Plumber License Requirements in Georgia
| Licensing Authority | Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (CILB-Plumbing) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber Class I (Restricted) / Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted) |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 3 years minimum as apprentice/helper/trainee under a licensed master plumber. Approved vocational training may substitute for up to 1 year. Master: 5 years total, with at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman, plumbing contractor, foreman, superintendent, or military plumber. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. |
| Education Substitute | Approved vocational/technical plumbing programs may substitute for up to 1 year of apprenticeship experience |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Class I Exam + Master Plumber Class II Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (4 hours per year) |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Exam Fee | $233 |
| Est. Initial Total | $273 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years (even-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Class I Exam
Master Plumber Class II Exam
Exam provider: PSI Exams
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Georgia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Georgia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Journeyman Plumber
3 years as apprentice/helper/trainee under a licensed master plumber
Exam: Required
Master Plumber Class I (Restricted)
5 years total, including 2 years as licensed journeyman; restricted to single-family, duplexes, and commercial up to 10,000 sq ft
Exam: Required
Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted)
5 years total, including 2 years in commercial/industrial plumbing; no restrictions
Exam: Required
Notes
- 2026 change: As of May 1, 2026, exams will be based on the 2024 editions of the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- Must use GOALS online portal -- paper applications no longer accepted
- Criminal background check required from local law enforcement
- Master exam offered 6 times per year; journeyman exam on continuous basis
You're licensed in Georgia as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers issues the Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber Class I (Restricted) / Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted); the business that invoices Georgia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Georgia requires a $10,000 surety bond. $10,000 surety bond deposited with the probate court judge in the county where the business operates. Required for master plumbers; journeyman plumbers working under a master plumber's bond may not need their own. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
Georgia does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. No state-mandated GL insurance amount for plumbers specifically, but strongly recommended for business operations. Workers comp required for 3+ employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years (even-numbered years) at $75. Continuing education: 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (4 hours per year)
Other licenses in Georgia
- General Contractor license in Georgia
Statewide license required · $245 in initial government fees · SLBRCGC
- Electrician license in Georgia
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · CILB-Electrical
- HVAC Technician license in Georgia
Statewide license required · $377 in initial government fees · CILB-HVAC
- Roofing Contractor license in Georgia
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires a statewide plumber license through the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.
How much does a plumber license cost in Georgia?
The estimated initial cost is $273, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Georgia?
Journeyman: 3 years minimum as apprentice/helper/trainee under a licensed master plumber. Approved vocational training may substitute for up to 1 year. Master: 5 years total, with at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman, plumbing contractor, foreman, superintendent, or military plumber. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Education substitute: Approved vocational/technical plumbing programs may substitute for up to 1 year of apprenticeship experience
What exams are required for a plumber license in Georgia?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Class I Exam and Master Plumber Class II Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI Exams.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Georgia?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. $10,000 surety bond deposited with the probate court judge in the county where the business operates. Required for master plumbers; journeyman plumbers working under a master plumber's bond may not need their own.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Georgia?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Georgia?
Yes, 8 hours per 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (4 hours per year) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Georgia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: CILB-Plumbing