A potential plumber should be able to perform basic math and measurements, enjoy working with his or her hands, and be physically fit. To become a licensed plumber, you must complete formal classroom training, on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program, and pass certain proficiency tests. Anyone interested in learning this trade should research local and national licensing requirements, find an apprenticeship program, and look into trade school options.
National plumbing standards have been harmonized in Canada and the United States, but local states and provinces control the licensing requirements. In the United Kingdom and Australia, this is also true. New Zealand and Australia have a joint recognition agreement regarding licenses granted in either country due to a shortage of licensed plumbers. The specific requirements for becoming a licensed plumber in any jurisdiction can be obtained from the trade licensing agency, which is frequently published on the Internet.
A person who wants to become a licensed plumber in most jurisdictions must first obtain an apprentice, or provisional, license. Before a provisional license is issued in the United Kingdom, the applicant must pass a very basic skills test. One requirement at this level is that the apprentice work under the supervision of a fully licensed plumber for a period of time, usually four or five years. In some cases, formal certification training can reduce the number of hours an apprentice is required to work.
A plumber’s license in most states in the US covers both gas and water applications. Gas and water require separate licenses in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the past, the only people who could become a licensed plumber in the United Kingdom were young people aged 16 to 24 who dropped out of school to pursue a trade, making it nearly impossible for anyone over the age of 24 to enter the field. This path is still open, and a person can earn the National Vocation Qualification (NVQ), or SNVQ in Scotland, by combining formal classroom training with on-the-job experience under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
Several college programs have opened up a second training route for anyone in the UK who wants to become a licensed plumber, regardless of age. An applicant must first pass a training test administered by the British Plumbers Employees Council (BPEC), which determines whether he has the necessary skills to complete the program. He can enroll in classes at a college that offers the classroom training and practical experience needed to become licensed after passing the test. In all jurisdictions, an apprentice receives the same training, which includes learning how to join and assemble pipes, how to test pipe systems, and basic code and safety requirements. An apprentice is also taught how to keep tanks, pumps, and plumbing fixtures in good working order.
To become a licensed plumber, a person must complete the apprenticeship, provide evidence that the work and course requirements were met to the appropriate regulatory agency, and pass the proficiency exam. These exams necessitate a thorough understanding of applicable codes as well as the operation of various plumbing systems. After receiving a journey or plumber contractor’s license, a person can work without supervision putting together plumbing systems, laying and connecting pipes, installing fixtures and appliances, and performing pressure tests on finished systems. He should also be able to locate any potential electrical obstructions and ensure that systems are up to code.
A journey with several years of experience can apply for a master license in the United States. This level necessitates additional testing but provides more career options. A master plumber can work in both commercial and industrial settings and is frequently involved in the design of new layouts and blueprints. A plumbing contractor in another country may need to obtain additional licenses in gas, roof plumbing, backflow prevention testing, or another specialty.