Plumbing Contractor License Requirements in Georgia

Overview — plumbing licensing in Georgia

Georgia requires a state-level plumbing contractor license, issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers. The license verifies competence and consumer protection, and is required to legally bid and perform plumbing work in the state. Working without one when required is typically a misdemeanor and exposes the contractor to civil penalties — and the contract becomes unenforceable in court.

License classes available

Georgia offers 3 plumbing license classes — pick based on the largest project you plan to bid:

• Class I Master Plumber (Restricted). Limited to plumbing in single-family or duplex dwellings.
• Class II Master Plumber (Unrestricted). All plumbing work — commercial, industrial, multi-family.
• Journeyman Plumber. Performs plumbing under master supervision.

Experience required

Master Class I: 3 years experience. Master Class II: 5 years experience including significant commercial.

Exam — what you're tested on

Georgia requires a written examination administered by PSI Services. Topics covered:

• IPC + GA amendments
• Trade knowledge
• Business and law

Passing score: 75%.

Fees

• Application fee: $30
• Initial license fee: $75
• Renewal fee: $75 ( biennial)

Bond & insurance

Bond: Not required at the state level.

General liability insurance: Minimum $500,000.

Workers' compensation: Required for 3+ employees. Sole prop and small crews exempt.

Continuing education

Georgia requires 4 hours of continuing education annual. CE must come from approved providers — verify a course is approved before paying. Required topics typically include:

• IPC updates
• GA amendments

Reciprocity with other states

Georgia has reciprocity agreements with: AL, LA, MS, TN, SC, NC, FL. Reciprocity typically waives the trade exam if you hold an equivalent license in good standing in the reciprocal state for at least one year. Each state still requires its own application and business/law exam.

Local permits and requirements

Atlanta and metro counties require plumbing permits. Atlanta requires city contractor registration too.

Common gotchas

Things that catch most applicants on their first license cycle in Georgia:

• Class I (restricted) vs Class II (unrestricted) — many take Class I and exceed scope.
• Generous SE reciprocity — GA Class II opens doors in 7 states.
• Atlanta's city-level contractor registration required on top of state.
• 3-employee workers' comp threshold trips up growing contractors.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Georgia Class I and Class II master plumber?

Class I is restricted to single-family/duplex residential. Class II is unrestricted — required for multi-family, commercial, and industrial. Class II takes the harder exam and requires 5 years experience vs 3 for Class I.

Does Georgia have plumbing reciprocity with Florida?

Partial. FL accepts GA Class II for trade exam waiver, but FL business and law exam still required. GA accepts FL Certified Plumbing for trade exam waiver similarly.

How long does Georgia master plumber licensing take?

Application: 30–60 days. Exam: 2–4 weeks. Total: 8–12 weeks from completion of experience requirement.

Can a Georgia Class I plumber work on a small office building?

No — Class I is restricted to single-family or duplex dwellings only. Small office buildings require Class II Unrestricted.

What's GA's annual plumbing CE requirement?

4 hours per year, board-approved providers. Plumbing-specific topics — IPC, GA amendments, public health rules.