Plumbers have to go through an in depth plumber training program in order to become a licensed plumber. Not only do they have to go through a plumber training course, but they also have to complete a certain amount of years as an apprentice in order to qualify to take one of the licensing exams.
Skills
Plumber training involves many different areas. Class work involves math and science courses which specialize in the industry, such as industrial math and chemistry. Plumbers learn to make the calculations they need in order to fit plumbing systems into houses, underground and in offices. They learn about gasses, since some of the pipes they have to install carry dangerous gasses that they have to know about, otherwise they could be a danger to themselves and others.
Plumber training also involves learning to read blueprints of houses and offices, as well as schematics of various appliances that involve a plumber, such as heating and air units, dish washers and disposals, in addition to bath tubs, sinks and toilets. Plumbers also have to learn to draw the plans for plumbing systems, such as are installed in new constructions.
Once the class work is completed for a diploma or certificate, or sometimes during the classes, especially if it is an online course, then plumbers begin their apprenticeship. During this part of the training, plumbers get real life, hands on experience in the field under the supervision of either a Master or Journeyman plumber. Apprentices have to work for a minimum of four thousand hours under this supervision before they are allowed to take the most basic licensing exam, that of a Tradesman plumber.
If they want to continue working for a higher level of licensing, which means more opportunities for jobs and pay increases, they have to do plumber training for four thousand more hours (almost two years working full time) in order to qualify for the Journeyman plumbing exam. Once they pass that exam, plumbers can work for another full year and prepare to take the Master plumber exam. The Master plumbing exam requires plumbers to be able to, in addition to their basic knowledge of plumbing and hands on demonstration, to plan the plumbing system for a multi-story building.
Once a license is achieved, then a plumber is officially finished with his plumber training and is allowed to practice without supervision. However, if he wants to go on to earn a higher level, he must remain under the supervision of a Master or Journeyman plumber in order to have his hours count toward exam eligibility.