249 PENNSYLVANIA (PHILADELPHIA) MASTER PLUMBER PRACTICE EXAM
Complete Practice Examination — 2026 Edition
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EXAM OVERVIEW
License: Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Master Plumber
Exam Provider: International Code Council (ICC) / Pearson VUE
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
Time Limit: 4 hours
Type: Closed Book
Exam Fee: $115
Licensing Authority: Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), with
oversight from the Plumbing Advisory Board
Primary Code: Philadelphia Plumbing Code (based on IPC with local amendments)
Critical Update: Philadelphia is transitioning from the 2018 IPC to the 2021 IPC with local
amendments as detailed in Bill 250645 (June 2025). Candidates should verify the effective
adoption date with L&I before the exam.
Content Domains:
- Licensure Requirements & Regulations – Philadelphia Code Chapter 9-1003, application
process, renewal, insurance
- Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems – slopes, trap arms, vent sizing, stack
requirements, cleanouts
- Water Supply Systems – service lines, minimum/maximum pressures, water meters,
isolation valves
- Plumbing Fixtures – lavatories, water closets, floor drains, fixture unit calculations
- Backflow Prevention & Safety – backflow preventers, air gaps, dielectric unions, water
hammer arrestors
,- Pipe Materials & Installation – PEX, copper, PVC, proper installation techniques
- Code Compliance – minimum burial depths, venting requirements, fixture connections
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SECTION 1: LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS & REGULATIONS
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Question 1
Under the Philadelphia Plumbing Code, which entity is responsible for administering the
Master Plumber examination?
A) Pennsylvania Department of Labor
B) Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), with examination oversight
by the Plumbing Advisory Board
C) International Code Council (ICC)
D) Philadelphia Water Department
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bill 250496 (2025) amends Section 9-1003 of the Philadelphia Code to
specify that the Plumbing Advisory Board shall examine applicants to determine whether
they have the requisite knowledge of a Master Plumber. The exam is administered by the
International Code Council, but oversight and licensing authority rests with L&I and the
Plumbing Advisory Board.
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Question 2
A Master Plumber in Philadelphia must have at least how many years of experience as a
registered Journeyman before applying for licensure?
A) 6 months
,B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Philadelphia Plumbing Code requires a minimum of one (1) year of
documented experience as a registered Journeyman plumber before a candidate may apply
for Master Plumber licensure. Additionally, applicants must be at least 21 years of age,
have a high school diploma or GED, and have completed a state-approved apprenticeship
program.
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Question 3
How often must a Master Plumber license be renewed in the City of Philadelphia?
A) Every 1 year
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Philadelphia requires a biennial (every 2 years) renewal for all Master
Plumber licenses.
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Question 4
, Which Philadelphia code document must a Registered Master Plumber (RMP) reference
when applying for a new plumbing permit?
A) International Plumbing Code (IPC)
B) Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
C) Philadelphia Plumbing Ordinance (PPO)
D) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Plumbing Ordinance (PPO) is the local
amendment that governs all plumbing permits and must be cited by the Registered Master
Plumber.
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Question 5
Under Philadelphia regulations, an "Inactive Master Plumber" may be reinstated after:
A) 6 months of inactivity
B) 12 months of inactivity with a fee
C) 24 months of inactivity and proof of continuing education
D) 36 months of inactivity only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The city mandates a two-year inactivity period and proof of continuing
education (CE) to reactivate a license.
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Question 6
Complete Practice Examination — 2026 Edition
---
EXAM OVERVIEW
License: Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Master Plumber
Exam Provider: International Code Council (ICC) / Pearson VUE
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
Time Limit: 4 hours
Type: Closed Book
Exam Fee: $115
Licensing Authority: Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), with
oversight from the Plumbing Advisory Board
Primary Code: Philadelphia Plumbing Code (based on IPC with local amendments)
Critical Update: Philadelphia is transitioning from the 2018 IPC to the 2021 IPC with local
amendments as detailed in Bill 250645 (June 2025). Candidates should verify the effective
adoption date with L&I before the exam.
Content Domains:
- Licensure Requirements & Regulations – Philadelphia Code Chapter 9-1003, application
process, renewal, insurance
- Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems – slopes, trap arms, vent sizing, stack
requirements, cleanouts
- Water Supply Systems – service lines, minimum/maximum pressures, water meters,
isolation valves
- Plumbing Fixtures – lavatories, water closets, floor drains, fixture unit calculations
- Backflow Prevention & Safety – backflow preventers, air gaps, dielectric unions, water
hammer arrestors
,- Pipe Materials & Installation – PEX, copper, PVC, proper installation techniques
- Code Compliance – minimum burial depths, venting requirements, fixture connections
---
SECTION 1: LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS & REGULATIONS
---
Question 1
Under the Philadelphia Plumbing Code, which entity is responsible for administering the
Master Plumber examination?
A) Pennsylvania Department of Labor
B) Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), with examination oversight
by the Plumbing Advisory Board
C) International Code Council (ICC)
D) Philadelphia Water Department
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bill 250496 (2025) amends Section 9-1003 of the Philadelphia Code to
specify that the Plumbing Advisory Board shall examine applicants to determine whether
they have the requisite knowledge of a Master Plumber. The exam is administered by the
International Code Council, but oversight and licensing authority rests with L&I and the
Plumbing Advisory Board.
---
Question 2
A Master Plumber in Philadelphia must have at least how many years of experience as a
registered Journeyman before applying for licensure?
A) 6 months
,B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Philadelphia Plumbing Code requires a minimum of one (1) year of
documented experience as a registered Journeyman plumber before a candidate may apply
for Master Plumber licensure. Additionally, applicants must be at least 21 years of age,
have a high school diploma or GED, and have completed a state-approved apprenticeship
program.
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Question 3
How often must a Master Plumber license be renewed in the City of Philadelphia?
A) Every 1 year
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Philadelphia requires a biennial (every 2 years) renewal for all Master
Plumber licenses.
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Question 4
, Which Philadelphia code document must a Registered Master Plumber (RMP) reference
when applying for a new plumbing permit?
A) International Plumbing Code (IPC)
B) Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
C) Philadelphia Plumbing Ordinance (PPO)
D) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Plumbing Ordinance (PPO) is the local
amendment that governs all plumbing permits and must be cited by the Registered Master
Plumber.
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Question 5
Under Philadelphia regulations, an "Inactive Master Plumber" may be reinstated after:
A) 6 months of inactivity
B) 12 months of inactivity with a fee
C) 24 months of inactivity and proof of continuing education
D) 36 months of inactivity only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The city mandates a two-year inactivity period and proof of continuing
education (CE) to reactivate a license.
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Question 6
