Plumber license requirements in Georgia.
Georgia licenses plumbers at the state level through the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, part of the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Secretary of State. Master licenses come in two classes by project size, and only a licensed master plumber may own a plumbing business in Georgia.
What Georgia requires.
Journeyman Plumber
Performs plumbing work under the Georgia State Plumbing Code. Requires at least one year of qualifying plumbing experience plus the exam.
Master Plumber — Class I (restricted)
Limited to single-family dwellings, one-level dwellings for no more than two families, and commercial structures up to 10,000 square feet.
Master Plumber — Class II (unrestricted)
No size restriction, but you must document commercial or industrial plumbing experience.
Getting the Journeyman Plumber
- Journeyman: at least one year of qualifying plumbing experience, then the journeyman exam
- Master (either class): document at least five years of plumbing experience, including at least two years licensed as a journeyman plumber
- Class II additionally requires documented commercial or industrial plumbing experience
- Only licensed master plumbers may own a plumbing business in Georgia
Renewal: Renew online through the GOALS system by November 30 of even-numbered years. Continuing education runs four hours a year — eight hours per two-year renewal period.
The official board
Georgia State Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers — Construction Industry Licensing Board, Secretary of State
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Time and money, start to finish.
The path
- Journeyman experience1+ yearStep 1.
Qualifying plumbing experience under the Georgia State Plumbing Code, then the journeyman exam.
- Building toward master5 years totalStep 2.
At least five years of plumbing experience including two licensed as a journeyman before the master exam (either class).
- Master examStep 3.
Class I (restricted) or Class II (unrestricted, with commercial/industrial experience documented).
- RenewalStep 4.
By November 30 of even-numbered years through GOALS, with 4 CE hours per year.
Step by step
Qualify for your tier
One year of experience for journeyman; five years including two as a licensed journeyman for master.
Apply on the board’s exam application
File the Plumbing Exam application with the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.
CILB — Plumbing exam application (PDF) ↗Follow the state how-to guide
Georgia processes everything through the GOALS portal — paper applications are no longer accepted for most board transactions.
Georgia SOS — plumber license how-to guide ↗Pass, license, renew
Pass your tier’s exam, then renew by November 30 of even-numbered years with 4 CE hours per year.
Georgia plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a state plumbing license issued through the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers under the Secretary of State. You can hold a journeyman license or a Class I or Class II master license, and only licensed master plumbers may own a plumbing business.
What is the difference between a Class I and Class II master plumber in Georgia?
A Class I master plumber is limited to single-family dwellings, one-level dwellings for up to two families, and commercial structures up to 10,000 square feet. A Class II master plumber has no size restriction but must document commercial or industrial plumbing experience.
How do you become a master plumber in Georgia?
Document at least five years of plumbing experience, including at least two years licensed as a journeyman plumber, then pass the master exam for the class you want. Class II also requires documented commercial or industrial experience.
Can you own a plumbing company in Georgia without a license?
No. Georgia requires that a plumbing business be owned by a licensed master plumber — the license is tied to the person responsible for the work, not just to the company.
When do Georgia plumbing licenses renew?
By November 30 of even-numbered years, through the state’s GOALS online system. You need four continuing education hours per year — eight hours across the two-year renewal period.
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