How long would it take to become a plumber?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

It takes about two to four years to become a plumber. The first two years are spent in a vocational program or apprenticeship training. After that, most states require a few years of work experience for eligibility for journeyman plumber or master plumber positions.

Trade or vocational school takes two years to complete, while apprenticeship can take anywhere from one to three years.

The benefit of a trade school is that you can work anywhere once you complete your program and have paid your tuition, while an apprenticeship is typically sponsored by a union or a business. While this route may provide less flexibility, it provides paid training.

The next step is to gain certification as a journeyman plumber. Almost all states have plumber licensing requirements for journeymen, but the requirements and exams will vary from state to state. Most states require two years of experience as an apprentice or completion of an apprentice training program and exam approved by the board.

Some states like Colorado and Maine require journeyman plumbers to have 6,800 hours of work experience.

To move to the next level of a plumber, which is the master plumber, in some states, requires a journey license for at least two years. You must show proof of 3,750 hours.