Plumbing License Georgia - Housecall Pro
Plumbing LICENSING

Georgia plumbing license:
everything you need to know

The Georgia plumbing industry is growing. Learn an in-demand skill and get your Georgia plumbing license. This guide contains information about licensing requirements, apprenticeships, and job resources.

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

In Georgia, you must have a license to work as a plumber.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Georgia?

The state of Georgia offers three types of plumbing license: Georgia journeyman plumber license, Georgia master plumber license Class 1, and Georgia plumber license Class II.

To qualify for a Georgia journeyman license, you must request state approval to take the journeyman examination. You must have a minimum of three years of experience in the plumbing industry as a helper, trainee, or an apprentice under the direction of a master plumber.

To qualify for a Georgia master plumber license Class I, you must have at least 5 years of experience in the plumbing industry, including at least two years of primary experience. Plumbers with a Georgia master plumbing license Class I can perform repairs, installation, and drainage work.

To qualify for a Georgia master plumber license Class II, you must have experience with industrial and/or commercial plumbing. You must have at least 5 years of experience in the plumbing industry, including at least two years of primary experience.

The employment outlook for Georgia plumbers is positive. In Georgia, the average pay rate for plumbers is $23.62 per hour. The average career span for plumbers is 15 years.

How to get a plumbing license in Georgia

To pursue a Georgia plumbing license, you must apply for an apprenticeship with a master plumber. As an apprentice, you’ll assist a master plumber with a variety of jobs, including sewer line maintenance, plumbing pipe installations ,and plumbing fixture repairs. You’ll need your own tools to work as an apprentice.

Top plumbing schools in Georgia include Albany Technical College and Atlanta Technical College. To receive a plumbing diploma from Atlanta Technical College, you’re required to complete 47 hours. Courses include foundations of mathematics, plumbing drawings, water supply systems, and plumbing codes. Tuition for part-time students is $89 per credit hour and $1,623 per semester for full-time students. Courses for this program aren’t offered online.

Atlanta Technical College offers a Plumbing/Pipefitting Technology Diploma program. Courses include English, math, introduction to plumbing, and drainage system. You can complete the program in four semesters. The estimated cost for the program is $6,450. Courses for this program aren’t offered online.

If you possess a criminal record, the Georgia Board of Construction Industry will review your application. Before your license is granted, the Board will carefully consider the circumstances surrounding your conviction.

Should I join a union?

As a union member,  you’re likely to earn more money. In many instances, salaries for union employees are 20% higher than non-union employees.

You’ll have access to job benefits, including employer health insurance, a pension plan, union representation, and safer work conditions.

You must pay dues to be part of a union. However, the benefits may be worth the additional costs.

Insurance for plumbers in Georgia

Plumbers are required to have liability insurance in Georgia. This type of insurance covers property damage and customer injuries. Contact the Georgia Board of Construction Industry for details about your specific licensing requirements.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

To become licensed plumber in Georgia, apply for an apprenticeship under a master plumber. General qualifications include:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • You must possess the physical ability to perform plumbing jobs.

The Department of Veterans Service offers apprenticeship programs for a plumber journeyman. This program is available to veterans. It offers VA education benefits to pay for plumbing courses and a full-time plumbing apprentice job. This program gives apprentices the ability to earn wages and work toward their plumbing licenses.

The PHCCA GA Academy Apprenticeship Program is another program that provides Georgia plumbing apprentices the opportunity to earn wages and get their plumbing licenses. This 4-year program includes 2,000 hours of on-the-job training each year and 160 classroom hours of instruction. E-learning is available for plumbing courses.

After you submit your apprenticeship applications, you’ll be required to meet with sponsors for interviews. You should dress in business casual attire for your meetings and bring documents that verify your education level and identity.

Does my license work in any other states?

Georgia doesn’t offer reciprocity for licensing in other states.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Plumbing professionals are required to stay up to date with Georgia plumbing codes. Here are a few resources:

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

The following online resources can help you prepare for a career as a Georgia plumber:

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Georgia?

A Georgia plumbing license is valid for two years from the date of issue. You’ll receive a renewal notice 8 weeks before it expires. The license renewal fee is $75.