Working in a technical blue collar job can be a great way to make money while perfecting a skill. Far too often, people look down on technical labor jobs like those held by plumbers and electricians. In fact, a licensed plumber can become not only a pillar of the community but also financially successful at the same time. Unfortunately, CDL Plumbing Newcastle experts have advised us that becoming a qualified plumber takes more than just a wrench and some technical know-how. If you want to become a certified plumber, such as those hired by Conrad Roof Plumbers, keep on reading. Today, we’ll talk you through the process of becoming a professional plumber.
So You Want To Become A Plumber?
Plumbers do so much more than brute work with your pipes. A certified plumber will be trained to solve complex problems with the tools that they carry in their truck. From tracing a leak to its source to dealing with water heaters and drainage issues, there is always something new and exciting to deal with. Plumbers need to have a solid foundation of knowledge, and they must be able to showcase that knowledge in order to be certified. If you are still interested, even knowing the work involved, keep on reading. Listed below, you’ll find a simple road map that will lead you to become a plumber.
1) Education Preparation – In order to become a certified plumber, you are going to have to embrace your love (or distaste) of education. You are going to have to possess either your GED or high school diploma. Additionally, you must keep your knowledge up to date in certain aspects of mathematics. From algebra and geometry to biology and metric measurements, you’ll want to stay brushed up on what you learned in school. At some point during this process, you are going to have to take a maths test. Well do not worry about the expenses, It can cost as little as $800 for an online plumbing training program only.
2) Keep Your Record Clean – Being that you will be working directly with customers in the privacy of their own homes, you must be a trusted and reliable individual. While there are no ways to certify your trustworthiness, the next best thing is taking a look at your record. Make sure that you are able to pass both a drug test and a criminal background check during your pursuit of plumbing certification. You’ll also want to have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record in order to help out your odds of finding success as a plumber. Nobody ever said the path was easy, but this is a great foundation to start from.
3) Pursue Technical Coursework – Once you’ve got your high school diploma, you are going to need to take a large and technical step. You’ll want to enroll in a local technical school in order to pursue technical plumbing work. You’ll need to enroll in a certain amount of classroom hours in order to meet the demands of an apprenticeship for plumbing. This number can vary based on your location, so refer to your state’s specific rules in order to ensure compliance. While you are pursuing your technical coursework, you’ll focus on a few key areas. You’ll focus on electrical work, draining and ventilation, water heating systems, plumbing codes, and pipe cutting and soldering. There is no doubt a local plumber’s association that can help you pick the right classes, so feel free to reach out to them.
4) Become an Apprentice – Once you’ve satisfied your coursework and all of the other pre-requisites, it is time to start racking up some experience. In order to become a licensed plumber, you are going to have to take on an apprenticeship. An apprentice plumber will have to work in their position for anywhere from two to five years. In some areas, you’ll be able to handle your coursework and apprenticeship at the same time so as to cut down on time. If you are struggling to find an apprenticeship, consider reaching out to a local plumbing business or plumbing association. In either case, you should be able to find some great information.
5) Take Your Test – Once you’ve satisfied all of the requirements needed in order to become a plumber, you are ready to take the test. Depending on what state you are in, your test may differ. No matter what your test is like, you will have to rely on all of the prior steps in order to get a satisfactory score. There are online resources that you can lean on in order to prepare for this test, so don’t hesitate to reach out toward them. Taking your time to research and study will help you satisfy your test the first time rather than requiring multiple attempts.
6) Keep Pursuing the Next Level – Once you’ve satisfied your testing, you’ve officially become a journeyman plumber. You may have to continue studying for a yearly exam in order to renew your license. Again, your specific requirements will vary based on the state that you are working in. Sometimes you’ll have to renew your license every year, sometimes a renewal is done every five years. Regardless, you still have higher levels of plumbing to pursue should you so choose. If you want to become a Master Plumber, you’ll need to work for two straight years as a journeyman. Eventually, you can take a Master Plumber exam in order to upgrade your rank, your pay, and the services that you are allowed to offer.
Becoming a certified plumber is a process that requires years of dedication, hours of preparation in the classroom, and a certain level of flexibility with what you are willing to do on the job. Once you have satisfied all of the steps that we outlined above, you should be primed to become a professional plumber. Remember, the job is not easy and it requires you to always be ready to think on your feet. With that being said, you can become a success by staying focused and working hard with the tools that we outlined above.
About The Author
Nicole Hinton
Nicole is a freelancer & passionate blogger. She has 4+ years of experience in digital marketing and specialize in content writing, content marketing and organic search engine optimization. She has worked with many brands from Canada as well as the USA. Currently, she manages content marketing team of freelancers and doing their business efficiently.
