Plumbing Certificate
Getting a Plumbing Certificate
Licensed plumbers are legal to work on any plumbing job either alone or with helpers, but a plumbing certificate can limit the work that a plumber is allowed to perform. A plumbing certificate is issued after a man or woman completes a vocational school program geared towards plumbing. To gain a plumbing certificate, students must complete an accredited program and prove knowledge using all tools, reading blueprints, installing plumbing systems, repairing plumbing systems, and more.
A typical plumbing certificate program requires a student to complete courses in algebra, trigonometry, English composition, communications, reading blueprints, refrigeration systems, materials, HVAC, plumbing tools, mechanical systems, and welding. The course requires students to help with plumbing jobs, though in some plumbing certificate programs the hands-on learning might be limited. Most plumbing certificate programs only take up two semesters. This is why it is often a better idea to get one’s plumbing certificate and then work with a licensed plumber for a year or two to gain valuable hands-on experience before attempting the licensing exam.
While students do learn a lot about plumbing in a certified program, the licensing exam covers state codes quite thoroughly. Plumbing certificate programs do not cover codes as extensively as one needs to know them for the exam, so you will want to purchase a state code book and work on memorizing that as well.
Many vocational or trade schools are finding increased demand in their plumbing certificate programs. For this reason, you will need to apply early and expect to be put on a wait list. It can help to think of alternatives, like working in HVAC (Heating/Ventilation), which requires plumbing skills but focuses those skills on a specialty. Often, choosing a specialty is the best way to gain the necessary skills without facing a long delay to enter a program.
