All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for AK Plumber

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
Exam pass rate: ~58%
298+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: AK Plumber Exam

70%

Passing Score

AK Dept of Labor

100

Questions

3-hour time limit

$350+

Total Cost

$150 exam + $200 license

UPC

Code Basis

Uniform Plumbing Code

Alaska's journeyman plumber exam has approximately a 58% pass rate. The 100-question exam requires 70% to pass and is based on the UPC. Alaska requires apprenticeship completion or equivalent experience. The exam includes UPC code knowledge plus Alaska-specific arctic plumbing requirements.

Sample AK Plumber Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the AK Plumber exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 298+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the UPC as adopted in Alaska, what is the minimum size drain pipe required for a water closet?
A.2 inches
B.3 inches
C.4 inches
D.1-1/2 inches
Explanation: Per UPC Table 702.1, the minimum drain size for a water closet is 3 inches. This applies to all water closet types including floor-mounted and wall-hung models. The 3-inch minimum ensures adequate capacity to convey solid waste through the drainage system.
2According to the UPC as enforced by the Alaska Department of Labor, what is the minimum slope for a 4-inch horizontal drainage pipe?
A.1/16 inch per foot
B.1/8 inch per foot
C.1/4 inch per foot
D.1/2 inch per foot
Explanation: Per UPC Section 708.0, horizontal drainage pipes 4 inches and larger must have a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. Pipes 3 inches and smaller require a steeper slope of 1/4 inch per foot. Proper slope ensures self-scouring velocity in the drainage system.
3Under the UPC as adopted in Alaska, what is the DFU (Drainage Fixture Unit) value for a residential lavatory?
A.1 DFU
B.2 DFU
C.1.5 DFU
D.0.5 DFU
Explanation: Per UPC Table 702.1, a residential lavatory is assigned 1 DFU. Drainage fixture units are used to size the drainage and venting systems. The value represents the probable discharge rate based on typical fixture usage patterns.
4Per the UPC as enforced in Alaska, what is the minimum depth of a fixture trap seal?
A.1 inch
B.2 inches
C.3 inches
D.4 inches
Explanation: Per UPC Section 1002.2, each fixture trap must have a water seal of not less than 2 inches and not more than 4 inches. The 2-inch minimum prevents sewer gases from passing through the trap under normal atmospheric variations. The 4-inch maximum prevents excessive flow resistance.
5According to the UPC as adopted in Alaska, what is the minimum vent pipe size for an individual fixture with a 2-inch trap?
A.1 inch
B.1-1/4 inches
C.1-1/2 inches
D.2 inches
Explanation: Per UPC Table 903.2, the minimum vent size is determined by the size of the trap it serves. For a 2-inch trap, the minimum individual vent size is 1-1/4 inches. The UPC uses fixture unit and developed length tables to determine final vent sizing.
6Under the UPC as enforced in Alaska, what is the minimum vent termination height above a roof surface?
A.6 inches
B.8 inches
C.12 inches
D.24 inches
Explanation: Per UPC Section 906.1, vent pipes must extend at least 12 inches above the roof in Alaska. Due to Alaska's extreme snow conditions, the UPC requires additional height to prevent snow blockage. Many Alaska jurisdictions require even greater heights above anticipated snow levels.
7Per the UPC as adopted in Alaska, what type of backflow preventer is required for a high-hazard cross-connection?
A.Dual check valve
B.Atmospheric vacuum breaker
C.Reduced pressure principle (RP) backflow assembly
D.Hose bibb vacuum breaker
Explanation: Per UPC Section 603.4, a reduced pressure principle (RP) backflow prevention assembly is required for high-hazard cross-connections. The RP assembly provides the highest level of protection with two check valves and a relief valve that discharges to atmosphere if either check fails.
8According to the UPC as enforced in Alaska, what is the maximum hot water temperature permitted at fixtures for bathing and showering?
A.100°F
B.110°F
C.120°F
D.140°F
Explanation: Per UPC Section 607.1, the maximum hot water temperature at bathing and showering fixtures must be limited to 120°F by an approved tempering device. This protects occupants from scalding. Water heaters may store water at higher temperatures for sanitation purposes.
9Under the UPC as adopted in Alaska, what is the minimum water supply pipe size for a single-family dwelling?
A.1/2 inch
B.3/4 inch
C.1 inch
D.1-1/4 inches
Explanation: Per UPC Section 610.1, the minimum water service pipe for a single-family dwelling is 3/4 inch. This ensures adequate flow for the fixture units typically found in a residence. Larger services may be required based on fixture count and supply pressure.
10Per the UPC as enforced in Alaska, what is the maximum static water pressure allowed in a building's water distribution system?
A.60 psi
B.80 psi
C.100 psi
D.125 psi
Explanation: Per UPC Section 608.2, the static water pressure shall not exceed 80 psi. When pressure exceeds 80 psi, an approved pressure regulator must be installed. Excessive pressure causes water hammer, pipe stress, and premature fixture wear.

About the AK Plumber Exam

The Alaska journeyman plumber exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the Department of Labor. It tests knowledge of the UPC, drainage systems, water supply, venting, gas piping, and Alaska-specific requirements for arctic plumbing including freeze protection across approximately 100 multiple-choice questions.

Exam sponsor: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$150 + $200 license

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: ~58%. This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Drainage, Waste & Vent Systems

UPC drain sizing, fixture units, slope requirements, cleanouts, trap seals, and DWV installation per Alaska amendments

25%

Water Supply & Distribution

Pipe sizing, backflow prevention, cross-connection control, water heaters, pressure regulation, and freeze protection

20%

Venting Systems

Vent sizing, wet venting, circuit venting, air admittance valves, vent termination heights in snow regions

15%

Gas Piping & Appliances

Gas pipe sizing, BTU calculations, pressure testing, appliance venting, combustion air requirements

15%

Code Administration & Arctic Plumbing

Permits, inspections, approved materials, joint methods, freeze protection, heat tracing, and Alaska-specific rules

Preparing for the AK Plumber Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $150 + $200 license Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 298 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AK Plumber: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master UPC drain sizing tables and fixture unit calculations — these are heavily tested on the Alaska exam
2Study Alaska-specific freeze protection requirements including heat tracing and insulation standards
3Memorize minimum pipe sizes, trap sizes, and vent sizes for common residential fixtures under the UPC
4Practice gas pipe sizing using fuel gas code tables including BTU demand calculations
5Review vent termination requirements for snow areas — Alaska requires increased heights above roofs

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code does Alaska use?

Alaska uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with state-specific amendments. The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development oversees plumbing licensing. The exam is based on the current adopted UPC edition plus Alaska-specific arctic plumbing requirements.

How many questions are on the Alaska plumber exam?

The Alaska journeyman plumber exam has approximately 100 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit. A score of 70% is required to pass.

Who administers the Alaska plumber exam?

The exam is administered by PSI on behalf of the Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development. You must apply through the Department and schedule through PSI's testing system.

Does Alaska have special plumbing requirements for cold weather?

Yes, Alaska has additional requirements for freeze protection including insulation, heat tracing, and deeper burial depths. Water and sewer piping must be protected against freezing based on local frost line conditions, which vary significantly across the state.