Current Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter format: the posted PSI bulletin lists 100 questions, a four-hour time limit, and a 70% passing score. Gas Appliances and Piping is the largest domain with 40 questions, followed by Drain, Waste and Vent Systems with 13 questions.
What Is the Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam?
The Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination is the state licensing exam administered through PSI for the Maryland State Board of Plumbing. Many candidates search for it as the Maryland Journeyman Plumber exam, while the official Maryland license title uses the word Journey.
The exam measures code knowledge, practical plumbing concepts, gas piping, drainage and venting, backflow prevention, water supply, plumbing mathematics and safety. Strong exam prep should also build the skill that matters on an open-book test: finding the correct rule or table quickly enough to stay on pace.
Exam answer: 100 questions, 240 minutes, 70% passing score and open-book testing under the currently posted PSI bulletin.
2026 code transition: the 2026 1 Exam Prep course is based on the 2024 IPC. Maryland Board records show a 2026 transition toward 2024 code enforcement and coordination with PSI, while the currently posted PSI candidate bulletin still lists 2018 IPC and IFGC references. Always verify the live PSI bulletin for your scheduled test date.
The current blueprint puts 40% of the exam into Gas Appliances and Piping. Drain, Waste and Vent Systems adds another 13%. Together those two subjects account for 53 of the 100 exam questions, so they deserve a large share of your plumbing exam prep time.
This page uses 4 authority and reference groups for verification: the Maryland State Board of Plumbing, PSI Examination Services, OSHA construction safety standards and International Code Council code references. Commercial course details come from 1 Exam Prep, while official Maryland and PSI rules control whenever exam-prep information differs.
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam Domains
Match your Maryland plumber exam prep time to the current 100-question PSI content outline.
| Exam Area | What to Study | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety | Definitions, general plumbing principles, basic code rules, jobsite safety and OSHA awareness | 8 |
| Materials, Uses and Specifications | Approved piping materials, joining methods, supports, limitations, fittings and installation requirements | 6 |
| Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves | Trap requirements, interceptors, backwater valves, installation rules and protection | 4 |
| Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings and Appliances | Fixture installation, clearances, connections, plumbing appliances and fixture requirements | 4 |
| Water Supply Systems | Water distribution, sizing, pressure, service piping, valves and protection of potable water | 8 |
| Backflow Prevention | Cross-connection control, device selection, installation, testing concepts and potable-water protection | 10 |
| Drain, Waste and Vent Systems | Drainage sizing, fixture units, slope, cleanouts, venting, stacks, branches and system layout | 13 |
| Gas Appliances and Piping | Fuel gas sizing, gas piping, appliance installation, combustion, venting, pressure and code requirements | 40 |
| Plumbing Mathematics | Trade math, measurements, pipe calculations, basic geometry, conversions and plumbing formulas | 7 |
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam Breakdown
Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam 100 questions | 4 hours | 70% to pass
Testing Provider PSI Examination Services
Licensing Authority Maryland State Board of Plumbing
Exam Format Open book
Largest Topic Gas Appliances and Piping | 40 questions
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems 13 questions
Backflow Prevention 10 questions
Water Supply Systems 8 questions
Standard Eligibility Path 4 years as a licensed apprentice plumber, 7,500 qualifying hours and an approved 32-hour backflow course before the examination
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Licensing Path
The Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter license is the next major step for a licensed apprentice plumber who has completed the required training and is ready to pass the state examination. It is not the same license as Maryland's Master Plumber/Gas Fitter credential, but it is an important step on the path toward higher-level plumbing contractor responsibility.
Apprentice license history: the standard Maryland pathway requires at least four years as a licensed Apprentice Plumber.
Training hours: applicants need at least 7,500 hours of plumbing training under the direction and control of a licensed Maryland Master Plumber.
School credit: the posted PSI bulletin states that up to 1,500 hours of certified approved school study may be applied toward the 7,500-hour requirement.
Backflow training: applicants must submit a non-expired approved 32-hour course in Backflow Prevention Device Testing.
Jurisdiction reminder: Baltimore County and areas served by WSSC may have additional local licensing or examination requirements. Verify the rules for the jurisdiction where you plan to work.
What Is on the Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam?
Each bar is scaled against Gas Appliances and Piping, the largest 40-question category.
Gas Appliances and Piping40 questions
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems13 questions
Backflow Prevention10 questions
Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety8 questions
Water Supply Systems8 questions
Plumbing Mathematics7 questions
Materials, Uses and Specifications6 questions
Traps, Interceptors and Backwater Valves4 questions
Fixtures, Fixture Fittings and Plumbing Appliances4 questions
Current Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam References
The currently posted PSI bulletin lists the following reference groups for the Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination. Maryland was working through a 2026 code transition, so confirm the live candidate bulletin before test day because approved exam-room editions can change.
| Reference | Primary Use | Current Posted PSI Listing |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code | Plumbing systems, fixtures, water supply, drainage, venting, traps and code-compliance questions | 2018 Edition |
| International Fuel Gas Code | Gas appliances, gas piping, sizing, combustion air, venting and fuel-gas requirements | 2018 Edition |
| Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters | Trade mathematics, measurements, pipe calculations, geometry and plumbing formulas | Lee Smith, 8th Edition, 2013 |
| Standard Backflow Text | Backflow prevention, cross-connection control, devices, testing concepts and potable-water protection | Any standard backflow text |
| Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety, PPE, ladders, hazard recognition, tools and jobsite safety responsibilities | Latest available amendments or PSI selections version |
Your Maryland Journeyman Plumber Licensing Roadmap
Confirm your apprentice history, document qualifying hours, complete backflow training, apply through PSI, verify the current reference list, pass the examination and complete the Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter licensing process.
1
Confirm your apprentice license history
Make sure your Maryland apprentice license history meets the standard four-year requirement and that your qualifying work was completed under the direction and control of a licensed Maryland Master Plumber.
2
Verify your training hours and backflow course
Document at least 7,500 qualifying plumbing hours and complete the approved 32-hour Backflow Prevention Device Testing course required for the standard Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter pathway.
3
Apply for PSI examination eligibility
Submit the required application and supporting documentation through the Maryland PSI testing portal. PSI reviews eligibility before you can move forward with testing.
4
Verify and prepare the approved reference books
Check the current PSI bulletin for the exact book editions and reference rules that apply to your scheduled exam date, especially during Maryland's 2026 code transition.
5
Prepare with targeted plumber exam prep
Prioritize Gas Appliances and Piping first, then Drain, Waste and Vent Systems, Backflow Prevention, Water Supply Systems, fundamentals, materials and plumbing mathematics.
6
Take the PSI examination
Complete the 100-question open-book examination within four hours and meet the current 70% passing requirement.
7
Complete final licensing steps
After passing, follow Maryland State Board of Plumbing instructions to complete the Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter licensing process and confirm any local jurisdiction requirements where you plan to work.
Six-Week Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Plan
Week 1
Blueprint and References
- Review all nine exam domains
- Verify current PSI reference editions
- Practice indexes, chapters and tables
- Take a diagnostic practice exam
Week 2
Gas Appliances and Piping
- Gas pipe sizing
- Appliance installation
- Combustion and venting
- Fuel gas code navigation
Week 3
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
- Drainage fixture units
- Pipe sizing and slope
- Vent systems and cleanouts
- Isometric interpretation
Week 4
Backflow and Water Supply
- Backflow prevention devices
- Cross-connection control
- Water distribution and pressure
- Potable-water protection
Week 5
Fundamentals, Materials and Math
- Plumbing safety and OSHA
- Materials and specifications
- Fixtures, traps and valves
- Plumbing mathematics
Week 6
Timed Simulation
- 100-question practice exams
- Four-hour pacing
- Reference-selection drills
- Final weak-area review
Maryland Open-Book Plumber Exam Prep Strategy
Do this during exam prep
- Practice with the reference editions allowed by PSI for your test date
- Learn which book matches each major exam topic
- Highlight and underline permitted reference material
- Use qualifying permanent tabs where permitted
- Practice gas sizing, DWV, backflow and plumbing math questions
- Complete full four-hour practice exams
Avoid these mistakes
- Bringing study guides into the exam room
- Writing notes inside exam-room references
- Using removable Post-it style tabs
- Adding loose or attached papers to references
- Assuming a newer code edition is automatically allowed
- Assuming open book means easy
Open-book strategy: identify the topic first, choose the correct reference before you start searching, locate the governing rule, table or formula, check any notes and exceptions that change the answer, then move on. With 100 questions in 240 minutes, you average about 2.4 minutes per question.
Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Options
2026 Maryland Journeyman Plumber Study Guide
Focused Written Exam Prep
- Built around the 2024 IPC course track
- Maryland plumber exam topic review
- Plumbing systems and installation
- Isometric analysis and plumbing math
- Licensing and exam requirement review
Study Guide and Online Course
Guided Online Plumber Exam Prep
- 700+ practice questions with detailed answer keys
- 8+ hours of video training
- IPC chapter breakdowns and isometric walkthroughs
- Simulated computer-based exams
- Downloadable study materials and mobile-friendly access
Complete Books, Tabs and Course Package
Complete Reference and Course Prep
- 2024 IPC-based package track
- Study guide and online course support
- Quick-reference tabs
- Practice questions and exam simulations
- Reference-navigation study system
Reference-edition reminder: the 2026 course and package line is built around the 2024 IPC. The currently posted PSI bulletin still lists the 2018 IPC and 2018 IFGC as allowed exam-room references. Maryland Board records show a 2026 transition toward the 2024 codes and exam changes with PSI. Use the 2024 course for current code learning when appropriate, but confirm the exact books allowed in the testing room for your scheduled exam date.
Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Is a Maryland Trade License
Maryland's Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter credential is a state plumbing license earned after the required apprentice experience, training hours, backflow course and written examination. It is different from the Master Plumber/Gas Fitter license, which has additional experience and examination requirements.
· Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter exam: 100 questions
· Four-hour testing limit
· 70% minimum passing score
· Open-book PSI examination
· Standard path includes 7,500 qualifying training hours
· Approved 32-hour backflow training is required
Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep FAQ
Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter Exam Basics
The currently posted PSI candidate bulletin lists 100 questions for the Maryland Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter examination.
The currently posted PSI bulletin allows 240 minutes, or four hours, for the 100-question exam.
The currently posted minimum passing score is 70 percent.
Yes. The currently posted PSI bulletin identifies the exam as open book. Only approved references are allowed in the testing room.
PSI Examination Services administers the examination for the Maryland State Board of Plumbing.
Gas Appliances and Piping is the largest current category with 40 questions, or 40 percent of the 100-question exam.
Drain, Waste and Vent Systems accounts for 13 questions in the currently posted PSI content outline.
Backflow Prevention accounts for 10 questions in the currently posted PSI content outline.
Plumbing Mathematics accounts for 7 questions in the currently posted PSI content outline.
The currently posted PSI bulletin lists the 2018 International Plumbing Code, the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters by Lee Smith, any standard backflow text, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 or the PSI selections version.
The currently posted PSI rules allow approved references to be indexed, highlighted and underlined. Permanent tabs that meet PSI rules are allowed, while removable Post-it style flags are not.
No. The currently posted PSI bulletin says exam-room references must be unmarked, meaning not written in, and may not contain loose or attached papers.
No. The currently posted PSI bulletin allows specified reference books but says study guides are not allowed in the testing room.
Maryland Licensing, References and Exam Prep
The standard Maryland pathway requires at least four years as a licensed apprentice plumber and at least 7,500 hours of plumbing training under the direction and control of a licensed Maryland Master Plumber.
Yes. The currently posted PSI bulletin states that up to 1,500 hours of certified approved school study may be applied toward the 7,500-hour requirement.
Yes. Applicants must submit a non-expired approved 32-hour course in Backflow Prevention Device Testing.
The 2026 course is built around the 2024 IPC. Maryland Board records in 2026 show a transition toward 2024 code enforcement and coordination with PSI on exam changes, while the currently posted PSI candidate bulletin still lists 2018 IPC and IFGC references. Candidates should confirm the live PSI bulletin and approved exam-room references for their scheduled test date.
Start with Gas Appliances and Piping because it represents 40 questions. Then give major attention to Drain, Waste and Vent Systems, Backflow Prevention, Water Supply Systems, Plumbing Fundamentals and Safety, and Plumbing Mathematics.
Yes. The course page states that it includes 700 or more practice questions with detailed answer keys, more than 8 hours of video training, simulated computer-based exams, downloadable study materials and mobile-friendly access.
Yes. With 100 questions in 240 minutes, the average pace is about 2.4 minutes per question. Timed practice can help build code-navigation speed, calculation accuracy and pacing.
Maryland Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep Video
Explore Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Resources
Maryland Study Guide and Online Course Maryland Journeyman Plumber Study Guide Maryland Complete Books, Tabs and Course Package Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Collection Maryland PSI Plumbing Candidate Bulletin Maryland Plumbing License Requirements Maryland State Board of Plumbing OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926
Ready to Prepare for the Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam?
Build gas piping knowledge, DWV code-navigation skill, backflow prevention understanding, water-supply knowledge, plumbing math accuracy, OSHA safety awareness and open-book speed for Maryland's 100-question Journey Plumber/Gas Fitter PSI exam.
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Maryland Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep
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