Massachusetts licensing guide

Massachusetts Journeyman Plumbing Exam: Format, Topics, Code Books and How to Pass

Everything a Massachusetts apprentice needs to know about the Journeyman Plumber exam, taken from the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin and the Board's own regulations. We don't guess and we don't rely on forum rumors. Where something isn't published, we say so.

Last reviewed September 2026 · Primary source: PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, Board of State Examiners of Plumbers & Gas Fitters (dated 10/3/2025)

Exam format: two parts, scored separately

The Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber exam is closed book, computer-delivered, and split into two parts. Each part is scored on its own. You need at least 70% on each one, and a strong Part I cannot rescue a weak Part II. Your score is simply the number of questions you answer correctly. (PSI bulletin)

• Part I (Written): 80 questions, 160 minutes. That's 2 minutes per question. You need 56 correct.
• Part II ("Practical"): 40 questions, 160 minutes. That's 4 minutes per question, because much of it is working problems. You need 28 correct.

Don't let the word "practical" fool you. Part II is not a hands-on test. It's a 40-question computer section built around isometric analysis, gas piping, gas venting and trade calculations. The extra time per question is there because you'll be working problems on scratch paper.

Part I blueprint (80 questions)

These are the official item counts from the bulletin's content outline. Rows marked in copper are fuel gas.

Part II blueprint (40 questions)

Code books and editions tested

The bulletin lists the references the questions were written from. None of them are allowed in the exam room. This list tells you what to study, not what to bring. (PSI bulletin, Reference List)

The current 248 CMR regulations and their effective dates are posted on mass.gov: Policies, regulations, and statutes for plumbers and gas fitters. The history of 248 CMR 10.00 is on Cornell LII. The exam can also include questions on general trade knowledge and industry practice, not only code sections.

Eligibility and how to apply

Who is eligible

Under 248 CMR 11.02 (effective 4/30/2021), an apprentice licensed on or after September 1, 2008 needs:

• At least 6,800 clock hours as a licensed apprentice, working as an employee under the direct supervision of a Massachusetts master plumber, and
• 550 clock hours of plumbing and gas fitting theory, completed as five tiers of 110 hours each over at least four years. No more than 165 hours are credited per calendar year, and schooling must begin within 9 months of getting your apprentice license.

If you were licensed as an apprentice before September 1, 2008, 248 CMR 11.02(1)(a) applies instead: at least 8,000 clock hours as a licensed apprentice plus 300 clock hours of plumbing and gas fitting theory (at least four years, no more than 165 hours per calendar year).

How to apply, step by step

Source: mass.gov: Apply for a Journeyman Plumber license and the PSI bulletin.

1. Finish your hours and schooling. Both the 6,800 work hours and the 550 theory hours must be complete.
2. Gather your documents: the Education Verification Form (signed by a school official), the Statement of Experience Form (signed by your supervising master plumber), a 2x2 passport photo, and the CORI acknowledgement form with page 2 notarized. Veterans claiming the 5% credit also include a DD214.
3. Apply online through eLIPSE. Applications are online only, and mailed applications are returned. The Board application fee is $31 (non-refundable). Incomplete applications are held for only 180 days.
4. Wait for approval. Once the Board approves you, PSI emails your Examination Authorization Notice. Allow about 3 weeks.
5. Schedule with PSI online at test-takers.psiexams.com/maplu or by phone at (855) 834-8745. Test centers are in Auburn, Braintree, Boston (Charlestown), Fall River, Lawrence and West Springfield.
6. Take both parts. You get a printed score report on site.
7. Pay your license fee ($52 for a journeyman plumber) in eLIPSE after passing both parts. PSI does not print licenses on site.

Exam day, scoring and retakes

What to bring and expect

• Arrive 30 minutes early. If you're late, you won't be admitted and you lose the exam fee.
• Bring one valid, unexpired government photo ID with a signature that matches the name you registered under.
• Calculator: only a non-programmable, non-printing, silent, battery-operated calculator without alphabet keys.
• Scratch paper is provided by PSI, and that's the only paper you can write on. Everything else goes in a locker, including your phone, smartwatch, wallet and pens. Jackets, hoodies, vests and hats (other than religious headwear) are not allowed in the testing room.
• You may leave the room only for the restroom, with permission, and you don't get extra time.

Scoring

You need 70% on each part. If you fail, your score report shows how many questions you got right in each major section. Use that to aim your restudy. You'll also be offered an optional review of up to 30 minutes of the items you missed, right after the exam. It's your only chance to see them, and you can use a review/comment sheet to challenge a question. Qualifying veterans (MGL c.4 §7 cl.43) get a 5% credit on each part with a DD214 submitted with the application.

Retakes

• Retake only the part you failed. A passing score on one part is valid for one year.
• You have 12 months from your application approval date to pass. After that, you file a new application.
• After six unsuccessful attempts, you must petition the Board in writing before you're approved to try again.
• The PSI fee is $80 per attempt, first time or retake. Retake fees are non-refundable.
• To reschedule without losing your fee, cancel at least 2 days before your exam date. If you don't show up, you forfeit all fees.

A practical 6-week study plan, weighted to the blueprint

This plan spends your hours where the questions are. It assumes roughly an hour on weeknights and a longer session on the weekend, which is realistic for someone working full time on the job. Every week, finish with timed practice and keep a list of what you missed.

Two rules of thumb. First, score each part on its own in practice, just like the real exam, because averaging them hides a failing part. Second, study from NFPA 54-2012, the edition the exam lists.

Frequently asked questions

Independent study aid, not affiliated with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or PSI. This page summarizes the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (10/3/2025), mass.gov and 248 CMR 11.02. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers & Gas Fitters ([email protected]) and the current PSI bulletin before you apply. Last reviewed September 2026.