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Are you interested in a career path that allows you to start working now and get paid while you train? How about a profession where you can provide valuable services to residents and businesses in your community even as you enjoy opportunities to advance and potentially start your own business?

Skilled trades are gaining popularity as an alternative to four-year college degrees, and plumbing is a service that’s always in demand, ensuring a measure of job stability. In Iowa, you’ll first need a license from the Iowa Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. What are the requirements to obtain a license?

Plumbing Licenses in Iowa

If you want to become a licensed plumber, you can start with a journeyperson plumber with gas license. With this license, you are permitted to perform activities related to the design, installation, and repair of plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, refrigeration, sheet metal, or hydronic systems, under the supervision of a master plumber.

Once you obtain a master plumber with gas license, you may do everything a journeyperson can, as well as engage in planning such projects. You are also permitted to supervise professionals with journeyperson licenses, and you’re expected to be familiar with all applicable rules and laws related to such activities.

Licensing Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a journeyperson and master plumber license. You must also provide documentation of any criminal convictions, as the board will have to review applicants with felony convictions to determine whether they’re eligible to receive a license.

To obtain a journeyperson license, you will have to provide proof that you have completed at least four years of work experience as a plumbing apprentice, in association with an apprenticeship training program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. 

As an alternative, you may provide proof of an equivalent master plumbing license from another jurisdiction.

To become a master plumber, you must first obtain a journeyperson license as well as two years of experience working as a journeyperson. A master plumber license from another jurisdiction can be substituted for this requirement. Obtaining a license will also require you to pass a state trade exam.

What to Expect From State Exams

The Journeyperson Plumbing with Gas Exam is an open-book test featuring 75 questions covering topics like:

• General regulations
• Fixtures and fittings
• Water heaters
• Water supply and distribution
• Sanitary drainage
• Indirect wastes
• Vents
• Traps and interceptors
• Storm drainage
• Fuel gas piping

You will have three hours to complete this exam, and you must answer at least 75% of questions (57) correctly to pass. 

The Master Plumbing with Gas Exam consists of 125 questions and covers the same topics as the journeyperson exam. You will have five hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer a minimum of 94 questions correctly to pass.

Exam Prep for Working Professionals

A state-approved exam prep program that offers self-paced learning with 24/7 online access will give you the best chance to pass your exam on the first try. If you’re ready to obtain your journeyperson or master plumbing license in Iowa, contact RocketCert now to learn more.