Maryland State Board of Plumbing • PSI • 100 Questions • 240 Minutes • 70% Passing • Open Book
Want to become a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Maryland? You are in the right place! This Maryland Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep guide explains the state's official Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter licensing requirements, examination format, approved reference books, plumbing calculations, gas piping topics, study strategies, and related products from Contractor Exam Preps.
The first thing to understand is that Maryland calls its official license the Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter credential. Many people search for "Journeyman Plumber," but the official state examination uses the term "Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter."
The credential is regulated by the Maryland State Board of Plumbing, part of the Maryland Department of Labor.
Maryland contracts with PSI Examination Services to administer the licensing examination.
According to the currently published Maryland PSI candidate bulletin, the Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination contains 100 questions.
Candidates have 240 minutes, equivalent to four hours, to complete the examination.
The minimum passing standard is 70%. For a 100-question examination, that means at least 70 correct answers.
The examination is open book, but only the approved reference publications listed in the PSI bulletin may be brought into the testing room.
Study guides are not permitted as examination-room references. Candidates must bring their own allowed books and follow PSI requirements for tabs, highlighting, and annotations.
The published reference list includes the 2018 International Plumbing Code and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code.
It also lists Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Eighth Edition, an accepted standard backflow text, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 or the permitted PSI selections version.
Maryland has been working through updates to newer plumbing and fuel-gas codes. Since code adoption and examination reference editions can change on different schedules, candidates should verify the current PSI bulletin before purchasing exam-room books.
That distinction matters when shopping for preparation materials. Contractor Exam Preps offers plumbing resources based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code, including the Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide, the Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package, and the Journeyman Plumber Ultimate Exam Prep Package.
These products are useful for understanding plumbing principles, practicing calculations, studying isometric drawings, and reviewing exam-style questions. However, the newer codebooks should not be assumed to replace the specific editions listed in Maryland's PSI bulletin.
Maryland candidates also need to understand the state's experience requirements.
Under the standard Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter licensing pathway, applicants generally must have held an Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter license for at least four years.
Applicants must document 7,500 hours of qualifying plumbing training under the direction and control of a licensed Maryland Master Plumber.
They must also complete an approved 32-hour Backflow Prevention Device Testing course and pass the written examination.
The candidate bulletin explains that certain approved school training may count toward qualifying experience, subject to its limitations and application rules.
The plumbing examination covers much more than connecting a sink or replacing a faucet. Candidates should understand water distribution, drainage, waste, venting, plumbing fixtures, backflow prevention, materials, piping methods, and plumbing mathematics.
A major part of the examination covers Gas Appliances and Piping. In the published 100-question blueprint, this category contains 40 questions.
That is 40% of the examination. Ignoring gas piping while preparing for this credential would be like showing up for a plumbing job without a pipe wrench. Technically, you can arrive, but your day is about to become difficult!
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems account for another 13 questions, while Backflow Prevention contains 10 questions.
Together, gas piping, drainage and venting, and backflow prevention represent 63 questions in the published examination outline.
Other subjects include plumbing fundamentals, safety, materials, specifications, traps, interceptors, backwater valves, fixtures, water supply systems, and plumbing calculations.
Understanding the plumbing code is essential, but knowing how to use it efficiently is equally important.
With 100 questions and four hours, candidates have an average of approximately 2.4 minutes per question.
That includes reading the question, identifying the correct reference, locating the requirement, completing any necessary calculations, and selecting an answer.
Strong preparation combines real-world plumbing knowledge with organized codebook study and repeated timed practice.
This guide includes the licensing process, official exam topics, reference-book comparison, detailed study strategies, plumbing diagrams, a six-week preparation plan, related Contractor Exam Preps products, interactive FAQs, a 1ExamPrep plumbing video, and official Maryland licensing resources.
Important Maryland Journeyman Plumber 2026 Licensing Update: Maryland's official Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination is administered by PSI for the State Board of Plumbing. The currently posted bulletin specifies 100 questions, four hours, a 70% passing standard, and open-book testing. It lists the 2018 International Plumbing Code and 2018 International Fuel Gas Code as approved examination references. Maryland has been addressing newer code editions, so verify the latest reference list before testing. Contractor Exam Preps sells useful 2021 IPC-based study materials, but a newer retail codebook should not automatically be treated as an approved exam-room reference.
A Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter is a licensed plumbing professional qualified to perform plumbing work within the scope established by Maryland law and Board regulations.
The credential represents a major step beyond apprenticeship. It demonstrates that the individual has completed qualifying practical experience, required training, and the state examination.
Journeyman-level plumbing work may include installing, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting potable-water systems, drainage systems, vent piping, plumbing fixtures, and related equipment.
Because the official credential also includes gas fitting, knowledge of gas piping and gas appliances is especially important.
A working plumber may install water distribution piping in a new building, replace faulty drain lines, service plumbing fixtures, or investigate a problem involving improper venting.
These projects require understanding the relationship between piping materials, pressure, flow, drainage, fixture requirements, and public health.
Backflow prevention is another critical responsibility. Potable-water systems must be protected against potential contamination caused by cross-connections and improper pressure conditions.
The Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter license is not identical to Maryland's Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license.
The master-level credential has additional experience and examination requirements. Holding a journey license does not automatically authorize someone to operate independently with all the privileges of a licensed master plumbing contractor.
Maryland may also have additional rules in specific jurisdictions, including Baltimore County and areas served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
Always verify the licensing, permitting, and supervision requirements in the location where you intend to perform work.
Official credential: Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter.
Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Plumbing.
Testing provider: PSI Examination Services.
Standard apprenticeship: Four years.
Qualifying training: 7,500 hours.
Backflow course: Approved 32-hour training.
Written examination: Required.
| Step | Requirement | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Credential | Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter | Confirm this is the proper state plumbing license. |
| Apprentice Registration | State Board | Hold the appropriate Maryland apprentice license. |
| Apprenticeship Period | Four Years | Document the qualifying licensed apprenticeship period. |
| Practical Training | 7,500 Hours | Maintain verified records of approved plumbing work. |
| Work Supervision | Licensed Master Plumber | Obtain acceptable experience verification. |
| Approved School Credit | Up to 1,500 Hours | Review PSI rules for approved school-hour credit. |
| Backflow Training | 32 Hours | Complete the approved Backflow Prevention Device Testing course. |
| Application | PSI Process | Submit examination registration and supporting information. |
| Eligibility | Application Approval | Wait for eligibility confirmation before scheduling. |
| Examination | 100 Questions | Study the official nine-category blueprint. |
| Time | 240 Minutes | Practice four-hour mock examinations. |
| Passing Score | 70% | Aim for at least 70 correct answers. |
| Format | Open Book | Bring only officially accepted references. |
| Plumbing Code | 2018 IPC in Posted Bulletin | Confirm the code edition for your examination date. |
| Gas Code | 2018 IFGC in Posted Bulletin | Prepare the applicable fuel-gas reference. |
| Mathematics | Lee Smith, 8th Edition | Practice formulas, sizing, and conversions. |
| Backflow Reference | Standard Backflow Text | Prepare an accepted text. |
| Safety Reference | OSHA 1926 | Use the accepted construction safety reference. |
| Local Jurisdictions | Additional Rules Possible | Check Baltimore County and WSSC where applicable. |
| Final Licensure | Board Process | Complete the remaining steps after passing. |
The following details describe the currently posted Maryland PSI examination outline. Confirm the latest official bulletin before your scheduled examination, especially where code editions are concerned.
| Exam Detail | Category | Published Information |
|---|---|---|
| State | Licensing | Maryland |
| Official License | Board | Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter |
| State Board | Authority | Maryland State Board of Plumbing |
| Testing Provider | Testing | PSI Examination Services |
| Exam Questions | PSI | 100 |
| Time Allowed | PSI | 240 Minutes |
| Passing Percentage | PSI | 70% |
| Passing Answers | PSI | 70 of 100 |
| Exam Format | PSI | Open Book |
| Plumbing Code Reference | Books | 2018 International Plumbing Code |
| Fuel Gas Code Reference | Books | 2018 International Fuel Gas Code |
| Math Reference | Books | Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition, 2013 |
| Backflow Reference | Books | Any Standard Backflow Text |
| Safety Reference | Books | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 or Approved PSI Selections |
| Study Guides in Exam Room | Testing | Not Permitted |
| Permanent Index Tabs | Testing | Permitted Under PSI Rules |
| Temporary Post-It Tabs | Testing | Not Permitted |
| Highlighting and Underlining | Testing | Allowed Under Published Reference Rules |
| Loose Reference Papers | Testing | Not Permitted |
| Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety | Blueprint | 8 Questions |
| Materials and Specifications | Blueprint | 6 Questions |
| Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves | Blueprint | 4 Questions |
| Fixtures and Appliances | Blueprint | 4 Questions |
| Water Supply Systems | Blueprint | 8 Questions |
| Backflow Prevention | Blueprint | 10 Questions |
| Drain, Waste and Vent Systems | Blueprint | 13 Questions |
| Gas Appliances and Piping | Blueprint | 40 Questions |
| Plumbing Mathematics | Blueprint | 7 Questions |
| Total Topics | Blueprint | 9 Categories |
| Standard Apprentice Experience | Licensing | Four Years and 7,500 Qualifying Hours |
| Backflow Course | Licensing | Approved 32-Hour Course |
Official examination: Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter.
Published format: 100 questions, 240 minutes, 70% passing, open book.
Largest topic: Gas Appliances and Piping, 40 questions.
Published codebooks: 2018 IPC and 2018 IFGC.
Code edition reminder: Confirm any updated PSI bulletin before testing.
The published PSI examination outline divides the 100 questions into nine categories. Understanding those categories is one of the easiest ways to build a focused study plan.
Review plumbing terminology, general installation practices, safe work procedures, tools, common hazards, inspections, and essential rules governing plumbing systems. Study applicable OSHA construction safety requirements and recognize situations where improper installations may create health or property risks.
Study approved piping materials, joining methods, fittings, supports, limitations, corrosion concerns, and installation specifications. Know how material selection can differ based on piping use, pressure, temperature, and location.
Review fixture traps, trap seals, interceptors, separators, backwater valves, and proper installation requirements. Understand why each component is used and how improper installation can lead to drainage or sewer-gas problems.
Study fixture types, connections, installation methods, spacing, accessibility considerations, and appliance connections. Be able to identify requirements for commonly installed plumbing fixtures and related fittings.
Review potable-water distribution, water service piping, pipe sizing, valves, water pressure, materials, water heating equipment, protection from contamination, and water-system installation requirements.
Understand cross-connections, backsiphonage, backpressure, air gaps, backflow prevention assemblies, device applications, testing concepts, and the importance of protecting drinking-water systems. This subject also connects directly with Maryland's required backflow training.
Practice sanitary drainage sizing, drainage fixture units, slope, cleanouts, traps, branch drains, stacks, vent sizing, vent connections, and plumbing isometric interpretation. Learn to follow a drainage system from fixtures to its building drain and sewer connection.
This is the largest category. Study fuel-gas piping systems, gas appliance installation, pipe sizing, pressure considerations, regulators, shutoff valves, combustion air, venting, gas materials, testing, and safe installation requirements. Use the International Fuel Gas Code for reference practice.
Review measurements, unit conversions, area, volume, pipe calculations, pressure relationships, offsets, and basic geometry. Practice solving problems carefully instead of guessing which number looks most familiar.
Total: 100 examination questions.
Categories: 9 official topic groups.
Largest category: Gas Appliances and Piping, 40%.
Next largest: Drain, Waste and Vent Systems, 13%.
Recommended strategy: Study every subject while allocating extra practice time to high-volume categories.
Start with the published PSI examination outline. The official topic breakdown shows exactly where the 100 questions are distributed.
Make a study checklist for all nine categories. Then identify which subjects you already understand and which ones need more practice.
Spend significant time on fuel-gas systems. With 40 questions assigned to Gas Appliances and Piping, this topic can have a major effect on your examination performance.
Review gas pipe sizing, appliance installation, venting, combustion air, fuel-gas materials, pressure requirements, and safety procedures.
Next, strengthen your understanding of drainage, waste, and vent systems. Practice reading plumbing isometric drawings and following piping routes through a building.
Learn how to identify the drainage branch, building drain, stack, vent, trap, and cleanout shown on a diagram.
Backflow prevention deserves dedicated attention. Study the purpose of different protective arrangements, how cross-connections occur, and why backpressure and backsiphonage are important.
For water supply, practice recognizing pressure concerns, distribution methods, water heater connections, valves, and basic sizing concepts.
Plumbing mathematics should become a regular part of your preparation. Even a few short calculation sessions each week can help you become more comfortable with conversions and formulas.
Use the Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide to review plumbing topics and practice questions.
The guide includes plumbing code review, fuel-gas concepts, isometric analysis, plumbing math, safety, and study techniques.
For candidates who prefer printed books and code navigation practice, the Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package includes a 2021 International Plumbing Code, tabs, and the companion study guide.
The store also offers the Journeyman Plumber Ultimate Exam Prep Package, which adds online course and practice-exam resources.
These newer-code resources are for preparation. For your actual Maryland open-book examination, use the specific code editions permitted in the current PSI bulletin.
Finish each study week with practice questions. Review wrong answers carefully and identify the code provision, formula, or principle that explains the correct choice.
Priority 1: Gas appliances and piping.
Priority 2: Drain, waste, and vent systems.
Priority 3: Backflow prevention.
Priority 4: Water supply and plumbing math.
Daily practice: Reference lookup plus a focused question set.
Final preparation: Complete 100-question timed mock examinations.
Understanding the relationship between potable-water supply, fixtures, sanitary drainage, vents, traps, and sewer connections is important for journeyman-level plumbing work.
The simplified drawing below shows how these basic parts fit together.
Educational illustration only. This is not a complete plumbing design or approved installation drawing.
Identify the Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter credential and review the scope of work associated with it.
Make sure your apprenticeship history satisfies the State Board's applicable licensing requirements.
Collect records for the standard four-year period and 7,500 approved practical training hours.
Finish the required approved 32-hour Backflow Prevention Device Testing course.
Follow the official PSI application process and submit acceptable experience and training verification.
Confirm the permitted code editions and practice using the books that apply to your scheduled examination.
Complete the published 100-question open-book examination within four hours and meet the passing standard.
Finish state licensing steps and verify any applicable Baltimore County, WSSC, permit, or local work requirements.
The published examination contains 100 questions. Therefore, each category's question count also represents its percentage of the exam.
Total: 100 questions.
Gas Appliances and Piping: 40% of the exam.
Gas, DWV and Backflow: 63% combined.
Passing Standard: 70%.
Study Tip: Prioritize large categories while reviewing all nine subjects.
The currently posted PSI bulletin has a specific approved reference list for the Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter exam. Newer retail study products can help candidates learn, but should not automatically replace an examination-approved reference edition.
| Book or Reference | Edition | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code | 2018 | Published PSI-listed reference for plumbing installations, fixtures, water supply, drainage and venting. |
| International Fuel Gas Code | 2018 | Published PSI-listed reference for gas piping, appliances and related systems. |
| Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters | 8th Edition, 2013 | Published PSI-listed plumbing mathematics reference. |
| Standard Backflow Text | Accepted Standard Text | Backflow prevention and cross-connection review. |
| OSHA Construction Regulations | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety requirements. |
| PSI OSHA Selections | Accepted Version | Alternative allowed construction safety reference. |
| Journeyman Plumber Study Guide | 2021 IPC Based | Supplemental study, practice questions, and plumbing math review. Not allowed in examination room. |
| Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package | 2021 IPC Based | Printed codebook and tabs with study guide for home preparation. |
| Journeyman Plumber Ultimate Exam Prep Package | 2021 IPC Based | Printed study resources and online course preparation. |
| Newer IPC Editions | 2021 or 2024 | Additional code education. Check official PSI edition rules before exam-room use. |
Current posted PSI references: 2018 IPC and 2018 IFGC, plus listed math, backflow, and safety materials.
Contractor Exam Preps products: General journeyman plumbing study resources based on 2021 IPC.
Maryland-specific edition: Always verify current PSI instructions for the scheduled test.
Study guides: For preparation outside the testing room.
Open-book testing is helpful, but it does not make an examination easy. The candidate still needs to know where information is located and how to apply it correctly.
The Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination includes 100 questions and allows four hours. That provides an average of 2.4 minutes per question.
Some questions may involve straightforward plumbing knowledge. Others may require locating a plumbing code provision, completing a fuel-gas sizing problem, or interpreting an installation situation.
One of the best study habits is practicing with the correct reference materials before test day.
A Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter is trained and licensed to perform plumbing work within the authority granted by state law and applicable local requirements.
The trade includes water supply, drainage, wastewater systems, plumbing fixtures, valves, traps, vents, and related piping components.
Because the official credential includes gas fitting, candidates must also understand regulated fuel-gas piping and appliance installation requirements.
Proper plumbing work protects more than a building's convenience. It helps protect potable water, prevents sanitation problems, supports safe gas-system operation, and reduces the risk of water damage.
Plumbing installations may require permits and inspections. The authority having jurisdiction may establish local requirements that apply in addition to statewide licensing regulations.
For example, the Maryland PSI candidate bulletin notes that applicants working in Baltimore County or areas served by WSSC may encounter additional examination or licensing requirements.
The Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter credential should not be confused with Maryland's Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license.
Becoming a master generally requires additional experience as a licensed journey plumber and passing the appropriate master examination.
Contractor businesses must also follow applicable licensing, permitting, supervision, insurance, and local business requirements.
Journey license: Individual Maryland plumbing credential.
Master license: Separate higher-level credential.
Gas fitting: Included in the Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination scope.
Local requirements: Check the jurisdiction where work will occur.
| Classification | Licensing Authority | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber/Gas Fitter | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Entry-level licensed pathway for supervised practical training. |
| Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Requires qualifying experience, backflow training and written examination. |
| Master Plumber/Gas Fitter | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Advanced credential with additional experience and examination requirements. |
| Apprentice Natural Gas Fitter | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Training pathway focused on natural gas systems. |
| Journey Natural Gas Fitter | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Separate credential for regulated natural gas fitting. |
| Master Natural Gas Fitter | Maryland State Board of Plumbing | Higher-level natural gas fitting credential. |
| Journey Plumbing Examination | PSI | 100 questions, 240 minutes, 70% passing under published bulletin. |
| Master Plumbing Examination | PSI | Separate examination and master-level eligibility. |
| Local Plumbing Requirements | Applicable Local Authority | Additional local conditions may apply. |
Required Work Experience
Maryland State Board of Plumbing
100 Questions, 240 Minutes
This preparation schedule follows the nine published PSI exam categories. Adjust it for your experience and examination date, but do not ignore gas piping. It makes up 40% of the published exam.
The Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination can be challenging because it combines plumbing installation knowledge with a large amount of fuel-gas material.
It includes 100 questions, a four-hour time limit, and a 70% passing requirement.
Although the examination is open book, candidates should not expect to find every answer immediately.
Some questions may require understanding why a particular installation rule applies. Others may involve selecting the right table, identifying the proper code section, or completing a calculation.
Fuel-gas questions can be especially demanding because candidates must understand gas piping, appliance requirements, combustion air, and venting concepts.
Drainage and venting questions may involve several components in a single piping layout.
Backflow prevention can also be challenging because different protection methods apply to different hazards and installation situations.
Plumbing mathematics requires care with units. A correct formula will not save an answer if the wrong measurement conversion is used.
A good study program includes both technical review and repeated practice exams.
The Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide provides hundreds of practice questions and topic review resources.
The Ultimate Exam Prep Package includes additional online course materials for candidates who prefer structured lessons.
Remember that these products use the 2021 IPC as their study foundation. The published Maryland examination bulletin lists older code editions, so cross-check code-specific answers against the references allowed for your actual test.
Practice is more valuable when you understand every missed question. The objective is to improve your ability to reason through a plumbing problem, not simply memorize a collection of letters.
Contractor Exam Preps offers general journeyman plumbing study materials that can help Maryland applicants practice plumbing theory, calculations, code navigation, safety, and exam-style questions.
The products below are real Contractor Exam Preps listings. They are not presented as state-approved Maryland examination packages. The products use the 2021 International Plumbing Code, while Maryland's currently posted PSI bulletin specifies the 2018 IPC and IFGC for exam-room references.
Printed Books, Tabs and Online Course
Study Guide, 2021 IPC and Tabs
Standalone Printed Study Resource
Maryland-specific licensing information: Maryland Contractor Exam Prep Guide.
General plumbing products: 2021 IPC-based study resources.
Official Maryland reference editions: Verify through the current PSI bulletin.
Product availability: Check store listings for current stock, contents, and options.
Actual Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package image hosted on ContractorExamPreps.com. This is a general plumbing study product, not a Maryland-issued license or an official Maryland-specific book package. The credential illustration is educational.
This educational credential illustration features Maryland-themed artwork, a water droplet, plumbing pipe connections, and journeyman examination preparation details.
The accompanying product photo comes directly from Contractor Exam Preps and shows a journeyman plumbing study package.
• Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter
• Maryland State Board of Plumbing
• Maryland Department of Labor
• PSI Plumbing Examination
• 100 Questions
• 240 Minutes
• 70% Passing Standard
• Open-Book Examination
• Published 2018 IPC Exam Reference
• Published 2018 IFGC Exam Reference
• Plumbing Fundamentals
• Plumbing Safety
• Water Supply Systems
• Potable Water Distribution
• Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
• Drainage Fixture Units
• Pipe Sizing
• Drainage Slopes
• Plumbing Isometrics
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Traps and Cleanouts
• Backwater Valves
• Backflow Prevention
• Cross-Connection Control
• Gas Appliances and Piping
• Gas Pipe Sizing
• Combustion Air
• Gas Venting
• Pipe Materials
• Plumbing Calculations
• OSHA Construction Safety
• Four-Year Apprentice Path
• 7,500 Qualifying Hours
• 32-Hour Backflow Training
• Codebook Navigation
• Practice Examinations
• Timed Study Sessions
• Maryland Plumbing Licensing
Maryland Journeyman Plumber Licensing
Maryland officially calls the credential Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter. It is issued through the Maryland State Board of Plumbing.
The Maryland State Board of Plumbing, part of the Maryland Department of Labor.
The standard licensing pathway requires at least four years as a licensed apprentice plumber.
The standard requirement is 7,500 hours of approved plumbing training under the direction and control of a licensed Maryland Master Plumber.
The published PSI bulletin allows up to 1,500 hours of qualifying approved school study toward the 7,500-hour requirement, subject to its conditions.
Yes. Maryland requires an approved 32-hour Backflow Prevention Device Testing course for the standard Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter pathway.
No. The Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter and Master Plumber/Gas Fitter credentials have different requirements and responsibilities.
Yes. Certain jurisdictions, including Baltimore County and WSSC service areas, may have additional licensing or examination requirements.
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter PSI Examination
PSI Examination Services administers the Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination.
The currently posted PSI bulletin lists 100 questions.
Four hours, or 240 minutes.
The published passing standard is 70%, equivalent to 70 correct answers on a 100-question examination.
Yes. The currently posted PSI bulletin describes the examination as open book, with specific rules for approved references.
No. Candidates must bring their own approved reference books.
The published Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter blueprint contains nine categories totaling 100 questions.
Plumbing Reference Books and Code Editions
The currently posted PSI bulletin lists the 2018 International Plumbing Code. Confirm the latest bulletin before testing because Maryland has been working through newer code adoption.
The currently posted reference list includes the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code.
Do not assume so. Use the code edition specified by the current PSI reference list for your scheduled exam.
No. The published PSI bulletin states that study guides are not permitted in the examination room.
PSI allows certain highlighting, underlining, and permanent tabs under its rules. Temporary removable tabs and loose papers are not permitted.
The posted list includes Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters by Lee Smith, Eighth Edition, 2013.
Yes. The published list includes OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 or the accepted PSI selections version.
Maryland Plumbing Exam Subjects
Gas Appliances and Piping, with 40 questions in the published outline.
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems accounts for 13 questions.
Backflow Prevention contains 10 questions.
Yes. Water Supply Systems contains eight questions.
Yes. Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves contains four questions.
Yes. Plumbing Mathematics is a seven-question category. Practice measurements, conversions, pipe calculations, and basic geometry.
Yes. Gas Appliances and Piping is the largest category. Review sizing methods, code tables, gas appliances, and safety requirements.
Contractor Exam Preps Books and Study Resources
Yes. The store offers a Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide, printed code-and-tabs package, and Ultimate Exam Prep Package.
The general Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package includes a 2021 IPC, tabs, and a printed study guide.
Yes. The product listing identifies 750 practice questions with answer keys, along with code review, isometric analysis, and plumbing mathematics.
Yes. The listed Ultimate Package adds an online test success course with video instruction and exam-practice resources.
No. The products are supplemental study materials. The current Maryland PSI bulletin controls which code editions and references may be used during testing.
No. Study products help candidates prepare. Maryland's licensing authority determines eligibility and license approval, and examination success depends on individual performance.
Watch this related 1ExamPrep video for an overview of the International Plumbing Code and how to approach plumbing code study. It covers important subjects that connect directly to Maryland journeyman plumbing preparation, including fixtures, water distribution, drainage, venting, and code organization.
This is a general plumbing code training video rather than an official Maryland PSI examination tutorial. For actual exam-room reference rules, follow the latest Maryland PSI candidate bulletin. Different code editions may be discussed in the video.
Video: International Plumbing Code Overview - Course Preview.
Creator: 1ExamPrep.
Subjects: International Plumbing Code organization, water supply, fixtures, drainage, venting, traps and exam preparation.
Maryland connection: Relevant to Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter code study.
Maryland exam: The currently posted PSI bulletin lists 100 questions, 240 minutes and 70% passing.
Reference reminder: Confirm the exact code edition permitted for your scheduled test.
State: Maryland.
License: Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter.
Board: Maryland State Board of Plumbing.
Exam provider: PSI.
Questions: 100.
Time: 240 minutes.
Passing: 70%.
Exam format: Open book.
Published plumbing code reference: 2018 IPC.
Published fuel gas code reference: 2018 IFGC.
Store study products: 2021 IPC based.
Important: Confirm current exam-room reference editions with PSI.
Preparing for the Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination starts with understanding the state's licensing requirements and the specific examination you need to pass.
Maryland's official credential is called Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter, even though many applicants search for Journeyman Plumber.
The license is administered by the Maryland State Board of Plumbing, and PSI provides the examination.
The standard licensing pathway includes at least four years as a licensed apprentice plumber, 7,500 qualifying hours of plumbing training, and an approved 32-hour Backflow Prevention Device Testing course.
Applicants must provide acceptable documentation of their experience and training and complete the required application process.
These requirements help ensure that candidates have spent meaningful time learning the trade before taking responsibility for more advanced plumbing work.
The currently posted PSI bulletin lists a 100-question Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination.
Candidates have four hours to finish the test and must achieve a passing score of at least 70%.
The exam is open book, but not every plumbing book can be taken into the testing room.
The published reference list identifies the 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters by Lee Smith, a standard backflow text, and the accepted OSHA construction safety reference.
Maryland has been addressing newer plumbing code editions, making it especially important for applicants to confirm the reference list immediately before their examination date.
Do not assume that a newer codebook is automatically accepted simply because it is included in a current study package.
The same rule applies to study guides. They are valuable for home preparation but are not permitted as examination-room references under the currently posted PSI rules.
The official examination outline contains nine subject areas.
Gas Appliances and Piping is the largest category, accounting for 40 questions.
That makes fuel-gas study one of the most important parts of a successful preparation strategy.
Candidates should practice gas pipe sizing, appliance connections, combustion air, venting, piping materials, and code-based safety concepts.
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems accounts for 13 questions, and Backflow Prevention contains another 10.
Those subjects deserve focused attention because they involve important concepts that protect building sanitation and potable-water systems.
Water supply, plumbing fixtures, materials, traps, backwater valves, plumbing fundamentals, safety, and mathematics complete the published outline.
A balanced preparation schedule should review every category while spending additional time on high-volume subjects and personal weak areas.
Codebook navigation is another important skill.
The examination allows four hours for 100 questions, so candidates should practice identifying the correct reference quickly.
Being able to locate a section, table, definition, or exception efficiently can prevent unnecessary time loss.
For general plumbing exam preparation, Contractor Exam Preps offers a Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide with practice questions, code review, mathematics, and isometric analysis.
The Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Package adds a 2021 International Plumbing Code and tabs for home study.
The Journeyman Plumber Ultimate Exam Prep Package includes additional online course and practice resources.
These packages support technical learning, but they do not replace Maryland's official examination references or licensing requirements.
A practical six-week study plan begins with the official PSI outline and codebook organization.
It then moves through gas piping, drainage and venting, backflow, water supply, materials, fixtures, mathematics, and full timed practice exams.
During the final week, candidates should complete 100-question practice sessions with a four-hour timer.
After each session, review incorrect answers, identify the applicable code provision, and repeat difficult calculations.
Passing the examination is an important milestone, but applicants must still complete the Board's licensing process and follow any applicable local rules.
The larger goal is to become a plumbing professional who understands safe installations, protects drinking water, recognizes fuel-gas hazards, and applies the plumbing code correctly.
With organized study, the appropriate references, consistent practice, and reliable learning resources, Maryland journeyman plumbing candidates can prepare more effectively for the next step in their careers.
Find journeyman plumbing study guides, codebooks, exam-preparation packages, online courses, and related resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.
