If you’re considering a career in plumbing, you may be wondering, “How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?” The path to becoming a licensed plumber can vary based on factors such as education, apprenticeship duration, and state-specific licensing requirements. In this blog, we’ll break down the key factors and steps involved in becoming a licensed plumber so you can plan your career path accordingly.
Several factors influence how long it takes to become a plumber, such as the level of education you choose, whether you pursue a full-time apprenticeship, and how quickly you complete the required licensing exams. Here are some key factors that can affect your timeline:
With these factors in mind, let’s take a closer look at the steps involved in becoming a licensed plumber.
The journey to becoming a licensed plumber typically involves education, practical training, and passing state exams. Below is a breakdown of each stage in the process.
One of the first steps to becoming a plumber is obtaining the proper education. Many aspiring plumbers choose to attend a trade school or vocational program to learn the fundamentals of plumbing. So, how long does plumbing school take? A typical Oklahoma plumbing journeyman or Oklahoma plumbing contractor program at a trade school takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete. The curriculum covers a variety of plumbing topics, including installation, pipefitting, and blueprint reading. Trade school programs often combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to help students build essential plumbing skills.
While attending plumbing school isn’t a strict requirement for becoming a plumber, it can give you a strong foundation before entering the workforce or an apprenticeship program. Trade school is an excellent option if you want to gain in-depth knowledge quickly and start your plumbing career faster.
After completing a trade school program, many aspiring plumbers opt for an apprenticeship. How long is a plumber apprenticeship? Typically, a plumbing apprenticeship lasts 4-5 years. During this time, apprentices work under the supervision of licensed plumbers, gaining on-the-job experience while also attending classes to reinforce their learning. Apprenticeships provide practical experience with installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems, which is critical for developing your skills.
Apprenticeships are often sponsored by unions or plumbing companies, and you can earn a wage while gaining valuable experience. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will have the necessary hands-on skills to advance to the next step in your plumbing career.
After completing your apprenticeship, the next step is to become a journeyman plumber. This typically occurs after completing your apprenticeship and passing the required state exam. The journeyman plumber license allows you to work independently and offer plumbing services without supervision.
In most states, you need to have completed a specific number of hours working as an apprentice (usually around 4 years) and meet any additional educational requirements. After meeting these qualifications, you will be eligible to take the journeyman exam. Once you pass, you can officially work as a journeyman plumber, gaining more responsibilities and independence.
Becoming a master plumber is the next level of licensure after becoming a journeyman. How long does it take to become a master plumber? Generally, it can take anywhere from 5-10 years to become a master plumber, depending on your experience and state requirements. To become a master plumber, you must first work as a journeyman plumber for several years (usually at least 2 years) before applying for the master plumber exam.
The master plumber license is the highest level of plumbing certification and qualifies you to oversee other plumbers, run your own plumbing business, and work on more complex plumbing systems. In addition to your experience, you may need to complete additional coursework or pass a business management exam, depending on your state’s requirements.
If you’re ready to start your path toward plumbing licensure, Prep at Home offers comprehensive exam preparation programs that can help you pass your journeyman or master plumber exam on your first try. With study materials, live seminars, and expert tutoring, we’re here to support your journey to becoming a licensed plumber. Contact us for more information today!
