, etc
- Financing and cash flow
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Job cost estimating and bidding procedures
- Contracts and purchase orders
- Scheduling and project management
- Accident or incident reports
Plumbing Trade Exam
Your plumbing trade test will cover a wide range of topics:
- Plumbing System Design
- Select sump reservoir
- Select water heaters (size and capacity)
- Select boilers (size and capacity)
- Select specialty fixtures: hospital, medical, restaurant, prison, etc.
- Select industrial piping and fixtures
- Select specialty piping: medical, gas, air, vacuum, etc.
- Select sewage ejection systems
- Select valves: back flow, T and P, pressure relief, check, vacuum relief, backwater, pressure-reducing, etc., according to manufacturer’s specifications
- Select specialty traps and interceptors (grease, sand, oil, etc.)10. Select shower and safety pans
- Select fixtures according to ADA, ANSI regulations
- Select specialty waste systems (continuous, indirect, and safe waste systems, open site drains, trailer site waste systems, etc.)
- 1Select roof and storm drain systems
Complying with Regulations
- Georgia State Plumbing Code and Standard Building Code Congress (SBCCI) Plumbing
- Standard Building Code Congress (SBCCI) Gas Code
- Code of Federal Regulations
- Obtain necessary permits and inspections (plumbing, boiler, etc.)
- State Trenching Law 6. Georgia State Boiler Code
- Health Department
- Manufacturer’s recommendations
Work Planning/Organizing
- Compile bill of materials from drawing and specifications (job takeoff)
- Interpret equipment name plate data: pump, water heater, backflow preventer, lift stations, etc.
- Draw waste and water diagrams (isometrics)
- Interpret bar chart schedule
- Determine precedence of various codes, laws, manufacturer’s instructions, regulations, etc.
Perform Pipe Cutting and Joining Activities
- Cut cast-iron pipe (using snap-type chain cutter, hammer and chisel, metal saw, demolition saw, hydraulic cutters, etc.)
- Cut concrete pipe (using saws, hammer and chisel, etc.)
- Cut and ream copper tubing and pipe (using metal saws, tubing cutter, etc.)
- Cut and ream plastic pipe (using saws, tubing (scissor) cutter, etc.)
- Cut and ream steel pipe (using hand pipe cutter, metal saw, power pipe cutter, etc.)
- Join cast-iron soil pipe (using lead and oakum, rubber-type seal, no-hub connectors, etc.)
- Use transition fittings (clay pipe to cast-iron pipe, cast iron to plastic, etc.)
- Join copper or brass pipe (tubing) to fittings (sweat method, compression, flare, T-drill method, etc.)
- Join PVC, CPVC plastic pipe using solvent method, fusion method, threaded, grooved, etc.
- Cut and join ductile iron pipe 11. Join steel pipe (threaded, welded, grooved, flanged, etc.)
- Cut and join vent and flue pipe (Class B and C)
- Cut and join other types of pipe (glass, polyethylene, acid resistant, etc.)
Perform Plumbing Systems Installation Activities 21 16 21
- Interpret plans and install according to specifications
- Size and install water supply
- Size and install drainage systems
- Size and install gas pipes
- Assemble plumbing fittings and fixtures (interpret manufacturer’s instructions)
- Locate/mark holes for plumbing in walls, ceilings or floors
- Install pipe through concrete walls, ceilings, or floors
- Install pipe through wood floors
- Install pipe through metal walls, ceilings or floors
- Install pipe to meet fire code regulations
- Secure horizontal and vertical lines of pipe to masonry and concrete, metal, etc., surfaces
- Secure horizontal and vertical lines of pipe to wood surface
- Insulate water lines
- Locate and install clean cuts
- Install pipe in trenches (layout, digging, compaction, bedding, and thrust blocks)
- Install footing drains
- Calculate the slope required for building sewer lines
- Install vent terminals (roof-flashing)
- Fabricate fixture support (backing)
- Mount fixture carriers
- Install bathroom fixtures: water closet, tubs, showers, bidets, lavatories, etc.
- Install clothes dryer vent
- Install/fabricate sump reservoir
- Install sinks
- Install dishwashers
- Install garbage disposal
- Install “Instant Hot” water heaters
- Install water heaters
- Install boilers
- Install specialty fixtures: hospital, medical, restaurant, prison, etc.
- Install industrial piping and fixtures
- Install specialty piping: gas, air, vacuum, etc.
- Install valves according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Install specialty valves: back flow, T and P, pressure relief, check, vacuum relief, backwater, pressure-reducing, etc.
- Install specialty traps and interceptors (grease, sand, oil, etc.)
- Install shower and safety pans
- Install fixtures according to ADA, ANSI regulations
- Install specialty waste systems (continuous, indirect, and safe waste systems, open site drains, trailer site waste systems, etc.)
- Install roof and storm drain systems
- Install sewage ejection systems F. Perform System Testing Activities 7 5 7 1. Pressure test water distribution system (air, water, hydrostatic, etc.)
Test sanitary and drainage systems (water, smoke, air, peppermint, etc.)
- Pressure test gas lines (air)
- Certify back flow test
- Sterilize potable water systems
- Perform Maintenance and Repair Activities 15 11 15
- Locate leaks in gas supply lines (using soapy water, gas detector)
- Service gas appliances (clean and adjust gas burners, check valves and venting, etc.)
- Service electric appliances (replace electric water heater element, check controls, relief valves, etc.)
- Locate, identify and remove obstructions in drain lines and water closets
- Clean backwater valves
Repair leaking water faucets or valves
- Repair tank type and flush valve water closets
- Locate leak in drainage/vent systems (peppermint test, Smoke test)
- Free jammed garbage disposal
- Test/adjust pressure reducing valves
- Test/replace thermocouple and/or pilot light
- Service back flow preventer
- Service sewage pumps
- Locate underground lines
Safety-related Issues
- Gas piping: testing and support
- Back flow prevention d. personal safety: poisonous gases, trenching, faulty equipment, etc.
- Calculate the following during installation and service: offset, volume, area, pressure, depth, circumference, radius, weight, etc.
Check the current exam dates and deadlines
NASCLA
The Georgia law & business exam currently references the NASCLA's business, project management, and law standards.
Preparing for the law & business section of the exam is a very important part of your overall state of Georgia plumbing license test prep.
For more information, check out this complete guide to NASCLA
Georgia Business License
If you are looking to establish your plumbing business in Georgia, the state licensing board will want you to be established as a business entity
This can be set up through the Georgia Secretary of State
You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
Worker's Compensation laws for Georgia General Contractors
Georgia requires its plumbing contractors to hold worker's compensation insurance.
This also includes LLCs. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.
For information specific to your situation, you can refer to the Georgia State Board of Worker's Compensation
Georgia contractor license search
The Georgia Board for Journeyman and Master Plumber's number one responsibility is to protect the consumer public.
The agency not only governs construction contractors but also ensures that homeowners are not being over charged by unlicensed contractors.
If you are looking to verify the status of a plumbing license in the state of Georgia, you can check a license here
Georgia Plumbing License Renewal
Once your Georgia plumbing license is active, you will be responsible for meeting the specific renewal dates set by the board.
There are also continuing education requirements for plumbers in Georgia.
To review them you can check the link below
Georgia contractor license renewal portal
Plumbing Apprenticeships in Georgia
If you are beginning your career as a plumber you should absolutely consider an apprenticeship.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself to earn an excellent living in a short time frame is by investing in your education early.
Apprenticeships can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including: Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete, Landscaping, Painting, HVAC, Roofing, Carpentry and much more!
If your goal is to one day get a Georgia plumbing license, start by learning the law & business concepts as well as fundamental trade skills
Check out our online course library:
What You Need To Know About Contractor License Schools
If you are looking to prepare for your Georgia plumbing contractors license exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help.
Schools typically provide
- Home study materials
- Online classes taught by industry professionals
- Application assistance
- Insurance and Business services
Many tradesman find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety and Georgia state construction law.
Georgia plumbing license test prep and study guides breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.
Blueprint Reading Course
Blueprint reading is a critical skill for plumbers, you will absolutely need to understand how to read blueprints.
Construction blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to get into engineering or architecture.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Regulations for plumbers in Georgia
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between
Safety is taken very seriously by the Georgia Board of Journeyman Plumbers and Master Plumbers.
If your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Georgia OSHA Training
Plumbers Contractor's License Reciprocity
You may qualify for reciprocity:
If you hold a plumbing contractor license in any of the following states:
Your license must be in good standing and you will also be required to bass the Georgia business and law exam.
If you are applying from out of state you must complete a license verification form. Applicants must also meet all of the basic licensing requirements for a Georgia construction license.
Learn more about Contractor License Reciprocity
Getting Started
Applying to the state licensing board for plumbing contractors can be a huge first step up in starting your own business.
The construction industry is very lucrative. There will be more and more opportunities for skilled tradesman in the future.
The key is to use the information you have now and take action from beginning to end.
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about plumbing contractor licenses in: California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.