Chicago Illinois Plumber (Journeyman) Book Package

Prepare for the Chicago Illinois Plumber (Journeyman) Written Examination with a comprehensive book package covering Chicago plumbing-code requirements, plumbing theory, jobsite safety, water supply and distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, fixtures, water heaters, storm drainage, plumbing mathematics, blueprint reading, piping materials, installation methods, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.

The Chicago Journeyman Plumber licensing examination is designed to measure the knowledge and practical skills expected of plumbers working within the City of Chicago. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of both plumbing theory and the specific plumbing requirements that apply to work performed under the Chicago Building Code.

This package includes the 2019 Chicago Building Code, Modern Plumbing, 9th Edition, Plumbing Design and Installation, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition, Blueprint Reading and Drafting for Plumbers, 2nd Edition, and Audel Plumbers Pocket Manual, 10th Edition.

The current Chicago plumbing examination study guide identifies plumbing theory, plumbing systems, code requirements, drawings and plans, component assembly, and troubleshooting as major examination areas. The largest portion of the written exam addresses plumbing systems under Chapter 18-29 of the Chicago Building Code.

This package gives candidates the technical resources needed to study those subjects in depth. The books cover everything from foundational plumbing principles and practical installation procedures to calculations, drawings, water distribution, drainage and vent systems, fixture requirements, and repair techniques.

Chicago Journeyman Plumber candidates must pass both a written examination and a practical examination. The written test establishes knowledge of plumbing codes, theory, calculations, and installation principles, while the practical examination evaluates the ability to apply plumbing requirements to drawings and hands-on piping work.

What You Get

• 2019 Chicago Building Code
• Modern Plumbing, 9th Edition
• Plumbing Design and Installation
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition
• Blueprint Reading and Drafting for Plumbers, 2nd Edition, 2009 – Used
• Audel Plumbers Pocket Manual, 10th Edition, 2004

Together, these references provide preparation for plumbing code, theory, mathematics, drawings, system layout, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, piping materials, and other subjects identified in the Chicago Journeyman Plumber examination outline.

Exam Details

The Chicago plumbing written examination is administered through Continental Testing Services as part of the City of Chicago plumbing licensing process.

The current written examination contains 100 questions and is timed for 3 hours. Candidates must earn a score of 70 or higher on the written test to pass and become eligible to take the Chicago Plumbing Practical Examination.

The current written examination content outline includes:

• Plumbing Theory, Practices & Job Safety – 20 questions
• Code Requirements for Plumbers & Contractors – 2 questions
• Plumbing Systems – 49 questions
• Drawings, Charts & Plans – 8 questions
• Cutting & Assembling Plumbing System Components – 11 questions
• Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Repairs – 10 questions

Plumbing Systems is the largest examination category with 49 questions. This section covers the plumbing provisions contained in Chapter 18-29 of the Chicago Building Code, including administration, definitions, general regulations, fixtures, water heaters, water supply, sanitary drainage, indirect and special waste, vents, traps, separators, interceptors, storm drainage, and swimming pools.

Plumbing Theory, Practices & Job Safety accounts for 20 questions. Candidates should be prepared for plumbing mathematics, public-health principles, planning, tools, equipment, basic electricity, workplace safety, and OSHA-related subjects.

The remaining questions address code requirements for plumbers and contractors, blueprint and plan reading, piping materials and assembly, and troubleshooting and repair.

Closed Book Test

The Chicago Journeyman Plumber written examination is a closed book test. Candidates may not bring their own calculators, books, notes, or other printed reference materials into the written examination.

The testing provider supplies any reference information that is required to answer particular examination questions. Candidates should therefore use the books in this package for advance preparation rather than expect to search them during the test.

Closed-book preparation should focus on understanding plumbing principles, recognizing Chicago code requirements, completing calculations, reading plans, identifying proper piping methods, and applying technical knowledge to realistic plumbing situations.

Practice should gradually move from reference-assisted study to answering questions without the books. When a question is missed, return to the appropriate reference, review the underlying concept, and then attempt similar questions from memory.

Licensing Steps

The Chicago Journeyman Plumber licensing process includes both written and practical examinations as well as documented apprentice experience.

1. Complete qualifying apprenticeship experience. Current examination requirements call for four years of work as a Plumber's Apprentice.
2. Maintain the required apprentice credential. Applicants must provide a copy of their applicable apprentice license as part of the examination documentation.
3. Obtain employer verification. Candidates must provide an original signed letter from a current or former employer that is a licensed and bonded plumbing contractor.
4. Document employment dates and experience. The employer letter must establish that the applicant completed the required four years of apprentice plumbing work and include the contractor's license information.
5. Apply for the Chicago Journeyman Plumber examination. Complete the required City of Chicago and Continental Testing Services application process.
6. Prepare for the written examination. Study Chicago plumbing-code provisions, theory, calculations, safety, plans, installation practices, system components, troubleshooting, and repair.
7. Pass the written examination. Candidates must score 70 or higher to become eligible for the practical examination.
8. Complete the Chicago Plumbing Practical Examination. The practical examination evaluates drawing and piping-assembly skills.
9. Pass the required practical components. Candidates must achieve the required score on each practical examination component.
10. Complete the licensing process. After meeting the written, practical, experience, and application requirements, complete the remaining City of Chicago requirements for Journeyman Plumber licensure.

State Requirements

The Chicago Journeyman Plumber examination is associated with professional plumbing licensure in the City of Chicago. Candidates must meet the licensing and examination requirements applicable to plumbing work performed within the city.

Current Continental Testing Services requirements state that applicants must document four years of work as a Plumber's Apprentice. The experience must be verified through an original signed employer letter from a licensed and bonded plumbing contractor.

The verification letter must establish the dates of employment and confirm completion of the required apprentice experience. It must also include the employer's plumbing contractor license number, and the applicant must provide a copy of the apprentice license.

Candidates currently licensed as an Apprentice Plumber by either the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois may apply through the applicable current examination process.

The licensing examination has two stages. Candidates first pass the written examination and then proceed to the Chicago Plumbing Practical Examination. Both are required parts of the professional licensing process.

The practical examination contains two major components. One requires candidates to complete plumbing specifications for a three-story residential building by adding required sewer, drain, waste, and vent piping, including an overhead sewer with an ejector system, in accordance with the current Chicago Plumbing Code.

The second practical component involves a copper pipe assembly project. Candidates must interpret a drawing, calculate required tubing dimensions, measure and cut tubing, assemble the specified sections, and solder the completed project.

A score of at least 75 is required on each part of the practical examination. Candidates who fail only one practical component are required to repeat the portion on which they scored below the passing standard.

Reference Books

• 2019 Chicago Building Code
  Provides Chicago-specific building and plumbing requirements, including Chapter 18-29 plumbing provisions covering administration, definitions, fixtures, water heaters, water supply, sanitary drainage, indirect waste, vents, traps, interceptors, storm drainage, and other plumbing systems.
• Modern Plumbing, 9th Edition
  A comprehensive plumbing textbook covering plumbing fundamentals, safety, tools, materials, pipe and fittings, water supply, drainage, venting, fixtures, water heaters, installation procedures, troubleshooting, and practical trade knowledge.
• Plumbing Design and Installation
  Supports preparation involving plumbing-system planning, layout, pipe sizing, installation, water distribution, drainage and vent systems, fixtures, drawings, and practical design considerations.
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition
  Provides trade-focused mathematics covering measurements, fractions, decimals, geometry, volume, pressure, pipe calculations, offsets, grade, conversions, and other calculations used by plumbers and pipefitters.
• Blueprint Reading and Drafting for Plumbers, 2nd Edition, 2009 – Used
  Develops blueprint-reading and drawing skills for plumbing work, including symbols, plans, specifications, fixture locations, piping layouts, rough-in information, dimensions, and interpretation of construction drawings.
• Audel Plumbers Pocket Manual, 10th Edition, 2004
  A practical plumbing reference covering fixtures, water heaters, pumps, piping, drainage, water supply, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, materials, tools, and field procedures.

Test Information and Study Materials

Plumbing Theory, Practices & Job Safety contains 20 questions. Candidates should review public-health principles, plumbing mathematics, planning, OSHA requirements, tools, equipment, and basic electrical concepts encountered in plumbing work.

Mathematics is especially important because plumbing problems may involve volume, pressure, grade, pipe dimensions, offsets, measurements, and unit conversions. The official sample examination includes calculation problems involving water-main capacity, drain-line pitch, hydrostatic pressure, and pipe offsets.

Code Requirements for Plumbers & Contractors contains 2 questions. Although it is a small portion of the examination, candidates should understand applicable Chicago requirements governing plumbers, contractors, and tunneling permits.

Plumbing Systems contains 49 questions and should receive the greatest amount of study time. Review Chicago requirements involving fixtures, faucets, water heaters, potable water distribution, sanitary drainage, indirect waste, vents, traps, separators, interceptors, storm drainage, swimming pools, and general plumbing regulations.

The official sample questions demonstrate the importance of knowing detailed Chicago requirements. Topics include service-pipe inspections, underground soldered piping, definitions of minor repairs, sump requirements, vent distances, grease-interceptor capacity, roof drains, shower drainage, and related code provisions.

Drawings, Charts & Plans contains 8 questions. Candidates should be comfortable reading blueprints, locating fixtures, interpreting rough-in information, understanding symbols, and completing building plans according to plumbing requirements.

The Blueprint Reading and Drafting for Plumbers reference can be particularly useful for this section. Practice identifying fixture locations, dimensions, piping routes, waste and vent arrangements, and information supplied by fixture manufacturers.

Cutting & Assembling Plumbing System Components accounts for 11 questions. Review water-flow and connection requirements, piping materials, sizing, drainage requirements, and joining methods for copper, steel, cast iron, plastic, and acid-resistant piping materials.

Hands-on understanding matters in this section. Candidates should know how common plumbing materials are measured, cut, joined, supported, and installed, as well as when specific materials and connection methods are appropriate.

Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Repairs contains 10 questions. Review fixture and appliance repair, water distribution problems, wastewater systems, drainage and vent issues, pumps, water heaters, and common service conditions.

The official sample examination includes troubleshooting questions involving electric water heaters and submersible pumps. Candidates should understand how plumbing and mechanical components operate so they can identify likely causes of failures.

A strong preparation routine should alternate between technical reading, calculations, code questions, blueprint interpretation, and closed-book practice. Candidates should not spend all of their study time on one area simply because it feels more familiar.

As the examination date approaches, complete practice sessions without books or calculators to better match the actual testing environment. Review missed questions afterward using the references and identify whether each error resulted from code knowledge, mathematics, terminology, plan reading, or practical plumbing concepts.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Chicago Journeyman Plumber candidates through organized study guidance, plumbing trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, plumbing mathematics, code study, blueprint reading, and structured review of the subjects included in the official examination outline.

The Chicago Illinois Plumber Journeyman Book Package combines Chicago code material with respected plumbing textbooks and field references covering theory, design, installation, calculations, plans, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Candidates can organize study around the six major written-exam categories and spend additional time on Plumbing Systems, which represents nearly half of the written examination.

Because the written exam does not permit candidates to use their own books or calculators, 1 Exam Prep encourages a preparation approach that develops understanding first and then reinforces recall through practice questions and timed review.

The books are also useful for practical-exam preparation because they strengthen skills involving blueprint interpretation, plumbing layout, measurements, piping calculations, and assembly methods.

The goal is to help candidates build stronger plumbing knowledge, improve calculation and plan-reading skills, understand Chicago-specific requirements, and develop a more organized approach to both the written and practical licensing examinations.

How many questions are on the Chicago Journeyman Plumber written exam?

The current written examination contains 100 questions.

How much time is allowed for the written exam?

Candidates have 3 hours to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass the written examination?

Candidates must score 70 or higher to pass and become eligible for the Chicago Plumbing Practical Examination.

Is the Chicago Journeyman Plumber written exam open book?

No. It is a closed book test. Candidates may not use their own books, calculators, notes, or other printed materials during the written examination.

What is the largest section of the written examination?

Plumbing Systems is the largest section with 49 questions.

Does the exam include plumbing math?

Yes. Plumbing mathematics is included within Plumbing Theory, Practices & Job Safety, and calculation skills are also important for piping, drainage, pressure, measurements, and system-component questions.

Does the exam include blueprint reading?

Yes. Drawings, Charts & Plans account for 8 questions and include blueprint reading, fixture location, and completing building plans to code.

Does Chicago require a practical plumbing examination?

Yes. Candidates must pass the written examination before becoming eligible for the Chicago Plumbing Practical Examination.

What is included in the practical examination?

The practical examination includes a residential plumbing drawing component and a copper pipe assembly project involving calculations, measurement, cutting, assembly, soldering, and workmanship.

What score is required on the practical exam?

Candidates must earn a score of at least 75 on each practical examination component.

How much apprentice experience is required?

Current application requirements call for four years of work as a Plumber's Apprentice, supported by the required employer verification and apprentice-license documentation.

Who administers the Chicago Journeyman Plumber written exam?

The examination is administered through Continental Testing Services as part of the City of Chicago plumbing licensing process.

Why use the Chicago Illinois Plumber Journeyman Book Package?

The package combines Chicago plumbing-code material with references covering plumbing theory, design, calculations, blueprint reading, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to support preparation for both the written and practical licensing examinations.