Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Virginia Master 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 penaltiesGrounds for license denial, suspension, and revocationLicense reinstatement requirements and disciplinary authority during lapsed periodsContractor classification definitions and contract value thresholdsExemptions from contractor licensing requirementsWritten contract requirements for residential contractorsPlumbing work scope of practice and tradesman definitionsMaster vs. journeyman tradesman distinctions and qualifications
Standards of Conduct
2 Q · 2%
Prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary actionTypes of disciplinary penalties available to the boardReporting convictions and license actions from other jurisdictionsAbandonment of contracted workMisrepresentation and false promises in the practice of the professionAiding or abetting unlicensed contractors and prohibited license-sharingFailure to obtain permits or required inspectionsPracticing outside licensed classification or specialty
Renewal and Reinstatement
2 Q · 2%
License expiration periods for plumber and tradesman licenses (three-year cycle)Continuing education requirements for plumbing license renewal or reinstatementRenewal fees for tradesman and plumbing licensesReinstatement fees and the 30-day grace period triggerMaximum reinstatement window (24 months) and new application requirements after expirationRole of fee receipt date in determining renewal versus reinstatement eligibilityBoard's authority to deny renewal for disciplinary or non-payment reasons
Definitions
1 Q · 1%
IPC plumbing system component definitions (fixtures, appliances, appurtenances)Drainage system terminology (building drain, building sewer, soil pipe, waste pipe, stack)Backflow and cross-connection terminology (backflow, backsiphonage, backpressure, cross connection, air gap, air break)Vent system terminology (vent stack, stack vent, branch vent, circuit vent, relief vent, individual vent)Water supply system terminology (potable water, nonpotable water, water service pipe, water distribution pipe, riser)Virginia-defined tradesman classifications (master, journeyman, plumber, residential plumber tradesman)Virginia definition of plumbing work and scope of regulated activitiesCode interpretation rules for undefined or cross-referenced terms
Qualification for Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Experience and education requirements for master plumber licensure (education/experience equivalency tables)Qualifications pathway from journeyman or residential plumber tradesman license to master licenseApplication procedures and documentation requirements for tradesman licensureVerification of experience and education (acceptable references and credentials)Examination requirements and exemptions for tradesman licensureOut-of-jurisdiction license reciprocity and substantial equivalency standardsMinimum age and character disclosure requirements (felony/misdemeanor reporting)License fees, application timelines, and nonrefundable fee rules
Revocation of Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of a contractor or tradesman licenseBoard authority to impose remedial education, monetary penalties, and license suspension as disciplinary alternativesProhibited acts constituting grounds for disciplinary action (fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, misconduct, abandonment)Effect of revocation on eligibility for re-licensure under any name or circumstanceSubstantial identity of interest as basis for denying or revoking a licenseNotification requirements after revocation (Board notice to Director, clerks, and building officials)Reporting obligations of regulants following out-of-state license suspension, revocation, or criminal convictionFiling and investigation of complaints and conduct of disciplinary proceedings under the Administrative Process Act
Drainage Waste and Vents
24 Q · 30%
Drainage fixture unit (DFU) values and fixture load calculationsSizing of horizontal drainage piping, building drains, and building sewersSlope requirements for horizontal drainage pipingVent pipe sizing and developed length limitsTypes of venting methods (individual, common, wet, circuit, combination waste and vent, air admittance valves)Cleanout requirements, placement, spacing, and accessPipe materials and approved joint methods for drainage and vent systemsIndirect waste requirements and air gap/air break distinctions
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 potable water protectionWater service pipe sizing, materials, and separation requirementsPipe and fitting materials, joint methods, and connection standards for water distributionWater piping system sizing methods (fixture units, pressure calculations, segmented loss method)Hot water supply system requirements, temperature limits, and recirculation systemsWater pressure regulation, booster systems, and water hammer controlWater heater safety devices (T&P relief valves, discharge piping, pans, vacuum relief)
Backflow Prevention
10 Q · 12%
Types of backflow and cross-connection hazard levels (high hazard vs. low hazard, backpressure vs. backsiphonage)Backflow preventer device and assembly selection per Table 608.1 (air gap, reduced pressure principle, double check, vacuum breaker, dual check)Air gap requirements and minimum distances per Table 608.16.1Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly installation requirements (ASSE 1013, relief port discharge)Pressure vacuum breaker and atmospheric vacuum breaker installation requirements (critical level heights, ASSE 1020, ASSE 1001)Specific application requirements for backflow protection (boilers, sprinkler systems, irrigation, chemical dispensers, carbonated beverage dispensers, hose connections)Backflow protection requirements where potable water connects to nonpotable water systems (reclaimed water, rainwater, on-site reuse)Identification and marking of nonpotable water piping systems (color coding, signage, labeling intervals)
Storm Drainage Systems
10 Q · 12%
Rainfall intensity determination using 100-year hourly rainfall rates and geographic dataStorm drain pipe sizing using flow rate tables and slope calculationsRoof drain sizing, flow rates, and head of water calculationsSecondary (emergency) roof drains and scupper requirementsApproved materials and standards for storm drain conductors, building storm sewers, and subsoil drain pipeSubsoil drains and sump pumping systemsProhibited connections and disposal requirements for storm waterSiphonic and controlled flow roof drain systems
Plumbing Fixtures
7 Q · 9%
Minimum fixture counts by occupancy type (Table 403.1)Fixture installation requirements (spacing, clearance, and setting)Fixture material standards and prohibited fixturesFaucets and fixture fittings standards (temperature control, backflow protection, flow rates)Accessible plumbing fixture requirements (ICC A117.1 dimensions and clearances)Flushing devices for water closets and urinalsWater heater safety devices (T&P relief valves, discharge piping, pans)Specific fixture requirements by type (bathtubs, showers, water closets, urinals, sinks, bidets, drinking fountains)
General Regulations
5 Q · 6%
Permit requirements, application procedures, and exemptionsInspections and testing of plumbing systems (underground, rough-in, and final)Code official authority, duties, and enforcement powersStop work orders, violations, and penaltiesProhibited locations and protection of piping from damage, freezing, and corrosionTrenching, bedding, and backfill requirements for buried pipingPiping support intervals and anchorage requirementsNonflammable medical gas and nonmedical oxygen system installation standards
Interceptors and Traps
4 Q · 5%
Fixture trap requirements and prohibited trap typesTrap seal depth requirements and protection methodsGrease interceptor installation, sizing, and applicabilityOil separator design and required locationsSand, solids, and specialty interceptorsIndirect waste piping and air gap/air break requirementsVenting, access, and maintenance of interceptors and separatorsNeutralizing devices for corrosive and special wastes
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 the pressure when no flow is occurring.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-4Class A Contractor (Virginia)vsClass B / Lower Contractor (Virginia)
A Class A contractor performs or manages construction on a single contract or project valued at $150,000 or more (or $1 million or more in any 12-month period), distinguishing it from lower contractor classifications.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100License Renewal (Virginia Tradesman)vsLicense Reinstatement (Virginia Tradesman)
Renewal requires a $160 fee before expiration; reinstatement requires a $210 fee and is only available within 24 months after expiration, after which the license cannot be reinstated.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 22 (18 VAC 50-30-120 G)Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer AssemblyvsAir Gap
Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assemblies must be tested at installation, after repairs/relocation, and at least annually; air gaps require only annual inspection to confirm the gap still exists.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 3-5Developed LengthvsStraight-Line Distance
Developed length is measured along the centerline of pipe and fittings following the actual pipe path, not the direct point-to-point distance.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-3Schedule 80 CPVC (Threaded)vsStandard CPVC (Unthreaded)
CPVC pipe that is threaded must have a minimum wall thickness of Schedule 80 and its pressure rating is reduced by 50 percent, whereas unthreaded CPVC retains its full pressure rating.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-7Cross Connection: Private to Public Water SupplyvsGeneral Cross Connection with Backflow Prevention
Cross connections between a private water supply and a potable public water supply are prohibited under any condition, whereas general cross connections may be permitted when approved backflow prevention is installed.
IPC Section 608.7.1Air Test for DWV (Drainage & Vent)vsWater Supply System Test
A DWV air test requires 5 psi gauge pressure held for at least 15 minutes, while the water supply test requires water pressure not less than the working pressure of the system held for at least 15 minutes.
Section 312.3Vent Individual Size (≤40 ft developed length)vsVent Individual Size (>40 ft developed length)
A vent with a developed length of 40 feet or less may use the minimum calculated size, but a vent exceeding 40 feet in developed length must be increased one nominal pipe size for its entire length.
IPC 2021 — Section 906.2Previously Used Nonpotable PipingvsNew Potable Water Piping
Piping previously used for nonpotable water is permanently prohibited from conveying potable water regardless of disinfection, whereas new piping may be used for potable water after proper installation and testing.
International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-14, Section 608.11Metallic Pipe Contact with Corrosive SoilvsMetallic Pipe Contact with Steel/Concrete/Masonry
No metallic piping (without exception) may be placed in direct contact with corrosive soil, whereas cast iron, ductile iron, and galvanized steel are exempt from the prohibition against contact with steel framing, concrete, or masonry.
IPC 305.1Employer Responsibility for Uncredentialed Worker (Virginia)vsShared Responsibility (Incorrect Belief)
Under Virginia law, a contractor who employs or contracts with an uncredentialed person is solely responsible for any resulting monetary penalty or sanction—not equally responsible with that person.
Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01Key Terms
Regulated Activity After License Expiration (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-130(E)) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-130(E)
Any regulated activity conducted after a Virginia contractor or tradesman license expires may constitute unlicensed activity and may be subject to prosecution under Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Sole Contractor Responsibility for Uncredentialed Workers (Virginia — Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115.01
A Virginia contractor who directly employs or contracts with a person lacking the required Board credential is solely responsible for any monetary penalty or sanction arising from that employment or contract.
Class A Contractor Threshold (Virginia — Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100
A Class A contractor in Virginia 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 for Tradesman License Renewal (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-120(C)) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 21
Individuals holding a Virginia tradesman license with plumbing, electrical, or HVAC designations must complete three hours of approved continuing education per designation relating to applicable building code changes as a condition of renewal or reinstatement.
Tradesman License Reinstatement Fee (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-130(A) and (B)) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 23
If a Virginia tradesman license is not renewed within 30 days of expiration, a nonrefundable reinstatement fee of $210 (including the renewal fee) is required; all fees are non-refundable and will not be prorated.
Tradesman License Validity Period (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-120(A)) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 22 (18 VAC 50-30-120 A)
Virginia tradesman licenses for plumbers, electricians, gas fitters, HVAC tradesmen, and similar trades expire three years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.
Conviction Reporting Requirement (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-190(11)) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-190(11)
A Virginia Board for Contractors regulant convicted of any felony or qualifying misdemeanor (theft, fraud, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, physical injury, or profession-related) must inform the Board in writing within 30 days, regardless of the jurisdiction of conviction.
Change of Address Reporting (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-160) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, 18 VAC 50-30-160
A Virginia Board for Contractors regulant must report any change of address in writing to the Board within 30 days; the Board is not responsible for missed notices due to failure to report.
License Reinstatement Window (Virginia — 18 VAC 50-30-130(D)) Virginia Board for Contractors, Individual License and Certification Regulations, Page 23 (18 VAC 50-30-130 D)
A Virginia tradesman license may be reinstated for up to 24 months following its expiration date upon payment of the reinstatement fee and completion of applicable renewal requirements.
Flow Pressure International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 2-4
The pressure in the water supply pipe near a faucet or water outlet while that outlet is wide open and flowing.
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 path of the pipe.
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 pressure surges.
Lead-Free Solder (IPC Section 605.12.3) International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-7 (Section 605.12.3)
Solder used on water supply piping joints must have a chemical composition of 0.2-percent lead or less to be classified as lead-free under the IPC.
Pipe-Applied Vacuum Breaker Minimum Height International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-15, Section 608.16.4
Pipe-applied vacuum breakers must be installed not less than 6 inches above the flood level rim of the fixture, receptor, or device they serve.
NSF 14 Certification Section 303.3
Plastic pipe, fittings, and components must be third-party certified as conforming to NSF 14 per IPC Section 303.3.
Hot Water Distribution Piping Maximum Developed Length International Plumbing Code 2021, Page 6-11, Section 607.2
Hot or tempered water piping from the source of hot water to fixtures must not exceed 50 feet in developed length, unless a recirculating or heat-traced system is used.
Formulas to Know
Equivalent Length of Run (Segmented Loss Method)
Equivalent Length = Developed Length × 1.50 (add 50% of developed length to account for fittings and valves)CPVC Threaded Pipe Pressure Rating
Threaded CPVC Pressure Rating = Listed Pressure Rating × 0.50 (50% reduction when threaded)Minimum Vent Size (Half-Rule)
Minimum Vent Diameter = Fixture Drain Diameter ÷ 2 (never less than 1¼ inch)Vent Size Increase Threshold (Developed Length)
If Vent Developed Length > 40 ft → Increase nominal vent pipe size by one size for entire lengthVent Stack Connection Distance Limit
Max Distance from Drainage Stack = 10 × Drainage Stack Diameter (where vent stack connects to building drain)DWV Air Test Pressure
Required Test Pressure = 5 psi (uniform gauge), held for ≥ 15 minutes (or sufficient to balance a 10-inch mercury column)Water Supply System Pressure Test Hold Time
Test at ≥ Working Pressure of System, held for ≥ 15 minutes with no leakageShower Liner Test Water Depth
Minimum water depth at threshold = 2 inches, retained for ≥ 15 minutes with no leakage