How to Become a Certified Plumber
Plumbers are responsible for assembling and repairing various pipe systems that are designed to carry water, air, steam and other types of gases and liquids. Career opportunities are available in factories and plants doing maintenance work and in commercial and residential industries as contractors. Plumbers may also install various fixtures, such as toilets and heating and refrigeration units. To become a plumber, you must go through several years of training and possess manual dexterity, high mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills. According to the website Indeed, the average salary for a plumber is $54,000 per year.
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Instructions
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Find a Career in Plumbing
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Graduate with a high school diploma or complete your GED. While in school, you should focus on classes involving math, English, science and computers. Talk with your guidance counselor about plumbing apprentice programs.
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Complete an apprenticeship program. Programs are offered through local plumbers' unions. Make sure that you work under the supervision of a certified plumber. These apprenticeship programs can last anywhere from four to six years. You may be required to complete approximately 2,000 hours of on the job training and 144 hours of classroom work. Apprenticeship programs educate you in various plumbing skills, including how to use tools, identify pipes and understand plumbing fittings and materials.
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Obtain certification as a plumber. While plumbing requirements vary by state, many require that you pass a written exam to become certified. This exam ensures that you have basic plumbing knowledge, understand technical diagrams and blueprints and recognize the state's plumbing code.
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Look for employment or start your own business. While many plumbers choose to be self-employed, there are also a number of opportunities in construction companies, plumbing firms and local governments. You can find openings through local union and contractors' offices.
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