Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep
Learn the plumbing code topics journeyman exams return to again and again, then test yourself with original questions tied to the code section.
Start Here
- DWV Sizing and Venting for the Plumbing Exam
Fixture units, drain sizing, slope, fittings, trap arms and vents.
- Journeyman Plumber Exam Study Guide
How the IPC is organised, the most-tested rules and a study plan.
- Journeyman Plumber Practice Test
53 original IPC questions, 25 per attempt, with explanations.
- Plumbing License Guides
How to become a licensed plumber and how the exams work.
What the Journeyman Plumber Exam Covers
Plumbing licences are issued by states and sometimes cities. Most journeyman exams test a model code. Many states adopt the International Plumbing Code (IPC), published by the International Code Council, and others use the Uniform Plumbing Code from IAPMO. Whichever code applies, the exam outline usually includes:
- Drainage: pipe slope, fittings, fixture units and drain sizing.
- Venting: vent sizing, trap-to-vent distances and vent terminals.
- Traps and cleanouts: trap seals, prohibited traps and cleanout spacing.
- Water supply: pressure, sizing, backflow protection and materials.
- Water heaters: relief valves, discharge piping, pans and expansion control.
- Fixtures: clearances, shower size and fixture requirements.
- Installation and testing: supports, protection of pipe and system tests.
How to Use This Section
Read the journeyman plumber study guide (listed below) first for the code layout and the rules that come up most. Then work through DWV sizing and venting, where most calculation questions come from. When you are ready, take the practice test. Each attempt draws 25 questions from a pool of 53, and every explanation gives the IPC section so you can find it in your book.
Edition and State Rules
Our questions follow the 2021 IPC. If your state uses the UPC or local amendments, numbers such as trap arm lengths and fixture unit values can differ. Use the code book your exam bulletin names. Licence requirements, such as apprenticeship hours, also vary. In Texas, for example, plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
A Simple Study Plan
- Confirm the code, edition and exam format with your state board.
- Learn where each chapter sits: Chapter 3 general rules, Chapter 6 water supply, Chapter 7 drainage, Chapter 9 vents, Chapter 10 traps.
- Memorise the high-use tables: slope (704.1), fixture units (709.1), drain sizing (710.1) and supports (308.5).
- Practise DFU totals and slope arithmetic until they are quick.
- Take timed practice tests and look up every reference you miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plumbing code does the journeyman exam use?
It depends on the state. Many use the International Plumbing Code, some use the Uniform Plumbing Code, and some add local amendments. Your board or candidate bulletin names the code and edition.
Is there a practical part to the exam?
Some states add a hands-on or drawing section to the written test. Check your state board, because formats vary widely.
Are these real exam questions?
No. Every question is original, written from the 2021 IPC by our editorial team, with an explanation and a code reference.