Licensing Guides
Georgia Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Georgia
Plumbing, GA
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Georgia
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Georgia?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Georgia?
Does My Georgia Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Georgia?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Georgia?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that impacts the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Georgia employs 7,530 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Georgia, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is double that at 12% for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Georgia in July 2025 totaled 229,200, a decrease of 300 (-0.1%) from July 2024 and an increase of 21,200 or 10% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Georgia has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Georgia
Is a license required for plumbers in Georgia? Yes.
The process of becoming a plumber begins with either an apprenticeship or trade school. There is no license or registration necessary to be an apprentice plumber. As an apprentice or in a trade school, you can begin accruing the required three years of work experience to apply for your journeyman plumbing license under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. After an additional two years, you can apply for a master plumbing license.
An easy way to understand the practical difference between the two license levels in Georgia is to think of a journeyman as an employee and a master as an employer. A journeyman can provide plumbing services, but must work for a master plumber. Only a master plumber can bid on plumbing jobs because they have the license to contract out services as a plumber. So, if you want to own your own company, you must earn your master plumber license.
The Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's Office oversees all of the Georgia Licensing Boards including the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Georgia
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Georgia?
There are three types of plumbing licenses in Georgia:
Journeyman Plumber: Enables a plumber to perform plumbing work under the supervision of a master plumber.
Master Plumber (Restricted): Enables a plumber to perform residential plumbing work on single or two-family buildings as well as commercial plumbing projects on buildings not exceeding 10,000 square feet.
Master Plumber (Non-Restricted): Enables a plumber to perform work on any residential or commercial structure.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
Have three years of experience.
Complete a background check.
Submit an affidavit of citizenship or immigration documentation.
Provide three references.
Pass an exam.
File an application and submit appropriate fees.
Be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
Have at least five years of experience, with two of those years working as a journeyman plumber.
Complete a background check.
Submit an affidavit of citizenship or immigration documentation.
Provide three references.
Pass an exam.
File a license application and submit appropriate fees.
Master Plumber (Non-Restricted)
Be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
Have at least five years of experience, with two of those years working with commercial and industrial plumbing.
Complete a background check.
Submit an affidavit of citizenship or immigration documentation.
Provide three references.
Pass an exam.
File an application and submit appropriate fees.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Georgia
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must have a high school diploma or GED.
You must be physically able to perform plumbing jobs.
You must have three years of work experience to apply for a journeyman license; or
You must have five years of work experience, two of which as a licensed journeyman, to apply for a restricted master license, and two years of experience with commercial or industrial plumbing to apply for a non-restricted master plumber license.
The experience is classified as primary or secondary experience. Primary work experience is gained through the direct installation of plumbing systems of a type that would be covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code and/or under supervision of a licensed master plumber. Secondary experience means work experience gained while engaged in work or training related to the installation of plumbing that would be covered by the Georgia State Plumbing Code, like vocational school.
Education may be applied toward the experience requirement. Completion of a diploma program of a technical school in engineering technology may be credited for up to two years of secondary experience. Completion of a certificate program of a vocational-technical school may be credited for up to one year of secondary experience.
You must submit a completed application.
Take the licensing examination and pass with a score of at least 70%.
Pay the application fee and the examination fee.
An applicant must provide three persons who are currently licensed as plumbers who can attest to the applicant's good character and plumbing experience to the satisfaction of the Division. At least one reference must be a licensed master plumber.
Before bidding on jobs or offering your services independently, you will need to secure a surety bond to be deposited with a probate court judge in the county where you work primarily.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Georgia
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Georgia plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Georgia to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Georgia?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Georgia is $59,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Georgia those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $68,600
Senior (4-7 years): $74,300
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Georgia?
In Georgia, there’s a $100 application fee for each license type, as well as a $207 exam fee, for a total of $307 per license.
If you choose to attend vocational or technical school, which can count toward the experience requirement, you’ll incur costs for tuition, books, and tools. Tuition for a trade school can be as little as $1,250 to $3,000 for a certificate program, or an associate’s degree can run from $3,000 to $23,000 depending on the school, according to education.costhelper.com. Central Georgia Technical Colleges offers a Plumbing Technician Certificate, which is 21 credit hours. Tuition for this program would cost approximately $3,100.
How to Get a Plumbing License in Georgia
The process of getting your journeyman or master plumber license in Georgia is very rigorous and specific. There is a how-to guide online that explains it in detail. You can also contact the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers at:
237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217-3858 478-207-2440
WORK EXPERIENCE: Before you can apply for a license, you must gain the necessary years of experience. You will need three years of experience before you can apply for a journeyman plumber license and five years of experience to apply for a restricted or unrestricted master license. The state is very specific about how to accumulate that experience and what roles you need to document to be eligible for a license.
Journeyman plumbers: Applicants must document a minimum of three years of experience in primary or secondary experience.
Primary experience is experience that would be gained through the installation of plumbing systems under supervision, such as in an apprenticeship.
Secondary experience is experience that would be gained while engaged in work or training related to the installation, such as in formal education programs.
Master license - restricted: Applicants must document at least five years of qualifying experience, with at least two of those years as a licensed journeyman plumber.
Master license - unrestricted: Non-restricted applicants must document at least five years of qualifying experience, with at least two of those years as a licensed journeyman plumber, but must also describe experience with commercial or industrial plumbing.
EDUCATION: Some of that work experience can be satisfied through formal education.
Completing a diploma program of a technical school in engineering technology may be credited for up to two years of secondary experience.
Completing a certificate program at vocational or technical school may be credited for up to one year of secondary experience.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, you may apply for your license with the board. The application process is explained in detail on the website. In addition to filing out the application, all applicants must also fill out an affidavit regarding citizenship.
As part of the application for examination, you will need to provide three notarized original reference forms from licensed plumbers who have knowledge of your work. At least one reference must be from a licensed master plumber. No copies will be accepted, as the form must include the notarized original signatures. A copy of a cover letter that can be provided to references is included in the application for examination, along with the reference forms. Each reference should return the reference form directly back to you, in a sealed envelope with a signature across the back flap to ensure against tampering. These should be included with your application. You may make additional copies of the form as needed.
All applicants should submit a background check with the application. This can be obtained by going to your local law enforcement office or through a private background check agency. If you answer “yes” on the conviction question, you must submit the requested certified documentation.
You may apply online or by mail. If applying by mail, the application and supporting documentation should all be mailed together in a 9x12 envelope to:
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217-3858
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The state of Georgia has contracted with PSI to administer the exam. Once you have been approved for testing, the Board will notify you that you are eligible to schedule either your Journeyman Plumber Examination, your Master Plumber Restricted Examination, or your Master Plumber Unrestricted Examination. If approved, PSI will provide you with a Candidate Information Bulletin, which includes an outline of topics covered in the examination, like general knowledge and business and law, as well as protocols for applying.
In October 2022, the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board and PSI announced the introduction of continuous testing rather than scheduled testing dates. PSI says continuous testing greatly reduces the time for exam-approved applicants to obtain an exam appointment. The Board will send a list of applicants who are approved to sit for an exam to PSI, and PSI will import the information into its system. PSI will then email each exam candidate a confirmation and instructions on how to schedule their exam appointment. Candidates should allow seven business days from notice of the Board's approval to receive the email from PSI. If you achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher, you will receive your license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Georgia?
It takes three years to qualify to take the Journeyman License Exam in Georgia and five years total to qualify to take the Master License Exam. However, you will be accumulating the necessary experience and earning money in either an apprenticeship program or entry-level position.
As an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning, and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you become a licensed journeyman plumber. Your salary increases again when you become a master plumber.
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Georgia Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. There are many programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional in Georgia. A certificate program can take a matter of months, or you can get a two-year degree at a technical or community college. There are also many more options for online training.
You may also choose to gain the necessary experience through a formal apprenticeship like the one offered by the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Georgia (PHCC). You could also simply look for an entry-level position with a master plumber and begin learning there.
There are several websites that can help.
Indeed.com lists plumber apprentice jobs.
ZipRecruiter.com has plumber apprentice jobs listed too.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, & HVACR Technicians Local Union 72 offers apprenticeships in the Atlanta area.
And there are many more opportunities that can be found doing a simple computer search.
As part of each of these programs, you’ll learn about plumbing systems including:
Underground water supply
Stormwater
Sewer drainage systems
Fixture installation
Waste and vent piping both inside and outside of buildings
Residential and service plumbing
Any program should also cover International Plumbing Code, OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
You can also choose to attend college and earn a degree in plumbing. Here ‘s a detailed lists of the best Plumbing Colleges and Universities in Georgia:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in Georgia
Program Prerequisites: Most programs require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree. Many require you to pass a physical and a drug test.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Georgia, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Georgia.
Georgia Plumber Licensing Exam Details
The Georgia Journeyman and Master Plumber Examinations are administered by PSI Testing Services.
Each plumbing license exam has pre-test questions and test questions as follows:
Journeyman Plumber Exam: 20 Pre-test questions + 100 Test questions = 120 Total
Master Plumber Class 1 Restricted Exam: 24 Pre-test questions + 120 Test questions = 144 Total
The Master Plumber Class 2 Unrestricted Exam: 28 Pre-test questions + 140 Test questions = 168 Total
Each exam is administered in two parts. You will have five hours to complete the Journeyman exam — 2.5 hours for Part 1, then a break, and 2.5 hours for Part 2.
You will have seven hours to complete either the Class 1 or Class 2 Master Plumber exam — 3.5 hours for Part 1, then a break, and 3.5 hours for Part 2.
The main subject areas on the Georgia Plumbers exams are:
Comply with general laws
Comply with regulations
Work planning/organizing
Perform pipe cutting and joining activities
Perform plumbing systems installation activities
Perform system testing activities
Perform maintenance and repair activities
Safety-related Issues
Calculations
Both of the Master Plumber License Exams include a Georgia Business and Law exam and a section on Administrative Requirements and Plumbing System Design.
The candidate bulletin breaks it down for each license class. You must earn a 70% or higher on each test to pass.
Each exam costs $207.
Exams are given by computer at PSI Test Centers located throughout Georgia; in Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida; and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Georgia testing centers are located in:
Duluth
Marietta
Smyrna
Atlanta
Decatur
Macon
Savannah
Tifton
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Georgia?
The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board – Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers oversees licensing.
Does My Georgia Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No, Georgia does not have any reciprocity agreements for plumbers with any other states at this time.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Georgia?
According to the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, “A person may be issued a Conditioned Air Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Low Voltage Contractor, Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, or Utility Manager license by submitting a completed application, fee, and evidence that they hold a current out-of-state license in an appropriate classification, with said license having been granted based on the applicant passing an examination issued and conducted by a licensing board qualifying under this rule. The applicant must demonstrate through documentation that he or she meets the prerequisite experience requirements and must submit other documentation as may be requested by the Board. … The type and classification of license issued will be determined by this Board based on the requirements of the other licensing board.”
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Georgia
To keep your state-issued license current, Georgia requires you to renew it every two years. You must apply for renewal prior to the expiration date. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately eight weeks prior to renewal. Plumbers licenses expire on Nov. 30 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee for a two-year period is $100.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Georgia?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Georgia.
The RWC Plumbing Matters scholarship is available to students residing in or around Atlanta who plan to continue their education at a two-year college or vocational-technical school to obtain a plumbing certification.
The Eugene Edwards Plumbing Scholarship awards $200 textbook and toolbox scholarships to eligible students in the Plumbing program at Southern Crescent Technical College. To qualify, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and meet the standards set by the college.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Georgia can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Georgia community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Georgia?
Your plumbing license can be verified through the Georgia Secretary of State website. One of the online services on the website is an “Professional Licensee Search,” where anyone can search individual or contractor licenses or verify the status of a license. Users can search by name or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Georgia?
A suspended license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade. Some of the common reasons that a Georgia plumbing license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Georgia plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Georgia?
In Georgia, engaging in plumbing work without a valid license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $500 and/or imprisonment for up to three months. Additionally, unlicensed contractors cannot enforce contracts for the work performed, nor can they pursue legal remedies like liens for payment.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Georgia plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
Continuing Education
Georgia licensed plumbers must complete at least four hours per year of instruction related to their profession to be eligible to renew their license. Courses must be conducted by a college, vocational-technical school, or trade association. To determine when courses are held, you must contact one of these agencies directly. You can find a list of providers here.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
