Thinking about a stable, in-demand career with strong earning potential? How to become a licensed plumber in GA is one of the most common questions among aspiring tradespeople—and for good reason. Plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks; it’s a skilled profession that offers job security, flexibility, and the chance to work independently. Whether you’re a high school graduate or looking for a career change, this guide walks you through every requirement, cost, and timeline—so you can start your journey with confidence.
Why Get a Plumbing License in Georgia?
In Georgia, only licensed plumbers can legally work on plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. Performing plumbing work without a license can result in fines or even legal action. More importantly, a license signals credibility to employers and clients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), plumbers in Georgia earn a median annual wage of $58,300, with top earners making over $80,000—especially those with master-level licenses or their own businesses.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you apply, ensure you meet Georgia’s minimum criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Pass a background check (no felony convictions related to plumbing fraud or safety violations)
No prior experience is needed to start as an apprentice—perfect for beginners.
Step 2: Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship
Georgia requires 4 years (or 8,000 hours) of hands-on experience under a licensed master plumber. This is typically fulfilled through a registered apprenticeship program.
Where to Find Apprenticeships:
- Local trade unions (e.g., UA Local 72 in Atlanta)
- Community colleges like Georgia Piedmont Technical College or Athens Technical College
- Private plumbing companies that sponsor apprentices
💡 Pro Tip: Many apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction—covering pipefitting, blueprint reading, local codes, and safety protocols.
Apprentices in Georgia typically earn $15–$20/hour, with wages increasing as skills improve.
Step 3: Accumulate Required Experience Hours
You must document 8,000 hours of practical plumbing work—verified by your supervising master plumber. Keep detailed logs of your tasks, hours, and projects. The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board (CSLB) may audit these records.
| Residential Plumbing | 4,000+ |
| Commercial Plumbing | 2,000+ |
| Drainage & Venting | 1,000+ |
| Code Compliance Tasks | 1,000+ |
Note: Hours must be completed over at least 4 years—no accelerated paths.
Step 4: Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam
Once you’ve logged your hours, apply to take the Georgia Journeyman Plumber Exam through PSI Exams . The exam has two parts:
- Trade Knowledge (100 questions) – Covers installation, repair, codes, and safety
- Business & Law (50 questions) – Focuses on Georgia regulations, contracts, and ethics
- Passing score: 70%
- Fee: $110 (as of 2025)
- Prep Resources: The CSLB recommends using the IPC (International Plumbing Code) and Georgia Amendments
📚 Study Tip: Over 65% of first-time test takers fail. Enroll in a prep course like PlumbingExamPrep.com or use free materials from the International Code Council .
Step 5: Apply for Your Journeyman License
After passing the exam, submit your application to the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board:
- Application fee: $75
- Background check fee: $35
- Proof of experience (signed by master plumber)
- Exam score report
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your Journeyman Plumber License, allowing you to work independently on most residential and light commercial projects—but not to pull permits or supervise others.
Step 6 (Optional): Advance to Master Plumber
Want to open your own business or supervise teams? After 1 additional year (1,500+ hours) as a journeyman, you can sit for the Master Plumber Exam.
- Master plumbers can pull permits, design systems, and hire apprentices
- Average salary jumps to $72,000+ annually
Costs Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost?
| Apprenticeship (often paid) | $0 (you earn while learning) |
| Exam Fees (Journeyman) | $110 |
| License Application | $75 |
| Background Check | $35 |
| Study Materials | $50–$200 |
| Total | $270–$420 |
Compared to a 4-year college degree, plumbing offers a high ROI with minimal debt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Skipping formal apprenticeships – Only state-recognized experience counts
- ❌ Not keeping detailed hour logs – Incomplete records = application denial
- ❌ Ignoring local code updates – Georgia adopts the 2021 IPC with state amendments
- ❌ Taking the exam unprepared – Use real practice tests
Georgia Plumbing License vs. Other States
Unlike some states, Georgia does not have reciprocity agreements, meaning you can’t transfer an out-of-state license easily. You’ll likely need to retake the exam—even if licensed in Florida or Alabama.
For more on licensure across the U.S., see Plumber Licensing by State on Wikipedia .
FAQ Section
Q1: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Georgia?
A: Typically 4–5 years—4 years as an apprentice + exam/license processing. If you pursue a master license, add 1 more year.
Q2: Can I become a plumber in GA without a high school diploma?
A: No. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory to apply for licensure.
Q3: Do I need a license to do minor plumbing work in GA?
A: Yes. Any plumbing work beyond basic homeowner maintenance (e.g., replacing a faucet) requires a licensed professional. Unlicensed work risks fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Q4: Are there plumbing schools in Georgia?
A: Yes! Schools like Atlanta Technical College, Savannah Tech, and Augusta Technical College offer accredited plumbing programs that count toward apprenticeship hours.
Q5: What’s the difference between a journeyman and master plumber in GA?
A: A journeyman can perform most plumbing tasks but can’t pull permits or supervise. A master plumber can run a business, design systems, and oversee crews.
Q6: Is plumbing in demand in Georgia?
A: Absolutely. With rapid population growth in cities like Atlanta, Athens, and Savannah, the Georgia Department of Labor projects 12% job growth for plumbers through 2030—faster than the national average.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to become a licensed plumber in GA—from apprenticeship to exam day. It’s a path that rewards discipline, technical skill, and problem-solving, with strong income potential and job security. Whether you dream of working for a top contractor or launching your own plumbing business, your journey starts with that first step: applying for an apprenticeship.
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