A plumber is someone who installs and repairs water pipes, drains, and sewage systems. Plumbers are skilled workers who are trained in both plumbing and pipefitting and can work on any kind of plumbing system. To meet the requirements for licensing as a plumber in most jurisdictions, candidates must successfully complete a course of study that includes apprenticeship, classroom instruction, and written exams. Licensed plumbers are also required to continue their education to keep up with industry developments and technologies. There are many sub-categories of Licensed Plumbers such as: Industrial/Commercial/Corporate, Residential/Commercial/Multi-Family, and Licensed Certified Contractors. Depending on the type of work they specialize in and their scope of work licensing requirements may vary.
What educational background should I have?
As with any profession, having the right education is important. Typically, a Licensed Plumbing Program will include both classroom training and apprenticeship.The classroom portion may be on the job training where the student spends a certain number of hours each week at an industrial or commercial plumbing job site. In this program, the student also has to complete a certain number of written exams.Some plumbing programs also include computer-based training. In other cases, the classroom portion may be entirely theoretical in nature and may include subjects such as math, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Some plumbing programs are offered as two-year degrees, while others are offered as one-year degrees.
Obtaining the licensing required to become a plumber
In most jurisdictions, candidates must successfully complete a course of study that includes apprenticeship, classroom instruction, and written exams. The specific requirements will vary from one state or country to another, but generally, a Licensed Plumbing Program will include both classroom training and apprenticeship.The classroom portion may be on the job training where the student spends a certain number of hours each week at an industrial or commercial plumbing job site. In this program, the student also has to complete a certain number of written exams.Some plumbing programs also include computer-based training. In other cases, the classroom portion may be entirely theoretical in nature and may include subjects such as math, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Some plumbing programs are offered as two-year degrees, while others are offered as one-year degrees.
Working as an apprentice
The apprenticeship portion of the Licensed Plumbing Program is where the student will spend a certain number of years working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. During this time, the apprentice must work at least 16 hours per week at an industrial or commercial plumbing job site. The hours could be spent doing one type of work, such as installing PVC pipe or repairing copper pipes, or they could be spent doing a wide variety of tasks, such as plumbing maintenance, plumbing installation, or repairing heating or air conditioning systems. In some cases, the apprentice may spend even more time on the job, working up to 24 hours per week.
Working as a Certified Plumbing Inspector
In some locations, Licensed Plumbing Program graduates who have not worked as apprentice plumbers may be able to take a Certified Plumbing Inspector exam. If they pass the exam, they may be able to work as a Certified Plumbing Inspector, which involves inspecting new plumbing and sewer lines, old pipes, and other plumbing features as they come into the construction or repair business. In some cases, Licensed Plumbing Program graduates may be able to become Certified Plumbing Inspectors after they have worked as an apprentice for a year, or after they have spent a certain number of years working as a Licensed Plumbing Program instructor.
Working as a Licensed Plumbing Contractor
If a Licensed Plumbing Program graduate has a general contractor’s license, he or she may be able to perform plumbing work as a Licensed Plumbing Contractor. Licensed Plumbing Contractors often specialize in a specific type of plumbing work, such as installing a new water line or repairing a broken sewage line, and they may work for a general contractor to perform plumbing work. Licensed Plumbing Contractors must complete a specific course of study that includes apprenticeship, classroom instruction, and written exams. Licensed Plumbing Contractors may also take a Licensing Exam to demonstrate that they have the required knowledge and skills to perform their work.
Working as a Licensed Certified Contractor
A Licensed Certified Contractor is someone who has obtained the necessary licensing to perform both plumbing and general contracting work. Licensed Certified Contractors must complete a specific course of study that includes apprenticeship, classroom instruction, and written exams. Licensed Certified Contractors may also take a Licensing Exam to demonstrate that they have the required knowledge and skills to perform their work.
Conclusion
As you can see, becoming a Licensed Plumbing Program or Certified Plumbing Inspector will require substantial time and effort. The course of study includes both classroom instruction and apprenticeship, and many candidates will have to pass written exams to obtain a license. The specific requirements will vary depending on the state or country where you are applying, but in general, you will need to complete a course of study that includes apprenticeship, classroom instruction, and written exams.