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, 21^st 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, 21^st 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, 4^th Hardback McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, Release Date 10/1/1997 ISBN-13 9780070365742
4. Steam Plant Operator 8^th 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, 4^th Hardback McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, Release Date 10/1/1997 ISBN-13 9780070365742
4. Steam Plant Operator 8^th 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, 3^rd 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