In some localities, union membership is required. To obtain a journeyman license, states typically require two to four years of experience as a registered apprentice plumber under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. An applicant for the master plumber license must have a specified number of years or hours of practical plumbing experience, be a licensed journeyman, and pass an exam. Reciprocity - Some states have reciprocal agreements with other states to honor licenses from other states for plumbers who are relocating. Because states and localities vary widely in their licensing requirements, contact your state directly to obtain current requirements.
Apprenticeship gives trainees a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade.
The length of an apprenticeship program varies with the complexity of the trade, but most plumbing programs are four years in length. Instruction - Classroom subjects include drafting and blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics and chemistry, safety, and local plumbing codes and regulations. Application and preparation - Applicants for union or nonunion apprentice jobs must be 18 years old and in good physical condition. Apprenticeship committees may require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Armed Forces training in plumbing and pipefitting is considered very good preparation.