New Jersey pairs every trade examination with a separate Business and Law paper. Both must be passed, and for plumbing there is a practical portion on top.
Figures below are compiled from state board and exam-provider sources. Where a board does not publish a count we say so rather than estimate. Confirm against the current candidate bulletin for your exam before you register.
The pattern is consistent across trades
| License | Trade exam | Business and Law | Also required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Electrical Contractor | 100 questions, 4h 20m, 70% | 50 questions, separate | – |
| Master HVACR | 100 questions, 70% | 50 questions, separate | – |
| Master Plumber | 100 questions, 195 min, 70% | 50 questions, separate | Practical |
Trade papers are open book; electrical is referenced to the 2023 NEC.
Master plumbing has a practical component
The New Jersey master plumber license requires a practical portion alongside the written trade exam and the business paper. No multiple-choice preparation covers it, so budget separate hands-on practice rather than assuming a question bank is sufficient.
Plan for two results, not one
Because the business paper is scored separately, passing the trade exam does not make you licensed. It is 50 questions on contracts, lien law, tax, insurance and estimating, and trade competence contributes nothing to it. It is also the paper most often left until last and least often prepared properly.
New Jersey exam prep
- New Jersey HVACR Contractor Exam Prep
- New Jersey Licensed Electrical Contractor Exam Prep
- New Jersey Master Plumber Exam Prep
Before you register
- Confirm the question count and time limit on the current bulletin.
- Confirm the code edition; it is pinned and a newer edition is not a substitute.
- Confirm whether a separate business and law paper is required.