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Natural gas is an important fuel source for heating residential and commercial structures, and gas fitters are a crucial part of the industry.  

Before you can legally operate as a gas fitter, you must obtain proper licensure from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA). There are two types of licenses: journeyman and master natural gas fitter. How can you obtain your gas fitter license, and what kinds of work can you take on once you have one? 

Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter License 

With a journeyman natural gas fitter license, you are permitted to install, alter, and repair natural gas systems. You cannot work independently, however. You must be employed by a company, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that is registered with the state licensing board. 

To obtain a journeyman license, you must first register as an apprentice with the SPBLA and work as a gas fitter for two years under the training and supervision of a licensed natural gas fitter. Alternatively, you may apply for a journeyman natural gas fitter license if you hold a current plumbing license in Louisiana. 

If you meet the other qualifications, you can then take the Journeyman Natural Gas Fitter Exam. This open-book test contains 80 questions about topics like: 

• Product installation code knowledge 
• System design and performance code knowledge 
• Fuel gas and mechanical appliance code and trade knowledge 
• Testing, inspection, recording, and system components knowledge 
• General health and safety knowledge 

You will have three hours to complete this exam, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. 

Master Natural Gas Fitter License 

As a master natural gas fitter, you are permitted to perform all of the same tasks a journeyman can. You may also plan and lay out natural gas systems and supervise gas fitters involved in the installation, alteration, and repair of these systems. 

To qualify for this license, you must currently hold at least one of the following: 

• A journeyman natural gas fitter license  
• A statewide mechanical contractor’s license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors  
• A professional engineer license from the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board 

You must also pass the state Master Natural Gas Fitter Exam, an open-book exam administered in two parts. Part 1 features 80 questions covering topics like: 

• Definitions, general regulations, and trade knowledge 
• Fuel gas appliance and venting code knowledge 
• Piping installation code knowledge 
• Safety and environmental code knowledge 

You will have three hours to complete the first portion of the exam. Part 2 takes two hours, and it consists of 40 questions about topics like: 

• Business structure and strategies 
• Contracts and estimating 
• Definitions, general regulations, and trade knowledge 
• Financial management 
• Human resources 
• Math 
• Project management and customer relations 
• Risk management 
• Safety, environmental, and OSHA regulations 

For each part of the test, you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. 

Planning for Success With an Exam Prep Program 

If you want to succeed on state exams, your best option is to find a program designed by industry experts for working professionals. With a course that offers 24/7 online access, you can work at your own pace. 

Are you interested in obtaining a journeyman or master natural gas fitter license in Louisiana? Contact RocketCert now to sign up for your exam prep course.