Georgia Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Master Plumber License (Restricted or Non-Restricted) · Issued by the Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, within the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB).

🔧 PlumberGA ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Georgia, plumbers must hold the Master Plumber License (Restricted or Non-Restricted), issued by the Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, within the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB), and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Georgia

Follow these steps to earn your Master Plumber License (Restricted or Non-Restricted). Every figure is verified against the Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, within the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 3 years of apprentice-level experience under a licensed master plumber. Master (Class I or II): 5 years total plumbing experience, including at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman. Class II additionally requires documented commercial/industrial plumbing experience. Diploma programs may substitute up to 2 years; certificate programs up to 1 year.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination (100 questions, 5 hours, open-book) and Master Plumber Examination — Class I (120 questions, 7 hours, open-book) and Master Plumber Examination — Class II (120–168 questions, 7 hours, open-book) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Class II (Non-Restricted): $500,000 per occurrence (commercial general liability). Class I (Restricted): Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a stated minimum.), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Required; obtained through local law enforcement or private agency. Three notarized character references required, including at least one from a licensed master plumber.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, within the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) — Not confirmed on the official fee schedule (board lists an $80 reinstatement fee; initial application commonly cited as ~$100 — verify with the board) application fee, plus a Included in application process license fee. Processing time: Exams offered on fixed scheduled dates; check sos.ga.gov for current exam calendar. Applications processed in order of receipt.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (November 30 of even-numbered years), completing 4 hours per year (8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle); courses must be conducted by an accredited college, vocational-technical school, or trade association.

License types

Journeyman Plumber — Performs plumbing work under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber; cannot contract independently
Master Plumber — Restricted (Class I) — Contracts for plumbing work on single- and two-family residential buildings and commercial structures not exceeding 10,000 sq ft
Master Plumber — Non-Restricted (Class II) — Contracts for any plumbing work on any residential or commercial structure without limitation

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 3 years of apprentice-level experience under a licensed master plumber. Master (Class I or II): 5 years total plumbing experience, including at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman. Class II additionally requires documented commercial/industrial plumbing experience. Diploma programs may substitute up to 2 years; certificate programs up to 1 year.
Application fee	Not confirmed on the official fee schedule (board lists an $80 reinstatement fee; initial application commonly cited as ~$100 — verify with the board)
License fee	Included in application process
Renewal fee	$75 (Master, biennial); $35 (Journeyman, biennial); $100 late fee for Master; $45 late fee for Journeyman
Renewal period	Every 2 years (November 30 of even-numbered years)
Continuing education	4 hours per year (8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle); courses must be conducted by an accredited college, vocational-technical school, or trade association
Bond required	Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a specific dollar amount; surety bond in form prescribed by GCILB must be filed before license is issued; local probate court may impose separate bonding requirements by county
Liability insurance	Class II (Non-Restricted): $500,000 per occurrence (commercial general liability). Class I (Restricted): Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a stated minimum.
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-2 for any business with 3 or more employees.
Background check	Required; obtained through local law enforcement or private agency. Three notarized character references required, including at least one from a licensed master plumber.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	Exams offered on fixed scheduled dates; check sos.ga.gov for current exam calendar. Applications processed in order of receipt.

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Examination (100 questions, 5 hours, open-book)	Provider: PSI Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $207 (paid to PSI)
Master Plumber Examination — Class I (120 questions, 7 hours, open-book)	Provider: PSI Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $207 (paid to PSI)
Master Plumber Examination — Class II (120–168 questions, 7 hours, open-book)	Provider: PSI Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $207 (paid to PSI)

Preparing for the Plumber exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Georgia does not have reciprocity with any other state for Master or Journeyman Plumber licenses, per the official GCILB FAQ. All applications submitted through the GOALS online portal.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Georgia plumber license cost?

Application: Not confirmed on the official fee schedule (board lists an $80 reinstatement fee; initial application commonly cited as ~$100 — verify with the board). License: Included in application process. Renewal: $75 (Master, biennial); $35 (Journeyman, biennial); $100 late fee for Master; $45 late fee for Journeyman.

Do plumbers in Georgia need a surety bond?

Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a specific dollar amount; surety bond in form prescribed by GCILB must be filed before license is issued; local probate court may impose separate bonding requirements by county

What experience is required for a Georgia plumber license?

Journeyman: 3 years of apprentice-level experience under a licensed master plumber. Master (Class I or II): 5 years total plumbing experience, including at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman. Class II additionally requires documented commercial/industrial plumbing experience. Diploma programs may substitute up to 2 years; certificate programs up to 1 year.

Is insurance required for plumbers in Georgia?

Liability: Class II (Non-Restricted): $500,000 per occurrence (commercial general liability). Class I (Restricted): Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a stated minimum. Workers' compensation: Required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-2 for any business with 3 or more employees.

How often must a Georgia plumber license be renewed?

Every 2 years (November 30 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 4 hours per year (8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle); courses must be conducted by an accredited college, vocational-technical school, or trade association

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, within the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) before applying. This is not legal advice.