Georgia Licensing Guide

How to Get Your
Georgia Plumbing License

Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Georgia. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.

18+
Minimum Age
3-5 Years
Experience Required
$233-267
Exam Fee
$25-50/hr
Avg. Salary
By Jeel Patel11 min readUpdated Jan 02, 2025
Georgia Plumbing License

Georgia Plumbing License Quick Facts

Minimum Age

18 years

Experience Required

3-5 years (depending on license type)

License Application Fee

$30 + processing fee

Licensing Body

Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers

Renewal Period

Every 2 years

Continuing Education

Required for renewal

Acquiring a Georgia plumbing license requires 3 years of apprenticeship and admission at a vocational-technical school (optional).

P.S. ignore if training has already been completed.

Firstly, since Georgia is witnessing the throes of plumbing contractors, pipefitters, and steamfitters, you are going to win more jobs than you can even think of. Secondly, there are three types of plumbing licenses Georgia awards, which you will be well-versed in throughout this article. Parallelly, you will also know the process of obtaining a plumbing license in Georgia. From how much time it takes to obtain a job to clearing examinations and application fees to the median salary of plumbers - everything at your desk without switching websites or tabs.

Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Georgia?

Georgia Licensing Authority

Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers

Georgia SOS

Issues all plumbing licenses throughout the state of Georgia

Official Website
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217

Types of Plumbing Licenses in Georgia

Before introducing the three statewide different types of plumbing licenses, tick mark the following basic licensing requirements:

  • Are you above 18 years?
  • Do you have a high school diploma certificate?
  • Are you physically fit to perform plumbing jobs?
  • Do you know three plumbing professionals to introduce as your attestant?
  • Are you ready to pay $10,000 as a surety bond?

So, these are the basic requirements to become a plumbing contractor. We hope you have tick-marked all of them. Let's move ahead. Since you know there are three types of plumbing licenses, let's discuss the requirements Georgia demands to award licenses.

License Types Available

Choose Your License Path

Journeyman Plumber License

Entry-level license where you work under the supervision of a master plumber.

Key Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma certificate
  • 3 years of plumbing experience

Master Plumber License Class I (Restricted)

Allows repairs in single-family buildings (max 2 families) or commercial buildings not exceeding 10,000 sq ft.

Key Requirements

  • 5 years of qualifying experience
  • 2 years as licensed plumbing foreman/superintendent/journeyman/military plumber
  • Pass the master class I examination

Master Plumber License Class II (Unrestricted)

Unrestricted license for all types of plumbing work, including commercial and industrial.

Key Requirements

  • 5 years of qualifying experience
  • 2 years as licensed plumbing professional
  • Commercial or industrial experience

Eligibility Criteria for Different Types of Georgia Plumbing Licenses

Detailed Requirements by License Type

Georgia Plumbing License Requirements

1

Journeyman Plumber License

Entry-level plumbing license

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma certificate
  • Be physically fit to perform plumbing jobs
  • Complete 3 years of plumbing experience
  • Primary experience: installing plumbing equipment under a master plumber's supervision
  • Secondary experience: indirect involvement in training or installing plumbing fixtures
  • Provide three plumbing professionals as attestants
  • Pay $10,000 surety bond
2

Master Plumber License Class I (Restricted)

Restricted to smaller projects

  • 5 years of qualifying master plumber experience
  • Out of 5 years, 2 years must be as a licensed plumbing foreman, plumbing superintendent, journeyman plumber, or military plumber
  • Complete Journeyman plumber license verification
  • Meet all basic requirements (age 18+, high school diploma, physically fit)
  • Provide three professional references (one must be a licensed master plumber)
  • Pass the master class I examination
3

Master Plumber License Class II (Unrestricted)

Unrestricted plumbing license

  • 5 years of qualifying master plumber experience
  • Out of 5 years, 2 years must be as a licensed plumbing professional
  • Must furnish commercial or industrial experience as a plumber
  • Complete Journeyman plumber license verification
  • Meet all basic requirements (age 18+, high school diploma, physically fit)
  • Provide three professional references (one must be a licensed master plumber)
  • Pass the master class II examination

Educational Credit

Education can set off against plumbing work experience:

  • If you have completed a diploma program in engineering technology from a technical trade school, you may be relieved with two years of secondary work experience.
  • If you have completed a program from a vocational-technical school, then you only have to work for a year under secondary experience, and the rest of one year would be set off against the certificate.

Plumbing License Costs in Georgia

Application and Exam Fees

Georgia License Fees

License TypeExam FeeLicense FeeRenewal Fee
Application Fee (All Licenses)

Initial non-refundable fee

$30
Online Processing Fee

For online applications

$5
Mail-In Processing Fee

For mailed applications

$10
Journeyman Plumber Exam$233
Master Plumber Exam (Class I & II)$267
License Renewal

Every 2 years

$75

License Renewal Information

As a plumber in Georgia, you must renew your plumbing license every 2 years. Apply for renewal before the expiration date. The state government sends a renewal email to every plumbing license holder eight weeks before expiry. You will only be qualified for renewal if you have completed continuing education.

Georgia Plumbing Exam Details

Since the state of Georgia has contracted with PSI/AMP testing services, the testing center will send you a Candidate Information Bulletin which includes examination topics.

Journeyman Plumber Exam

Journeyman Exam Structure

Georgia Journeyman Plumber Examination

Passing Score: 70%
Duration: 5 hours total (2.5 hours pre-test + 2.5 hours test)
Pre-test Questions(17%)

20 pre-test questions

Test Questions(83%)

100 test questions covering all plumbing topics

Master Plumber Exams

Class I and Class II Exam Structures

Georgia Master Plumber Examination

Passing Score: 70%
Duration: 7 hours total (3.5 hours pre-test + 3.5 hours test)
Class I Pre-test Questions(17%)

24 pre-test questions

Class I Test Questions(83%)

120 test questions

Class II Pre-test Questions(17%)

28 pre-test questions

Class II Test Questions(83%)

140 test questions

Exam Topics Covered

The main subjects covered in Georgia plumbers exams are:

  • General Laws
  • Regulations Obey
  • Planning/Organizing Work
  • Perform Pipe Cutting and Joining Activities
  • Perform Plumbing Systems Installation Activities
  • Perform System Testing Activities
  • Perform Maintenance and Repair Activities
  • Safety-related Issues
  • Calculations

How to Apply for a Plumbing License in Georgia?

There are two ways to apply for a plumbing license:

Method 1: Mail Your Application

Mail your documents in a 9*12 envelope to Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers:

  • 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217

Method 2: Apply Online

Apply through the online portal by registering as:

  • Person
  • Business or facility
  • Charity

Click here to register online

Application Process:

  1. Download the form: https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/forms/48%20Application%20-%20Plumbing%20EXAM.pdf
  2. Fill the form and attach a copy of the background check completed through your local law enforcement agency
  3. Attach experience information about your plumbing work
  4. Mention any disciplinary actions/sanctions applicable to you
  5. Add three reference names in the downloaded form, out of which one must be a licensed master plumber

Note: Add Journeyman plumber license verification along with other documents mentioned above if applying for master class I and class II licenses.

Along with the license application form, pay an initial non-refundable fee of $30. Besides, you have to also pay $5 as an online processing fee and $10 for a mail-in processing fee.

What Happens Post-Submitting an Application for a Plumbing License?

When the board approves your application, you are eligible to appear in the state-conducted plumbing license exam. The board will notify you about the approval and allow you to select for which examination you want to appear: journeyman, master class I, or master class II. Upon sending the examination application, you also have to pay the examination fee.

If you submit the exam before the deadline and achieve 70%, you are eligible to receive a license for the selected type.

Steps to Get Your Georgia Plumbing License

Step-by-Step Guide

Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber

1

Meet Basic Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma certificate, and be physically fit to perform plumbing jobs.

2

Choose Your License Type

Decide which license you want to pursue: Journeyman (3 years experience), Master Class I (5 years, restricted), or Master Class II (5 years, unrestricted).

Start with Journeyman license and work your way up to Master licenses as you gain experience.
3

Gain Required Experience

Complete 3 years of plumbing experience for Journeyman or 5 years for Master licenses. Work under supervision of a master plumber to gain primary and secondary experience.

Keep detailed records of your hours and work experience for your license application.
4

Prepare Your Application

Download and complete the application form, gather background check documentation, experience information, and three professional references (one must be a licensed master plumber).

5

Submit Your Application

Apply online or mail your application to the Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers. Pay the $30 application fee plus processing fee ($5 online or $10 mail-in).

Apply Online
6

Wait for Approval

The licensing board will review your application and notify you when approved. You'll then be able to select which examination you want to take.

7

Register and Pay for Exam

Pay the examination fee ($233 for Journeyman or $267 for Master) and receive your Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI/AMP testing services.

8

Take and Pass the Exam

Complete the examination within the allotted time and achieve at least 70% to pass. Journeyman: 120 questions in 5 hours. Master Class I: 144 questions in 7 hours. Master Class II: 168 questions in 7 hours.

Study all topics thoroughly: general laws, regulations, planning, pipe cutting, system installation, testing, maintenance, safety, and calculations.

Congratulations! You're Licensed!

You are now a licensed plumber in Georgia and can work according to your license type.

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How Does Getting a Plumber's License Benefit You?

Acquiring plumbers license benefits you in several ways:

  • Evidence as experience and skill
  • Required by law in Georgia
  • Licensed plumbers gets to operate plumbing company or promote plumbing services, acquire commercial insurance, pull permits for buildings, bid on governmental and public projects
  • Protects your plumbing company and customers' interest
  • Competitive advantage
  • Compounds your earning capacity

Salary Information by License Type

Journeyman Plumber: Becoming only a journeyman plumber would get you paid somewhere between $25-$50 in Georgia. And over time spent would attract $6,750 per annum.

Master Plumber Class I: On average, a class I master plumber earns around $30 an hour. On the other hand, a yearly bonus would sum to $14,000. Ain't it an attractive amount to grab?

Master Plumber Class II: On average, a class II master plumber earns around $37 an hour.

Sources: indeed.com, payscale.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary of an apprentice plumber?

The median salary of an apprentice plumber is somewhere around $17-$22. On top of salary if the apprentice plumbing contractor does overtime, then they are paid $5,500 per annum.

How much does it cost to get a journeyman license?

The cost breakage to become a licensed journeyman plumber is as follows:

  • $30 as an application fee
  • $233 as an exam fee

How much does it cost to get a master class I & class II license?

The cost breakage to become a licensed master class I and II plumber is as follows:

  • $30 as an application fee
  • $267 as an exam fee

Which education can set off against plumbing work experience?

If you have completed a diploma program in engineering technology from a technical trade school, you may be relieved with two years of secondary work experience. If you have completed a program from a vocational-technical school, then you only have to work for a year under secondary experience, and the rest of one year would be set off against the certificate.

What time does it take to get a Georgia plumbers license?

When applying for a Georgia Journeyman license, you must have three years of work experience. On the other hand, if you are applying for a master class I or II license, you must have five years of work experience to qualify for the license exam.

What are the main subjects to clear the Georgia plumbers exam?

The main subjects are:

  • General Laws
  • Regulations Obey
  • Planning/Organizing Work
  • Perform Pipe Cutting and Joining Activities
  • Perform Plumbing Systems Installation Activities
  • Perform System Testing Activities
  • Perform Maintenance and Repair Activities
  • Safety-related Issues
  • Calculations

Does a Georgia plumbing license work in other states?

No, you cannot work in other states as a plumber with a Georgia plumbing license.

Should you renew your plumbing license?

Yes, as a plumber in Georgia, you must renew your plumbing license every 2 years. Apply for renewal before the expiration date. The state government sends a renewal email to every plumbing license holder eight weeks before expiry. The renewal fee for a plumbing license is $75. You will only be qualified for renewal if you have completed continuing education.

Conclusion

Opening a plumbing business in Georgia is a win-win situation for you. Or you would start experiencing it if you are a journeyman plumber, wanting to upgrade yourself. We hope you don't wait for anything and start preparing for your license before anyone else does. And since you are on the way to becoming a licensed plumber, you will need estimating and invoicing software. Software that automates administrative tasks, such as creating estimates and invoices. Also, sync your invoices with accounting software so that you can file taxes easily. Gone are the days of staying awake late at night, remembering all the clients and services rendered. Subscribe to InvoiceOwl and forget all the hassles that you could even imagine with estimating and invoicing. Try now and see how the software could become your helping hand.

Career Advice

Aim to become a master plumber and consider starting your own plumbing business to maximize your earning potential. With the average master plumber in Georgia earning $30-37/hour, owning your own business can significantly increase your income.

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