Updated October 2026 | Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam Prep

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Contractor Exam Prep

Restricted Master Plumbing License • PSI • 120 Scored Questions • Seven Hours • Closed Book

Ready to become a licensed Master Plumber Class I in Georgia? This Georgia Master Plumber Class I Contractor Exam Prep guide covers the official PSI examination, licensing qualifications, 2026 Georgia plumbing codes, fuel gas requirements, drainage and venting systems, plumbing calculations, approved study references, and Contractor Exam Preps products.

Georgia's Master Plumber Class I (Restricted) is a statewide plumbing contractor license regulated by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.

The Class I license authorizes plumbing contracting within a specific restricted scope.

It is different from the Master Plumber Class II license, which is unrestricted.

Important 2026 licensing change: Georgia enacted updated plumbing licensing provisions expanding the Class I scope to qualifying residential buildings up to three stories and commercial buildings up to 20,000 square feet.

Older Georgia rule pages and examination-preparation materials may still describe a 10,000-square-foot commercial limit and narrower residential work.

Candidates should review the updated law, including Georgia Code Section 43-14-2, and confirm their application requirements with the Board.

The Master Plumber Class I licensing examination is administered by PSI.

It contains 120 scored questions and 24 additional unscored pretest questions.

That means candidates are presented with 144 total questions.

The examination allows seven hours and is divided into two testing sessions of three and a half hours each, with a break between them.

The minimum passing requirement is a final scaled score of 70.

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I exam is closed book.

This is important because the official suggested reference books may be studied before the exam but cannot be brought into the examination room.

The official Class I examination has two major areas.

Restricted Plumbing and Trade Functions: 80 scored questions.

Administrative, Business and Design: 40 scored questions.

Technical subjects include Georgia plumbing regulations, pipe cutting and joining, drainage, water supply, fixture installation, gas piping, system testing, repairs, safety, and plumbing calculations.

Administrative subjects include business law, payroll responsibilities, insurance, estimating, bidding, contracts, bookkeeping, scheduling, and plumbing system design.

Georgia's official examination reference list for late 2026 is based on the 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code and 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code, including state amendments.

These codes became the required examination basis beginning May 1, 2026.

Additional references include Georgia business law, plumbing mathematics, plumbing technology, OSHA, ADA accessibility, Georgia 811 excavation guidance, and employer tax information.

Contractor Exam Preps offers the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Complete Book Package for candidates who want the coordinated reference library.

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package provides organized references for repeated study.

Candidates seeking guided instruction can use the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Online Exam Prep Course.

Although highlighted and tabbed books can make study easier, they must remain outside the testing room because this examination is closed book.

Georgia also updated plumbing experience requirements in 2026.

The newer Class I statute requires a minimum of four years of qualifying full-time plumbing experience, with journeyman-license experience requirements that depend on when the applicant became licensed.

Applicants generally must document three of those years while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber.

An applicant licensed as a Georgia Journeyman Plumber before March 1, 2025, benefits from a different transitional requirement.

Older pages that describe five years of experience and two years as a journeyman may reflect superseded licensing provisions.

This guide explains the new licensing framework, official exam format, twelve content categories, 2026 reference list, practical plumbing diagrams, six-week study plan, relevant Contractor Exam Preps products, interactive FAQs, and a Georgia Master Plumber licensing video from 1ExamPrep.

GEORGIA CLASS I RESTRICTED • 120 SCORED + 24 PRETEST • 7 HOURS • CLOSED BOOK • SCALED 70
120

Official Scored Exam Questions

7H

Total Examination Time

70

Minimum Final Scaled Score

2024

Georgia Plumbing and Gas Code Editions

Important Georgia Master Plumber Class I 2026 Update: PSI's current Class I examination has 120 scored questions, 24 unscored pretest questions, seven hours of testing, and a minimum final scaled passing score of 70. It is a closed-book examination. Beginning May 1, 2026, the examination is based exclusively on the 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code and 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code, including amendments. Georgia's newer 2026 plumbing licensing law also expands the Class I scope to qualifying residential buildings up to three stories and commercial buildings up to 20,000 square feet, and revises experience requirements. Older Georgia FAQ, rule, and commercial study pages may still show the previous 10,000-square-foot limit or older experience rules. Verify your eligibility under the newer statute and current Board instructions.

What Is a Georgia Master Plumber Class I?

A Georgia Master Plumber Class I is a state-licensed plumbing professional authorized to perform plumbing contracting within the restricted Class I scope.

Master Plumbers have responsibilities beyond completing individual plumbing installations.

They may plan work, supervise plumbing employees, manage projects, purchase materials, communicate with customers, and take responsibility for code-compliant installations.

The Class I license is especially relevant for plumbers whose business focuses on residential buildings and qualifying smaller commercial structures.

Class I is restricted, but that does not mean its examination is simple.

The exam covers plumbing installation, maintenance, safety, codes, calculations, and contractor business responsibilities.

A Master Plumber should understand how a complete plumbing system works.

Water supply piping brings potable water to fixtures and equipment.

Drainage piping carries wastewater away from the building.

Venting protects trap seals and helps the drainage system operate correctly.

Fixtures, water heaters, valves, pumps, and other equipment must be selected and installed according to applicable requirements.

Fuel gas systems introduce additional safety responsibilities.

A contractor must understand gas piping, appliance connections, shutoff valves, combustion air, venting, and testing requirements.

Backflow prevention is another important topic.

Plumbing systems must protect potable water from contamination by preventing improper connections and reverse flow where protection is required.

Plumbing calculations can affect system design.

A contractor may need to evaluate pipe sizing, water pressure, drainage slope, volume, area, circumference, or fixture demand.

That is why the official Class I examination includes five dedicated plumbing calculation questions and additional technical questions involving installation decisions.

Georgia also tests contractor responsibilities.

A Master Plumber may need to understand workers' compensation, employer taxes, business licensing, construction contracts, project scheduling, bookkeeping, estimates, and insurance.

Those topics are part of the 40-question Administrative, Business and Design section.

Georgia's newer licensing law expands the Class I building scope compared with the older published rules.

Under the updated statutory definition, qualifying residential structures may extend up to three stories, and qualifying commercial structures may contain up to 20,000 square feet of total building area.

Class II remains unrestricted.

Candidates should check the updated statute and the Board's current interpretation before taking a project at the limits of Class I authority.

Official license: Georgia Master Plumber Class I (Restricted).

Regulatory authority: Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.

Current scope statute: Georgia Code Section 43-14-2.

Class I commercial limit under updated law: 20,000 square feet.

Class II: Unrestricted plumbing contracting.

Official examination: PSI Master Plumber Class I.

Review the 2026 Georgia Plumbing Licensing Legislation alongside the Georgia Master and Journeyman Plumbers Board FAQ.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Licensing Path

The Class I licensing process involves qualifying plumbing experience, journeyman-license history, application review, an approved examination, and final license issuance.

Step Requirement What to Verify
Choose Classification Master Plumber Class I Confirm that your intended plumbing projects fall within the restricted Class I scope.
Review New Law 2026 Statute Use the updated commercial and residential scope rather than outdated limits.
Confirm Commercial Scope 20,000 Square Feet Review the total commercial building area limit under the updated Class I definition.
Confirm Residential Scope Up to Three Stories Verify the building type and applicable height limitation.
Check Experience Route Four Years The newer statute specifies four years of qualifying full-time plumbing experience for Class I.
Review Journeyman History Three Licensed Years Normally Check the statutory requirement for time served while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber.
Review Transitional Exception Before March 1, 2025 Different journeyman-license experience rules apply to applicants licensed before this date.
Prepare Supervisor Affidavits Licensed Master Plumber Document qualifying work with required master-plumber supervision affidavits.
Review Professional References Published Board Checklist Older Board rules describe three licensed-plumber references, including one Master Plumber for Class I. Check current application instructions.
Document Work Activities Plumbing Installation and Service Include supply, drainage, venting, gas piping, testing, repairs, and related work.
Prepare Identity Documents State Application Include required identification and lawful-presence information.
Create Licensing Account Georgia GOALS Use the Secretary of State licensing portal.
Submit Application Board Review Provide supporting records and pay the required fees.
Obtain Exam Authorization Board Approval Receive approval before scheduling with PSI.
Schedule PSI Examination Master Class I Choose an approved examination appointment.
Obtain Study References 2026 Reference List Study the 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code, 2024 Gas Code, and other listed materials.
Prepare Technical Subjects 80 Questions Study plumbing installation, testing, maintenance, repair, safety, and calculations.
Prepare Business and Design 40 Questions Review business law, administration, estimating, and plumbing system design.
Take Closed-Book Exam Seven Hours Complete both 3.5-hour testing sessions without reference books.
Pass Examination Scaled Score 70 Meet the published PSI passing requirement.
Complete License Issuance Georgia Board Follow final license issuance and maintenance instructions.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I 2026 Exam Snapshot

The current PSI plumbing examination bulletin identifies the following Class I testing requirements.

Exam Detail Category Official Information
Official Examination Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted
Board Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers
Exam Provider PSI Computer-Based Testing
Exam Format PSI Multiple Choice
Open Book PSI No, Closed Book
Scored Questions PSI 120
Unscored Pretest Questions PSI 24
Total Questions Presented PSI 144
Total Examination Time PSI Seven Hours
Part One PSI 3.5 Hours
Part Two PSI 3.5 Hours
Break PSI Between Testing Parts
Passing Requirement PSI Minimum Final Scaled Score 70
Restricted Technical Functions Trade 80 Scored Questions
Administrative, Business and Design Master 40 Scored Questions
General Laws Trade 5 Questions
Regulations Trade 15 Questions
Work Planning Trade 8 Questions
Pipe Cutting and Joining Trade 4 Questions
Plumbing Installation Trade 16 Questions
System Testing Trade 5 Questions
Maintenance and Repair Trade 11 Questions
Safety Issues Trade 11 Questions
Plumbing Calculations Trade 5 Questions
Business Laws Administrative 15 Questions
Administrative Requirements Administrative 15 Questions
Plumbing System Design Administrative 10 Questions
Official 2026 Plumbing Code Study Reference 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code and Amendments
Official 2026 Fuel Gas Code Study Reference 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code and Amendments
2024 Code Testing Transition PSI Beginning May 1, 2026
Calculator PSI Silent, Nonprogrammable, No Alphabetic Keys or Printer
Reference Books in Test Room PSI Not Permitted for Master Class I

Official scored total: 120.

Additional unscored: 24.

Exam session: Seven hours across two parts.

Passing: Minimum final scaled score of 70.

Closed book: No examination reference materials.

Current exam codes: 2024 Georgia Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes with amendments.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam Topic Breakdown

The official PSI blueprint divides the 120 scored questions between restricted plumbing trade functions and Master Plumber administrative, business, and design knowledge.

Comply With General Laws: 5 Questions

Study Georgia licensing laws, underground utility location requirements, ADA responsibilities, accessibility principles, and water conservation laws.

Know why the legal requirements matter when operating a licensed plumbing business.

Comply With Regulations: 15 Questions

Review Georgia plumbing and fuel gas codes, OSHA construction standards, permits, inspections, trenching requirements, and manufacturer instructions.

Learn the difference between a general installation rule and a specific exception.

Work Planning and Organization: 8 Questions

Review material takeoffs, plumbing drawings, isometric diagrams, equipment information, project scheduling, and regulatory coordination.

Understand how a Master Plumber organizes work before the first pipe is installed.

Pipe Cutting and Joining: 4 Questions

Study common pipe materials and methods of cutting, joining, connecting, and supporting plumbing pipe.

Know the differences between copper, PVC, CPVC, steel, cast iron, and other materials.

Plumbing Systems Installation: 16 Questions

This is the largest individual restricted trade category.

It covers water supply, drainage, venting, gas piping, fixtures, water heaters, traps, valves, cleanouts, and related installation activities.

Study system layout and the relationship between connected plumbing components.

System Testing: 5 Questions

Review water distribution pressure testing, drainage and vent system testing, fuel gas testing, backflow testing, and procedures used to verify completed installations.

Maintenance and Repair: 11 Questions

Study leaks, blockages, water heaters, faucets, valves, drains, pumps, gas appliances, and backflow devices.

Practice diagnosing why a system is malfunctioning.

Safety-Related Issues: 11 Questions

Review trenching, excavation, confined spaces, gas hazards, water heater protection, pressure relief devices, and safe work procedures.

Understanding the hazard is often the first step toward choosing the correct answer.

Plumbing Calculations: 5 Questions

Practice area, volume, circumference, pressure, depth, offsets, and other basic plumbing mathematics.

Be careful with measurement units and conversions.

Business Laws: 15 Questions

Review licensing obligations, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, employer taxes, business licensing, lien rights, and related regulations.

Administrative Requirements: 15 Questions

Study contracts, insurance, cash flow, bookkeeping, estimating, bidding, purchase orders, scheduling, and project management.

Plumbing System Design: 10 Questions

Review the selection and design of water heaters, pumps, sewage ejectors, valves, fixtures, backflow prevention, and drainage systems.

Although Class I contracting is restricted, applicants must understand how to choose appropriate equipment and system arrangements.

Restricted Plumbing and Trade: 80 questions.

Administrative, Business and Design: 40 questions.

Largest individual categories: Plumbing installation, 16; regulations, business law, and administration, 15 each.

Total: 120 scored questions.

Official License
Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted
State Regulator
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board
Division
Master and Journeyman Plumbers
Testing Provider
PSI
Exam Format
Computer-Based Multiple Choice
Open Book
No, Closed Book
Scored Questions
120
Unscored Questions
24
Total Presented
144
Total Exam Time
Seven Hours
First Testing Part
3.5 Hours
Second Testing Part
3.5 Hours
Passing Requirement
Minimum Final Scaled 70
Restricted Trade Questions
80
Business and Design Questions
40
General Laws
5 Questions
Regulations
15 Questions
Work Planning
8 Questions
Pipe Cutting and Joining
4 Questions
Plumbing Installation
16 Questions
System Testing
5 Questions
Maintenance and Repair
11 Questions
Safety
11 Questions
Calculations
5 Questions
Business Laws
15 Questions
Administrative Duties
15 Questions
Plumbing System Design
10 Questions
Current Class I Scope Law
Georgia 2026 Updated Plumbing Licensing Statute
Residential Scope
Qualifying Residential Buildings Up to Three Stories
Commercial Scope Limit
20,000 Square Feet Total Building Area
Class II Scope
Unrestricted
New Class I Experience
Four Qualifying Full-Time Years
Journeyman Requirement
Normally Three of Four Years Licensed as Journeyman
Transitional Requirement
One Licensed Journeyman Year for Qualifying Pre-March 2025 Licensees
Experience Affidavits
Required Licensed Master Plumber Supervisor Verification
2026 Plumbing Code
2024 Georgia Plumbing Code with Amendments
2026 Gas Code
2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code with Amendments
Code Transition Date
May 1, 2026
Georgia Business Guide
5th Edition
Mathematics Reference
2013, 8th Edition
Plumbing Technology
2008, 4th Edition
ADA Standards
2010, Revised January 2015
Georgia 811 Excavator Manual
2025 Edition
Employer Tax Guide
Circular E 2025 or 2026
OSHA Reference
29 CFR Part 1926
Suggested Study References
10 Titles
Exam-Room Books
Not Permitted
Scratch Paper
Provided by PSI
Calculator
Silent, Nonprogrammable, PSI-Compliant
Georgia Application
GOALS and Current Board Procedures
PSI Scheduling
After Board Approval
Complete Book Package
Prepared Book Package

How to Study for the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam

Start with the official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and the suggested reference list for Master Plumber Class I.

Verify that your study materials reflect the 2024 Georgia Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, including the required amendments.

The examination is closed book, so your preparation must focus on understanding and remembering the material.

During a study session, you can use the books to learn the correct requirements.

During the actual examination, those references will not be available.

Georgia Plumbing Code: Study water supply, drainage, venting, fixtures, traps, cleanouts, water heaters, and installation rules.

Georgia Fuel Gas Code: Review fuel gas piping, sizing, appliances, testing, venting, and safety requirements.

Plumbing Math: Practice area, volume, slope, pressure, offsets, and measurements.

System Design: Review equipment selection, drainage design, backflow prevention, and fixture requirements.

Safety: Study trenching, excavation, OSHA, gas hazards, and pressure relief.

Accessibility: Review ADA and accessible plumbing fixture requirements.

Business: Study Georgia contractor law, contracts, bookkeeping, taxes, and insurance.

Exam Simulation: Practice without reference books under timed conditions.

Organize your study sessions around plumbing systems instead of reading random chapters.

Start with potable water supply and distribution.

Study how water moves from the service connection through the distribution piping to fixtures and equipment.

Then study drainage, waste, and vent systems.

Understand traps, venting, cleanouts, drainage slope, fittings, and fixture connections.

Next, review the fuel gas code.

Gas piping requires special attention to safety, correct materials, sizing, appliance connections, and venting.

Practice reading plumbing diagrams and identifying code-related problems.

A short review session focused on one plumbing system can be more effective than several hours of unfocused reading.

Use the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Book Package to organize your source material.

The Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package helps you return to important definitions, tables, and code sections during study.

For guided lessons, use the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Online Exam Prep Course.

At the end of each week, answer practice questions without looking at your books.

After grading your work, open the correct reference and review the rule behind every missed answer.

That process helps build the recall needed for a closed-book exam.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Water Supply, Drainage and Venting Diagram

Master Plumber candidates should understand how potable water, fixtures, traps, drainage piping, and vent systems work together.

PLUMBING SYSTEM BASICS POTABLE WATER VENT DRAINAGE WASTE FLOW BUILDING SEWER WATER SUPPLY • FIXTURES • TRAPS • VENTS • DRAINS

Simplified educational diagram. Actual plumbing layout, sizing, trap connections, and venting must follow the applicable Georgia codes.

  • Potable water: Supplies fixtures with water through an approved distribution system.
  • Fixtures: Include lavatories, sinks, toilets, showers, and other connected equipment.
  • Traps: Help prevent sewer gases from entering occupied spaces.
  • Venting: Supports drainage system operation and protects trap seals.
  • Drainage piping: Carries wastewater toward the building drain and sewer connection.
  • Pipe sizing: Must reflect fixture demand, drainage loads, and applicable code requirements.
  • Backflow prevention: Helps protect potable water from contamination.
  • Testing: Confirms installation integrity as required by the applicable rules.
  • Georgia codes: Use the current adopted Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes with amendments.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Licensing Roadmap

Follow these eight steps to prepare for Georgia's restricted Master Plumber licensing process.

1

Confirm the Class I Scope

Review the updated 2026 residential and commercial building limits and decide whether Class I fits your intended contracting work.

2

Verify Journeyman and Plumbing Experience

Document the current statutory experience requirements and confirm whether the transitional journeyman provision applies to you.

3

Prepare Supervisor Documentation

Organize employment history, plumbing work records, and required licensed Master Plumber affidavits.

4

Apply Through Georgia's Licensing System

Submit the correct application, identification, and supporting records under the current Board process.

5

Obtain PSI Examination Approval

Wait for authorization before scheduling your Master Plumber Class I exam.

6

Study the 2026 Reference List

Review the 2024 Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, plumbing mathematics, safety, design, and contractor business topics.

7

Pass the Closed-Book PSI Examination

Complete both testing parts and achieve the required minimum final scaled score of 70.

8

Complete License Issuance

Follow the Board's final licensing instructions and maintain the applicable renewal requirements.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Official Exam Topic Weighting

The following percentages are calculated from PSI's official Class I content outline. They total 120 scored questions and are rounded to one decimal place.

Comply With General Laws5 Questions • 4.2%

Comply With Regulations15 Questions • 12.5%

Work Planning and Organization8 Questions • 6.7%

Pipe Cutting and Joining4 Questions • 3.3%

Plumbing Systems Installation16 Questions • 13.3%

System Testing5 Questions • 4.2%

Maintenance and Repair11 Questions • 9.2%

Safety-Related Issues11 Questions • 9.2%

Plumbing Calculations5 Questions • 4.2%

Business Laws15 Questions • 12.5%

Administrative Requirements15 Questions • 12.5%

Plumbing System Design10 Questions • 8.3%

Total scored questions: 120.

Restricted Trade Functions: 80 questions, approximately 66.7%.

Administrative, Business and Design: 40 questions, approximately 33.3%.

Additional pretest questions: 24, not included in the chart.

Source of weights: Official PSI Master Plumber Class I examination blueprint.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Approved 2026 Study Reference Books

Georgia's 2026 Master and Journeyman Plumbers Suggested Reference List identifies ten references relevant to Master Plumber Class I preparation.

These books are used for studying the examination content.

Because the Master Plumber Class I exam is closed book, these references are not allowed in the testing room.

Reference 2026 Edition Study Purpose
The Americans With Disabilities Act: Your Responsibilities as an Employer Current Employer obligations, workplace responsibilities, and ADA compliance.
Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management: Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board 5th Edition Contractor laws, estimating, contracts, taxes, administration, and project management.
Georgia Fuel Gas Code 2024 International Fuel Gas Code with Georgia Amendments Gas piping, sizing, appliances, testing, venting, and safety.
Georgia Plumbing Code 2024 International Plumbing Code with Georgia Amendments Water supply, drainage, venting, fixtures, materials, testing, and system requirements.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters 2013, 8th Edition Geometry, offsets, pressure, slope, area, volume, and plumbing mathematics.
Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation 2008, 4th Edition Applied system design, plumbing materials, installation methods, and equipment.
ADA Standards for Accessible Design 2010, Revised January 2015 Accessibility requirements affecting facilities and plumbing fixtures.
Excavator Manual, Georgia 811 2025 Edition Utility location, excavation awareness, and safe digging responsibilities.
Employer's Tax Guide, Circular E 2025 or 2026 Payroll, withholding, and employer tax responsibilities.
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1926 Latest Available Edition OSHA construction safety, trenching, protective measures, and employer responsibilities.

Reference titles: Ten for Master Plumber Class I.

2024 plumbing and gas code examination transition: May 1, 2026.

Plumbing Code: 2024 Georgia IPC with amendments.

Fuel Gas Code: 2024 Georgia IFGC with amendments.

OSHA: Included for Master Plumber candidates.

Closed book: All ten references are for preparation outside the testing room.

How to Prepare for the Georgia Class I Closed-Book Master Plumber Exam

The most important study strategy is understanding that the Georgia Master Plumber Class I examination is closed book.

Many contractor examinations permit reference materials, but this Georgia plumbing examination does not.

That means you must learn the material well enough to answer questions without checking a reference during the exam.

Do These Things

  • Read the current PSI bulletin.
  • Study the 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code.
  • Study the 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code.
  • Review Georgia amendments.
  • Learn important code definitions.
  • Understand traps and vents.
  • Practice drainage and water sizing.
  • Review fuel gas safety.
  • Practice plumbing calculations.
  • Study Georgia business and law.
  • Complete closed-book practice questions.
  • Use two 3.5-hour timed practice sessions.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Bringing study books into the test room.
  • Assuming the exam is open book.
  • Relying on tabs for exam-day answers.
  • Memorizing without understanding.
  • Using outdated plumbing codes.
  • Ignoring Georgia code amendments.
  • Skipping gas piping questions.
  • Neglecting business and law.
  • Skipping plumbing math.
  • Ignoring the seven-hour testing period.
  • Bringing unauthorized materials.
  • Rushing through scenario questions.

Testing format: Closed book.

Study books: Allowed for preparation, not for the examination.

Practice method: Read, recall, answer, check, and repeat.

Duration: Seven hours divided into two parts.

Goal: Build accurate recall rather than last-minute codebook searching.

What Can a Georgia Master Plumber Class I Do?

A Georgia Master Plumber Class I may perform plumbing contracting within the restricted scope set by state law.

Georgia updated the Class I scope in 2026.

The newer statute describes residential single-family dwellings, townhomes, and qualifying multifamily properties, including apartments, hotels, and motels, within a three-story height limit.

It also permits qualifying commercial plumbing work in buildings with no more than 20,000 square feet of total building area.

This is a major expansion from older provisions.

Previously published rules and FAQ pages commonly describe the Class I license as limited to single-family dwellings, one-level two-family buildings, and commercial structures of no more than 10,000 square feet.

Because Georgia's newer statute changed those restrictions, candidates should rely on the current law and verify the Board's implementation instructions.

Within the permitted scope, a Master Plumber may manage plumbing installation, maintenance, alterations, service, and repairs.

Typical work includes water supply piping, fixture installation, drainage and venting, water heaters, valves, backflow prevention, and fuel gas piping.

For example, a residential project may require a water distribution system, hot water equipment, drain and vent piping, and connections to fixtures.

The contractor must understand how each part of the system functions.

Drainage pipes must be correctly sized and installed at the appropriate slope.

Traps must be protected through the proper venting arrangement.

Water heaters must be installed with the necessary safety equipment.

Potable water systems must be protected from contamination.

Fuel gas installations require special attention to piping, venting, combustion safety, and testing.

Master Plumbers also need to understand permitting, inspections, project administration, and contractor business responsibilities.

Class I contractors should be especially careful when evaluating buildings close to the statutory height or area limit.

A commercial building's total area may matter even if the plumbing work itself occupies a much smaller portion of the building.

Class II remains the unrestricted Master Plumber classification.

Before advertising, contracting, or accepting a project, verify that the proposed work falls within the proper license scope and applicable local requirements.

Current Class I building scope: Expanded under Georgia's 2026 legislation.

Residential height limit: Up to three stories for qualifying building types.

Commercial limit: 20,000 square feet total building area.

Class II: Unrestricted.

Verification: Consult current state law and Board implementation guidance before accepting borderline projects.

Georgia Journeyman Plumber vs. Master Plumber Class I and Class II

Classification License Type Scope and Examination Details
Plumbing Apprentice Training Role Develops supervised plumbing experience and trade knowledge.
Journeyman Plumber Georgia State License Official state plumbing license for qualifying workers; separate PSI examination.
Master Plumber Class I Restricted State License Qualifying residential buildings up to three stories and commercial buildings up to 20,000 square feet under updated law.
Master Plumber Class II Unrestricted State License No Class I scope restriction.
Journeyman Exam PSI 100 scored plus 20 pretest questions; five hours total.
Master Class I Exam PSI 120 scored plus 24 pretest questions; seven hours total.
Master Class II Exam PSI 140 scored plus 28 pretest questions; seven hours total.
Journeyman Reference Rules Exam Format Open book according to Georgia's plumbing reference notice.
Master Class I Reference Rules Exam Format Closed book.
Master Class II Reference Rules Exam Format Closed book.
Class I Technical Questions Exam Blueprint 80 restricted trade-function questions.
Class I Business and Design Exam Blueprint 40 administrative, business, and design questions.
New Class I Experience 2026 Law Four qualifying full-time years with specified licensed journeyman experience.
Class II Experience 2026 Law Separate unrestricted experience requirements, including appropriate work beyond Class I scope.
Master Class I Passing PSI Minimum final scaled score of 70.

Journeyman Plumber: A statewide Georgia license.

Master Class I: Restricted contractor-level plumbing license.

Master Class II: Unrestricted.

Master examinations: Closed book.

Class I scope and experience: Recently updated by 2026 legislation.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Licensing Requirements

Plumbing Experience

Updated 2026 Requirements

  • Four qualifying full-time plumbing years.
  • Three years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber normally.
  • Different transitional rule for pre-March 2025 journeyman licensees.
  • Experience under licensed Master Plumber supervision.
  • Water supply and distribution work.
  • Drainage and venting work.
  • Gas piping and equipment work.
  • Installation, service, or repair experience.
  • Work inside the Class I restricted scope.

Examination Preparation

PSI Master Class I

  • 120 scored questions.
  • 24 additional pretest questions.
  • Seven-hour examination.
  • Two 3.5-hour testing parts.
  • Minimum scaled score of 70.
  • Closed-book testing.
  • 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code.
  • 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code.
  • Plumbing math and safety.
  • Business, administration, and design.

New law: Four-year Class I experience path.

Journeyman transition: The required licensed time depends on whether the applicant was already a licensed Journeyman Plumber before March 1, 2025.

Verification: Current law and Board-issued application instructions take priority over outdated summary pages.

Six-Week Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam Prep Plan

This six-week plan focuses on learning the official references and practicing without books before the examination.

Week 1

Licensing, Codes and Fundamentals

  • Review the current Georgia Class I law.
  • Read the PSI candidate bulletin.
  • Organize the 2026 reference list.
  • Study the 2024 Plumbing Code.
  • Review plumbing terminology.
  • Complete baseline practice questions.
Week 2

Water Supply and Fixtures

  • Study potable water distribution.
  • Review water pressure and sizing.
  • Study fixtures and fittings.
  • Review water heaters and valves.
  • Practice backflow concepts.
  • Complete closed-book review questions.
Week 3

Drainage, Waste and Venting

  • Study drainage piping.
  • Review traps and cleanouts.
  • Practice drainage slope calculations.
  • Study venting arrangements.
  • Review sewer connections.
  • Practice plumbing isometric diagrams.
Week 4

Fuel Gas, Materials and Safety

  • Study the 2024 Georgia Gas Code.
  • Review gas pipe sizing.
  • Study appliance venting.
  • Review pipe cutting and joining.
  • Study OSHA trenching requirements.
  • Review Georgia 811 procedures.
Week 5

Business, Administration and Design

  • Study Georgia business laws.
  • Review payroll taxes.
  • Study insurance and contracts.
  • Practice estimates and bidding.
  • Review plumbing equipment design.
  • Study ADA and accessibility.
Week 6

Full Closed-Book Simulation

  • Practice 120 scored blueprint questions.
  • Include additional pretest-style questions.
  • Use a seven-hour exam schedule.
  • Split practice into two sessions.
  • Do not use reference books during practice.
  • Review missed answers afterward.

How Hard Is the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam?

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I examination can be challenging because it combines plumbing trade knowledge with contractor law, administration, and design.

The closed-book format adds another challenge.

You cannot use the International Plumbing Code or other references during the examination.

Candidates need to understand the material well enough to answer from memory and practical reasoning.

The examination includes 120 scored questions and 24 unscored pretest questions.

Seven hours are provided across two testing sessions.

That schedule requires concentration and preparation for a long examination day.

Some questions involve identifying a code-related requirement.

Others may involve practical installation scenarios.

For example, a water distribution problem may involve fixture demand, available pressure, and pipe size.

A drainage question may involve venting, cleanouts, pipe slope, or fixture connections.

A gas piping question may involve equipment connections, venting, or pressure testing.

Understanding the complete system helps candidates choose answers accurately.

Definitions are another common source of difficulty.

Plumbing codes often distinguish between different system components that sound similar.

For example, a building drain and a building sewer are related parts of a drainage system but are not interchangeable terms.

Trap and vent terminology also matters.

Small differences in wording can change the correct answer.

Plumbing mathematics can be difficult for candidates who rarely perform calculations during daily work.

Topics such as offsets, area, volume, pressure, and slope should be practiced regularly.

Business and administrative questions add another layer.

The Master Class I blueprint includes 40 questions in Administrative, Business and Design.

That is one-third of the scored examination.

Plumbers who focus only on installation and repair may overlook this large category.

Study Georgia business rules, taxes, insurance, estimating, contracts, scheduling, and project records.

Because the exam is closed book, prepared reference sets should be used before test day.

The Georgia Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package can make repeated study sessions easier.

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I Online Course can help organize the content into manageable lessons.

Finish preparation with realistic closed-book practice rather than using references for every answer.

Repeated review, careful reading, and a strong understanding of plumbing systems will help make this long examination more manageable.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I PSI Exam Day Checklist

Do These Things

  • Confirm your PSI examination appointment.
  • Verify Board approval.
  • Read the current candidate bulletin.
  • Arrive before the required check-in time.
  • Bring acceptable identification.
  • Review plumbing calculations beforehand.
  • Practice without reference books.
  • Know the testing schedule.
  • Prepare for two 3.5-hour sessions.
  • Use only an approved calculator.
  • Answer every question.
  • Use the on-screen bookmark feature.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Bringing plumbing reference books.
  • Assuming the exam is open book.
  • Bringing unauthorized notes.
  • Using prohibited electronics.
  • Ignoring identification requirements.
  • Skipping plumbing mathematics.
  • Ignoring Georgia business law.
  • Confusing Class I and Class II.
  • Using outdated plumbing codes for study.
  • Spending too long on one question.
  • Leaving questions unanswered.
  • Forgetting the long examination duration.

Exam: Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted.

Format: Closed book.

Scored questions: 120.

Unscored pretest: 24.

Time: Seven hours.

Passing: Minimum scaled score of 70.

Study references: Remain outside the test room.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam Prep Products from Contractor Exam Preps

Contractor Exam Preps offers Georgia Master Plumber Class I reference books, professionally prepared book packages, online instruction, and Georgia contractor business study materials.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Complete Book Package

Coordinated Plumbing Study Library

  • Official suggested study reference titles
  • Georgia Plumbing Code
  • Georgia Fuel Gas Code
  • Contractor business and law
  • Plumbing calculations
  • System design and installation
  • Drainage and venting
  • Water distribution
  • Fixtures and water heaters
  • ADA accessibility
  • OSHA construction safety
  • Georgia excavation guidance

View Georgia Master Plumber Class I Complete Book Set

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Online Exam Prep Course

Guided Plumbing Exam Preparation

  • PSI examination format
  • Class I restricted scope
  • 2024 plumbing-code study
  • 2024 fuel gas code study
  • Drainage and venting
  • Water distribution
  • System testing and repairs
  • Pipe materials and joining
  • Plumbing calculations
  • Business and administrative subjects
  • Closed-book study preparation
  • Practice and review strategies

View Georgia Master Plumber Class I Online Course

Georgia Contractor Business Guide: Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, 5th Edition.

Prepared Georgia Business Guide: Highlighted and Tabbed, 5th Edition.

All Georgia Products: Georgia Contractor Exam Prep Collection.

Important exam rule: Books and tabs are for study only. The Georgia Master Plumber Class I exam is closed book.

Important 2026 change: Verify current licensing experience and scope requirements with the Georgia Board. Older product descriptions may not yet reflect the newer statute.

GEORGIA MASTER PLUMBER CLASS I GEORGIA RESTRICTED PLUMBING CONTRACTOR EXAM PREP Educational illustration • Not a state-issued license Georgia Master Plumber Class I Complete Book Set product image from Contractor Exam Preps

Actual Georgia Master Plumber Class I book-set product artwork hosted on ContractorExamPreps.com.

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Exam Prep Credential

This educational credential illustration features the Georgia state outline, a water symbol, plumbing pipes, and a valve connection.

It represents preparation for Georgia's restricted Master Plumber Class I licensing examination.

It is not an official Georgia-issued license or proof of passing the examination.

The related product image is hosted on ContractorExamPreps.com and links to the Georgia Master Plumber Class I Complete Book Set.

• Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted

• Statewide Plumbing Contractor License

• Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board

• Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers

• PSI Computer-Based Examination

• 120 Scored Questions

• 24 Unscored Pretest Questions

• Seven-Hour Examination

• Two 3.5-Hour Testing Parts

• Minimum Scaled Score 70

• Closed-Book Testing

• 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code

• 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code

• Potable Water Distribution

• Drainage and Waste Systems

• Plumbing Venting

• Fixtures and Traps

• Pipe Cutting and Joining

• Backflow Prevention

• Water Heaters

• Fuel Gas Piping

• System Testing

• Plumbing Maintenance and Repair

• Plumbing Calculations

• Plumbing Isometric Drawings

• OSHA Construction Safety

• Georgia 811 Excavation

• ADA Accessibility

• Georgia Contractor Business Law

• Bookkeeping and Taxes

• Contracts and Estimating

• Project Scheduling

• Plumbing System Design

• Updated Georgia 2026 Class I Scope

• Journeyman Experience Requirements

• Georgia GOALS Application

Prepare for the Georgia Master Plumber Class I examination with current code references, organized study materials, plumbing math practice, and realistic closed-book testing.

Explore Georgia Master Plumber Class I Books

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Licensing

It is Georgia's restricted statewide Master Plumber license for qualifying plumbing contracting work within the Class I scope established by state law.

The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, regulates the licenses through the Secretary of State.

Master Plumber Class I is restricted to qualifying residential and smaller commercial buildings. Master Plumber Class II is unrestricted.

Georgia's newer 2026 statute expands the Class I limit to qualifying commercial buildings with no more than 20,000 square feet of total building area. Older publications may still show 10,000 square feet.

The updated 2026 law permits Class I work on specified qualifying residential building types not exceeding three stories. Check the statutory definition and Board guidance for the building involved.

Some older Georgia Board rules, FAQs, and commercial exam-prep pages have not been updated to reflect the newer 2026 statute.

Georgia Master Plumber Experience Requirements

The newer 2026 licensing statute specifies four years of qualifying full-time plumbing experience for Class I applicants, together with the required journeyman-license history and supervisor documentation.

Normally, three of the four qualifying years must be performed while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber. The law includes a transitional exception for people licensed before March 1, 2025.

Applicants licensed as Georgia Journeyman Plumbers before March 1, 2025, are required under the newer Class I statute to have completed one of the four qualifying years while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber.

They reflect older licensing rules. The 2026 statute changed the Class I pathway, so candidates should follow the newer law and current Board application instructions.

Yes. The updated statute includes required supervision and signed affidavits from licensed Master Plumbers who oversaw the qualifying work.

Older published Board rules describe three licensed-plumber references, including at least one Master Plumber for Class I. Confirm the current reference and supervisor-affidavit requirements with the Board's updated application checklist.

PSI Examination Format

PSI administers the computer-based licensing examination.

There are 120 scored questions.

PSI includes 24 unscored pretest questions, so 144 questions are presented in total.

Seven hours, divided into two 3.5-hour testing parts with a break between them.

The minimum passing requirement is a final scaled score of 70.

Not necessarily. PSI uses scaled scoring to account for differences between examination forms.

No. It is a closed-book examination. The suggested references are study materials and may not be used during the test.

Yes. Forty of the 120 scored questions cover Administrative, Business and Design. They are part of the Master Plumber Class I examination blueprint.

Plumbing Codes and Exam References

For examinations beginning May 1, 2026, PSI specifies the 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code, based on the 2024 International Plumbing Code with Georgia amendments.

The 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code, based on the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code with Georgia amendments, is the official examination basis beginning May 1, 2026.

The official 2026 suggested reference list includes ten relevant titles for Master Plumber Class I preparation.

No. Highlighted and tabbed references can support studying at home, but the Class I examination is closed book.

The Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management for the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, 5th Edition.

Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 2013, 8th Edition.

Yes. The 2025 Georgia 811 Excavator Manual is listed for study.

Plumbing Exam Topics

Georgia laws, plumbing regulations, work planning, pipe joining, installation, testing, maintenance, safety, calculations, business law, administration, and design.

Plumbing Systems Installation contains 16 scored questions in the Class I examination.

Yes. Drainage, waste, venting, traps, and cleanouts are core plumbing system topics.

Yes. Gas piping and safety requirements are included in the installation, regulations, and safety content.

Yes. Five scored questions specifically cover calculations, and related math may help solve other technical questions.

Yes. The Master Class I blueprint includes ten scored Plumbing System Design questions.

Business Laws contains 15 questions and Administrative Requirements contains 15, for 30 questions. Another ten questions cover Plumbing System Design.

Exam-Day Preparation

Study the official references, answer questions without books, then review the supporting rule after grading. Repeat this process for difficult topics.

PSI permits silent, nonprogrammable calculators without alphabetic keys or printing capability.

Georgia's published examination rules require a Board-approved review course before a third attempt after two failed examinations.

PSI's candidate bulletin states there is no penalty for guessing. Candidates should answer every examination question.

Contractor Exam Preps Products

Yes. ContractorExamPreps.com offers a Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted Book Package.

Yes. The Georgia Master Plumber Class I Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package is designed to make pre-examination study more organized.

Prepared books can make study and repeated reference review easier, even though they cannot be brought into the testing room.

Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers a dedicated Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted Online Exam Prep Course.

No. Study materials support preparation, but examination passage and licensing approval depend on the candidate's knowledge, experience, and completion of state requirements.

Watch: Georgia Master Plumber Class I Licensing Guide by 1ExamPrep

Watch this related 1ExamPrep video explaining how to pursue a Georgia Master Plumber license, prepare for the examination, and understand plumbing contractor licensing requirements.

The video is featured on 1ExamPrep's Georgia Master Plumber Class I study pages.

Use it as a learning resource alongside the updated 2026 licensing statute and official PSI examination bulletin, since older videos and written materials may discuss superseded scope or experience requirements.

Video topic: How to Get a Georgia Master Plumber License.

Source: 1ExamPrep.

Relevant classification: Georgia Master Plumber Class I Restricted.

Current examination: 120 scored questions, 24 unscored questions, seven hours.

Examination format: Closed book.

Current 2026 reference codes: 2024 Georgia Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes.

Important: Check the newer 2026 Georgia licensing statute for current Class I scope and experience.

Watch the Georgia Master Plumber Licensing Video on YouTube

Read the Related 1ExamPrep Georgia Master Plumber Class I Guide

Georgia Master Plumber Class I Books, Courses and Official Resources

Explore related products from Contractor Exam Preps and official Georgia licensing and plumbing-code resources.

Georgia license: Master Plumber Class I Restricted.

Official exam: 120 scored and 24 unscored questions.

Time: Seven hours.

Passing: Final scaled score of 70.

Exam format: Closed book.

Official 2026 codes: 2024 Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes with Georgia amendments.

Updated Class I commercial scope: 20,000 square feet.

Updated qualifying experience: Four years with applicable journeyman-license requirements.

State source priority: Newer statutes and current Board instructions take precedence over outdated summaries.

Ready for Georgia Master Plumber Class I Contractor Exam Prep?

Preparing for the Georgia Master Plumber Class I examination is an important step toward operating a licensed plumbing contracting business within the state's restricted classification.

Georgia's Master Plumber licensing system is regulated by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.

The state offers Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber Class I Restricted, and Master Plumber Class II Unrestricted licenses.

Master Plumber Class I allows qualifying plumbing contracting work within the restricted building scope established by Georgia law.

Georgia updated the Class I scope in 2026.

The newer law permits qualifying residential buildings up to three stories and commercial buildings with no more than 20,000 square feet of total building area.

That is different from older published requirements that describe a 10,000-square-foot commercial limit and narrower residential authority.

Anyone preparing to apply, advertise, or accept plumbing work should consult the current statute and obtain clarification from the Board when necessary.

The official Georgia Master Plumber Class I examination is administered by PSI.

The examination contains 120 scored questions and 24 additional unscored pretest questions.

That means 144 questions are presented during the examination.

The total testing time is seven hours, divided into two sessions of three and a half hours each.

The minimum passing requirement is a final scaled score of 70.

One of the most important examination details is the closed-book format.

Unlike Georgia's Journeyman Plumber examination, Master Plumber Class I candidates cannot bring the suggested reference books into the test room.

That means preparation must focus on understanding and remembering important plumbing principles, rules, calculations, and responsibilities.

The examination covers two major areas.

Restricted Plumbing and Trade Functions contains 80 scored questions.

Administrative, Business and Design contains 40 scored questions.

The trade portion covers Georgia laws, plumbing regulations, work planning, pipe joining, plumbing installations, system testing, repairs, safety, and calculations.

The business portion covers employer responsibilities, business law, administration, estimating, contracts, insurance, taxes, bookkeeping, and plumbing system design.

Successful preparation should include both technical plumbing and business management.

Georgia's 2026 examination references include the 2024 Georgia Plumbing Code and the 2024 Georgia Fuel Gas Code, with state amendments.

These became the required code editions for examinations beginning May 1, 2026.

The official suggested reference list also includes the Georgia Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, plumbing mathematics, Plumbing Technology, OSHA regulations, ADA standards, Georgia 811 guidance, and employer tax information.

Those references provide the foundation for studying the knowledge tested by PSI.

Contractor Exam Preps offers several ways to organize this preparation.

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I Complete Book Package gives candidates a coordinated reference library for code, safety, math, and business review.

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package offers prepared books to make repeated study easier.

Those highlighted and tabbed books are meant for studying before the exam, not for use in the testing room.

The Georgia Master Plumber Class I Online Exam Prep Course supports structured review of plumbing codes, installation practices, calculations, safety, administration, and closed-book strategies.

Candidates should begin with the official PSI content outline.

Study the technical subjects one system at a time.

Learn potable water distribution, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, traps, cleanouts, water heaters, backflow prevention, and fuel gas systems.

Practice plumbing calculations such as slope, area, volume, pressure, and offsets.

Review pipe materials and joining methods.

Study OSHA, Georgia 811, accessibility, and construction safety responsibilities.

Then spend dedicated time on business law, estimating, contracts, taxes, bookkeeping, insurance, and system design.

Use the reference books to understand why an answer is correct during study.

Afterward, complete practice questions without the books to build the recall needed for a closed-book examination.

Georgia's licensing eligibility requirements also deserve attention.

The newer 2026 Class I statute specifies four years of qualifying full-time plumbing experience, with a journeyman-license requirement that depends on the date the applicant became licensed.

Applicants licensed as Journeyman Plumbers before March 1, 2025, have a different transitional requirement from applicants who became licensed later.

The law also requires appropriate supervised experience documentation.

Because older application and information pages may contain previous requirements, candidates should verify the current process with the Georgia Board before submitting an application.

Passing the examination does not replace the remaining state licensing requirements.

A complete application, qualifying experience, supporting documents, Board approval, and final license issuance are all important parts of the process.

With correct references, organized study, regular calculations, practical plumbing knowledge, and closed-book practice, Georgia Master Plumber Class I candidates can prepare more effectively for the examination and their next professional milestone.

Find additional Georgia plumbing contractor books, courses, and exam-preparation resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.