C-36 Plumbing Certification

You must have a C-36 certification to work as a plumber in California.

According to the United States Department of Labor, a career in plumbing is in high demand as well as being one of the highest-paid professions in the construction industry. To become a plumber in the state of California, individuals will need to gain a C-36 certificate.

History

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) came into existence in 1929. It is responsible for the regulation of contractors in the construction industry. The CSLB regulates 43 contractor classifications, including plumbers.

General Requirements

To apply for a plumbers license, applicants must be at least 18 years old with a minimum of four years experience as a journeyman plumber. A journeyman plumber works alongside a master plumber to gain practical experience in the field; applicants must also hold at least a GED.

Features

The C-36 examination is a multiple choice closed-book test divided into seven sections. These include installation, which makes up 17 percent of the test; repairing plumbing systems, 12 percent; testing, 8 percent; remodeling plumbing systems, 10 percent; safety, 12 percent; project planning and material, 23 percent; and rough plumbing, 18 percent. These are approximate percentages, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs.

References

• Contractor State License Board: Examination
• Career Overview: Plumbing
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages
• Contractor State License Board: General Information