If you need help studying for a master plumber test or just want some more information about what these test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
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What’s on the Test?
The test is slightly different in every state, but these are the most common topics you’ll come across:
General Plumbing Regulations
- Plumbing codes
- Administrative procedures
- Safety regulations
Piping, Valves, and Controls
- Pipe materials
- Pipe sizing calculations
- Pipe joining methods
- Pipe hangers and supports
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Water hammer
- Types of valves
- Valve sizing and pressure ratings
- Pressure regulators and relief valves
- Temperature and flow control
- Actuators
Fixtures, Fittings, and Equipment
- Types of plumbing fixtures
- Installation requirements
- Water consumption standards
- Accessibility requirements
- Repair and maintenance
- Types of fittings for different pipe materials
- Selection and installation of fittings
- Water heaters
- Pumps
- Dishwashers and washing machines
- Water treatment equipment
- Grease interceptors and traps
Drain, Waste, and Venting
- Types of drainage pipes and fittings
- Drainage system design
- Indirect waste piping
- Special waste handling
- Purposes of venting
- Types of vents
- Vent sizing and termination requirements
- Air admittance valves and limitations
- Island venting
- Types of traps
- Trap seal depth and protection
- Trap installation and maintenance
Backflow
- Potential sources of contamination
- Cross-connection control
- Types of backflow preventers
- Testing and maintenance procedures
Water Supply and Distribution
- Water sources and quality
- System design and sizing
- Installation practices
- Cross-connection control
Septic and Sewer Systems
- Components of a septic system
- Design considerations
- Connection requirements
- Sewer mains and laterals
- Grease and sand interceptor requirements
Journeyman Plumber vs. Master Plumber
There are some key differences between a journeyman licensed plumber and a master plumber contractor:
Licensed Plumber
A journeyman plumber is a plumber who has completed an apprenticeship and passed a licensing exam. They typically have 4-5 years of training and must work under the supervision of a master plumber.
Licensed plumbers are qualified to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in both commercial and residential settings.
Master Plumber
A master plumber is a contractor who has several years of experience as a journeyman plumber and passed an advanced licensing exam. They typically have 2-5 years of training beyond the journeyman level.
Master plumbers are qualified to design plumbing systems, pull permits, and run a plumbing business. They also supervise journeyman plumbers.
Master Plumber Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
What Test-Takers Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it! See what real test-takers across the country are saying about the master plumber exam:
“Make sure you know how to read all sizing charts, including appliance venting (individual & combined) and that part won’t be bad. If you know how to draw out a system for all drainage and venting, then you’ll be okay on that part.”
PotentialCool6492
“When you are doing the drawings, always remember that they want the minimums and not what you would usually do in the field. Read the question and make sure you know what they are asking. They word the questions to where you can easily misunderstand what their asking.”
Plumber4Life84
“You get the latest IPC and IRC code books with a couple sheets of paper a pencil and that’s it. The questions involved sumps, storm drain sizing, disinfection of the water system, vents, fire sprinkler runs and pressure drops, water sizing with different pressures, and a lot of random ones that we don’t think about in the field.”
Equal_Square_8021
“I took it last year, it seemed like it was mostly bureaucratic nonsense questions that I can’t imagine I’d ever actually need to know in the real world.”
ImHiggz
“Study the law. If you’re in the trade every day, don’t worry about the 110 question code test…that part’s easy. The law and the math are the deciders.”
freefreebradshaw
FAQs
How many questions are on the master plumber exam?
It varies from state to state, but the test usually contains around 90-120 questions.
How long is the master plumber exam?
It varies from state to state, but the test usually lasts for 3-4 hours.
What is the passing score for the master plumber exam?
The passing score varies from state to state but is generally 70%-75%.
How much does the master plumber exam cost?
The testing fees vary from state to state.
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