Journeyman Plumber Exam Guide (/Journeyman-
Plumber-Testing)
Plumbing Practice Test
Thank you for taking the test! Your Score is 75 out of 75 =
100%. Scroll to see correct answers, Take the Test Again and
more.
Administrative Policies and Procedures
1. The provisions for licensing are determined by which of the following:
a. State Board of Plumbing
b. Authority having jurisdiction
c. Plumbing inspector
d. The responsible master plumber
The authority having jurisdiction determines the provisions for licensing.
State Plumbing Boards determine requirements and provide testing of
qualified applicants to become licensed. Plumbing inspectors enforce codes
adopted by the AHJ.
2. Approved plans are required to be kept on a job site and
available for inspection on demand by a code officer.
a. True
b. False
Before a plumbing permit is issued a set of plans and
specifications are submitted to the code enforcement office.
Once they are approved, a code officer will stamp them as
approved and sign them. These become the official plans and
specs for a job. This being the case, a copy of the stamped and
signed plans and specifications must be kept on the job site at
all times for review by a plumbing inspector (IPC 105.5.7; UPC
104.4.6).
3. Who is allowed to apply for a plumbing permit?
a. Homeowners who will perform their own work on their own homes
b. Master plumbers
c. Journeyman plumbers
d. Both a and b
, The codes allow a home owner and his or her authorized agent or contractor to apply for permits.
(IPC 105.1; UPC 104.3). Journeyman plumbers are not typically allowed to apply for plumbing
permits, since they have not yet become contractors. Journeyman plumbers are usually required
to work under the indirect supervision of a master plumber. A master plumber can be a contractor,
and obtain a plumbing permit. Homeowners who will perform their own plumbing work on their
own homes are allowed to obtain permits. However, a homeowner is not allowed to obtain a
plumbing permit and then allow some other person to do the plumbing work. Property owners are
only allowed to be issued plumbing permits when the property where the work will be performed
by the owner is the owner's personal residency. In other words, landlords are not allowed to
obtain their own plumbing permits.
4. Alterations made in an existing plumbing system are required to comply with current code
requirements for plumbing systems.
a. True
b. False
Any plumbing alteration is expected to comply with current code requirements. At no time can an
alteration be detrimental to a plumbing system or render the system unsafe. Some plumbers
think that existing plumbing systems are exempt from current code requirements. This is true if
the system is in safe operating condition. But, the moment an alteration to the system is made
the alteration must be within current code requirements. However, the existing plumbing that is
not being altered is not required to be upgraded to current code compliance.
5. Which of the following plumbing fixtures requires a plumbing
permit and inspection for the replacement of the fixture in the
same exact location?
a. Toilet
b. Bidet
c. Bathtub
d. Water heater
Water heaters require that you apply for and receive a plumbing
permit prior to the replacement of an existing water heater. (IPC
1052.; UPC 104.2). After the replacement work is completed
you must arrange for a plumbing inspection of the work by a
code enforcement officer. All other plumbing fixtures can be
replaced in their exact locations without the need for a permit or
inspection. Due to the risk that can arise from a faulty
installation of a water heater it is the rare fixture that does
require a permit and inspection for a simple replacement.
6. The plumbing code applies to new installations. Which of the
following types of plumbing work may also be governed by the
code?
a. Renovations
b. Replacement of plumbing fixtures
c. Additions to a plumbing system
d. All of the above
All new installations are required to comply with the plumbing
code. Other elements that may be required to meet current
code requirements can include renovations, the replacement of
fixtures, additions to a plumbing system and extensive repairs to
plumbing systems. At no time can work done to a plumbing
system make it unsafe or be detrimental to the system.
7. A plumbing permit is required for the replacement of which of the following?
a. Water closet
b. Water heater
c. Bathing unit
d. All of the above
Pipe and fixtures to be replaced require a permit. (IPC 105.2; UPC 104.2; 502.1). A water closet
may be removed and reinstalled in order to clear a stoppage, replace a leaking wax seal or after
a new floor has been installed but a water closet cannot be replaced without a permit.
General Regulations
8. Many local code jurisdictions require a site plan before any work is done on an existing sewer or
water service.
a. True
b. False
, It is common for a code enforcement office to want a site plan and specifications on file prior to
any work being done on an existing sewer or water service. The site plan should show the
location of existing piping and the proposed location for new piping.
9. Trusses must not be _______________.
a. cut
b. drilled
c. notched
d. All of the above
Trusses are engineered. Regardless of whether they are roof trusses or floor trusses, they must
not be cut, notched, drilled, spliced or otherwise altered. (IPC 307.5; UPC 312.2). When truss
integrity is disturbed, it can lose its structural ability. Normal cutting, notching and drilling
procedures associated with solid wood joists and rafters do not apply to trusses. There are,
however, some occasions when a truss must be altered to allow for a plumbing installation. When
this is the case, an approved engineer must provide written details on how the truss can be
altered to allow for a plumbing installation. Only an engineer can do this.
10. Mechanical joints are prohibited from joining materials of different types.
a. True
b. False
Mechanical joints are approved for joining materials of dissimilar type as well as materials of the
same type.
11. Who is authorized to interpret the local plumbing code?
a. A master plumber
b. A journeyman plumber
c. A licensed code enforcement officer
d. Both a and c
Only a licensed code officer is empowered to interpret the code. (IPC 104.2; UPC 103.1). All
code decisions are subject to a code officer's interpretation. An appeal can be made if the
decision is questionable. Anyone can interpret the plumbing code, but the only decision which
counts is the one made by a licensed code officer or an authority having jurisdiction.
12. What is the purpose of the plumbing code?
a. To generate revenue for a jurisdiction through fees
b. To control the plumbing work
c. To protect the plumbing industry from unlicensed plumbers
d. To have a legally enforceable document to safeguard property and public welfare
The main purpose of a plumbing code is to safeguard the health, safety, property and public
welfare of a community. It becomes legally enforceable when it is adopted by a governing body
with jurisdiction.
13. When will a less stringent local plumbing code supersede state and federal codes?
a. Never
b. On minor plumbing work only
c. On Installation instructions from the manufacturer
d. Only on new construction work
The provisions of a local plumbing code will not be deemed to supersede state or federal law
unless they exceed the requirements of the state or federal law, making the local requirement
more stringent. This occurs only if the state or federal authority permits preemption.
14. All pipe used in plumbing applications will have all of the following markings except:
a. Pressure rating in psi
b. Nominal pipe size
c. Length of pipe
d. Manufacturer's brand name
Some pipe manufacturers list measurement in one-foot increments when rolls of pipe are 100' or
over, but do not list increments on joints of 21', 20' or less. Brand names, psi rating, and nominal
pipe size are required. (IPC 303.1; UPC 301.2.1).
Plumber-Testing)
Plumbing Practice Test
Thank you for taking the test! Your Score is 75 out of 75 =
100%. Scroll to see correct answers, Take the Test Again and
more.
Administrative Policies and Procedures
1. The provisions for licensing are determined by which of the following:
a. State Board of Plumbing
b. Authority having jurisdiction
c. Plumbing inspector
d. The responsible master plumber
The authority having jurisdiction determines the provisions for licensing.
State Plumbing Boards determine requirements and provide testing of
qualified applicants to become licensed. Plumbing inspectors enforce codes
adopted by the AHJ.
2. Approved plans are required to be kept on a job site and
available for inspection on demand by a code officer.
a. True
b. False
Before a plumbing permit is issued a set of plans and
specifications are submitted to the code enforcement office.
Once they are approved, a code officer will stamp them as
approved and sign them. These become the official plans and
specs for a job. This being the case, a copy of the stamped and
signed plans and specifications must be kept on the job site at
all times for review by a plumbing inspector (IPC 105.5.7; UPC
104.4.6).
3. Who is allowed to apply for a plumbing permit?
a. Homeowners who will perform their own work on their own homes
b. Master plumbers
c. Journeyman plumbers
d. Both a and b
, The codes allow a home owner and his or her authorized agent or contractor to apply for permits.
(IPC 105.1; UPC 104.3). Journeyman plumbers are not typically allowed to apply for plumbing
permits, since they have not yet become contractors. Journeyman plumbers are usually required
to work under the indirect supervision of a master plumber. A master plumber can be a contractor,
and obtain a plumbing permit. Homeowners who will perform their own plumbing work on their
own homes are allowed to obtain permits. However, a homeowner is not allowed to obtain a
plumbing permit and then allow some other person to do the plumbing work. Property owners are
only allowed to be issued plumbing permits when the property where the work will be performed
by the owner is the owner's personal residency. In other words, landlords are not allowed to
obtain their own plumbing permits.
4. Alterations made in an existing plumbing system are required to comply with current code
requirements for plumbing systems.
a. True
b. False
Any plumbing alteration is expected to comply with current code requirements. At no time can an
alteration be detrimental to a plumbing system or render the system unsafe. Some plumbers
think that existing plumbing systems are exempt from current code requirements. This is true if
the system is in safe operating condition. But, the moment an alteration to the system is made
the alteration must be within current code requirements. However, the existing plumbing that is
not being altered is not required to be upgraded to current code compliance.
5. Which of the following plumbing fixtures requires a plumbing
permit and inspection for the replacement of the fixture in the
same exact location?
a. Toilet
b. Bidet
c. Bathtub
d. Water heater
Water heaters require that you apply for and receive a plumbing
permit prior to the replacement of an existing water heater. (IPC
1052.; UPC 104.2). After the replacement work is completed
you must arrange for a plumbing inspection of the work by a
code enforcement officer. All other plumbing fixtures can be
replaced in their exact locations without the need for a permit or
inspection. Due to the risk that can arise from a faulty
installation of a water heater it is the rare fixture that does
require a permit and inspection for a simple replacement.
6. The plumbing code applies to new installations. Which of the
following types of plumbing work may also be governed by the
code?
a. Renovations
b. Replacement of plumbing fixtures
c. Additions to a plumbing system
d. All of the above
All new installations are required to comply with the plumbing
code. Other elements that may be required to meet current
code requirements can include renovations, the replacement of
fixtures, additions to a plumbing system and extensive repairs to
plumbing systems. At no time can work done to a plumbing
system make it unsafe or be detrimental to the system.
7. A plumbing permit is required for the replacement of which of the following?
a. Water closet
b. Water heater
c. Bathing unit
d. All of the above
Pipe and fixtures to be replaced require a permit. (IPC 105.2; UPC 104.2; 502.1). A water closet
may be removed and reinstalled in order to clear a stoppage, replace a leaking wax seal or after
a new floor has been installed but a water closet cannot be replaced without a permit.
General Regulations
8. Many local code jurisdictions require a site plan before any work is done on an existing sewer or
water service.
a. True
b. False
, It is common for a code enforcement office to want a site plan and specifications on file prior to
any work being done on an existing sewer or water service. The site plan should show the
location of existing piping and the proposed location for new piping.
9. Trusses must not be _______________.
a. cut
b. drilled
c. notched
d. All of the above
Trusses are engineered. Regardless of whether they are roof trusses or floor trusses, they must
not be cut, notched, drilled, spliced or otherwise altered. (IPC 307.5; UPC 312.2). When truss
integrity is disturbed, it can lose its structural ability. Normal cutting, notching and drilling
procedures associated with solid wood joists and rafters do not apply to trusses. There are,
however, some occasions when a truss must be altered to allow for a plumbing installation. When
this is the case, an approved engineer must provide written details on how the truss can be
altered to allow for a plumbing installation. Only an engineer can do this.
10. Mechanical joints are prohibited from joining materials of different types.
a. True
b. False
Mechanical joints are approved for joining materials of dissimilar type as well as materials of the
same type.
11. Who is authorized to interpret the local plumbing code?
a. A master plumber
b. A journeyman plumber
c. A licensed code enforcement officer
d. Both a and c
Only a licensed code officer is empowered to interpret the code. (IPC 104.2; UPC 103.1). All
code decisions are subject to a code officer's interpretation. An appeal can be made if the
decision is questionable. Anyone can interpret the plumbing code, but the only decision which
counts is the one made by a licensed code officer or an authority having jurisdiction.
12. What is the purpose of the plumbing code?
a. To generate revenue for a jurisdiction through fees
b. To control the plumbing work
c. To protect the plumbing industry from unlicensed plumbers
d. To have a legally enforceable document to safeguard property and public welfare
The main purpose of a plumbing code is to safeguard the health, safety, property and public
welfare of a community. It becomes legally enforceable when it is adopted by a governing body
with jurisdiction.
13. When will a less stringent local plumbing code supersede state and federal codes?
a. Never
b. On minor plumbing work only
c. On Installation instructions from the manufacturer
d. Only on new construction work
The provisions of a local plumbing code will not be deemed to supersede state or federal law
unless they exceed the requirements of the state or federal law, making the local requirement
more stringent. This occurs only if the state or federal authority permits preemption.
14. All pipe used in plumbing applications will have all of the following markings except:
a. Pressure rating in psi
b. Nominal pipe size
c. Length of pipe
d. Manufacturer's brand name
Some pipe manufacturers list measurement in one-foot increments when rolls of pipe are 100' or
over, but do not list increments on joints of 21', 20' or less. Brand names, psi rating, and nominal
pipe size are required. (IPC 303.1; UPC 301.2.1).
