Board of Master Plumbers Resolution No. 1, Series of 1995 Promulgation of Syllabi of Subjects in the Master Plumbing Licensure Examination WHEREAS, Sec. 12 of R.A. No. 1378: The Plumbing Law states that all applicants for registration as Master Plumber shall be required to pass the examination; WHEREAS Sec. 13 of the supra law provides that the scope of the examination shall consist of these subjects: Plumbing Arithmetic, Plumbing Code, Plumbing Design and Installation, Practical Problems, Oral Practical Problems and experiences; WHEREAS Memorandum Circular No. 08, Series of 1992 of the Commission directed every Board to prescribe and adopt a syllabus for every examination subject; WHEREAS every syllabus containing the concepts/topics with the corresponding level of knowledge/ proficiency shall be the basis of questions and problems that will be inputted into the question banks; and WHEREAS after consultation with the National Plumbers/ Plumbing Engineering Association of the Philippines, the only accredited association of the Master Plumbers/ Plumbing Engineers came out with the syllabi of the examination subjects; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of Sec. 04 and 05 of R.A. No. 1378 and Sec. 6 (a) of P.D. 223, the Board hereby RESOLVED, as it now RESOLVES, to prescribe, issue and adopt the syllabi of subjects, in the Master Plumbing Licensure Examination (annex A). FURTHER, RESOLVED, upon approval hereof by the Commission, this resolution shall be effective after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspapers of general circulation. FURTHERMORE, RESOLVED, the syllabi shall be enforceable three (3) months prior to the first applicable examination schedule and upon effectivity of the herein resolution. FINALLY, RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be disseminated and circularized to all concerned and the accredited Association of Master Plumbing/ Plumbing Engineers (NAMPAP). Done in the City of Manila this 30th day of January, 1995. ALBERTO J. AZARCON Chairman FLORENTINO M. GARCIA BENJAMIN B. HAYAG Member Member Attested to: CARLOS G. ALMELOR Secretary, Regulatory Boards Approved: HERMOGENES P. POBRE Commission Chairman MARIANO A. MENDIETA ARMANDO C. PASCUAL Commission Member Commission Member The Master Plumbing Licensure Examination Syllabus PLUMBING CODE Scope A. Code of Ethics B. Permits C. Plumbing Terms D. General Regulations E. Quality and Weight of Materials F. Joints and Connections G. Traps and Cleanout H. Water Supply and Distribution I. Plumbing Fixtures J. Ventilation of Rooms and Fixtures K. Minimum Trap Diameters, Drain Size and Fixtures Unit Value (Tables) L. Maximum Fixtures Unit on one stock M. Maximum permissible height and size of vents N. Construction of a septic vault O. Hot water and steam waste P. House Drain and house sewer Q. Horizontal branches R. Special waste S. Inspection and Test T. Special Provisions Description A. Code of Ethics The topic deals with the basic knowledge of general guidelines of character, rules and regulations as covenant in the plumbing practice. This includes moral obligation and relationship with clients and benefactors. B. Plumbing Terms Definitions of various plumbing terms, phrases and words used to define and interpret activities in plumbing. C. Permits Documentation of requisites to the activities undertaken in the plumbing project such as applications, applicants and general conditions to be observed. D. General Regulations Application of alignment and pitch of pipe with inspection of the horizontal and vertical elevation above and below ground lines, pipe protection and workmanship including studies of prohibited fittings and dead end in pipe installation. E. Quality and Weight of pipes Study of different materials and their quality such as pipe, metal sheet lead and ferrules used in plumbing. F. Joints and Connections Basic knowledge of joints and connections on different pipes use in plumbing. G. Trap and Clean out Choices and different trap types and sizes of their protection, requirements for various plumbing fixtures, classification of clean out, equivalent, location and its construction along pipe installation. H. Water supply and distribution Basic knowledge on the quality and redeems of potable water to meet standards of purity including sources, storage and distribution to the building from the water main through underwater into independent pipes network to the different fixtures. I. Plumbing Fixtures Knowledge of all kinds of receptacles used such as water closets, urinal, bathtub, wash basin, wash tray bidet, slop sink, and similar fixtures. Definition of locations, conductors, ventilation including requirements on swimming pool and roof extensions. J. Ventilation of rooms and fixtures The topic deals with the basic knowledge of ventilation requirements of rooms in all establishments with water closets and urinals. K. Minimum trap diameter, drain size and fixture unit valve The study of different plumbing fixtures as presented in table form with the corresponding nominal size of trap and waste pipe required and equivalent fixture unit values assignment for easy reference of practitioners. L. Maximum fixture unit on one stock The topic deals with the soil and waste stack installation and its connections, size requirements for each type of plumbing fixtures and their root terminal and below ground installation. M. Maximum permissible length of main vent for soil and waste stack Basic knowledge of the waste disposal system of a building and the general fixtures of a septic tank, working performance. PLUMBING ARITHMETIC Scope A. Modern Algebra B. Trigonometry C. Geometry D. Physics E. Financial Arithmetic Description A. Modern Algebra Basic theory of real numbers, equation functions and graph, equation functions and graph, exponent and exponential fractions. B. Trigonometry Basic concepts in trigonometric functions, solution of triangles, vectors, trigonometric functions of sum and differences. C. Geometry Basic concepts in the theory and applications of plane coordinate system, equation and their loci, straight lines, conic sections, plane and spherical surfaces. D. Physics Understanding of the science of physics, language of physics, matter, theory of forces and motion, vector, velocity and acceleration, matter and energy, kinetic theory of matter specifically the behavior of liquids, solids, air and other gases. Heat and temperature, expansion, change of state and its transferance. E. Financial Arithmetic Basic concept of financial facts such as simple interest and simple discount, compound interest, simple annuities, amortization and sinking fund, depreciation and general annuities. PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND EXPERIENCES Scope A. Plan Reading and Interpretation B. Plumbing Materials C. Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances D. Hand and Machine Tools E. Maintenance and Repair F. Bill of Materials and Estimates G. Obligations and Contracts Description A. Plan reading and interpretation Reading and interpretation of plans, symbols and legends and specifications. B. Plumbing materials Shapes, sizes, dimensions, qualities and uses of different kinds and classes of pipes, fittings, gauge, valves and regulators. C. Plumbing fixtures and appliances Shapes, sizes, dimensions, qualities and uses of different kinds and classes of plumbing fixtures and appliances; sizes, dimension, heights and location of water supply and discharge drains. D. Hand and Machine tools Different kinds of hand and machine tools and their uses for cutting, reaming, threading, caulking, flaring and brazing, welding joints and connections of different pipes and fittings; hand and machine for removing stoppages of drains, and repair of leaks and rusted pipes. E. Maintenance and repair Periodic and regular inspection and serving of pipes and fittings, controls, valves, regulators, plumbing fixtures, appliances, pumps and similar equipment; repair of leaks and rusted pipes. F. Bill of Materials Quantity take-off, bill of materials, cost estimates based on plans and specification. G. Obligations and contracts Obligations and contracts documentations, project technical reporting, inspection and acceptance of materials and workmanship. SANITATION PLUMBING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION Scope A. Development of sources of water for rural residences B. Waste water treatment and disposal for building and premises C. Water supply and distribution system D. Sanitary drainage and ventilating system E. Storm and sub-surface drainage system F. Water heating system G. Dry and wet sand pipes H. Water pumps, tank, cistern, sewage I. Installation and workmanship J. Plan and specification Description A. Development of sources of water for rural residences Determine the amount and quality of water, develop source and provide sanitary measures against contamination and pollution. B. Wastewater treatment and disposal for building and premises Method of sewage treatment and disposal, design and construction of septic tank, privy, cesspool, seepage. C. Water supply and distribution system Planning and design of water supply, distribution, branch and all pipings to fixtures, appliances, appurtenance within the building and premises. D. Sanitary drainage and ventillating system Planning and design of house drains, house sewers, horizontal branches, stacks, vents, drains, traps, cleanouts, special waste, manhole and appurtenance within the building and premises. E. Storm and sub-surface drainage system Planning and design of ground and sub-surface drains, downspouts, floor and roof drains, area drains, catch basins, manholes and appurtenances within the building and premises. F. Water heating system Planning and design of hot water supply and return pipes, water heaters and appurtenance within the building and premises. G. Dry and wet standpipe Planning and design of dry and wet standpipes, fire for fire protection within the building and premises. H. Water pump, tank cistern, sewage and scum pit Sizing the capacity of elevated and hydropneumatic tanks, cistern, sewage and scum pits and appurtenances within the building and premises.I. Installation and workmanship Methods and techniques of pipe laying and installation, joints and connections, pipe hangers and supports, storage and protection from damages, inspection and acceptance of workmanship. J. Plan and specification Preparation of orthographic working drawings, isometric, schematic diagrams, riser diagrams, details, symbols and legends and specifications.

Code of Ethics To compete with another Master Plumber for employment on the basis of professional charges, by reducing his usual charges and in this manner attempting to underbid after being informed of the charges named by another. To use the advantages of a salaried position to compete unfairly with other Master Plumbers. To take advantage for a fee of his authority to practice as master Plumber on plumbing work not being done under his personal supervision. To advertise in self-laudatory language, or in any other manner derogatory to the dignity of the Profession. To act in any manner or engage in any practice which will tend to bring discredit on the honor or dignity of the Master Plumbers Profession. It shall be considered unprofessional and inconsistent with honorable and dignified bearing for any registered master plumber: To act for his clients in professional matters otherwise than as a faithful agent or trustee, or to accept any remuneration other than his stated charges for services rendered his clients. To attempt to supplant another Master Plumber after definite steps have been taken toward his employment. To attempt to injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, or business of another Master Plumber. To review the work of another Master Plumber for the same client, except with the knowledge or consent of such Master Plumber, or unless the connection of such master Plumber with the work has been terminated.

Republic Act No. 1378An Act To Regulate the Trade Of Master PlumberBe it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congressassembled:Section 1. This Act shall be known as the Plumbing Law.Section 2. (a) The practice of plumbing within the meaning and intent of this Act shall embraceservices in the form of consultations, designing, preparations of plans, specifications; estimates,erection, installation and supervision of plumbing work including the inspection and acceptanceof materials used therein; extension and alteration of all pipings to fixtures, appliances,appurtenances in connection with any of the following: storm and sanitary drainage, facilities ofbuildings, the sanitary venting of fixtures, hot or cold water supply systems within or adjacent toany building, storm drains, sewerage system of any premises and/or in connection with any publicdisposal or any acceptable terminal. The enumeration in this paragraph shall not be construed asexcluding any other work requiring plumbing knowledge and application. (b) The term masterplumber as used in this Act shall mean a person duly registered with the Board of Examiners forMaster Plumbers in the manner as hereinafter provided.Section 3. Within thirty days after the approval of this Act, there shall be created a Board ofExaminers for Master Plumbers, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be composed of aChairman and two members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon therecommendation of the Commissioner of Civil Service3 in consultation with a duly registerednational association of master plumbers. The members of the Board shall hold office for a term ofthree years. The first members of the Board appointed under this Act shall hold office for thefollowing terms: One member for one year; one member for two years; and one member for threeyears. Each member of the Board shall qualify by taking the proper oath of office before enteringupon the performance of his duties. Any member of the Board may be removed by the Presidentof the Philippines for neglect of duty, in competency, malpractice, and unprofessional, unethical,immoral, or dishonorable conduct, after said member has been given opportunity to defendhimself in an administrative investigation duly held. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled for theunexpired term.Section 4. The Board shall administer the provisions of this Act; issue, suspend or revokecertificates of registration of master plumbers; and administer oaths in connection with suchcertificates of registration. In carrying into effect the provisions of this Act, the Board may, underthe hands of its chairman and the seal of the Board, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum,to compel the attendance of witnesses and require the production of books, documents, andsimilar evidence in a case involving violation of any of the provisions of this Act. Any member ofthe Board may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it. If any personshall refuse to obey any subpoena or subpoena duces tecum so issued, or shall refuse to testifyor produce any book, record or document, the Board may present its petition to the Court of FirstInstance, setting forth the facts, and thereupon such court shall, in a proper case, issue itssubpoena to such person, requiring his appearance before such court and there to testify orproduce such books, records or documents, as may be deemed necessary and pertinent by theBoard. Any person failing or refusing to obey the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum or order ofthe said court may be proceeded against in the same manners as for refusal to obey any othersubpoena or subpoena duces tecum or order of the court.The Board shall, from time to time, look into conditions affecting the trade of master plumber inthe Philippines and whenever necessary, recommend to the President of the Philippines theadoption of such rules and regulations as may be deemed proper for the maintenance of goodethics and standards in the trade and for the protection of the public welfare, life, health, andproperty.Section 5. The President of the Philippines6 is hereby authorized to issue rules and regulations tocarry into effect the objectives of this Act, upon recommendation of the Board of Examiners forMaster Plumbers7 and in consultation with a duly registered national association of masterplumbers ,in accordance with the following basic principles, except in cases where it may proveoppressive or excessively burdensome to those without sufficient means and to such buildings,structures or constructions valued at five thousand pesos or less:a. All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with a supplyof pure and wholesome water, neither connected with unsafe water supplies nor subject to thehazards of backflow or back siphonage.b. Plumbing fixtures, devices all appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volumeand at pressures adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without undue noiseunder all normal conditions of use.c. Plumbing shall be deigned and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent withproper performance and cleaning.d. Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to prevent dangersfrom explosion through overheating.e. Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and intended for human habitation,occupancy, or use on premises abutting on a street, alley, or easement in which there is a publicsewer shall have a connection with the sewer.f. Each family dwelling unit on premises abutting on sewer or with a private sewerage-disposalsystem shall have, at least, one water closet and one kitchen-type sink. It is further recommendedthat a lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be installed to meet the basic requirements ofsanitation and personal hygiene. All other structures for human occupancy or use on premisesabutting on a sewer or with a private sewage-disposal system shall have adequate sanitaryfacilities but in no case less than one water closet and one other fixture for cleansing purposes.g. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent material, and shall be free fromconcealed fouling surface.h. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as to guard againstfouling, deposit of solids, and clogging, and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipesmay be readily cleaned.i. The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable materials, free from defectiveworkmanship and so designed and constructed as to give satisfactory from service for itsreasonable expected life.j. Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a water-seal trap.k. The drainage system shall be designed to provide an adequate circulation of air in pipes withno danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under condition of ordinary use.l. Each terminal shall extend to the outer air and be so installed as to minimize the possibilities ofclogging and the return of foul air to the building.m. The plumbing system shall be subject to such tests as will effectively disclose all leaks anddefects in the work.n. No substance will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints,or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall be allowed to enter the buildingdrainage system.o. Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods, andsimilar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device, or appliance shallbe connected indirectly with the building drainage system.p. No water closets nor urinal shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properlylighted and ventilated.q. If water closet or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings where there is no sewerwithin a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made for disposing of the buildingsewage by some accepted method of sewage treatment and disposal.r. Where a plumbing drainage system may be subjected to backflow of sewage, suitable provisionshall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.s. Plumbing system shall be maintained in a sanitary and serviceable condition.t. All plumbing fixtures shall be so installed with regard to spacing as to be reasonably accessiblefor their intended use.u. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structuralmembers and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.v. Sewage or other waste from the plumbing system which may be deleterious to surface orsubsurface waters shall not be discharged into the ground or into any waterway unless it has firstbeen rendered innocuous through subjection to some acceptable form of treatment.Section 6. Each member of the Board shall, at the time of his appointment:a. Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines;b. Be at least thirty years of age and of good moral character; andc. Has been actively engaged in the trade of master plumber for at least five years.Section 7. The Board of Examiners shall charge for each applicant for examination, the sum ofthirty five pesos, and for each certificate of registration, ten pesos.Section 8. The members of the Board shall each receive a compensation, the sum of ten pesosfor each applicant examined. All authorized expenses of the Board shall be paid by the Bureau ofCivil Service. All fees shall be received by the disbursing officer of the Bureau of Civil Service,and said officer shall pay all authorized expenses of the Board including the compensationprovided herein above for members of the Board.Section 9. The Commissioner of Civil Service, shall be the executive officer of the Board, andshall conduct the examinations given by the board and shall designate any subordinate officer ofthe Bureau of Civil Service to act as secretary of the Board. All records and minutes of the Board,including all examination papers, shall be kept by the Bureau of Civil Service.Section 10. The Board shall submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines, after theclose of each fiscal year, giving a detailed account of the proceedings during the year and makingsuch recommendation as may be deemed proper.Section 11. A roster showing the names and address of master plumbers shall be prepared bythe Commissioner of Civil Service, during the month of July of every year. Copies of this rostershall be mailed to each person so registered and placed on file with the Office of the President ofthe Philippines, and copies thereof shall be furnished to all Department Heads, to the mayors ofall chartered cities, to the Director of Health, Director of Public Works, District Engineers, CityEngineers and to such other bureaus, government agencies and provincial and municipalauthorities as may be deemed necessary, and to the public, upon request.Section 12. All applicants for registration as master plumber shall be required to pass anexamination as hereinafter provided. Persons applying for admission to the examination as hereinprovided, shall, prior to the date of the examination, establish to the satisfaction of the Board ofExaminers, that he:a. Is at least twenty-one years of age;b. Is a citizen of the Philippines;c. Is of good moral characterd. Is at least a high school graduate;e. Has at least five years of experience in actual plumbing work under the supervision of aregistered master plumber.Section 13. Applicants for registration as master plumbers shall be examined in the followingsubjects:a. Plumbing arithmetic, ten per cent;b. Plumbing Code, ten per cent;c. Sanitation, plumbing design and installation, forty per cent;d. Practical problems, twenty per cent;e. Oral practice problems and experience, twenty percent.Section 14. The Board shall, within one hundred and twenty days after the date of completion ofthe examination, report the rating obtained by each candidate to the Commissioner of CivilService, who shall submit such ratings to the President of the Philippines.Section 15. The Office of the President, upon the recommendation of the Board, shall issue acertificate of registration upon payment of the registration fee as provided in this Act to anyapplicant who has satisfactorily met all the requirements specified in this Act. All certificates ofregistration shall show the full name of the registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall besigned by all members of the Board, the President of the Philippine, and the Commissioner of CivilService, and shall bear the official seal of the Board. The issuance of a certificate of registrationby the Board, to a registrant shall be evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all therights and privileges of a registered master plumber, while said certificate remains unrevoked.Section 16. All successful candidates shall be required to take an oath before the Board or anyother Government official authorized to administer oaths, prior to engaging in the trade ofregistered master plumber.Section 17. Examination and registration shall not be required of the following persons:a. Officers or enlisted men of the Armed Forces of the United States and of the Philippines andcivilian employees of the Government of the United States stationed for the United States and/orthe Philippines.b. Plumbing experts called in by the Philippine Government for consultation in connection withcertain specific construction, provided that their services shall be limited to such work.Section 18. The Board, shall not issue a certificate to any person convicted by a court ofcompetent jurisdiction for any criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or to any person foundguilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or to any person of unsound mind. In the event of arefusal to issue a certificate to any person, the Board shall give to the applicant a writtenstatement setting forth its reason for such action, which statement shall be incorporated into therecords of the Board.Section 19. Subject to the approval of the Philippines, the board shall have the power, after duenotice and hearing, to suspend or revoke the certificate of registration for any of the causesmentioned in the preceding section. The Board may, upon application and upon satisfactoryshowing, reinstate a registered master plumber whose certificate of registration has beensuspended or revoked.Section 20. Any person who shall engage in plumbing in the Philippines without being registeredin accordance with the provisions of this Act, or any person presenting or attempting to use as hisown the certificate of registration of a registered master plumber, or any person who shall giveany false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board, or any person who shall impersonate anyregistered master plumber, or any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspendedcertificate of registration, or any person who shall use in connection with his name or otherwiseassume, use, or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he is aregistered master plumber, without holding a valid certificate of registration, or any person whoshall violate any of the provisions of this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, uponconviction, be sentenced to a fine of not less than five hundred pesos nor more than twothousand pesos, or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not less than six months nor more thanone year, or both, in the discretion of the court.Section 21. No person who is not a citizen of the Philippines at the time he applies forexamination shall be allowed to take it unless he can prove in the manner provided by law that,the country or state of which he is a citizen, subject, or national, either admits citizens of thePhilippines to engage in the same trade without restriction or allows them to practice it after anexamination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens, subjects, or nationals of thecountry concerned, including the unconditional recognition of degrees issued by institutions oflearning duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the Philippines.Section 22. As soon as this Act shall take effect, any person desiring to practice the trade ofmaster plumber, shall be required to obtain a certificate of registration in the manner and underthe conditions, herein provided. All master plumbers duly registered and examined under theprovisions of the city ordinances in force one year prior to the effectivity of this Act and all personswith at least five years of continuous practice as plumbers and certified to as capable to practicethe trade by the Board of Examiners, within one year after the effectivity of this Act, shall beautomatically registered under the provisions hereof. Certificates of registration held by suchpersons in good standing shall have the same force and effect as though the same had beenissued under the provisions of this Act.Section 23. The Provisions of this Act shall apply only in chartered cities.Section 24. This Act shall effect upon its approval. Approved, June 18, 1955.