Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Georgia Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted) 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
140
Passing score
70%
Exam time
420 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Closed-book
Georgia State Portion 140 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 · 11%
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 · 5%
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 · 7%
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 · 15%
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 · 5%
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 · 11%
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 · 11%
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 · 11%
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 · 11%
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 · 7%
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 contract changes made before the contract award, while modifications are changes made after the contract is signed and executed.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Chapter 7 - Contract ManagementArbitrationvsMediation
In arbitration a third-party arbitrator acts as a judge and renders an award that legally binds all parties, while in mediation the neutral mediator only facilitates dialogue and the parties themselves set the terms of any agreement.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Alternative Dispute Resolution sectionMediationvsCollaborative law
Mediation uses an independent third-party mediator to facilitate the parties' own agreement, while collaborative law has no neutral mediator or arbitrator — the parties negotiate a mutually beneficial result through their own advocates, usually lawyers.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Alternative Dispute Resolution sectionAll-risk builders' risk insurancevsNamed peril builders' risk insurance
All-risk covers direct loss by any peril not specifically excluded (almost all risks), while named peril is narrower and covers only the perils listed, such as fire and lightning.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Managing Risk chapter — Insurance sectionProject overheadvsCompany overhead
Project overhead is indirect cost necessary for a specific project (bonds, temporary storage/office, security, utilities, dumpsters, portable toilets, small tools and pickup trucks), while company overhead is the general cost of doing business not linkable to a project (office rent, legal and accounting fees).
NASCLA GA CILB 5th Ed., Chapter 7 - Bidding and Estimating (Add Project Overhead / Add Company Overhead)Danger signsvsCaution signs
Per OSHA 1926.200, danger signs are used only where an immediate hazard exists (red upper panel, black border outline, white lower panel for wording), while caution signs warn against potential hazards or unsafe practices.
OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.200(b)(1)ConductorvsLeader
IPC 202 defines a conductor as a pipe inside the building conveying storm water from the roof to a storm or combined building drain, while a leader is the exterior pipe carrying storm water from roof or gutter drains to an approved means of disposal.
IPC 2024 Section 202 (Conductor)DWV air testvsDWV vacuum test
IPC 312.3 air test forces the system to a uniform 5 psi (or pressure balancing a 10-inch mercury column) held not less than 15 minutes, while the IPC 312.4 vacuum test evacuates to negative 5 psi (negative 10-inch mercury) held 15 minutes without adding air; §312.3 prohibits air testing of plastic piping, which is why cast iron may be tested that way.
IPC 2024 Section 312.3PVC solvent-cement jointvsABS solvent-weld joint
PVC two-step joints require a primer conforming to ASTM F656 plus solvent cement (ASTM D2564), while ABS uses no primer — cement both surfaces, insert with a quarter turn, then wait 3 minutes before handling.
IPC 2024 Chapter 15 (ASTM F656), referenced in Section 705.10.2Water-supplied trap seal primer valve (ASSE 1018)vsWastewater-supplied trap primer device (ASSE 1044)
Potable-water-supplied trap seal primer valves conform to ASSE 1018, while a device primed from the wastewater of an adjacent fixture must conform to ASSE 1044 and discharge into the trap above the trap seal on the inlet side.
IPC 2024 Section 1002.4.1.3Sewage pump/ejector receiving water closet dischargevsGrinder pump/grinder ejector (IPC 712.4.2 Exception 1)
General sewage pumps and ejectors receiving water closet discharge must pass 2-inch spherical solids, while grinder units qualify for the exception with a discharge opening not less than 1 1/4 inches (macerating toilet assemblies serving a single water closet: 3/4 inch minimum).
IPC 2024 Section 712.4.2Bank letter of creditvsPerformance bond / surety premium
A letter of credit is a cash guarantee convertible to payment (not a guarantee of performance) customarily issued for 5 to 10 percent of the contract amount, while a performance bond is usually written for 100 percent of the contract and surety premiums typically run one-half to two percent.
NASCLA GA CILB 5th Ed., Chapter 4 - Managing Risk (Bank Letter of Credit)Billings in excess of cumulative earningsvsBillings less than cumulative earnings
Under the percentage of completion method, billings that exceed 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)Bar chart / calendar schedulingvsCritical path method
Bar chart and calendar schedules need only task sequence and activity duration and do not show interdependencies or the impact of a delay on other tasks, whereas identifying the critical path and simultaneous events is an added requirement of CPM.
NASCLA Contractors Guide, Scheduling and Project Management chapter — Bar Chart Scheduling sectionKey Terms
Competent person (OSHA 1926.32(f)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.32(f), Page 31
One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them (no specific degree, experience or certificate required).
Backpressure, low head (IPC 202) IPC 2024 Section 202 (definition of Backpressure, Low Head)
A pressure less than or equal to 4.33 psi (29.88 kPa), the pressure exerted by a 10-foot column of water, above which devices rated only for low head backpressure may not be selected.
Conductor (IPC 202) IPC 2024 Section 202 (Conductor)
A pipe inside the building that conveys storm water from the roof to a storm or combined building drain.
Vent stack (IPC 202) IPC 2021 Section 202
A separate vertical vent pipe installed to circulate air through the drainage system, connecting near the base of the soil stack and rejoining the stack vent above the highest fixture.
Invert Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters (8th ed.), Page 129 (Unit 34)
The inside bottom of a pipe, which is the reference point to which elevations of house sewers and house drains are measured (most other pipes are measured to centerline).
Tolerance zone (O.C.G.A. § 25-9-3) NASCLA Contractors Guide, Georgia CILB (5th ed.), Appendix G, O.C.G.A. § 25-9-3
On a horizontal plane, the width of the utility facility or sewer lateral plus 24 inches on either side of its outside edge, within which reasonable care such as hand digging or vacuum excavation is required.
Prima-facie evidence of unlicensed utility contracting (O.C.G.A. § 43-14-12.2) NASCLA Contractors Guide, Georgia CILB (5th ed.), Appendix E — O.C.G.A. § 43-14-12.2
Advertising by an unlicensed person in a manner leading the general public to believe he is a licensed utility contractor, which proves a chapter violation without an investigator observing any work in progress or completed.
Workweek (FLSA) NASCLA Contractors Guide, Employee Management chapter — Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) section
A period of 168 hours during seven consecutive 24-hour periods.
Temporary partial disability (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-262) NASCLA Georgia, Appendix I: Georgia Workers' Compensation Law, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-262
A weekly benefit of two-thirds of the difference between the pre-injury average weekly wage and what the employee is able to earn after the injury, subject to the statutory weekly maximum.
Lien ranking (O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.1(b)) NASCLA Georgia, Appendix J: Georgia Contractor and Material Supplier Lien Law, O.C.G.A. § 44-14-361.1(b)
Liens rank by date filed, but all liens for repairs, building, or furnishing materials or services on the same property that are declared and filed within 90 days after the work is done are treated as of the same date and rank equally with each other.
Georgia sales/use tax retainage option (subcontract $250,000 or more) NASCLA Georgia, Chapter 15: Tax Basics — Sales and Use Tax
A resident subcontractor may either post a surety bond (ST-C Forms 214-2 and 214-3) or request the prime contractor to withhold 2 to 4 percent of all payments in escrow, released on completion by filing Form ST-C 214-9-RR.
Equipment floater policy NASCLA GA CILB 5th Ed., Chapter 4 - Managing Risk (Equipment Floater Policy)
Inland marine coverage for direct physical loss to mobile equipment stored on premises, in transit, or at temporary locations and jobsites, with an endorsement available for rented or leased equipment; normal wear and tear is not covered.
Liquidated damages NASCLA Contractors Guide, Contract Management chapter — Breach of Contract section
A contract-specified per-day assessment for unexcused late completion; an owner who sues for liquidated damages cannot also sue for actual damages.
Form 1099-NEC NASCLA Contractors Guide, Chapter 14 – Information Returns 1099-MISC
The IRS information return required beginning with tax year 2020 to report payments of $600 or more to independent contractors (formerly reported on Form 1099-MISC).
Form SS-8 Circular E (Pub. 15), Section 2: Who Are Employees? — IRS help
The form filed to obtain an official IRS determination of whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor.
Social security wage base limit (Circular E) Circular E (Pub. 15), Tax rates and the social security wage base limit
The annual wage ceiling above which social security tax no longer applies; Medicare tax has no wage base limit and applies to all covered wages, and both taxes are paid in equal shares by employer and employee.
Continuous noise (29 CFR 1926.52(c)) 29 CFR 1926, §1926.52(c)
Fluctuating noise whose maxima occur at intervals of 1 second or less is treated as continuous; longer intervals are evaluated as separate exposure periods (8-hour permissible exposure is 90 dBA).
Formulas to Know
End-to-end cut length for threaded pipe
e-e = c-c − [2(A) − 2(B)], where A = center-to-face and B = thread-in per fitting; e.g., two 1-in. 90° ells with A = 1 1/2", B = 1/2" give allowance 3" − 1" = 2", so 48" c-c → 46" e-eFitting allowance and cut length for solvent/solder fittings (copper, PVC)
Allowance per fitting = center-to-face − depth of solder cup (socket); e-e = c-c − sum of the fitting allowances; e.g., 10" c-c with 9/16" + 5/16" = 7/8" total → 9 1/8" e-eSimple offset constants (offset = set)
45°: travel/diagonal = offset × 1.414, run = offset × 1.000 (run and rise equal the offset; offset = diagonal × 0.707). 22 1/2°: travel = set × 2.613. 60°: diagonal = offset × 1.1547 (csc 60°), run = offset × 0.5774 (cot 60°)True offset of a rolling offset
True offset = √(offset² + rise²); e.g., √(12² + 10.5²) = √254.25 ≈ 15.95 in., then apply the fitting-angle constantDrop and upstream elevation of graded horizontal drain
Drop = grade × run (1/4 in./ft × 18 ft = 4 1/2 in.; 1/32 in./ft × 35 ft = 35/32 ≈ 1 1/8 in.); with 1/8 in./ft ≈ 0.01 ft/ft, elevation upstream = low-end elevation + 0.01 × distance (91.55 + 0.25 = 91.80 ft)Water column pressure and head conversions
psi = 0.434 × H (feet of head); feet of head = psi × 2.304; e.g., 42 ft of water = 0.434 × 42 = 18.23 psiVolume measures
Rectangular prism: V = L × W × H (30 × 36 × 4.5 = 4,860 cu ft); 1 cu ft = 1,728 cu in. (12×12×12); cylinder in gallons: V = 0.0408 d²h with d in inches and h in feetElectric water heater input and recovery
Btu/h = kW × 3,412 (4.5 kW → 15,354 Btu/h; 15 kW → 51,180 Btu); Recovery GPH = (input Btu/h × efficiency) ÷ (8.33 lb/gal × temp rise °F), e.g., 40,000 × 0.75 = 30,000 ÷ (8.33 × 70 = 583.1) = 51.4 GPHLead required for cast iron hub joints
Allow 12 oz of lead per inch of pipe size per joint, then ÷ 16 oz for pounds; e.g., six 2-in. joints = 12 × 2 × 6 = 144 oz = 9 lbBid price, material cost with waste, and labor cost
Bid price = direct costs ÷ (1 − total overhead %), overhead being a percentage of revenue ($180,000 ÷ 0.80 = $225,000; $100,000 ÷ 0.80 = $125,000); Material cost = unit price × (take-off quantity × waste factor) (480 × 1.05 × $6.40 = $3,225.60); Labor cost per task = required labor hours × labor rate