Texas State Board of Plumbing
Examiners (TSBPE) Examination
Practice Questions & Verified Solutions
Comprehensive Licensing & Plumbing Code Review Guide (50 Multiple-Choice Practice
Questions)
Section 1: Texas Plumbing License Law & TSBPE Rules
Q1. Under the Texas Plumbing License Law, how many hours of approved continuing
education must a licensed plumber complete annually to renew their license?
A) 4 hours
B) 6 hours
C) 8 hours
D) 12 hours
Correct Answer: B) 6 hours
Explanation: The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) mandates that
licensees complete 6 hours of approved continuing education during each annual license
renewal period to stay current on code changes and safety rules.
Q2. What is the minimum required distance between a domestic water supply line and a
sewer line laid parallel in the same trench under Texas plumbing regulations?
A) 12 inches of undisturbed or compacted earth
B) 24 inches of undisturbed or compacted earth
C) 5 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
D) 10 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
Correct Answer: C) 5 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
Explanation: To prevent contamination of drinking water in the event of pipe leaks, water
service lines and building sewer lines installed in the same trench must be separated
horizontally by at least 5 feet of undisturbed or densely compacted earth, or installed on an
elevated bench.
Q3. Which license designation issued by TSBPE permits an individual to secure permits,
contract for plumbing work, and purchase commercial liability insurance for a plumbing
business?
, A) Journeyman Plumber
B) Tradesman Plumber-Limited
C) Master Plumber (or Responsible Master Plumber)
D) Plumbing Inspector
Correct Answer: C) Master Plumber (or Responsible Master Plumber)
Explanation: Only a licensed Master Plumber designated as a Responsible Master Plumber
(RMP) can obtain permits, contract for plumbing work, and satisfy financial
security/insurance obligations for a plumbing enterprise in Texas.
Q4. A Plumbing Apprentice in Texas may perform plumbing work under what level of
supervision by a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber?
A) On-site direct supervision
B) Remote phone consultation only
C) Unsupervised for minor residential repairs
D) Semi-annual audit of work completed
Correct Answer: A) On-site direct supervision
Explanation: Registered Plumbing Apprentices in Texas are legally required to work under
the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber who is physically
present on the job site.
Q5. According to Texas law, what maximum civil penalty per day may the TSBPE assess
against an individual practicing plumbing without a valid license?
A) $250 per day
B) $500 per day
C) $1,000 per day
D) $5,000 per day
Correct Answer: D) $5,000 per day
Explanation: Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1301, TSBPE possesses statutory
authority to impose administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day per violation for unlicensed
plumbing activities.
Section 2: Drainage, Waste & Venting (DWV) Systems
Q6. What is the standard minimum slope (grade) required per foot for horizontal drainage
piping 2 inches or smaller in diameter?
A) 1/8 inch per foot
B) 1/4 inch per foot
C) 1/2 inch per foot
D) 1 inch per foot
Examiners (TSBPE) Examination
Practice Questions & Verified Solutions
Comprehensive Licensing & Plumbing Code Review Guide (50 Multiple-Choice Practice
Questions)
Section 1: Texas Plumbing License Law & TSBPE Rules
Q1. Under the Texas Plumbing License Law, how many hours of approved continuing
education must a licensed plumber complete annually to renew their license?
A) 4 hours
B) 6 hours
C) 8 hours
D) 12 hours
Correct Answer: B) 6 hours
Explanation: The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) mandates that
licensees complete 6 hours of approved continuing education during each annual license
renewal period to stay current on code changes and safety rules.
Q2. What is the minimum required distance between a domestic water supply line and a
sewer line laid parallel in the same trench under Texas plumbing regulations?
A) 12 inches of undisturbed or compacted earth
B) 24 inches of undisturbed or compacted earth
C) 5 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
D) 10 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
Correct Answer: C) 5 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
Explanation: To prevent contamination of drinking water in the event of pipe leaks, water
service lines and building sewer lines installed in the same trench must be separated
horizontally by at least 5 feet of undisturbed or densely compacted earth, or installed on an
elevated bench.
Q3. Which license designation issued by TSBPE permits an individual to secure permits,
contract for plumbing work, and purchase commercial liability insurance for a plumbing
business?
, A) Journeyman Plumber
B) Tradesman Plumber-Limited
C) Master Plumber (or Responsible Master Plumber)
D) Plumbing Inspector
Correct Answer: C) Master Plumber (or Responsible Master Plumber)
Explanation: Only a licensed Master Plumber designated as a Responsible Master Plumber
(RMP) can obtain permits, contract for plumbing work, and satisfy financial
security/insurance obligations for a plumbing enterprise in Texas.
Q4. A Plumbing Apprentice in Texas may perform plumbing work under what level of
supervision by a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber?
A) On-site direct supervision
B) Remote phone consultation only
C) Unsupervised for minor residential repairs
D) Semi-annual audit of work completed
Correct Answer: A) On-site direct supervision
Explanation: Registered Plumbing Apprentices in Texas are legally required to work under
the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber who is physically
present on the job site.
Q5. According to Texas law, what maximum civil penalty per day may the TSBPE assess
against an individual practicing plumbing without a valid license?
A) $250 per day
B) $500 per day
C) $1,000 per day
D) $5,000 per day
Correct Answer: D) $5,000 per day
Explanation: Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1301, TSBPE possesses statutory
authority to impose administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day per violation for unlicensed
plumbing activities.
Section 2: Drainage, Waste & Venting (DWV) Systems
Q6. What is the standard minimum slope (grade) required per foot for horizontal drainage
piping 2 inches or smaller in diameter?
A) 1/8 inch per foot
B) 1/4 inch per foot
C) 1/2 inch per foot
D) 1 inch per foot
