How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Plumber?

Hygiene is one of the critical factors in maintaining large cities. The cleanliness we enjoy today is all thanks to the accessibility of clean, running water. Without this convenience, cleaning our homes and workspaces becomes difficult. The humble plumber is a wonderful person you can thank for clean running water.  

Giving people confidence in your abilities is essential to such an important task delegated to plumbers. Nothing sparks confidence in your clients like your shiny new plumbers' license.    

If you're looking into becoming a licensed plumber, this article is just for you!  

Check In with Your Authority Having Jurisdiction 

Different states have different prerequisites for becoming a licensed plumber, and some states don't need a license altogether. To figure out what you'll need to become a licensed plumber, you must refer to your state's AHJ.  

AHJs for plumbing have information regarding local safety standards. As such, they are one of the most reliable sources of information for becoming a licensed plumber.  

Apprentice Plumber  

Like all jobs, you'll need to accumulate the experience necessary to become a plumber. Depending on the state that you're in, you may need to apply for an apprenticeship license or register as an apprentice. You'd need basic requirements to become an apprentice. These include being 18 years old and obtaining your high school diploma or GED.  

As an apprentice, you'll typically work with Journeyman or Master Plumbers, learning skills directly from them through on-the-job training and coursework. Apprenticeships last between two to six years, so take your time to learn from the best plumbers to become one yourself.  

Journeyman Plumber 

After working with other plumbers for a while, you'd be looking to start doing jobs on your own. The process begins with becoming a journeyman. To become a journeyman, you'll need to pass the licensure exam in your state. If your state does not have one, your city or municipality may instead have one, so it's essential to check the requirements in your area.   

Understanding the questions you'll encounter in the exam is vital. Thankfully, the internet makes it easy to look for the recommended study material in your area. The licensing board responsible in your area may have their recommended study guides, which will go a long way in achieving success with your exam.  

You can choose which industries you want to work in as a journeyman plumber. For example, during your apprenticeship, you may prefer working on big commercial construction projects or doing minor residential service work. With this journeyman license, you have the liberty to choose your path.  

Master Plumber  

The highest level in plumbing and what most plumbers work to achieve in their careers is becoming a Master Plumber. While becoming a master plumber, you'll need around two to four years of additional experience and work in the plumbing trade on top of your experience as a journeyman. Depending on your location, you may also need to complete a training course.  

As a master plumber, you open yourself up to a variety of opportunities, such as being able to work towards a high managerial position, maybe you prefer doing planning work through 3D CAD software, or perhaps you'd like to open your own company. You also get the most prominent influence in choosing the components that go into any job, so it's essential to take your time doing research, like deciding if you need Plumbing Access Panels or not.  

Conclusion  

Any job can be worth working in as long as you want it to be, and that's certainly no exception than becoming a plumber. The best thing is the freedom you get with this career. If you enjoy going out on your work truck doing the jobs yourself or prefer managerial and planning roles, you open your career up to take the path you want by becoming the best plumber.  

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson