There\u2019s a little more to becoming a plumber than learning how to fix a leaky faucet or replace the wax ring in a toilet. In fact, it can take years of training to become a skilled plumbing professional cable of fixing any issues you come across. But before you can think about starting your own business and earning the big bucks, you\u2019re going to need to get a license to practice in your chosen field.<\/p>\n
And while requirements for licensure will vary from state to state, you will almost certainly have to pass some kind of state board exam in order to practice. There are a handful of states that allow regulation at the local level, but even so a license is likely required. So here are a few steps you\u2019ll have to go through before you can kick-start your career.<\/p>\n
Before you can begin training to be a plumber you\u2019ll need to have at least a high school education under your belt, which means a diploma or a GED. And while you don\u2019t necessarily have to attend college in order to get started down your career path, you will need to exhibit strong mathematical skills if you want to succeed. In some cases you may have to provide ACT scores in order to qualify for training programs, and you\u2019ll need to score high in math in order to impress prospective employers.<\/li>\n
One great way to prepare not only for your career in the plumbing field, but also for your licensure exams is to enter a vocational school. The plumbing programs offered through such venues may not provide you with a ton of practical experience, but you will get the instruction you need in math, as well as the academic knowledge required for licensure exams. This won\u2019t necessarily teach you everything you need to know to become a skilled plumber, but it will serve as a good start.<\/li>\n
Whether you go to school first or not, you\u2019re going to have to apprentice under a licensed professional in order to learn your trade. This will likely make up the majority of your education when it comes to the field of plumbing since you\u2019ll gain hands-on experience working alongside a seasoned expert. This, more than anything, should help you to prepare for licensure exams and your career in general.<\/li>\n
Every state has its own set of requirements for would-be professional plumbers to receive a license to practice. So it\u2019s in your best interest to find out what you need to qualify in your state. In some cases, you may have to spend several years working as a journeyman (with attendant job restrictions) before you are eligible for licensure, for example. The point is that you need to find out what you are required to do in order to get a license.<\/li>\n
Once you have apprenticed to learn what it\u2019s like to be a plumber and you\u2019ve met any requirements for education and practical experience, you\u2019ll have to apply for your plumber\u2019s license and pass an exam to prove that you are capable of carrying out the duties of your job. If you pass you will become a licensed plumber in your state of residence. However, you may have to reapply to renew your license periodically after that.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Absolutely! Becoming a licensed plumbing professional<\/strong> takes a mix of hands-on experience, proper training, and certification. Here are 5 key tips to help guide your journey:<\/p>\n This is the basic educational requirement to start plumbing training. Focus on:<\/p>\n Math (especially algebra)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Science (physics can help with understanding flow and pressure)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Technical drawing or shop class (if available)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u00a0A good foundation here makes trade school or apprenticeships easier to grasp.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Join a trade school or vocational program<\/strong> that offers:<\/p>\n Pipefitting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Blueprint reading<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Safety procedures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Plumbing codes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Duration: Typically 6 months to 2 years.<\/p>\n \u00a0Some programs also help you get placement into an apprenticeship.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Work under a licensed master plumber<\/strong> to gain practical, hands-on training.<\/p>\n Usually lasts 4 to 5 years<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n You\u2019ll earn while you learn<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u00a0Apply through a local union (e.g., UA \u2013 United Association) or directly with private plumbing companies.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Most states in the U.S. (and many other countries) require:<\/p>\n A certain number of work hours (usually 4,000+)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Completion of an approved apprenticeship<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Passing a written exam<\/strong> covering:<\/p>\n Plumbing codes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Systems design<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tools & materials<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Local laws and regulations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u00a0Check with your state or country\u2019s licensing board<\/strong> for specific requirements.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Once licensed, keep learning:<\/p>\n Attend workshops<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Take certification courses in green plumbing, gas systems, or pipe welding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stay updated on building codes and safety standards<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You can even advance to:<\/p>\n Journeyman or Master Plumber<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Start your own plumbing business<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Or move into teaching\/training new apprentices<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Build strong customer service skills<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keep a well-maintained toolkit<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Get insurance and bonding<\/strong> if you’re going solo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Would you like help finding a certified plumbing school or apprenticeship program near your location? Or a sample study guide for the licensing exam?<\/p>\n There\u2019s a little more to becoming a plumber than learning how to fix a leaky faucet or replace the wax ring in a toilet. In fact, it can take years of training to become a skilled plumbing professional cable of fixing any issues you come across. But before you can think about starting your own […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[46],"class_list":["post-1008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-plumbing","tag-licensed-plumbing-professional"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1008\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reilsolar.com\/ebook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\u00a05 Tips to Become a Licensed Plumbing Professional<\/h3>\n
Get a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Enroll in a Plumbing Trade School or Pre-Apprenticeship Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Get into a Registered Apprenticeship<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Pass the Licensing Exam in Your State<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Continue Education & Specialize<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u00a0Bonus Tips:<\/h3>\n
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5 Tips for Becoming a Licensed Plumbing Professional<\/a><\/h3>\n
NSQF LEVEL \u2013 5 SECTOR- PLUMBING<\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"