Master Plumber Exam

You have spent the last three or four years as a journeyman apprentice, and your supervising master plumber has suggested that you are ready to take the exam to receive your master plumber license. While a little nerve-wracking, it’s an opportunity for you to advance your career. Pass your exam, and the next door opens. So exactly what do you need to do next to sit for the test?

The basics of licensing – is it standard across the nation?

Enforcing and regulating plumbing license requirements fall to state and individual municipalities. Every state, except Pennsylvania, requires master plumber candidates to take an exam, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. California and Florida require master plumber candidates to pass a master plumber exam in addition to a business and law/finance exam. New Jersey requires three exams – trade, practical, and business and law – to obtain the master plumber license.

Individual states may practice reciprocity with licenses, but there is no guarantee. Generally, if you want to work as a master plumber in ten different states, you will have to meet the requirements, including an exam for certification, in all ten states.

Minimum requirements – generally

Requirements to obtain a master plumber license vary greatly. General requirements include:

• Experience or Education (or a combination)
  • Specified experience hours per year (1,000 to 4,000 hours)
  • Approved engineering curriculum related to plumbing, bachelor’s attainment
  • Approved registered apprenticeship program
• Application and Fee
• Examination
• Credential fee

Master plumber exam design – generally

While each state will differ in content categories, you can expect the following topics on the master plumber examination:

• Installation of plumbing systems
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• Regulations adopted by the Examining Board of Plumbers
• Basic repair and maintenance of plumbing systems
• Advanced repair and maintenance of plumbing systems
• Water supply systems
• Management of plumbing jobs
• Terminology
• Fire suppression systems
• Storm drainage systems
• Laws and rules

To sit for the exam, you will have registration requirements that will include an application, statement of experience, and a declaration of lawful presence (citizenship or resident alien). Your area may require an application fee, an exam fee, and a credentialing fee (upon successful completion of the exam).

Your local municipality (whether state, county, or city) will provide you with a candidate information bulletin when you register for the exam. The bulletin will provide a breakdown of test content and the required passing score.

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Test Basics

The master plumber exam is delivered at a testing facility, such as Prometric or PSI, or at a college or university. Because each location has different requirements, each exam is different as well. At the most basic level, the exam consists of 100 to 120 questions with a time allotment of 3 hours to 4.5 hours. Some exams are open book, and some exams are closed book. The exam is computer-delivered with options available for special needs accommodation.

To register for the exam, you will submit the required application packet to the authority that is tasked with plumber licensing. Once your application is accepted, you will follow the directions to register for the exam. The process will be different across the nation and even across the state as municipalities’ requirements could add to the requirements.

Testing fees range from $30.00 to $103.00 and may have additional costs associated such as testing center fees, application fees, and credentialing fees.

On Test Day

Arrive at your designated testing center thirty minutes before your appointment time. Arriving early will allow you the opportunity to complete any paperwork and become familiar with the test delivery method. Follow the directions of what is and is not allowed in the center and leave valuables at home.

Exam results

Generally, your test results are provided at the conclusion of your exam. Passing scores receive a score report; non-passing scores receive a detailed report indicating strengths and weaknesses. Most states have a maximum re-test number ranging from two to three re-tests and varying periods of time that must pass before retaking the test.

Preparing for the Master Plumber Exam

For the past four years, you have worked hard gaining the knowledge and experience needed to advance in your chosen occupation. You are a mentor to newer plumbers, and your supervisors look to you to provide guidance and stability to the job site. Now it is time to take that drive and initiative you have been cultivating and apply for your master plumber license.

While differing from location to location, the concepts and skills are uniform within the plumbing industry. Mometrix has taken the time to analyze the master plumber licensing exam and break it up into digestible parts, providing a smooth-flowing study guide. Save yourself some stress and take their 100% money-back guarantee and try the Study Guide and Flashcards.

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