Georgia licenses plumbers as individuals at the state level through the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers. The state issues Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber (Class I and Class II) licenses after a PSI-administered exam. This guide covers the license levels, experience rules, exam process, and renewal cycle.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Journeyman Exp.1 Year
- FeesPer GOALS schedule
- Renewal2 Years
- CE Needed8 Hours
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements by license level:
- Journeyman: a minimum of 1 year of experience in plumbing work covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code, plus 3 references from licensed plumbers.
- Master: a minimum of 5 years of experience, at least 2 of them as a licensed Journeyman Plumber. Class II also requires documented commercial or industrial experience. Class I needs 1 reference from a licensed Master Plumber; Class II needs 2.
- All candidates: a minimum exam score of 70, a background check, and secure and verifiable identification.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The Georgia plumbing application process:
- Document your experience: at least 1 year for Journeyman, or 5 years (2 as a licensed Journeyman) for Master.
- Collect references: 3 licensed plumbers for Journeyman; 1 licensed Master Plumber for Master Class I, or 2 for Class II, plus commercial or industrial documentation for Class II.
- Submit your application through the GOALS portal, complete the background check, and provide secure and verifiable identification.
- After board approval, schedule with PSI, the board's testing vendor; scheduling is continuous.
- Pass with a score of 70 or higher. After 2 failed attempts, a board-approved review course is required before retesting.
Georgia has no plumbing reciprocity with any other state, so out-of-state plumbers go through the full Georgia process.
- 3
Pass the plumber exam
Georgia plumbing exams are given by PSI on a continuous schedule once the board approves your application, and a minimum score of 70 is required. If you fail twice, you must complete a board-approved review course before retesting. Content follows the Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code, which is the International Plumbing Code with Georgia amendments; new code editions took effect January 1, 2026, and the exact IPC edition year should be confirmed with the Georgia DCA.
Always confirm exam requirements with the division or PSI because formats and references can change.
License Types
Journeyman Plumber
Statewide individual license to perform plumbing work; requires 1 year of qualifying experience.
- Statewide validity
- Works under a Master's business
Master Plumber (Class I and II)
Class I covers homes and commercial structures up to 10,000 sq ft; Class II has no restrictions. Only Masters may run a plumbing business.
- May run a plumbing business
- 5 years experience, 2 as journeyman
Details
Experience
The journeyman threshold is lower than many prep sites claim: the official requirement is a minimum of 1 year of experience in plumbing work covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code (not 3 years), documented with 3 references from licensed plumbers.
The master level builds on journeyman time: at least 5 years of experience total, with at least 2 of them as a licensed Journeyman Plumber. Class II candidates also need documented commercial or industrial experience and 2 references from licensed Master Plumbers, while Class I needs 1 such reference.
Details
Fees
Plumbing application and renewal fees follow the GOALS fee schedule (goals.sos.ga.gov). Plumbing-specific amounts are not published on the division's pages, so check the fee schedule before budgeting; PSI exam fees are paid separately. Always confirm current fee amounts with the board before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Georgia plumbing licenses renew biennially, by November 30 of even-numbered years, with a late period from December 1 to 31. Renewal requires:
- Continuing education of 4 hours per year (8 hours per renewal cycle), with random audits by the board.
- The renewal fee per the GOALS fee schedule.
Requirements can change; always confirm renewal rules with the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers before your deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How much experience do I need for a Georgia journeyman plumber license?
A minimum of 1 year of experience in plumbing work covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code, plus 3 references from licensed plumbers. The 1-year figure is the official number from the division's FAQ; many prep sites incorrectly say 3 years.
What does it take to become a master plumber in Georgia?
At least 5 years of experience, with at least 2 of them as a licensed Journeyman Plumber. Class I (restricted) needs 1 reference from a licensed Master Plumber; Class II (non-restricted) needs 2 and also requires documented commercial or industrial experience.
Can a journeyman plumber run a plumbing business in Georgia?
No. Only Master Plumbers may run a plumbing business in Georgia. Journeymen perform plumbing work but cannot contract independently, and the board does not register plumbing companies.
Does Georgia have plumbing license reciprocity?
No. Per the division's official FAQ, Georgia does not have reciprocity with any other states for Master or Journeyman Plumbers. Out-of-state plumbers must meet Georgia's requirements and pass the Georgia exam.
