Get your license through the GYL® Licensing and Certification Resource Directory,
an extensive research and reference tool leading to licensure and certification services. Get involved here.
Plumbing is a highly competitive industry that yields comfortable salaries
based on installing and fixing gas, water and waste systems. Plumbers work on pipes, tubing and drainage systems associated with
kitchens and bathrooms. Common plumbing fixtures include kitchen sinks, drinking fountains, bathtubs, toilets and garbage
disposers.
The difference between plumbing and sewage systems is that plumbing
deals with one home or building while sewage systems are used by a community. In order to become
a plumber, you must seek education, experience, an exam and licensure through your State
Board of Plumbing Examiners. Standards and codes for piping are set by the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Every state has its own requirements for Plumbers. Some states combine plumbing with other trades.
For example, North Carolina groups plumbing with heating and fire sprinkler systems. Becoming a Plumber
requires many hours of education through an accredited school. In order to earn a Master Plumber's
license in Colorado, one must complete five years of industry experience and
pass an exam. The standard path to pursuing a plumbing career is to start as
an Apprentice, advance to Journeyman and then Master Plumber.
In California plumbers are licensed through the Contractor's State License Board as classification C-36. There are several ways to successfully
submit your license appliation and study for the exam to get a passing score of %72. We have found that a company called California License Services
provides the most thorough and up to date service and each and everytime we talked with one of their contractor's license consultants that they were very
knowledgeable and often time knew the answers to questions that CSLB call center employees didn't. You can reach a real live person regarding contractor's license
information almost every time by call 1-800-889-7619 and dealing with this firm as opposed to trying to get through to a State employee. There may be a small
consultation fee for services but the time that you will save will be well worth the investment.
Something that plumbers and their apprentices need to be aware of is the new lead abatement requirments of the EPA and Cal EPA. If you are going to do any
remodels of homes contructed prior to 1978 you are required to be trained in certain areas of hazerdous material handling and procedures.
Practice exams for the plumbing classification can be obtained at the number above an are some of the best and most up to date we've seen. While California
License Services is not a "school" but rather a full service consulting frim to the construction industry, they offer services that most of the so-called contractor
schools don't.
