Quick Reference Table
Item | Details |
|---|---|
License Types | Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber Class I (Restricted), Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted) |
State Agency | Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers (official board page) |
Required Experience | Journeyman: 1 year; Master: 5 years (2 as licensed Journeyman) |
Exam Required? | Yes (all types), administered by PSI/AMP, 70% minimum passing |
Renewal Cycle | Biennial, expires November 30 of even-numbered years |
Continuing Education (CE) | 8 hours per cycle (4 if licensed under 2 years, none for first year) |
Fees | Initial: $40; Renewal: $35–$75; Late renewal and reinstatement fees vary (fee schedule, as of 2026) |
Official Board URL | Georgia plumbing board |
Who Needs a License in Georgia?
In Georgia, state law requires a license for anyone performing plumbing work, regardless of project size or cost. This covers all installation, repair, and service work on plumbing systems. The broad scope makes the plumbing license requirements in Georgia some of the most comprehensive in the region.
There is no dollar threshold or permit-based carveout for unlicensed work. You cannot legally perform, bid, or supervise plumbing work without a valid Georgia Journeyman or Master Plumbing license matching the scope. Handyman or owner-builders are not exempt, except for rare situations outlined in local consumer protection advice.
Only Master Plumbers can operate as independent contractors or business owners and contract with the public. Journeyman Plumbers must always work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. General Contractors need a separate license and cannot offer plumbing services unless they also meet the plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Scope of work matters: Class I Master is restricted to single-family, duplex, or small commercial (≤10,000 sq ft). Class II Master can contract for any size or type of plumbing project, including large commercial or industrial jobs.
Plumbing License Types
The state offers three main plumbing license types for individuals. Each license type defines a different legal scope of practice under the plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Journeyman Plumber: Can install or maintain plumbing systems only under the supervision of a Master Plumber. Requires at least one year of experience and passing the trade exam. Cannot contract or offer work directly to the public.
Master Plumber Class I (Restricted): May independently offer, bid, and contract for work on single-family homes or commercial properties up to 10,000 sq. ft. This license restricts scope; large commercial and industrial work is excluded. Five years’ plumbing experience required, including at least two years as a licensed Journeyman. Exam required.
Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted): May contract for any plumbing job, residential or commercial, including industrial settings. This license allows for the full scope defined by the plumbing license requirements in Georgia. Requires five years of plumbing experience (with two years as licensed Journeyman and significant commercial/industrial work). Must pass a separate unrestricted trade exam.
All licenses are held by individuals, not businesses. However, only Master Plumbers can legally found or run a plumbing business. No additional tiers, such as trainee or apprentice, are licensed by the state plumbing board.
Plumbing License Requirements in Georgia: How to Get Licensed
To meet plumbing license requirements in Georgia, you must complete a series of documented steps. Below is a step-by-step outline.
Create an account on GOALS: Begin online at the Georgia Online Application and Licensing System (GOALS). Search for and select your intended license (Journeyman Plumber, Master Class I, or Class II). This starts your official application record.
Complete the application and documentation: Download and fill out the official form from the GOALS portal. You must sign and have your application notarized. Collect all supporting material, including the Secure & Verifiable Document, affidavit of citizenship (proof of legal presence), and a recent background check from local law enforcement. Each step matches current plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Document experience and gather references: Summarize your plumbing employment history in detail. Journeyman applicants need to show at least one year of primary or secondary experience. For Master classes, you must document at least five years’ plumbing experience with a minimum of two years in a licensed Journeyman role. Experience for Class II must include commercial/industrial work. Collect three references: Journeyman must submit three licensed plumbers; Class I Master needs at least one Master among three; Class II Master must provide at least two references from licensed Masters.
Upload documents and pay fees: Scan and upload your application, background check, references, and any court or disciplinary documents (if applicable). Fees must be paid by check or money order to the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (no cash allowed), in line with plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Board staff review: Staff will check your file for completeness. If anything is missing, you will receive a deficiency notice via email and must supply the items within 60 days, or your application will be withdrawn. Apply at least 15 days before a Board meeting to ensure prompt review.
Receive exam eligibility notice: Once your experience and references are approved, the board sends an exam authorization letter by email. This allows you to register for the trade test through third-party provider PSI/AMP.
Register with PSI/AMP and take the exam: Follow the link in your board notification to choose an exam date and location. Bring required ID and authorization to the test. Score 70% or higher to pass.
Final license issuance: After passing the exam, the board will issue your plumbing license and mail or email your certificate and number. Watch your email for license status and any additional messages.
Veteran preference (if applicable): Veterans can receive exam score boost or have their application expedited. Submit official military service (DD-214 form) to claim preference credits according to plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Monitor communications and update your info: Processing time varies by application volume. Always keep your contact email current on the GOALS portal to avoid delays.
Processing Notes
Every application must be complete, signed, and properly notarized. All supporting documentation must relate to plumbing experience and licensure. Incomplete or outdated background checks are the most common reason for deficiency notices.
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet specific plumbing license requirements in Georgia for age, citizenship, experience, and background. Each requirement below is strictly enforced during application review.
Experience and Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, with experience requirements depending on license class. Journeyman requires at least one year of plumbing experience; Master (Class I or II) requires five years total, including at least two years as a licensed Journeyman. Class II candidates must show experience on commercial or industrial plumbing jobs. References must be properly credentialed as explained above.
Background and Legal Status
Every applicant must provide a recent (usually within 12 months) background check from a recognized law enforcement agency. You must sign an affidavit of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as part of your Secure & Verifiable Document (SVD) packet, per plumbing license requirements in Georgia. If you have a criminal record, supply certified court records and an explanation with rehabilitative details.
Insurance and Bond
Georgia does not require plumbing license applicants to provide proof of general liability insurance or surety bond for state licensing. However, individual cities or private business clients might, so check local requirements. The state board rules do not reference insurance or bonding for this trade.
Other Certifications
No special federal or code-specific certifications (like EPA 608 or medical gas) are required to get a Georgia plumbing license. All qualifications must be met directly under the plumbing license requirements of Georgia regulations and rule chapters.
Exams
All plumbing licenses in Georgia require passing a trade exam administered by PSI/AMP. You cannot obtain any plumbing license without meeting this exam step as part of plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Format and Passing Score
The Georgia licensing exam covers plumbing codes, installation standards, and practical applications. All questions are administered by computer or on paper, depending on test center. A minimum score of 70% is required according to current plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
You must receive your Board-issued PSI/AMP authorization notice before you may schedule or sit for the exam. Registration, payment, and test date selection are arranged directly with PSI/AMP per the email instruction after Board approval. More details are available on official PSI/AMP documents and the Georgia State Licensing Board page.
Exam Retake Policy
If you fail the exam twice, Georgia’s plumbing board requires you to complete a Board-approved review course before retaking the test. This rule helps reinforce understanding of key regulations and job-site safety. The retake policy is strict and mirrors that of related trades in Georgia, ensuring all licensees meet the minimum standard under plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Fees
The cost to apply, renew, and reinstate a plumbing license in Georgia is regulated by the state fee schedule. All fees are nonrefundable and must be paid by check or money order to the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, never in cash. Each amount below is current as of 2026; always check the official fee schedule for changes.
Initial application (Journeyman or Master): $30 application + $10 processing = $40 (as of 2026, verify at above)
On-time renewal: Journeyman $35; Master $75 (as of 2026, verify at above)
Late renewal (within 30 days after expiration): Journeyman $45; Master $100 (as of 2026, verify at above)
Reinstatement (lapsed >3 years): Journeyman $70 + $10 processing = $80; Master $150 + $10 = $160 (as of 2026, see reinstatement form)
If your license has lapsed less than three years, refer to the late renewal and "lapsed" categories on the fee schedule. If it has lapsed more than three years, you must reapply as a new candidate, retake the exam, and pay full reinstatement fees plus meet continuing education requirements for every year missed (see next section).
Renewal and Continuing Education
Your Georgia plumbing license must be renewed every two years. Renewal is a key part of plumbing license requirements in Georgia and ensures active plumbers stay current on codes and technology. Licenses expire on November 30 of every even-numbered year. There is a late renewal period from December 1 to 31; after this, your license lapses and requires reinstatement.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
All licensees must complete approved CE to renew. The standard is 8 hours per 2-year cycle, completed with board-accepted providers such as technical colleges, trade associations, and state-approved schools. If you have been licensed less than two years at the time of renewal, you must complete only 4 hours. If licensed less than one year, no CE is needed for your first renewal per plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Acceptable courses include code updates, safety, design, products, and installation topics. Master Plumbers may also count business management or environmental courses toward their hours. Maintain detailed CE records (completion certificates, course outlines, and provider details) for at least 5 years in case of board audit.
Lapsed and Reinstated Licenses
If you attempt to renew after your license has lapsed, you must also complete additional CE for each year out of compliance: 8 hours for less than 1 year lapsed, 12 hours for less than 2 years, and 16 hours for less than 3 years. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must reapply, pay the full reinstatement fee, and pass the current trade exam in addition to the 16 hours of CE.
The licensing board provides full details in the renewal and reinstatement forms, matching strict plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
Reciprocity
The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board currently grants plumbing licenses strictly by examination. There are no reciprocity agreements in place for plumbing contractors from other states. This means you cannot transfer a license from another state or apply by endorsement under the plumbing license requirements in Georgia.
If you are licensed in another state, you must still submit a full application, supply references, verify experience, pass the Georgia trade exam, and meet all other requirements for new candidates.
Official Links
Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board – Plumbing Division homepage
Plumber How-To Guide – Application & FAQs
Fee Schedule
Application for Examination & Reinstatement (Plumbing)
Rules & Regulations Chapter 121-3 (Plumbing)
Rules & Regulations Chapter 121-4 (Continuing Education)
