Texas Plumbing License Exam 2026 – 190 Practice Questions with
Answers & Detailed Rationales, Plumbing Codes, License Law,
TSBPE Rules, Water Supply, Drainage, Venting & Safety
Section 1: Plumbing License Law and Board Rules (Questions 1–38)
Question 1
Under the Texas Plumbing License Law, which individual is exempt from licensure when
performing plumbing work?
A. A maintenance engineer employed by a hospital who replaces an existing water heater
B. A property owner performing plumbing in the owner's homestead
C. A drain cleaner who clears a stoppage through an existing cleanout
D. A residential utilities installer who installs a new water service line
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Plumbing License Law explicitly exempts property owners performing
plumbing in their own homestead, provided the property is used as a residence. This
exemption does not extend to new construction of multi-family dwellings or commercial
properties.
Question 2
What is the maximum number of hours a Plumber's Apprentice may work under direct
supervision before the supervising plumber must review the apprentice's work?
,A. The code does not specify a maximum; supervision must be continuous for all work
except certain one-family dwelling construction
B. 4 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 12 hours
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Direct supervision requires on-the-job oversight and direction. For new one-
family or two-family dwellings in unincorporated areas, the Responsible Master Plumber
must provide for training, management, and review, but not continuous presence.
Question 3
A Master Plumber whose license has been expired for 18 months wishes to renew. What is
the correct procedure?
A. Pay the renewal fee plus a late penalty; no additional examination is required
B. Pay the renewal fee and submit proof of 12 hours of continuing education
C. The license cannot be renewed; the individual must reapply as a new applicant
D. The individual may renew by paying the renewal fee and any applicable late fees
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A license expired more than 90 days but less than two years may be renewed
by paying the renewal fee and any applicable late fees; no re-examination is required under
this timeframe.
Question 4
,Which plumbing code has the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopted as a
minimum standard for plumbing installations in areas without a local plumbing code?
A. The 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code only
B. The 2018 International Plumbing Code only
C. Either the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code or the 2018 International Plumbing Code
D. The 2024 International Plumbing Code
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Board adopts both the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code and the 2018
International Plumbing Code (including the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code and 2018
International Residential Code). Plumbing in unincorporated areas must comply with one of
these adopted codes.
Question 5
What is the required penalty for a licensed plumber who employs an unregistered individual
to perform plumbing work requiring licensure?
A. $1,000 per violation
B. $2,000 per violation
C. $4,000 per violation
D. $5,000 per violation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Effective January 1, 2026, all violations involving employment of unregistered
individuals are assessed the full $4,000 per violation penalty with no option for reduced
settlement.
, Question 6
A Journeyman Plumber wishes to obtain a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement.
Which requirement must be met in addition to holding a current license?
A. Five years of experience in healthcare facility plumbing
B. Completion of a Board-approved 24-hour medical gas training program
C. Passage of the NFPA 99 certification examination administered by NFPA
D. Employment by a licensed medical gas contractor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Eligibility requires a current Texas Journeyman, Master, or Inspector license and
successful completion of a Board-approved training program of at least 24 hours, including 4
hours of brazing demonstration.
Question 7
Under Board Rules, what constitutes "direct supervision" of a Plumber's Apprentice?
A. The licensed plumber must be physically present at the job site at all times
B. On-the-job oversight ensuring materials are properly prepared and work meets code
requirements
C. The licensed plumber must review the apprentice's work within 24 hours of completion
D. The apprentice must check in with the licensed plumber by phone every 4 hours
Correct Answer: B
Answers & Detailed Rationales, Plumbing Codes, License Law,
TSBPE Rules, Water Supply, Drainage, Venting & Safety
Section 1: Plumbing License Law and Board Rules (Questions 1–38)
Question 1
Under the Texas Plumbing License Law, which individual is exempt from licensure when
performing plumbing work?
A. A maintenance engineer employed by a hospital who replaces an existing water heater
B. A property owner performing plumbing in the owner's homestead
C. A drain cleaner who clears a stoppage through an existing cleanout
D. A residential utilities installer who installs a new water service line
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Plumbing License Law explicitly exempts property owners performing
plumbing in their own homestead, provided the property is used as a residence. This
exemption does not extend to new construction of multi-family dwellings or commercial
properties.
Question 2
What is the maximum number of hours a Plumber's Apprentice may work under direct
supervision before the supervising plumber must review the apprentice's work?
,A. The code does not specify a maximum; supervision must be continuous for all work
except certain one-family dwelling construction
B. 4 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 12 hours
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Direct supervision requires on-the-job oversight and direction. For new one-
family or two-family dwellings in unincorporated areas, the Responsible Master Plumber
must provide for training, management, and review, but not continuous presence.
Question 3
A Master Plumber whose license has been expired for 18 months wishes to renew. What is
the correct procedure?
A. Pay the renewal fee plus a late penalty; no additional examination is required
B. Pay the renewal fee and submit proof of 12 hours of continuing education
C. The license cannot be renewed; the individual must reapply as a new applicant
D. The individual may renew by paying the renewal fee and any applicable late fees
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A license expired more than 90 days but less than two years may be renewed
by paying the renewal fee and any applicable late fees; no re-examination is required under
this timeframe.
Question 4
,Which plumbing code has the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopted as a
minimum standard for plumbing installations in areas without a local plumbing code?
A. The 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code only
B. The 2018 International Plumbing Code only
C. Either the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code or the 2018 International Plumbing Code
D. The 2024 International Plumbing Code
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Board adopts both the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code and the 2018
International Plumbing Code (including the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code and 2018
International Residential Code). Plumbing in unincorporated areas must comply with one of
these adopted codes.
Question 5
What is the required penalty for a licensed plumber who employs an unregistered individual
to perform plumbing work requiring licensure?
A. $1,000 per violation
B. $2,000 per violation
C. $4,000 per violation
D. $5,000 per violation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Effective January 1, 2026, all violations involving employment of unregistered
individuals are assessed the full $4,000 per violation penalty with no option for reduced
settlement.
, Question 6
A Journeyman Plumber wishes to obtain a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement.
Which requirement must be met in addition to holding a current license?
A. Five years of experience in healthcare facility plumbing
B. Completion of a Board-approved 24-hour medical gas training program
C. Passage of the NFPA 99 certification examination administered by NFPA
D. Employment by a licensed medical gas contractor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Eligibility requires a current Texas Journeyman, Master, or Inspector license and
successful completion of a Board-approved training program of at least 24 hours, including 4
hours of brazing demonstration.
Question 7
Under Board Rules, what constitutes "direct supervision" of a Plumber's Apprentice?
A. The licensed plumber must be physically present at the job site at all times
B. On-the-job oversight ensuring materials are properly prepared and work meets code
requirements
C. The licensed plumber must review the apprentice's work within 24 hours of completion
D. The apprentice must check in with the licensed plumber by phone every 4 hours
Correct Answer: B
