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
You may pay the exam fee(s) by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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:
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.
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.
We recommend that you avoid bringing personal items to the testing center.
Note the following:
Candidates who engage in any kind of misconduct or disruptive or offensive behavior may be dismissed from the examination. Examples are:
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):
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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