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 the pressure in the water supply pipe near the faucet/outlet while that outlet is wide open and flowing, while static pressure is the no-flow pressure produced by vertical elevation of water (height × 0.433 psi/ft).
IPC 2021 Page 2-4Stack ventvsVent stack
A stack vent is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to that stack, whereas a vent stack is a vertical vent pipe installed primarily to circulate air to and from any part of the drainage system.
IPC 2021 Page 2-7Developed lengthvsStraight-line (direct) distance
Developed length is measured along the centerline of the pipe and fittings (segments added together), so it is longer than the straight-line distance used for layout.
IPC 2021 Page 2-3Cross connection between a private water supply and a potable public supplyvsOther cross connections
A private-to-public potable supply cross connection is prohibited under no condition (Section 608.7.1, no device makes it acceptable), while general cross connections may be permitted when protected by approved backflow prevention under Section 608.7.
IPC 2021 Section 608.7.1Metallic piping in contact with steel framing, concrete, cinder walls/floors or masonryvsMetallic piping in contact with corrosive soil
The framing/concrete/masonry contact prohibition excepts cast iron, ductile iron and galvanized steel (others must be sheathed with plastic at least 0.008 inch thick), but the corrosive-soil prohibition applies to ALL metallic piping with no exception.
IPC 2021 Section 305.1Water supply system testvsDrainage and vent air test
The water supply system is tested with water at not less than the working pressure of the system held at least 15 minutes, while the DWV air test uses a uniform gauge pressure of 5 psi (or a 10-inch mercury column) held not less than 15 minutes.
IPC 2021 Section 312.5Air testing cast-iron DWV pipingvsAir testing plastic piping
Cast-iron DWV systems may be air tested at 5 psi uniform gauge pressure, but plastic piping shall not be tested using air.
IPC 2021 Section 312.3Individual vent minimum size rulevsIndividual vent 40-foot upsizing rule
An individual vent is sized at not less than half the fixture drain size but never smaller than 1-1/4 inch; separately, a vent exceeding 40 feet developed length must be increased one nominal pipe size for its entire length.
IPC 2021 Section 906.2Vent stack connected to the drainage stackvsVent stack connected to the building drain
When the vent stack instead connects to the building drain, the connection must be downstream of the drainage stack and within 10 times the diameter of the drainage stack.
IPC 2021 Section 904.4Tradesman license renewalvsTradesman license reinstatement
Renewal costs $160.00 if completed within 30 days of expiration; if renewal requirements are not met in that 30 days a $210.00 reinstatement fee (which includes the renewal fee) applies, and reinstatement is available only for up to 24 months after expiration.
Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), Page 22 (18 VAC 50-30-120 G)Contractor's responsibility for using an uncredentialed personvsShared/equal responsibility
Under § 54.1-1115.01 the contractor who directly employs or contracts with a person lacking the required Board credential is SOLELY responsible for any monetary penalty or sanction — responsibility is not shared equally.
Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01Pressure loss through equipmentvsPressure loss through piping
In the segmented loss method, equipment such as backflow preventers, check valves, softeners, tankless heaters, filters and strainers imparts 8 to 30 psi and typically greater losses than the piping itself.
IPC 2021 Page E-4 (Section E103.3, Step 2, Lines F, G and H)Key Terms
Flow pressure IPC 2021 Page 2-4
The pressure in the water supply pipe near the faucet or water outlet while that faucet or outlet is wide open and flowing.
Developed length IPC 2021 Page 2-3
The length of a pipeline measured along the centerline of the pipe and fittings.
Backsiphonage IPC 2021 Section 202 Definitions
The backflow of potentially contaminated water into the potable water system caused by the potable system pressure falling below atmospheric pressure of the fixtures, pools, tanks or vats connected to the potable distribution piping.
Cross connection IPC 2021 Section 202 Definitions
Any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems, one containing potable water and the other containing water of unknown or questionable safety or steam, gas or chemical, whereby flow from one system to the other is possible.
Stack vent IPC 2021 Page 2-7
The extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to the stack.
Vent stack IPC 2021 Page 2-7
A vertical vent pipe installed primarily to provide circulation of air to and from any part of the drainage system.
Circuit vent IPC 2021 Page 2-2
A vent that connects to a horizontal drainage branch and vents two traps to not more than eight traps or trapped fixtures connected into a battery.
Branch interval IPC 2021 Definitions (Branch Interval)
A vertical measurement of distance of 8 feet or more in developed length between the connections of horizontal branches to a drainage stack.
Building drain IPC 2021 Definitions (Building Drain)
The lowest piping that collects discharge from all other drainage piping inside the house and extends 30 inches in developed length of pipe beyond the exterior walls, conveying drainage to the building sewer.
Lead-free solder/flux IPC 2021 Section 605.12.3
Solder and flux used to join water supply piping having a chemical composition equal to or less than 0.2-percent lead.
Water-hammer arrestor IPC 2021 Section 604.9
A device conforming to ASSE 1010, required where quick-closing valves are utilized and installed per the manufacturer's instructions.
Cleanout equivalent IPC 2021 Section 708.1.6; 708.1.5 Exception 1
A fixture trap or a fixture with integral trap that is removable without altering concealed piping, which is acceptable in place of a cleanout.
Area drain IPC 2021 Chapter 11
A drain in a paved court or yard that collects surface storm water.
Controlled flow storm drainage system IPC 2021 Section 1110.1
An engineered storm drainage system for which the roof of the structure must be designed for the storage of water.
Class A contractor (Virginia) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100
One who performs or manages construction, removal, repair or improvements when the total value in a single contract or project is $150,000 or more, or all such work within any 12-month period totals $1 million or more.
Reinstatement (tradesman license) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), Page 23 (18 VAC 50-30-130 D)
Restoring a license after the 30-day renewal window by paying the nonrefundable, non-prorated $210.00 reinstatement fee and meeting applicable renewal requirements, available for up to 24 months following expiration.
Formulas to Know
Static pressure from head, and head required for a given pressure
Static pressure (psi) = vertical height of water above the point (ft) × 0.433 psi/ft; Height (ft) = pressure (psi) ÷ 0.433. Ex: 46 ft × 0.433 = 19.9 ≈ 20 psi; 30 ÷ 0.433 = 69.3 ft; 10-ft rise loses 10 × 0.433 = 4.33 psi; combine below-grade + above-grade heights (8 + 2.5 = 10.5 ft × 0.433 = 4.55 psi); tank surface minus outlet elevation (142 − 6 = 136 ft × 0.433 = 58.89 psi).Drain slope percent, total fall, and downstream invert
Slope % = (rise ÷ run) × 100 → (0.25 in ÷ 12 in) × 100 = 2.08%; Fall = run (ft) × slope (in/ft) → 20 ft × 1/4 in/ft = 5 in; Downstream invert = upstream invert − fall in feet → 101.50 − (6 ÷ 12) = 101.00 ft.Water heater recovery in gallons per hour
GPH = (input BTU/hr × efficiency) ÷ (8.33 lb/gal × temperature rise °F). Ex: (40,000 × 0.75) ÷ (8.33 × 70 = 583.1) = 51.4 GPH; (50,000 × 0.78 = 39,000) ÷ (8.33 × 80 = 666.4) = 58.5 GPH.BTU required to heat water and recovery time
BTU = gallons × 8.33 lb/gal × temperature rise (°F). Ex: 30 × 8.33 × 95 = 23,740 BTU; 50 × 8.33 × 90 = 37,485 BTU. Time = BTU required ÷ (input × efficiency) × 60 min. Ex: 33,320 ÷ (38,000 × 0.76 = 28,880) = 1.1538 hr × 60 ≈ 69 min.Gallons of water in a length of pipe
Gallons = π × r² (radius in feet) × length (ft) × 7.48 gal/cu ft. Ex: 2-in ID, r = 1/12 ft: π(1/12)² = 0.0218 sq ft × 100 ft = 2.18 cu ft × 7.48 = 16.3 gal; 1.5-in ID over 200 ft = 2.454 cu ft × 7.48 = 18.4 gal; 1.25-in ID over 150 ft = 1.2783 cu ft × 7.48 = 9.56 gal.Tank capacity (cylindrical and rectangular)
Cylinder: V = π × r² × h (r = half the diameter) → π × 2² × 6 = 75.4 cu ft; gallons = 75.4 × 7.48 ≈ 565 gal; at half height use h/2 → π × 2² × 3 = 37.7 cu ft × 7.48 = 282 gal. Rectangular: V = L × W × D → 6 × 4 × 3.5 = 84 cu ft × 7.48 ≈ 628 gal (closest 626.3).Equivalent length allowance for fittings and valves, and total friction loss
Segmented loss method rule of thumb: equivalent length = developed length × 1.5 (add 50%) → 225 ft × 1.5 = 338 ft. Where a different allowance is given, use it: 120 ft × 1.40 = 168 ft. Friction loss = equivalent length × (psi per 100 ft ÷ 100) → 168 × 4.2/100 = 7.06 psi.Pressure available to overcome pipe friction
Available = static pressure at meter − elevation loss (ft × 0.433) − meter loss − device losses − required residual pressure. Ex: 58 − 6.5 − 5 − 8 = 38.5 psi; 72 − 17.3 − 8 − 6 − 8 = 32.7 psi.Allowable friction loss rate per 100 feet
Rate = (available pressure ÷ total equivalent length) × 100. Ex: (24 ÷ 150) × 100 = 16 psi per 100 ft; (32.7 ÷ 200) × 100 ≈ 16.4 psi per 100 ft.Offset travel and rolling offset
45° offset: travel = set × 1.414 → 22 × 1.414 = 31.1 in. 22½° offset: travel = set × 2.613 → 20 × 2.613 = 52.26 ≈ 52-1/4 in. Rolling offset true offset = √(set² + roll²) → √(12² + 9²) = 15.0 in.