Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Virginia Journeyman Plumber
Virginia · 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
80
Passing score
75%
Exam time
210 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Virginia State Portion 80 questions
Standards of Practice
3 Q · 4%
Prohibited acts and unlicensed contracting violationsGrounds for license denial, suspension, and revocationLicense reinstatement requirements and disciplinary authority during lapsed periodsContractor classification definitions and scope of work thresholdsExemptions from contractor licensing requirementsJourneyman and master tradesman definitions and scope of practicePlumbing work scope and regulated activitiesWritten contract requirements for residential contractors
Standards of Conduct
2 Q · 2%
Prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary actionTypes of disciplinary sanctions available to the boardReporting convictions and disciplinary actions from other jurisdictionsAbandonment of contracted workMisrepresentation and false promises in the practice of the professionAiding or abetting unlicensed contractors and prohibited license transferFailure to obtain required permits and comply with building codesReporting address changes and maintaining accurate board records
Renewal and Reinstatement
2 Q · 2%
License expiration periods for plumber tradesman licenses (three-year cycle)Continuing education requirements for plumbing license renewal (three hours, building code changes)Renewal fees for tradesman licensesReinstatement fees and distinction from renewal feesReinstatement window (up to 24 months after expiration)New application requirement after 24-month reinstatement deadlineEffect of failure to receive renewal notice on renewal obligationBoard authority to deny renewal for disciplinary reasons
Definitions
1 Q · 1%
Drainage system and piping terminology (drain, soil pipe, waste pipe, stack, branch, riser, main)Backflow and cross-connection terminology (backflow, backsiphonage, backpressure, cross connection, air gap, air break)Vent system terminology (vent stack, stack vent, circuit vent, common vent, individual vent, relief vent, yoke vent, air admittance valve)Fixture and fixture-unit definitions (plumbing fixture, fixture drain, fixture branch, drainage fixture unit, bathroom group)Water supply system terminology (potable water, nonpotable water, water service pipe, water distribution pipe, water main, graywater, reclaimed water)Virginia-specific trade and license definitions (journeyman, master, plumber, plumbing work, residential plumber tradesman)Interceptor and appurtenance definitions (interceptor, grease interceptor, grease removal device, plumbing appurtenance, plumbing appliance)Code administration terms (approved, code official, accepted engineering practice, approved agency, third-party certification agency)
Qualification for Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Education and experience combinations required for journeyman plumber licensure (18 VAC 50-30-39 B)Apprenticeship program completion as examination exemption for journeyman licensureOut-of-jurisdiction license reciprocity and substantial equivalency requirementsApplication procedures, fees, and documentation requirements for tradesman licensureMinimum age and character requirements for individual licensureDisclosure of criminal convictions and prior disciplinary actions on applicationsLicense validity period, renewal, and expiration for tradesman licensesNecessity for licensure and scope of work requiring a tradesman license
Revocation of Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Grounds for suspension, revocation, or denial of license/certificate (§ 54.1-1110)Disciplinary actions available to the Board (remedial education, monetary penalties, suspension, revocation)Prohibited acts constituting grounds for disciplinary action (18 VAC 50-30-190)Substantial identity of interest as basis for revocation or denialEffect of revocation on eligibility for future licensureNotification requirements upon revocation (notifying Director, clerks, and building officials)Conviction of felony or qualifying misdemeanor as grounds for disciplinary actionFailure to report license suspension/revocation by another jurisdiction
Drainage Waste and Vents
24 Q · 30%
Drainage fixture unit (DFU) values and fixture unit load calculationsSizing of horizontal branches, stacks, building drains, and building sewersSlope requirements for horizontal drainage pipingCleanout placement, sizing, spacing, and access requirementsVent system types and installation requirements (individual, common, wet, circuit, combination, stack, island, single-stack, air admittance valves)Vent pipe sizing and developed lengthTrap-to-vent distance and fixture drain connection requirementsIndirect waste piping, air gaps, air breaks, and waste receptor requirements
Water Supply Systems
10 Q · 12%
Backflow prevention devices and assemblies (air gaps, vacuum breakers, reduced pressure principle assemblies, double check assemblies)Cross-connection control and protection of potable water supplyWater service pipe materials, standards, and installation requirementsWater distribution pipe materials, joints, and connection methodsPressure requirements, pressure-reducing valves, and water hammer arrestorsWater supply system sizing using fixture units and segmented loss methodWater heater safety devices (T&P relief valves, discharge piping, pans, and vacuum relief valves)Hot water supply system requirements (temperature limits, recirculation, thermal expansion control)
Backflow Prevention
10 Q · 12%
Types of backflow (backsiphonage vs. backpressure) and hazard levels (high vs. low hazard contamination vs. pollution)Backflow preventer device selection per Table 608.1 (air gap, reduced pressure principle assembly, double check assembly, vacuum breakers, dual check valve)Air gap requirements and minimum dimensions per Table 608.16.1Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly installation and relief port discharge requirementsVacuum breaker installation requirements (critical level height, prohibited locations, hose connection protection)Cross-connection control and prohibited connections to potable water systemBackflow preventer location, access, freeze protection, and outdoor enclosure requirementsBackflow prevention requirements for nonpotable water system connections to potable supply (makeup water, reclaimed water, rainwater systems)
Storm Drainage Systems
10 Q · 12%
Rainfall rate determination using 100-year hourly data and geographic mapsStorm drain and vertical conductor sizing calculations (GPM formula and sizing tables)Approved pipe materials and standards for storm sewer, conductors, and subsoil drainsPrimary and secondary (emergency overflow) roof drain requirements and sizingProhibited connections and disposal requirements for storm waterSubsoil drains, building subdrains, sumps, and pumping system requirementsControlled flow roof drain systems and minimum roof drain quantitiesHorizontal gutter and parapet scupper sizing requirements
Plumbing Fixtures
7 Q · 9%
Minimum number of required plumbing fixtures by occupancy typeFixture installation requirements (spacing, clearances, and setting)Fixture materials and quality standardsFaucets and fixture fittings (shower valves, temperature limits, and backflow protection)Accessible plumbing fixtures and facilities (ICC A117.1 requirements)Flushing devices for water closets and urinalsWater heater safety devices and installation requirementsSpecific fixture requirements (bathtubs, showers, lavatories, urinals, water closets, and drains)
General Regulations
5 Q · 6%
Permit requirements, application procedures, and exemptions from permit requirementsRequired inspections: underground, rough-in, and final inspection stagesTesting requirements for drainage, vent, water supply, and sewer systemsProtection of pipes from freezing, physical damage, and corrosive contactPiping support intervals and hanger spacing by material typeProhibited materials in drainage systems and restrictions on industrial waste dischargeRodentproofing requirements for drain inlets, meter boxes, and pipe openingsNonflammable medical gas and nonmedical oxygen piping system standards
Interceptors and Traps
4 Q · 5%
Fixture trap requirements (dimensions, seal depth, prohibited types)Trap seal protection methods and primer devicesGrease interceptor installation, sizing, and required locationsOil separator requirements and design specificationsSand, solids, and specialty interceptors (clothes washer, bottling, slaughterhouse)Venting, access, and maintenance of interceptors and separatorsIndirect waste piping, air gaps, and air breaksWaste receptors and standpipe requirements
Key Distinctions
Flow PressurevsStatic Pressure
Flow pressure is measured in the supply pipe near an outlet while it is wide open and flowing, whereas static pressure is measured when no water is moving (e.g., height of water column × 0.433 psi/ft).
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-4Developed LengthvsStraight-Line Distance
Developed length follows the actual centerline path of pipe and fittings through every bend and turn, while straight-line distance is the direct point-to-point measurement ignoring pipe routing.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-3Class A Contractor (Virginia)vsUnlicensed/Expired Licensee (Virginia)
A Class A contractor is properly licensed to perform projects of $150,000 or more, whereas conducting regulated activity after license expiration may constitute unlicensed activity subject to prosecution.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100Renewal Fee (Virginia Tradesman License)vsReinstatement Fee (Virginia Tradesman License)
The renewal fee is $160.00 paid before or within 30 days of expiration, whereas the reinstatement fee is $210.00 (includes renewal fee) paid after the 30-day grace period has passed.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 22 (18 VAC 50-30-120 G)License Renewal Window (Virginia)vsLicense Reinstatement Window (Virginia)
Renewal (at $160) must occur within 30 days of expiration, while reinstatement (at $210) is available for up to 24 months after the expiration date.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 23Schedule 40 CPVC (threaded)vsSchedule 80 CPVC (threaded)
Only Schedule 80 CPVC meets the minimum wall-thickness requirement for threading; threading also reduces the pipe's pressure rating by 50 percent regardless of schedule.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-7Cross Connection — Private to Public Water SupplyvsCross Connection — General (with backflow preventer)
A cross connection between a private water supply and a potable public supply is prohibited under any condition, whereas general cross connections may be permitted when an approved backflow prevention device is installed.
IPC Section 608.7.1Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer AssemblyvsAir Gap (backflow protection)
Reduced pressure principle assemblies must be tested at installation, after repairs/relocation, and at least annually, whereas air gaps are only subject to annual inspection to confirm they still exist.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 3-5Potable Water Piping (reuse prohibition)vsPreviously Used Nonpotable Piping
Piping that has ever conveyed nonpotable water is permanently prohibited from being reused for potable water; disinfection does not make such reuse permissible.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-14, Section 608.11Water Supply System Pressure TestvsDrainage/Vent Air Test
The water supply test uses the system's working water pressure held for not less than 15 minutes, while the DWV air test uses a uniform gauge pressure of 5 psi (or 10-inch mercury column) held for not less than 15 minutes.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 3-5, Section 312.5Pipe-Applied Vacuum BreakervsSaddle-Type Fitting
A pipe-applied vacuum breaker is a permitted backflow device that must be installed at least 6 inches above the flood level rim of the fixture it serves, whereas saddle-type fittings are expressly prohibited in water supply systems.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-15, Section 608.16.4Individual (Sole) Contractor Responsibility (Virginia)vsShared Responsibility (Virginia) — common misconception
Under Virginia law, a contractor who employs or contracts with an uncredentialed person is solely responsible for the resulting monetary penalty; shared or equal responsibility is not the standard.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01Key Terms
Unlicensed Activity After Expiration (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-130(E)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-130(E), any regulated contracting activity conducted after the license expiration date may constitute unlicensed activity subject to prosecution under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Sole Contractor Responsibility for Uncredentialed Workers (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01
Per Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01, a contractor that employs or contracts with an uncredentialed person for work requiring Board credentials is solely responsible for any resulting monetary penalty or sanction.
Class A Contractor Definition (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100
Per Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100, a Class A contractor performs or manages construction on a single contract or project valued at $150,000 or more, or totaling $1 million or more within any 12-month period.
Continuing Education Requirement — Tradesman License (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 21
Per 18 VAC 50-30-120(C), holders of a Virginia tradesman license with plumbing, electrical, or HVAC designations must complete 3 hours of board-approved continuing education per designation as a condition of renewal.
Tradesman License Validity Period (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 22 (18 VAC 50-30-120 A)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-120(A), Virginia tradesman licenses for plumbers, electricians, gas fitters, HVAC tradesmen, and others expire three years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.
Conviction Reporting Obligation (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-190(11)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-190(11), a Virginia regulant convicted of any felony or a qualifying misdemeanor (theft, fraud, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, physical injury, or profession-related) must notify the Board in writing within 30 days, regardless of jurisdiction.
Change of Address Reporting (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-160
Per 18 VAC 50-30-160, a Virginia Board regulant must report any change of residential or business address in writing to the Board within 30 days of the change.
License Reinstatement Window (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 23 (18 VAC 50-30-130 D)
Per 18 VAC 50-30-130(D), a Virginia tradesman license may be reinstated for up to 24 months following the expiration date by paying the $210 reinstatement fee and meeting applicable renewal requirements.
Flow Pressure International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-4
The pressure in a water supply pipe near an outlet while that outlet is wide open and flowing, as distinguished from static pressure measured with no flow.
Developed Length International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-3
The length of a pipeline measured along the centerline of the pipe and all fittings, following the actual routing of the pipe rather than a straight-line distance.
Water-Hammer Arrestor International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-3, Section 604.9
A device conforming to ASSE 1010 that must be installed wherever quick-closing valves are used in a water distribution system to absorb hydraulic shock.
Lead-Free Solder (for copper water supply) International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-7 (Section 605.12.3)
Per IPC Section 605.12.3, solder used on potable water copper piping must have a chemical composition of 0.2 percent lead or less to be classified as lead-free.
Pipe-Applied Vacuum Breaker Installation Height International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-15, Section 608.16.4
Per IPC Section 608.16.4, a pipe-applied vacuum breaker must be installed not less than 6 inches above the flood level rim of the fixture, receptor, or device it serves.
Hot Water Piping Maximum Developed Length International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-11, Section 607.2
Per IPC Section 607.2, the developed length of hot or tempered water piping from the source to fixtures shall not exceed 50 feet unless a recirculating or heat-traced system is used.
NSF 14 Certification (Plastic Pipe) Section 303.3
Per IPC Section 303.3, all plastic pipe, fittings, and components must be third-party certified as conforming to NSF 14 before installation.
Shower Liner Test Section 312.9
Per IPC Section 312.9, a shower liner is tested by filling the receptor to not less than 2 inches depth at the threshold (using a temporary threshold if needed) and holding for not less than 15 minutes with no leakage.
Formulas to Know
Static Water Pressure from Elevation Head
Pressure (psi) = Height (ft) × 0.433 psi/ftHeight Required for a Given Static Pressure
Height (ft) = Desired Pressure (psi) ÷ 0.433 psi/ftEquivalent Length of Run (Segmented Loss Method — fittings allowance)
Equivalent Length = Developed Length × 1.50 (i.e., add 50% of developed length for fittings/valves)CPVC Threaded Pipe Pressure Rating
Allowable Pressure (threaded CPVC) = Rated Pressure × 0.50 (50% reduction)Vent Developed Length Upsizing Rule
If Vent Developed Length > 40 ft → increase vent one nominal pipe size for its entire lengthMinimum Vent Size (Individual Vent)
Min Vent Diameter = max(½ × Fixture Drain Diameter, 1¼ in)Vent Stack Connection Maximum Distance from Drainage Stack
Max Connection Distance = 10 × Diameter of Drainage Stack