Important New Hampshire licensing fact: a Journeyman Plumber is not the same as an independent plumbing contractor or Master Plumber. New Hampshire defines a journeyman plumber as a person who performs plumbing and drainage work under the direction of a master plumber.
What Is New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep?
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber exam prep is the study process used to prepare for the state journeyman plumbing examination administered through Prov for the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
The examination tests practical journeyman-level plumbing knowledge across calculations, drainage, fixtures, plumbing fundamentals, traps, interceptors, venting and water distribution. Candidates also need to be comfortable using authorized references under timed open-book conditions.
The phrase Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep is useful when searching for plumbing licensing education, but New Hampshire makes an important distinction. The journeyman license is an individual trade credential. A journeyman customarily performs plumbing work under the direction of a licensed Master Plumber.
Journeyman Plumber: state plumbing credential for an individual who performs plumbing and drainage under the direction of a Master Plumber.
Master Plumber: a separate New Hampshire plumbing credential with additional eligibility and examination requirements.
Exam provider: Prov administers the current New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber written examination.
The 2026 New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Study Guide & Online Course includes 700+ practice questions, detailed answer explanations, video instruction, IPC chapter review, isometric walkthroughs, plumbing math and simulated computer-based exams.
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Licensing Path
Connect apprenticeship, examination and licensing requirements in the right order.
| Stage | Authority / Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | New Hampshire Mechanical Licensing / apprenticeship program | Proper apprentice registration, apprenticeship agreement, work hours and related training |
| Experience | New Hampshire mechanical licensing rules | Required 8,000 hours of qualifying plumbing work or the applicable alternative licensing path |
| Apprenticeship Completion | Department of Labor / approved apprenticeship | Completion certificate and required supporting documentation |
| Journeyman Examination | Prov | Current candidate bulletin, exam authorization, reference books and testing format |
| Journeyman License | New Hampshire OPLC | Application, exam results, identification and required supporting documents |
| Future Master Plumber Path | New Hampshire Mechanical Licensing Board | Current rules generally require holding the New Hampshire journeyman license for at least six months before initial Master Plumber licensure |
Research Authority and Citation Count
Current testing information, licensing rules and 1 Exam Prep study materials were separated so the official exam reference is not confused with the newer code edition used for current-code education.
| Verified Point | Authority | Research Result |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman exam format | Current Prov New Hampshire Mechanical bulletin | 85 questions and 3 hours |
| Passing standard | Current Prov bulletin | 70% passing score on written exams |
| Current exam reference | Current Prov bulletin | 2018 International Plumbing Code plus New Hampshire administrative-rule material |
| Journeyman exam content | Current Prov exam outline | Seven subject categories totaling 85 questions |
| Journeyman license definition | New Hampshire plumbing rules | Journeyman plumbers perform plumbing and drainage under the direction of a master plumber |
| Experience pathway | Current New Hampshire mechanical licensing rules | 8,000 working hours are part of the current initial journeyman licensure pathway |
| 1 Exam Prep 2026 course | Direct 1 Exam Prep product listing | 700+ practice questions, 8+ hours video training, IPC review, isometrics, plumbing math and simulated exams |
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam Breakdown
The current New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber examination contains 85 questions and allows three hours. Prov requires a passing score of 70 percent.
Venting Regulations is the largest subject with 20 questions. Drainage Requirements comes next with 15 questions. Calculations, Fixtures and Faucets, Plumbing Fundamentals, Traps and Interceptors, and Water Distribution each contain 10 questions.
That means more than 40 percent of the exam is tied directly to drainage and venting. A candidate who knows how to install a beautiful fixture but spends six minutes wondering where the vent rule lives in the IPC may suddenly develop a very personal relationship with the clock.
License New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber
Licensing Authority New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Testing Provider Prov, Inc.
Questions 85
Passing Score 70%
Time Allowed 3 hours
Exam Format Open-book written / computer-based examination
Current IPC Reference International Plumbing Code, 2018
Additional Reference Purpose and Scope of Administrative Rules of the Board
Largest Topic Venting Regulations • 20 questions
Experience Path 8,000 working hours under the current initial journeyman rules
Journeyman Work Status Works under the direction of a Master Plumber
How to Study for the New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam
Start with the official exam outline, then build your study schedule around the subjects carrying the most questions. That means venting and drainage deserve extra attention, but the five 10-question categories are too large to ignore.
Practice venting every week. Twenty of the 85 current exam questions are assigned to Venting Regulations.
Know drainage tables and sizing. Drainage Requirements accounts for another 15 questions.
Work calculations instead of just reading them. Ten questions are specifically assigned to journeyman-level calculations.
Use the correct exam book. The current 1 Exam Prep 2026 course teaches from the 2024 IPC, but Prov's current New Hampshire exam bulletin lists the 2018 IPC for the actual examination.
Plumbing Math, Drainage, Venting and IPC Navigation
Plumbing exams test more than memory. You need to understand what the system is doing, recognize which part of the code applies, find the right table or section and finish the calculation without allowing one question to consume your afternoon.
Simplified New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber exam prep illustration for IPC navigation, drainage, venting, water distribution and calculations.
Use the same process on every code problem. Identify the system, choose the chapter or table, confirm the conditions in the question, complete any required math and move forward.
- Calculations: pipe sizing, fixture units, developed length, slope, pressure and plumbing math
- Drainage: building drains, branches, fixture units, cleanouts, sizing and installation
- Fixtures: installation, clearances, connections, materials and fixture requirements
- Traps and Interceptors: trap seals, prohibited arrangements, interceptors and separators
- Venting: vent sizing, connections, developed length and approved vent arrangements
- Water Distribution: potable-water protection, valves, sizing, pressure and distribution systems
Your New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Licensing Roadmap
Connect apprenticeship completion, the Prov examination and the New Hampshire journeyman license in the right order.
1
Register and complete apprenticeship requirements
Make sure your apprentice registration, apprenticeship agreement and qualifying work are documented correctly.
2
Complete qualifying plumbing experience
Current New Hampshire rules include an 8,000-hour on-the-job experience pathway for initial Journeyman Plumber licensure.
3
Complete the required apprenticeship program
New Hampshire apprenticeship materials describe the standard plumbing program as approximately four years and require the applicable completion documentation.
4
Confirm exam eligibility
Review the current OPLC application requirements and make sure your school, apprenticeship or licensing path has approved you for the correct examination.
5
Prepare for the 85-question Prov exam
Practice calculations, drainage, fixtures, fundamentals, traps, venting, water distribution and fast IPC navigation.
6
Pass the examination
Current New Hampshire testing requires a 70 percent passing score on the written examination.
7
Complete Journeyman Plumber licensing
Submit the required licensing documents and begin working within the scope of the New Hampshire journeyman credential under the direction of a Master Plumber.
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam Topic Weighting
These counts follow the current Prov New Hampshire Mechanical Plumbing examination bulletin. Bar lengths compare each category with the largest 20-question Venting Regulations section.
Calculations 10 questions • 11.8%
Drainage Requirements 15 questions • 17.6%
Fixtures and Faucets 10 questions • 11.8%
Plumbing Fundamentals 10 questions • 11.8%
Traps and Interceptors 10 questions • 11.8%
Venting Regulations 20 questions • 23.5%
Water Distribution 10 questions • 11.8%
Exam-reference warning: the current Prov New Hampshire bulletin lists the 2018 International Plumbing Code. The 1 Exam Prep 2026 New Hampshire course uses the 2024 IPC for current-code education. Match your actual exam-day reference to the code edition listed by Prov for the test you schedule.
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam References
Use the current Prov bulletin as the final authority for books and materials permitted in your scheduled examination.
| Reference | Primary Study Use | Exam-Day Note |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code, 2018 | Drainage, fixtures, traps, vents, water distribution, materials, installation and plumbing-code navigation | Listed by the current Prov New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber bulletin |
| Purpose and Scope of Administrative Rules of the Board | New Hampshire plumbing administrative and licensing material | Listed by Prov as an authorized Journeyman Plumber exam reference |
| 2024 International Plumbing Code Study Material | Current-code education and the basis of the 2026 1 Exam Prep New Hampshire study course | Do not substitute it for the official Prov-listed 2018 IPC unless the bulletin changes |
| Journeyman Plumber Study Guide | Practice questions, plumbing math, isometrics and topic review | Study material only; Prov does not allow test-preparation study guides in the test center |
| Permanent IPC Tabs | Faster chapter and code-section navigation | Prov permits permanent tabs but prohibits moveable tabs and Post-it notes |
How to Prepare for the Open-Book New Hampshire Plumber Exam
Build these exam-prep habits
- Practice with the current Prov-listed 2018 IPC
- Learn chapter locations before the exam
- Use approved permanent tabs
- Practice drainage and vent tables repeatedly
- Work plumbing calculations with a timer
- Study New Hampshire administrative material
- Complete full 85-question timed practice sessions
Avoid these exam-prep mistakes
- Bringing the wrong IPC edition simply because it is newer
- Using moveable tabs or Post-it notes
- Writing handwritten notes in an authorized reference
- Bringing practice exams into the testing room
- Ignoring venting because it feels familiar from field work
- Skipping plumbing math practice
- Spending too long searching for one code answer
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber vs Master Plumber
New Hampshire treats Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber as separate plumbing credentials.
A Journeyman Plumber performs plumbing and drainage under the direction of a Master Plumber. This is why a journeyman license should not be described as unrestricted independent plumbing-contractor authority.
The Master Plumber path carries additional licensing responsibility. Current New Hampshire rules generally require a Master Plumber applicant to have held a New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber license for at least six months and to satisfy the separate master examination and licensing requirements.
Journeyman: individual plumbing trade credential for work under the direction of a Master Plumber.
Master: higher plumbing credential connected to supervision and the business-level role defined by New Hampshire law.
New Hampshire Plumbing License and Exam Comparison
Apprentice, journeyman and master credentials represent different stages of the New Hampshire plumbing path.
| Path | Main Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | Learn plumbing through approved employment and training | Works through the apprenticeship process and documents qualifying hours |
| Journeyman Plumber | Perform skilled plumbing and drainage work | Works under the direction of a Master Plumber |
| Journeyman Prov Exam | Tests journeyman-level plumbing competency | 85 questions, 3 hours, 70% passing |
| Master Plumber | Higher plumbing licensing and supervisory responsibility | Separate eligibility and 100-question examination |
| Mechanical Business Entity | Business licensing requirements where applicable | Separate from simply holding an individual journeyman credential |
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Requirements
Apprenticeship Candidate
Build the Experience Foundation
- Maintain required apprentice registration
- Use a valid apprenticeship agreement
- Complete qualifying on-the-job hours
- Complete required related education
- Obtain apprenticeship completion documentation
Journeyman Exam Candidate
Prov Exam Focus
- Calculations
- Drainage requirements
- Fixtures and faucets
- Plumbing fundamentals
- Traps and interceptors
- Venting regulations
- Water distribution
Future Master Plumber
Next Licensing Step
- Maintain the Journeyman Plumber license
- Build qualifying journeyman experience
- Review current Master Plumber eligibility
- Prepare for the separate master exam
- Review business and supervisory responsibilities
Six-Week New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam Prep Plan
Break the 85-question examination into focused plumbing systems and timed IPC-navigation practice.
Week 1
Exam Setup and Plumbing Fundamentals
- Review the Prov bulletin
- Organize the 2018 IPC
- Set permanent tabs
- Review materials and installation rules
- Take a diagnostic practice set
Week 2
Drainage Requirements
- Fixture units
- Drain sizing
- Slope
- Cleanouts
- Building drains and branches
Week 3
Venting Regulations
- Vent connections
- Vent sizing
- Developed length
- Wet venting
- Approved vent arrangements
Week 4
Fixtures, Traps and Interceptors
- Fixture requirements
- Faucets
- Trap seals
- Interceptors
- Installation clearances
Week 5
Water Distribution and Math
- Water sizing
- Pressure
- Backflow protection
- Valves
- Plumbing calculations
Week 6
Full Exam Simulation
- 85-question practice exam
- Three-hour pacing
- IPC navigation drills
- Administrative-rule review
- Final test-day rule check
How Hard Is the New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam?
The difficult part is usually not one single plumbing topic. It is the combination of field knowledge, code interpretation, calculations and time management.
Eighty-five questions in three hours gives you a little more than two minutes per question on average. That is enough time to use the IPC when necessary, but not enough time to begin every question by wandering through the index like you are sightseeing.
Venting deserves special attention because it is the largest section. Drainage comes next. Strong candidates also practice calculations because math errors can cost points even when the correct code section was found.
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam Day Checklist
Do this
- Confirm the latest Prov candidate bulletin
- Bring required government-issued identification
- Bring only authorized references
- Use the correct 2018 IPC edition currently listed
- Use only permanent tabs
- Bring only an approved simple calculator
- Maintain steady pacing from the first question
Do not do this
- Bring the 2024 IPC instead of the listed exam book
- Use moveable tabs
- Insert loose papers
- Bring handwritten notes
- Bring study guides or practice exams into the room
- Ignore drainage or venting practice
- Spend ten minutes fighting one plumbing question
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep Options
Study Guide + Online Course
Guided 2026 Plumbing Exam Prep
- 700+ practice questions
- Detailed answer explanations
- 8+ hours of video instruction
- IPC chapter walkthroughs
- Isometric drawing instruction
- Plumbing math review
- Simulated computer-based exams
Complete Books, Tabs & Course
Complete Study Package
- New Hampshire plumbing study materials
- Journeyman study guide
- IPC-based review
- Quick-reference tabs
- Online training
- Practice questions
- Exam strategy
2026 Study Guide
Practice-Focused Review
- 700+ exam-style questions
- Answer explanations
- Plumbing-system review
- IPC study
- Plumbing calculations
- Isometric analysis
- Test-taking techniques
Important: these 2026 1 Exam Prep products use the 2024 IPC for current-code education. The current New Hampshire Prov Journeyman Plumber bulletin lists the 2018 IPC for the state exam. Verify the bulletin before test day and bring the exact authorized reference edition.
Know the New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Path
Good plumber exam prep starts with the correct credential, correct exam and correct code book.
• New Hampshire licenses Journeyman Plumbers at the state level
• Prov administers the current Journeyman Plumber examination
• The current exam contains 85 questions
• Candidates have three hours
• The current passing standard is 70%
• The current Prov bulletin lists the 2018 IPC
• Venting is the largest exam category with 20 questions
• Journeyman plumbers work under the direction of a Master Plumber
Match the exam first, then match your contractor exam prep and reference books to it.
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep FAQ
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Exam
The current Prov candidate bulletin lists 85 questions on the New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber examination.
The current exam allows three hours.
Prov currently requires a passing score of 70 percent on New Hampshire mechanical written examinations.
Yes. Prov permits authorized references during the examination.
The current Prov bulletin lists the 2018 International Plumbing Code as an authorized Journeyman Plumber examination reference.
Prov also lists the Purpose and Scope of Administrative Rules of the Board.
Exam Subjects
Venting Regulations is the largest category with 20 questions.
The current examination outline assigns 15 questions to Drainage Requirements.
Yes. The current outline includes 10 journeyman-level calculation questions.
Yes. Water Distribution currently accounts for 10 questions.
Licensing Requirements
New Hampshire OPLC contracts with Prov, Inc. to administer the Journeyman Plumber licensing examination.
Current New Hampshire mechanical licensing rules include an initial journeyman pathway requiring at least 8,000 working hours of on-the-job plumbing experience.
No. New Hampshire rules define a journeyman plumber as a person who customarily performs plumbing and drainage under the direction of a Master Plumber.
The journeyman credential allows skilled plumbing work under the direction of a Master Plumber. The Master Plumber credential has separate experience, examination and licensing requirements and carries higher supervisory and business responsibility.
Current New Hampshire rules generally require an initial Master Plumber applicant to have held a New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber license for at least six months.
Open-Book Rules and 1 Exam Prep
Yes. Prov allows authorized reference books to be highlighted before testing.
Yes. Permanent tabs are permitted. Moveable tabs and Post-it notes are prohibited.
No. Prov states that handwritten notes are not allowed in authorized reference books.
The current study guide and online course includes 700+ practice questions, detailed answer explanations, 8+ hours of video instruction, IPC chapter review, isometric walkthroughs, real-world plumbing applications, simulated computer-based exams, downloadable study materials and mobile-friendly access.
The 2026 1 Exam Prep product uses the 2024 IPC for current-code education. The current New Hampshire Prov bulletin still lists the 2018 IPC as the authorized Journeyman Plumber exam reference. Candidates should prepare with the exact exam-day book listed by Prov in addition to using newer-code educational material where useful.
Watch: Pass the 2026 Journeyman Plumber Exam
Watch this related 1 Exam Prep Journeyman Plumber video for additional exam-prep guidance covering plumbing licensing, water supply, sanitary drainage, fixtures, piping, venting, water heaters, plumbing systems and code-study strategy.
New Hampshire exam prep tip: watch the video with your plumbing code nearby. When the video discusses drainage, venting, water supply, fixtures or another plumbing subject, practice locating the related chapter or table. For your actual New Hampshire exam, use the exact IPC edition identified in the current Prov bulletin.
New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep Resources
Use current New Hampshire and Prov licensing information together with focused 1 Exam Prep plumbing study materials.
New Hampshire Study Guide + Online Course Complete Books, Tabs & Course Package 2026 New Hampshire Journeyman Study Guide 2018 IPC Pre-Printed Tabs Journeyman Plumber Online Course New Hampshire Prov Plumbing Candidate Bulletin New Hampshire Mechanical Licensing Rules New Hampshire Mechanical Licensing Statute New Hampshire Plumbing Apprentice Information New Hampshire Plumbing Application Packet New Hampshire Exam Prep Resources Contact 1 Exam Prep
Ready for New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber Contractor Exam Prep?
Build faster IPC navigation, stronger drainage and venting knowledge, better plumbing calculations, improved water-distribution skills and realistic timed practice before your New Hampshire Journeyman Plumber examination.
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