Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference

Georgia Master Plumber Class I (Restricted) 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
120
Passing score
70%
Exam time
420 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Closed-book

Georgia State Portion 120 questions

Comply with General Laws 5 Q · 4%
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 · 12%
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 8 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 4 Q · 3%
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 16 Q · 13%
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 5 Q · 4%
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 11 Q · 9%
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 11 Q · 9%
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 · 4%
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
Comply with Business Laws 15 Q · 12%
Workers' compensationUnemployment insuranceEmployer's tax guide (circular E)State sales and use taxBusiness licenseCompletion of I-9 formLien rightsFair Labor Standards Act minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirementsEmployee vs. independent contractor classification under IRS guidelinesGeorgia Prompt Pay Act payment timing and withholding rightsBusiness entity structure selection and registration requirementsNew hire reporting requirements under Georgia law +1 more
Comply with Administrative Requirements 15 Q · 12%
Bonding and liquidated damagesInsurance: liability, property damage, auto, etc.Financing and cash flowBookkeeping and accountingJob cost estimating and bidding proceduresContracts and purchase ordersScheduling and project managementAccident or incident reportsPerformance, payment and bid bonds; surety prequalification and underwritingProgress payments, retainage and change orders under construction contractsCash flow projections, working capital and job cost recordsOverhead allocation, markup and profit in bid preparation
Plumbing System Design 10 Q · 8%
Select sump reservoirSelect water heaters (size and capacity)Select boilers (size and capacity)Select specialty fixtures: hospital, medical, restaurant, prison, etc.Select industrial piping and fixturesSelect specialty piping: medical, gas, air, vacuum, etc.Select sewage ejection systemsSelect valves: backflow, T and P, pressure relief, check, vacuum relief, backwater, pressure-reducing, etc., according to manufacturer's specificationsSelect specialty traps and interceptors (grease, sand, oil, etc.)Select shower and safety pansSelect fixtures according to ADA, ANSI regulationsSelect specialty waste systems (continuous, indirect, and safe waste systems, open site drains, trailer site waste systems, etc.) +4 more

Key Distinctions

AddendavsModifications

Addenda are changes made to a construction contract before the contract award, while modifications are changes made after the contract is signed and executed.

NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Making Changes to the Contract section
ArbitrationvsMediation

Arbitration results in a legally binding decision by a third-party arbitrator, whereas in mediation the mediator only facilitates discussion and the parties themselves set the terms.

NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Arbitration section
All-Risk Builders' Risk InsurancevsNamed Peril Builders' Risk Insurance

All-risk coverage covers direct loss from any peril not specifically excluded, while named peril policies specify only the covered perils such as fire and lightning.

NASCLA Contractors Guide, Managing Risk chapter — Insurance section
Type K Copper TubingvsType DWV Copper Tubing

Type K has the thickest wall and is recommended for underground water service under pressure, while Type DWV is the lightest weight and is designed solely for nonpressure drainage, waste, and vent applications.

Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Pages 42-43 (Unit 9 - Copper Tubing)
PVC PipevsCPVC Pipe

Standard PVC loses strength at elevated temperatures and is unsuitable for hot water, while CPVC is specifically designed for hot water applications at 120°F and higher with an upper working temperature of 215°F.

Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Pages 46-47 (Unit 11 - Plastic Pipe)
ASTM F656 (PVC Primer)vsASTM D2564 (PVC Solvent Cement)

ASTM F656 specifies the primer applied to pipe and fitting before joining PVC, while ASTM D2564 covers the solvent cement itself used for PVC piping system joints.

International Plumbing Code 2024, Chapter 15 (ASTM F656), referenced in Section 705.10.2
Danger SignsvsCaution Signs

Danger signs are used only where an immediate hazard exists and have a red upper panel with black borders and white lower panel, while caution signs are used to warn against potential hazards or unsafe practices.

OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.200(b)(1)
Project OverheadvsCompany Overhead

Project overhead includes costs directly tied to a specific project such as bond premiums, temporary utilities, and portable toilets, while company overhead covers general business costs such as office rent, legal fees, and accounting fees.

NASCLA GA CILB 5th Ed., Chapter 7 - Bidding and Estimating (Add Project Overhead / Add Company Overhead)
Billings in Excess of EarningsvsEarnings in Excess of Billings

Under the percentage-of-completion method, billings in excess of cumulative earnings are reported as a current liability, while billings less than cumulative earnings are reported as a current asset.

NASCLA GA CILB 5th Ed., Chapter 14 - Financial Management (Percentage of Completion Method)
Low-Pressure Gas Sizing Equation (Eq. 4-1)vsHigh-Pressure Gas Sizing Equation (Eq. 4-2)

Equation 4-1 is used for gas pressures less than 1½ psi, while Equation 4-2 is used for pressures of 1½ psi and above.

International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 402.4
Combustion Air Opening — Vertical Duct/DirectvsCombustion Air Opening — Horizontal Duct

Outdoor combustion air openings communicating via horizontal ducts require 1 sq in per 2,000 Btu/h, which is twice the requirement for vertical ducts or direct communication at 1 sq in per 4,000 Btu/h.

International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 304.6.1
Surety BondvsBank Letter of Credit

A performance bond typically covers 100% of the contract amount and guarantees performance, while a bank letter of credit is a cash guarantee covering only a customary 5–10% of the contract amount and does not guarantee performance.

NASCLA GA CILB 5th Ed., Chapter 4 - Managing Risk (Bank Letter of Credit)

Key Terms

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefit NASCLA Georgia, Appendix I: Georgia Workers' Compensation Law, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-262
Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-262, TPD pays two-thirds of the difference between the employee's pre-injury average weekly wage and the wage they are able to earn after returning to light duty.
Mechanics' Lien Equal Rank Rule NASCLA Georgia, Appendix J: Georgia Contractor and Material Supplier Lien Law, O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.1(b)
Under O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.1(b), all liens for repairs, construction, or materials on the same property filed within 90 days after the work is done are treated as the same date relative to each other and share equal rank.
Resident Subcontractor Sales Tax Escrow Withholding NASCLA Georgia, Chapter 15: Tax Basics — Sales and Use Tax
Per NASCLA Georgia Chapter 15, on a subcontract of $250,000 or more, a Georgia resident subcontractor may request the prime contractor to withhold and hold in escrow 2–4% of all payments in lieu of posting a surety bond for sales and use tax purposes.
IPC Air Test — Water Distribution System International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 312.6
Per IPC 2024 Section 312.6, non-plastic water supply piping may be tested by air at not less than 50 psi held for not less than 15 minutes as an alternative to a water pressure test.
Accessible Urinal Rim Height Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation, Appendix D, Figure D-5 (Urinals)
Per IPC 2024 Section referenced in Appendix D Figure D-5, an accessible wall-hung urinal must be mounted with its rim no higher than 17 inches above the finished floor.
Grinder Ejector Discharge Opening International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 712.4.2
Per IPC 2024 Section 712.4.2 Exception 1, a grinder pump or ejector receiving water closet discharge is exempt from the 2-inch solids-passing requirement and need only have a discharge opening of not less than 1¼ inches.
Wastewater-Supplied Trap Primer Standard International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 1002.4.1.3
Per IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.3, a trap primer device supplied from the wastewater of an adjacent fixture must conform to ASSE 1044.
Emergency Floor Drain Trap Primer — Drinking Fountain Exception International Plumbing Code 2024, Section 1002.4.1.5
Per IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.5, a drinking fountain fixture drain may protect an emergency floor drain trap seal even when the drinking fountain is in an adjacent room rather than the same room.
Manifold-Mounted Appliance Shutoff Valve Distance International Fuel Gas Code 2024, Section 409.5.3
Per IFGC 2024 Section 409.5.3, where an appliance shutoff valve is installed at a manifold rather than within 6 feet of the appliance, the manifold must be located within 50 feet of the appliance served.
Competent Person (OSHA) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
Per 29 CFR 1926.32(f), a competent person is one capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them — no specific degree or certificate is required.
Fitting Allowance — Copper Solder Fittings Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Page 44
The fitting allowance for a copper fitting is the center-to-face measurement minus the depth of the solder cup.
kW-to-Btu Conversion for Electric Water Heaters Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation, Chapter 13: Water Heater Devices (Heating Element)
Electric water heater output is converted from kilowatts to Btu/h by multiplying kW × 3,412; for example, a 4.5 kW element produces approximately 15,354 Btu/h.
ABS Solvent-Weld Joint Handling Time Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation, Chapter 16 (ABS Piping)
After inserting ABS pipe with a quarter turn and producing a full cement bead, the joint must be left undisturbed for 3 minutes before handling; ABS does not require a primer.
Medicare Tax vs. Social Security Tax Wage Base Circular E (Pub. 15), Tax rates and the social security wage base limit
Per Circular E (Pub. 15), social security tax applies only up to an annual wage base limit, while Medicare tax applies to all covered wages with no wage base ceiling.
Ignition Source Elevation — Private/Public Garages International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2024, Section 305.3
Per IFGC 2024 Section 305.3, appliance ignition sources in private garages, public garages, and similar hazardous locations must be elevated not less than 18 inches above the floor; per Section 305.4, the entire appliance in a public garage must be installed not less than 8 feet above the floor.

Formulas to Know

Pipe Drop (Drainage Grade)Drop (inches) = Grade (inches/foot) × Run (feet)
Percent Grade to inches-per-foot ConversionGrade (in/ft) = (% grade / 100) × 12 [e.g., 1% ≈ 0.12 in/ft ≈ ⅛ in/ft]
Pipe Offset — 45° Diagonal (Travel)Diagonal = Offset × 1.414 (constant for 45° offsets)
Pipe Offset — 45° RunRun = Offset × 1.000 (run equals offset for a true 45° bend)
Water Pressure to Head ConversionHead (feet) = Pressure (psi) × 2.31 [or: psi = Head (ft) ÷ 2.31]
Volume of a CylinderV = π × r² × h (r = radius, h = height; use 0.7854 × d² × h for diameter form)
Volume of a Rectangular SolidV = Length × Width × Height
Area of a CircleA = π × r² = 0.7854 × d²
Material Cost with Waste ContingencyMaterial Cost = (Take-off Quantity × Waste Factor) × Unit Price [e.g., Waste Factor = 1.05 for 5% waste]
Percentage-of-Completion EarningsCumulative Earnings = (Costs Incurred ÷ Total Estimated Costs) × Contract Price; Over/Under Billing = Cumulative Earnings − Amount Billed
Gas Load (cfh) from Btu/hFlow Rate (cfh) = Total Appliance Input (Btu/h) ÷ Heating Value of Gas (Btu/cf) [Natural gas standard: 1,000 Btu/cf]
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