Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Georgia Journeyman Plumber Exam
Georgia · PSI Services Contractor
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
100
Passing score
70%
Exam time
300 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Georgia State Portion 100 questions
Comply with General Laws
5 Q · 5%
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (complaint procedures, function of, renewal, etc.)Location law for underground utilitiesAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA)American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Handicap AccessibilityState water conservation lawADA employment obligations (reasonable accommodation, undue hardship, essential functions, medical examinations)ADA enforcement, remedies, and EEOC complaint proceduresPenalties and criminal offense notification requirements for licensed contractorsLicense display and business registration number requirementsUnlicensed practice prohibitions, cease and desist orders, and civil penalties
Comply with Regulations
15 Q · 15%
Georgia State Plumbing Code and Standard Building Code Congress (SBCCI) Plumbing CodeStandard Building Code Congress (SBCCI) Gas CodeCode of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1926 (OSHA)Obtain necessary permits and inspections (plumbing, boiler, etc.)State Trenching LawGeorgia State Boiler CodeHealth DepartmentManufacturer's recommendationsCode official authority, permit applications, inspections, and enforcement procedures under IPC and IFGCGeorgia state amendments to IPC and IFGC, including high-efficiency fixture requirements and boiler/water heater thresholds
Work Planning/Organizing
7 Q · 7%
Compile bill of materials from drawing and specifications (job takeoff)Interpret equipment name plate data: pump, water heater, backflow preventer, lift stations, etc.Draw waste and water diagrams (isometrics)Interpret bar chart scheduleDetermine precedence of various codes, laws, manufacturer's instructions, regulations, etc.Scheduling methods: calendar, bar chart, and critical path method (CPM)Quantity take-off estimating process and materials cost determination
Perform Pipe Cutting and Joining Activities
10 Q · 10%
Cut cast-iron pipe (using snap-type chain cutter, hammer and chisel, metal saw, demolition saw, hydraulic cutters, etc.)Cut concrete pipe (using saws, hammer and chisel, etc.)Cut and ream copper tubing and pipe (using metal saws, tubing cutter, etc.)Cut and ream plastic pipe (using saws, tubing (scissor) cutter, etc.)Cut and ream steel pipe (using hand pipe cutter, metal saw, power pipe cutter, etc.)Join cast-iron soil pipe (using lead and oakum, rubber-type seal, no-hub connectors, etc.)Use transition fittings (clay pipe to cast-iron pipe, cast iron to plastic, etc.)Join copper or brass pipe (tubing) to fittings (sweat method, compression, flare, T-drill method, etc.)Join PVC, CPVC plastic pipe using solvent method, fusion method, threaded, grooved, etc.Cut and join ductile iron pipeJoin steel pipe (threaded, welded, grooved, flanged, etc.)Cut and join vent and flue pipe (Class B and C)
+8 more
Perform Plumbing Systems Installation Activities
21 Q · 21%
Interpret plans and install according to specificationsSize and install water supplySize and install drainage systemsSize and install gas pipesAssemble plumbing fittings and fixtures (interpret manufacturer's instructions)Locate/mark holes for plumbing in walls, ceilings or floorsInstall pipe through concrete walls, ceilings, or floorsInstall pipe through wood floorsInstall pipe through metal walls, ceilings or floorsInstall pipe to meet fire code regulationsSecure horizontal and vertical lines of pipe to masonry and concrete, metal, etc., surfacesSecure horizontal and vertical lines of pipe to wood surface
+33 more
Perform System Testing Activities
7 Q · 7%
Pressure test water distribution system (air, water, hydrostatic, etc.)Test sanitary and drainage systems (water, smoke, air, peppermint, etc.)Pressure test gas lines (air)Certify backflow testSterilize potable water systems and obtain certificationTest gauge requirements and pressure increments for system testingWater test vs. air test procedures and applicability by pipe materialRequired test durations and minimum pressure headsInspection sequencing and open trench requirements before concealmentGravity sewer test and forced sewer test procedures
Perform Maintenance and Repair Activities
15 Q · 15%
Locate leaks in gas supply lines (using soapy water, gas detector)Service gas appliances (clean and adjust gas burners, check valves and venting, etc.)Service electric appliances (replace electric water heater element, check controls, relief valves, etc.)Locate, identify and remove obstructions in drain lines and water closetsClean backwater valvesRepair leaking water faucets or valvesRepair tank type and flush valve water closetsLocate leak in drainage/vent systems (peppermint test, Smoke test)Free jammed garbage disposalTest/adjust pressure reducing valvesTest/replace thermocouple and/or pilot lightService backflow preventer
+7 more
Safety-related Issues
15 Q · 15%
Identify and control for hot water heater and pressure vessels (vent system – slope, classification, sizing, routing and termination; testing, relief valves – sizing, pressure rating, routing and termination, etc.)Identify and control for gas piping: testing and supportIdentify and control for backflow preventionIdentify and control for personal safety: poisonous gases, trenching, faulty equipment, etc.Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, use, and employer requirementsFall protection systems: guardrail, safety net, and personal fall arrest systemsLadders and stairways: safe use, inspection, and OSHA requirementsFire protection and prevention: extinguisher types, flammable liquid storage, and fire prevention programsHand and power tool safety: guarding, switches, and proper useWelding and cutting safety: compressed gas cylinder handling and storageConfined space entry: permit-required spaces, atmospheric testing, and rescue proceduresExcavating near underground utilities: tolerance zone, hand digging, and damage reporting (Georgia 811)
Calculate the following during installation and service: offset, volume, area, pressure, depth, circumference, radius, weight, etc.
5 Q · 5%
Pipe offset calculations using 45° constants (diagonal, rise, run relationships)Volume calculations for cylinders, rectangular solids, and spheresWater pressure and head calculations (psi to feet of head conversion)Grade, drop, and percent grade calculations for drainage pipingDecimal and fractional inch conversions and metric unit conversionsPipe capacity and gallons-per-foot calculations using pipe dataArea calculations for circles, rectangles, and irregular shapes
Key Distinctions
Type K Copper TubingvsType DWV Copper Tubing
Type K has the thickest wall and is used for underground/pressure water service, while Type DWV is the lightest weight and is used only for non-pressure drainage, waste, and vent applications.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Pages 42-43 (Unit 9 - Copper Tubing)PVC PipevsCPVC Pipe
PVC loses significant strength above 100°F and is unsuitable for hot water, while CPVC is rated for temperatures of 120°F and higher, with an upper working temperature of 215°F.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Pages 46-47 (Unit 11 - Plastic Pipe)Schedule 40 PVCvsSchedule 80/120 PVC
Schedule 40 PVC is recommended for DWV (drainage, waste, and vent) service, while Schedule 80 and 120 are designed for higher-pressure applications.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Page 47 (Unit 11)Water Test (Drainage System)vsVacuum Test (Drainage System)
A water test requires a 10-foot head of water held for 15 minutes, while a vacuum test requires evacuation to negative 5 psi (or negative 10 inches of mercury) held for 15 minutes without removing additional air.
International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 312.2Air Test (Water Supply)vsWater Test (Water Supply)
An air test requires a minimum of 50 psi held for 15 minutes and may not be used on plastic piping, while a water test must be at least equal to the working pressure of the system with no plastic restriction.
International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 312.6Combustion Air Opening (Horizontal Duct)vsCombustion Air Opening (Vertical Duct / Direct)
Horizontal duct openings require 1 square inch of free area per 2,000 Btu/h, which is twice as restrictive as vertical duct or direct openings at 1 square inch per 4,000 Btu/h.
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 304.6.1Ignition Source Height (Hazardous/Garage Locations)vsAppliance Installation Height (Public Garage)
Ignition sources in garages and hazardous locations must be elevated at least 18 inches above the floor, while entire appliances in public garages must be installed at least 8 feet above the floor.
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 305.4ASSE 1044 (Wastewater Trap Primer)vsASSE 1018 (Water-Supplied Trap Primer)
ASSE 1044 covers trap primer devices supplied from wastewater of an adjacent fixture, while ASSE 1018 covers trap seal primer valves supplied from potable water.
International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 1002.4.1.3Soil StackvsDrain Stack
A soil stack receives the discharge of at least one water closet, while a drain stack receives discharge only from fixtures that are not water closets.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Page 119 (Unit 31)Center-to-Center (c-c) Pipe MeasurementvsEnd-to-End (e-e) Pipe Cut Length
The center-to-center measurement is taken from fitting center to fitting center, while the end-to-end cut length is shorter, calculated by subtracting the total fitting allowance from the c-c dimension.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Pages 39-41Copper Fitting AllowancevsThreaded Fitting Allowance
Copper fitting allowance is calculated as center-to-face measurement minus the depth of the solder cup, while threaded fitting allowance is center-to-face minus the thread-in (engagement) depth.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Page 44Loop VentvsBack Vent
A loop vent continues the vent stack upward past the highest fixture and then connects back to the main house stack, while back-venting is a general term for additional air-supply piping to prevent trap siphonage in fixtures located far from the main stack.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Page 119 (Unit 31)Key Terms
Individual Vent Size Increase (Developed Length > 40 ft) IPC 2021 — Section 906.2
Per IPC 2021 Section 906.2, an individual vent whose developed length exceeds 40 feet must be increased one nominal pipe size for its entire length.
Stack Vent Sizing by DFU and Developed Length IPC 2021 — Table 906.1
Per IPC 2021 Table 906.1, a stack vent is selected by cross-referencing the stack size and fixture unit load against the maximum permitted developed length for each vent diameter.
Wastewater-Supplied Trap Primer Device Standard International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 1002.4.1.3
Per IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.3, a trap primer supplied from fixture wastewater must conform to ASSE 1044, with its discharge connecting to the trap above the seal on the inlet side.
Drainage System Water Test (Sectional Testing) International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 312.2
Per IPC 2024 Section 312.2, when testing a drainage system in sections, each successive test must include not less than the upper 10 feet of the preceding section, held for not less than 15 minutes.
Air Test Minimum Pressure (Water Supply) International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 312.6
Per IPC 2024 Section 312.6, a non-plastic water supply system may be air-tested at a minimum of 50 psi held for not less than 15 minutes, regardless of a lower working pressure.
Emergency Floor Drain Trap Priming (Drinking Fountain Exception) International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 1002.4.1.5
Per IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.5, a drinking fountain drain may prime an emergency floor drain located in the same room or an adjacent room, unlike a lavatory drain which must be in the same room.
Accessible Urinal Rim Height Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation, Appendix D, Figure D-5 (Urinals)
Per ICC A117.1 (referenced in IPC 2024), an accessible wall-hung urinal rim must be mounted no higher than 17 inches above the finished floor.
Accessible Water Closet Seat Height ICC A117.1 Section 604.4
Per ICC A117.1 Section 604.4, an accessible water closet seat must be between 17 inches minimum and 19 inches maximum above the floor, measured to the top of the seat.
Tankless Water Heater Maximum Temperature Section 501.6
IPC Section 501.6 limits water from a tankless water heater intended for domestic use to a maximum of 140°F.
Water Heater Pan Drain Termination Height Section 504.7.2
IPC Section 504.7.2 requires a water heater pan drain terminating at the building exterior to end not less than 6 inches and not more than 24 inches above the adjacent ground surface.
Unfired Hot Water Storage Tank Insulation Section 505.1
IPC Section 505.1 requires unfired hot water storage tanks to be insulated to a minimum of R-12.5 (h·ft²·°F)/Btu to minimize heat loss.
Gas Appliance Height in Public Garage International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 305.4
IFGC 2024 Section 305.4 requires appliances in public garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities, and repair garages to be installed not less than 8 feet above the floor.
Ignition Source Elevation in Hazardous Locations International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 305.3
IFGC 2024 Section 305.3 requires that ignition sources in hazardous locations, public/private garages, and motor fuel-dispensing facilities be elevated not less than 18 inches above the floor.
Low Head Backpressure Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Chapter 4 / IPC 2021, Section 202
Defined in IPC Section 202 as a pressure less than or equal to 4.33 psi, equivalent to the pressure exerted by a 10-foot column of water.
45° Offset Diagonal Constant Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Pages 66-69
For a 45° pipe offset, the diagonal (travel) length equals the offset distance multiplied by the constant 1.414, derived from the Pythagorean theorem.
Invert Elevation Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Page 129 (Unit 34)
For house sewers and drains, elevation is measured to the invert — the inside bottom of the pipe — rather than to the centerline, because it is the lowest solid reference point.
Formulas to Know
Pipe Drop (Drainage Grade)
Drop (inches) = Grade (inches/foot) × Run (feet)Percent Grade to Slope Conversion
Slope (in/ft) = (% grade / 100) × 12 inches; e.g., 1% grade ≈ 1/8 inch per foot45° Offset — Diagonal (Travel)
Diagonal = Offset × 1.41445° Offset — Offset from Diagonal
Offset = Diagonal × 0.707Water Pressure to Head Conversion
Head (feet) = Pressure (psi) × 2.31; equivalently, 1 psi = 2.31 feet of water headHead to Pressure Conversion
Pressure (psi) = Head (feet) × 0.433; e.g., 10 ft of head = 4.33 psiThreaded Pipe End-to-End Cut Length
e-e = c-c − [2 × (Center-to-Face) − 2 × (Thread-in depth)]Material Cost with Waste Contingency
Material Cost = (Take-off Quantity × Waste Factor) × Unit Price; e.g., Waste Factor = 1.05 for 5% contingencyElectric Heating Element Output (Btu/h)
Btu/h = Kilowatts × 3,412Gas Load (cfh from Btu/h)
CFH = Total Btu/h ÷ Heating Value of Gas (Btu/ft³); e.g., Natural gas ≈ 1,000 Btu/ft³