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
ConductorvsLeader
A conductor is the pipe inside the building that conveys storm water from the roof to a storm or combined building drain, while a leader is the exterior drainage pipe carrying storm water from roof or gutter drains to an approved means of disposal.
IPC 2024 Section 202 (Conductor)Type K copper tubingvsType DWV copper tubing
Type K has the thickest wall of the four types (K, L, M, DWV) and is recommended for underground and interior water service, while Type DWV is the lightest weight and is made for nonpressure drainage, waste and vent service.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Pages 42-43 (Unit 9 - Copper Tubing)Standard PVC pipevsCPVC pipe
PVC loses strength as temperature rises (Schedule 40 retains only 62% of rated strength at 100°F) and Schedule 40 PVC is the recommended DWV material, whereas CPVC is for hot water at 120°F and higher with an upper working temperature of 215°F.
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Pages 46-47 (Unit 11 - Plastic Pipe)ASTM F656vsASTM D2564
ASTM F656 covers the primer used on the pipe end and fitting socket for PVC solvent cement joints, while ASTM D2564 covers the PVC solvent cement itself (ASTM D2235 is ABS cement and ASTM D2855 is the two-step joining practice).
IPC 2024 Chapter 15 (ASTM F656), referenced in Section 705.10.2PVC solvent-weld joint (two-step, tapered socket)vsABS solvent-weld joint
PVC uses a primer conforming to ASTM F656 before cementing, whereas ABS uses no primer — cut/deburr, clean, cement both pipe and fitting, insert with a quarter turn to produce a full bead, and wait 3 minutes before handling.
IPC 2024 Chapter 15 (ASTM F656), referenced in Section 705.10.2Air test of drainage and vent system (IPC 312.3)vsAir test of water supply system (IPC 312.6)
The DWV air test is a uniform gauge pressure of 5 psi (or enough to balance a 10-inch mercury column) held not less than 15 minutes, while the water supply air test option is not less than 50 psi held not less than 15 minutes; neither air option is available for plastic piping.
IPC 2024 Section 312.6Air test of DWV rough-in (IPC 312.3)vsVacuum test of DWV rough-in (IPC 312.4)
The air test forces pressure in to a uniform gauge pressure of positive 5 psi / 10-inch mercury balance, while the vacuum test evacuates to a uniform gauge pressure of negative 5 psi or a negative 10-inch mercury column, held 15 minutes without removing additional air.
IPC 2024 Section 312.3Free float timevsTotal float time
Free float is the time an activity can be delayed without impacting the early start of the next activity, while total float is the leeway in starting or completing an activity without delaying the project completion date.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Georgia CILB (5th ed.), Chapter 9 — Float TimeASSE 1044 trap primer devicevsASSE 1018 trap seal primer valve
ASSE 1044 applies to a wastewater-supplied trap primer device (discharge pipe connecting to the trap above the trap seal on the inlet side), while ASSE 1018 covers water-supplied trap seal primer valves.
IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.3Lavatory or hand sink fixture drain used to prime an emergency floor drainvsDrinking fountain fixture drain used to prime an emergency floor drain
A lavatory or hand sink drain may prime an emergency floor drain, trench drain or floor sink only where the fixture is in the same room, while a drinking fountain drain may serve that purpose where it is in the same room or in an adjacent room (a service sink is not a listed fixture).
IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.5Ignition source elevation in garages (IFGC 305.3)vsAppliance installation height in public garages (IFGC 305.4)
Equipment and appliances having an ignition source must have the ignition source not less than 18 inches above the floor in hazardous locations and public, private, repair, parking garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities, while appliances in public garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities, repair garages or areas frequented by motor vehicles must be installed not less than 8 feet above the floor.
IFGC 2024 Section 305.4Outdoor combustion air through horizontal ductsvsOutdoor combustion air through vertical ducts or direct communication
Each horizontal-duct opening needs not less than 1 square inch of free area per 2,000 Btu/h of total input, which is double the area required per Btu/h for vertical ducts or direct communication (1 square inch per 4,000 Btu/h).
IFGC 2024 Section 304.6.1Key Terms
Conductor IPC 2024 Section 202 (Conductor)
A pipe inside the building that conveys storm water from the roof to a storm or combined building drain.
Cleanout IPC 2024 Section 202 (Cleanout)
An access opening in the drainage system used for the removal of obstructions; types include a removable plug or cap and a removable fixture or fixture trap.
Low head backpressure Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Chapter 4 / IPC 2021, Section 202
A pressure less than or equal to 4.33 psi (29.88 kPa), the pressure exerted by a 10-foot column of water.
Tolerance zone (Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act) NASCLA Contractors Guide, Georgia CILB (5th ed.), Appendix G, O.C.G.A. § 25-9-3
The width of the utility facility or sewer lateral plus 24 inches on either side of the outside edge of the facility measured on a horizontal plane, within which reasonable care such as hand digging or vacuum excavation is required.
Invert Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Page 129 (Unit 34)
The inside bottom of the pipe, which is the reference point to which house sewer and house drain elevations are measured (most other pipe is measured to centerline).
Free float time NASCLA Contractors Guide, Georgia CILB (5th ed.), Chapter 9 — Float Time
The amount of time an activity can be delayed without impacting the early start of the next activity in the chain.
Type K copper tubing Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Pages 42-43 (Unit 9 - Copper Tubing)
The thickest-wall of the four copper types, recommended for underground and interior water service and available in hard or soft temper (soft in coils up to 100 feet in smaller sizes).
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Pages 46-47 (Unit 11 - Plastic Pipe)
Plastic pipe intended for hot water service at temperatures of 120°F and higher, with an upper working temperature of 215°F — about 60 degrees above other rigid vinyl materials.
Loop venting Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Page 119 (Unit 31)
A venting method for traps installed long distances from the vent stack in which the vent stack is continued upward until higher than the highest fixture and then connected back into the main house stack to supply air and prevent trap siphonage.
Water heater pan IPC 2021 Section 504.7.1; IPC 2024 Section 504.7.1
A pan not less than 1½ inches deep drained by an indirect waste pipe not less than ¾ inch; where it extends to the exterior it terminates not less than 6 inches and not more than 24 inches above adjacent ground, and a pan drain is not required for a replacement heater where one was not previously installed.
Tankless water heater temperature limit IPC 2021 Section 501.6; IPC 2024 Section 501.6
Water temperature from tankless water heaters shall not be greater than 140°F where intended for domestic uses.
Temperature-actuated mixing valve (ASSE 1017) IPC 2021 Section 501.2; IPC 2024 Section 501.2
A valve required where a combination potable water heating and space heating system supplies water above 140°F, limiting supply to the potable hot water distribution system to 140°F or less.
Level working space at appliance IPC 2021 Section 502.5; IPC 2024 Section 502.5
A space not less than 30 inches in length and 30 inches in width in front of the control side of an appliance for inspection, service, repair and replacement.
Z87.1 Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation (4th ed.), Chapter 2 — Eye Protection section (Page 39)
The minimum impact-resistance standard for OSHA-approved protective eyewear lenses, marked on the frame (hence 'Z-87s').
Accessible water closet seat height ICC A117.1 Section 604.4
Under ICC A117.1, 17 inches minimum to 19 inches maximum above the floor measured to the top of the seat.
Individual vent developed-length increase (IPC 906.2) IPC 2021 Section 906.2
A vent exceeding 40 feet in developed length must be increased one nominal pipe size for its entire length.
Formulas to Know
End-to-end cut length of threaded pipe
e-e = c-c − total fitting allowance, where total fitting allowance = 2(A center-to-face) − 2(B thread-in); e.g., 18" − [2(1⅛") − 2(½")] = 16¾"; 48" − [2(1½") − 2(½")] = 46"Fitting allowance and cut length for copper and PVC (solvent) fittings
Allowance per fitting = center-to-face − depth of solder cup (no thread-in step); e-e = c-c − sum of the two allowances; e.g., 10" − (⁹⁄₁₆" + ⁵⁄₁₆") = 9⅛"45° offset relationships
Diagonal (travel) = 1.414 × offset; offset = 0.707 × diagonal; run = offset and rise = offset; e.g., 1.414 × 9" ≈ 12¾"; 0.707 × 14" ≈ 9⅞"60° offset relationships
Diagonal = offset × cosecant 60° (1.1547); run = offset × cotangent 60° (0.5774)True offset of a 45° rolling offset
True offset = √(offset² + rise²); e.g., √(12² + 10.5²) = √254.25 ≈ 15.95", then apply the fitting-angle constantDrop (fall) of horizontal drainage and elevations
Drop = grade × run: ¼"/ft × 18 ft = 4½"; ¹⁄₃₂"/ft × 35 ft ≈ 1⅛"; 2% slope = 0.24 in/ft so 60 ft × 0.24 = 14.4"; 85 ft × 0.25 in/ft = 21.25" = 1.77 ft, so 103.00 − 1.77 = 101.23 ft. 1% grade ≈ ⅛ in/ft ≈ 0.01 ft per foot, so upstream elevation = low elevation + 0.01 × distance (91.55 + 0.25 = 91.80 ft). Drainage tee wyes and 90° ells are tapped with a built-in ¼ in/ft grade.Water head and pressure conversions
Each foot of water head = 0.434 psi (62.5 lb ÷ 144 sq in); psi × 2.304 = feet of head; height needed = psi ÷ 0.433 (35 psi ÷ 0.433 = 80.8 ft)Volumes and tank capacity
Rectangular prism V = L × W × H (30 × 36 × 4.5 = 4,860 cu ft); cylinder V = πr²h (3.14 × 7 × 7 × 20 = 3,077.20 cu in); 1 cu ft = 1,728 cu in; gallons = cu ft × 7.48 (12.5664 cu ft × 7.48 ≈ 94 gal)Lead required for cast-iron hub joints
Allow 12 ounces of lead per inch of pipe size per joint; divide total ounces by 16 for pounds; e.g., 2" pipe × 12 oz = 24 oz/joint × 6 joints = 144 oz ÷ 16 = 9 lbGas piping demand and heat-input conversions
Volumetric flow rate = sum of the maximum input of the appliances served (all operating at full capacity); cfh = total Btu/h ÷ 1,000 Btu per cubic foot (240,000 ÷ 1,000 = 240 cfh). Electric element heat input: kW × 3,412 Btu = Btu/h (4.5 kW × 3,412 = 15,354 Btu/h)