State Disciplines

State Disciplines

 The Iowa Legislature passed the “Iowa Plumber and Mechanical Professional Licensing Act” that created a licensing board under the Iowa Department of Public Health. The Board is responsible for establishing the rules of examination and licensure for plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical, hydronics, and sheet metal professionals who work in the state of Iowa.

The Board has contracted with Kirkwood Community College to conduct its examination program. This page is your guide to the process of taking Iowa plumbing, HVAC/Refrigeration, Mechanical, Hydronics examinations and the Journeyperson Sheet Metal examination.

You may register for your examination by calling 319-398-1022 during office hours.

Please have your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express information available and an active email account. Once registered you will receive several emails. The following are those that you should save and keep in your records.

After Your Register 

  • Keep receipt of payment for your records.
  • A confirmation letter will be emailed to you. If you do not receive it, please check your spam or junk folder. The confirmation email will contain contact information for test site locations. You will need to select a test site location and contact them directly to schedule a testing time.
  • Within one hour of registration, you will receive an email with the subject line: "[Exam name] (online) Class Log-in Information." If you have trouble finding this email, please check your spam/junk folder. PLEASE KEEP AND TAKE WITH YOU THE DAY OF TESTING.
    • Login credentials will emailed only be emailed out once, on the first day you register with Kirkwood. Only you will have this information and it is your responsibility to have it at your scheduled testing appointment. If you are taking multiple exams or need multiple attempts please refer to the original email, as your login credentials will be the same each time you take a state exam. For login assistance, please contact 319-398-1022.

You may pay the exam fee(s) by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • Master Plumber with Gas: $119
  • Journeyperson Plumber with Gas: $119
  • Master HVAC-Refrigeration with Gas: $119
  • Journeyperson HVAC-Refrigeration with Gas: $119
  • Master Hydronics with Gas: $119
  • Journeyperson Hydronics with Gas: $119
  • Master Mechanical: $119
  • Journeyperson Mechanical: $119
  • Journeyperson Sheet Metal: $119

You may take your exam at any of the qualifying Iowa test centers. Once registered, with Kirkwood, you will need to contact the test center of your choice to schedule your testing time. This list is provided in your confirmation email sent after you have completed your registration with Kirkwood Community College.

Emergency Closings: Severe weather or an emergency could require canceling scheduled exams. If this occurs, you will need to contact the test center to reschedule your exam.

Test cities include:

  • Ankeny, IA
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Dubuque, IA 
  • Cedar Falls, IA
  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Coralville, IA
  • Council Bluffs, IA
  • Creston, IA
  • Estherville, IA
  • Fort Dodge, IA
  • Ottumwa, IA
  • Marshalltown, IA
  • Mason City, IA
  • Sheldon, IA
  • Sioux City, IA

If you miss your appointment or arrive late and are not allowed to test, you will need to reschedule your exam. If you are unable to attend your scheduled exam due to illness or emergency, please notify the test center where you have scheduled your exam.

Emergency Closings: Severe weather or an emergency could require canceling scheduled exams. If this occurs, you will need to contact the test center to reschedule your exam.

Process on Exam Day

Reference materials are allowed for Plumbing, HVAC/Refrigeration, Mechanical, and Hydronics Journeyperson and Master Examinations and Journeyperson Sheet Metal Examinations.

To ensure that all candidates are tested under equally favorable conditions, only approved references are allowed during the exam.

  • Code references may be brought into the exam room in bound or loose-leaf format.
  • Photocopies of reference materials may not be used.
  • No handwritten or additional notes (letters, words, diagrams, etc.) are allowed within reference books. Any reference material that has been written in during the exam will be confiscated.
  • Scratch paper can be provided by the test center, but will be confiscated at the completion of the exam.
  • Highlighting added prior to your arrival at the test center is acceptable.
  • Permanent tabbing added before your arrival at the test center or is original, pre-printed, and non-altered is acceptable.
  • Post-it notes are not considered permanent tabbing and will not be allowed. Reference materials will be checked at the examination site before and after the examinations.
  • Sharing reference materials is not allowed.
  • No other reference materials, papers, or study materials are allowed at the test center. If you are found with these or any other aids, you will not be allowed to continue the exam and your answers will not be scored.
  • You may bring magnifying glasses and eyeglasses, if necessary, are allowed to view the test materials.
  • You may bring an architects' scale or rule.
  • You may bring a battery-operated calculator that is nonprogrammable, not capable of storing examination information, no ribbon or printing capabilities.
  • You may bring foreign language/English translation dictionaries, if needed.

 

We recommend that you avoid bringing personal items to the testing center.
Note the following:

  • Electronic equipment like cell phones, PDA's, pagers, cameras, tape recordings, laptops, etc. are not permitted in the testing area.
  • Other personal items like watches, outerwear that is not being worn while testing (sweater, jacket, etc.), briefcase, purses, etc. are not permitted in the testing area.
  • If you leave the testing room while an exam is in progress, you must sign out/in on the roster and you will lose exam time.
  • You are not allowed to use any electronic devices or phones during breaks.
  • No guests, visitors, or family members are allowed in the testing area.

 

Candidates who engage in any kind of misconduct or disruptive or offensive behavior may be dismissed from the examination. Examples are:

  • Giving or receiving help.
  • Sharing supplies.
  • Taking part in an act of impersonation.
  • Removing test materials or notes from the testing room.
  • Using rude or offensive language and behavior that delays or interrupts testing.

 

Weapons are not allowed at the testing center. Please note all college campuses are smoke-free.

Test center administrators are not allowed to answer any questions pertaining to the exam content. If you do not understand a question on the examination, you should answer the question to the best of your ability.

At the end of your exam, your score will be shown on the screen. The report will indicate percent of correct answers. Exam results are confidential and will be revealed only to the applicant and the Board.

Make sure to take the email that was sent to you within 1 hour after your registration. Subject line "[Exam name] (online) class log in information." Remember this has your username and password needed to take the test.

Arrival: You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled examination appointment in order to verify your identification and allow time for you to sign in.

Identification: You must present a valid form of identification before you can test. That identification document must be government-issued (e.g., driver's license, state-issued identification card, military identification card or passport). It must contain both a current photo and your signature and have a name that exactly matches the name used to register for the exam (including designations such as "Jr", or "III").

Important: Failure to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam will prevent you from taking the exam and you will need to reschedule for a different day.

Reasonable testing accommodations are provided to allow candidates with documented disabilities recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. There is no additional charge for these accommodations.

To request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):


  • Click on the link provided to access the online application within the "Continuing Education Courses, State Exams or High School Completion" section: CE Accommodations Request Link
  • The application and supporting documentation must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the exam date.
  • For additional information and questions on receiving ADA accommodations, please call the Learning Services office at 319-398-5574.

ESL note: If English is your second language, please note that a language barrier is not considered a disability.

Testing generally does not occur on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Additional state holidays may be observed where you schedule your exam appointment.

The following outlines are the basis of the Iowa plumbing and mechanical exams.

Each outline lists all topics covered in the exam and the approximate percentage of questions asked about each topic. Each outline also indicates the total number of questions on the exam and the maximum time allowed to take the exam.

Exam References: Each outline below lists references that were used to develop the exams, including references that may be used during the exam. Code references may be brought into the exam room in bound or loose-leaf format. Note: Although exam questions are based off information from a certain book edition, references brought to the exams can be from any edition.

 

IA Master Plumber with Gas

Open Book, 125 questions, 5 hours

Subject Area Percent

Chapter 3 – General Regulations 5%

Chapter 4 – Fixtures and Fittings 8%

Chapter 5 – Water Heaters 5%

Chapter 6 – Water Supply and Distribution 11%

Chapter 7 – Sanitary Drainage 18%

Chapter 8 – Indirect Wastes 5%

Chapter 9 – Vents 18%

Chapter 10 – Traps and Interceptors 5%

Chapter 11 – Storm Drainage 10%

Chapter 12 – Fuel Gas Piping 7%

Isometric 8%

References allowed during the exam

  1. 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) iapmo.org
  2. Iowa State Plumbing Code 2021 – Amendment Booklet, Iowa Dept. of Public Health, https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure

 

IA Journeyperson Plumber with Gas

Open Book, 75 questions, 3 hours

Subject Area Percent

Chapter 3 – General Regulations 5%

Chapter 4 – Fixtures and Fittings 8%

Chapter 5 – Water Heaters 8%

Chapter 6 – Water Supply and Distribution 10%

Chapter 7 – Sanitary Drainage 20%

Chapter 8 – Indirect Wastes 5%

Chapter 9 – Vents 20%

Chapter 10 – Traps and Interceptors 5%

Chapter 11 – Storm Drainage 10%

Chapter 12 – Fuel Gas Piping 9%

References allowed during the exam

  1. 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) iapmo.org
  2. Iowa State Plumbing Code 2021 – Amendment Booklet, Iowa Dept. of Public Health, https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/plumbing-mechanical/plumbing-licensure

 

IA Master HVAC/Refrigeration with Gas

Open Book, 100 questions, 4 hours

Subject Area Percent

HVAC Terms, Principles, Administration 16%

HVAC Installation 14%

Venting, Duct, Combustion Air 18%

Gas Piping 8%

HVAC Electrical 13%

Boilers, Exhaust, & Fire Protection 11%

Refrigeration Term System, Operation 20%

References allowed during the exam

  1. Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 21st Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc., 18604 West Creek Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477-6243, www.g-w.com/hvac-r
  2. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  3. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org

 

IA Journeyperson HVAC/Refrigeration with Gas

Open Book, 75 questions, 3 hours

Subject Area Percent

HVAC Principles, Terms, Administration, & Safety 21%

HVAC Installation Requirements 15%

Venting, Combustion, Gas Piping 23%

Boilers, Ducts, Electricals 17%

Refrigeration, Terms, System Operations 24%
References allowed during the exam

  1. Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 21st Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc., 18604 West Creek Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477-6243, www.g-w.com/hvac-r
  2. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  3. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org

 

IA Master Hydronics with Gas

Open Book, 100 questions, 4 hours

Subject Area Percent

Water Treatment & Feed 6%

Fuels & Firing Methods 14%

General Code 10%

Startup and Shutdown 6%

Piping, Pumps, Valving 10%

Controls & Control Systems 15%

Maintenance & Repairs 15%

Tests & Inspections 9%

Refrigeration 10%

Turbines 5%

References allowed during the exam

  1. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  2. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org
  3. Boiler Operator’s Guide, 4th Hardback McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, Release Date 10/1/1997 ISBN-13 9780070365742
  4. Steam Plant Operator 8th ISBN: 9780071418461

 

IA Journeyperson Hydronics with Gas

Open Book, 75 questions, 2 hours

Subject Area Percent

Water Supply Treat & Feed 7%

Fuels & Firing Methods 17%

General Code 18%

Piping, Pumps, Valving 16%

Controls & Control Systems 16%

Maintenance & Repairs 8%

Tests & Inspections 7%

Refrigeration & Turbines 11%

References allowed during the exam

  1. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  2. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org
  3. Boiler Operator’s Guide, 4th Hardback McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, Release Date 10/1/1997 ISBN-13 9780070365742
  4. Steam Plant Operator 8th ISBN: 9780071418461

 

IA Master Mechanical with Gas

Open Book, 100 questions, 4 hours

Subject Area Percent

General Requirements, Definitions, Testing 22%

Heating, Refrigeration, & Hydronics 20%

Exhaust & Ventilation Systems 15%

Duct Systems 12%

Combustion Air 7%

Chimneys & Vents 14%

Fuel Supply System 10%

References allowed during the exam


  1. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  2. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org

 

IA Journeyperson Mechanical with Gas

Open Book, 75 questions, 2 hours

Subject Area Percent

General Requirements, Definitions, Testing 22%

Heating, Refrigeration, & Hydronic Systems 20%

Exhaust & Ventilation Systems 15%

Duct Systems 12%

Combustion Air 7%

Chimneys & Vents 14%

Fuel Supply System 10%

References allowed during the exam


  1. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  2. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org

 

IA Journeyperson Sheet Metal

Open Book, 75 questions, 2 hours

Subject Area Percent

Principles and Terminology 4%

Worker Safety 8%

Duct System Materials 13%

Combustion Air 5%

Exhaust Systems 11%

Fresh Air & Ventilation 11%

Grease Hoods 9%

Supply & Return Duct Systems 16%

Appliance Venting 9%

Testing, Adjusting & Balancing 3%

Plan Reading & Analysis 11%

References allowed during the exam

  1. 2021 NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02619, www.nfpa.org
  2. 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Rd, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, www.iccsafe.org
  3. HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal & Flexible, 3rd Edition by SMACNA (Jan 15, 2005), https://store.smacna.org/hvac-duct-construction-standards-metal-and-flexible/ Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association 4201 Lafayette Center Dr Chantilly, Virginia 20151-1219

A score of 75% or above is required to pass each exam. Once you pass your exam, you will need to contact the Board Office to submit a Post-Examination Licensure Application.

If you do not pass the exam, you must register and pay for a new exam.

To schedule for a retake exam, contact Kirkwood Community College at 319-398-1022

If you are requesting a response about exam content, registration, scheduling, or test administration (testing site procedures, equipment, personnel, etc.), please submit an appeal in writing. Your appeal letter must provide your name and Social Security number, the exam title, the date you tested, and the details of your concern, including all relevant facts. Be sure to include your signature and return address.

View and Download Appeal Letter Here

Mail your appeal letter to:
Kirkwood Community College
ATTN: Zach Johnson
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Faxed appeals are not accepted because an original signature is required.

To Obtain Your License

  1. Submit your examination candidate application and appropriate fees to the Board.
  2. Once you receive approval from the Board to take your exam(s), you must register for your exam with Kirkwood Community College.
  3. Call for an appointment with the test center of your choice.
  4. Prepare for your exam, using the content outlines in this bulletin and other materials.
  5. Present your required identification at the test center and take the exam.
  6. Once you pass, you will need to contact the Board office to submit a Post-Examination Licensure application.

More Questions?

Connect With Us


Continuing Education
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
319-398-1022
contactce@kirkwood.edu 

If you have specific questions about examination applications and licensing contact:
Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board
Iowa Department of Health
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/plumbing-mechanical