How To Get A Plumbing License

The phrase "Joe the Plumber" was popularized during the 2008 presidential debate between Obama and McCain. The debate, surprisingly, brought to the forefront of American attention the profession of plumbing. The candidates used Joe Wurzelbacher, better known as Joe the Plumber, to illustrate their positions on individual policies. So what does it take to become a plumber in the United States?

There are two routes an individual can explore when pursuing a career in this field. A prospective plumber may serve as an apprentice by working under the supervision of a certified plumber for four to five years. There's also an educational requirement of classroom hours annually. A local plumbers' trade union will most likely have contact information for employers who are interested in hiring apprentices. The wages of an apprentice plumber are considerably less than a licensed plumber but pay increases are granted as the skill and knowledge of the initiate progresses. There are educational programs at vocational schools and colleges that offer training in the field of plumbing. The course work for these programs typically includes practical, hands-on experience in conjunction with classroom learning. These programs often last two or three years. The apprentice route enables individuals pursuing this career to earn while they learn and is the most popular path for potential plumbers.

The licensing rules for plumbers vary from state to state. Many states test the competency of prospective plumbers by administering a written examination before they grant licensing. The exam usually covers technical areas such as state plumbing codes, safety issues, and general knowledge related to plumbing. Apprentice plumbers are also required by many states to obtain a license. Most states have information online about their specific licensing requirements. Plumbers bare a great responsibility to consumers. Licensing requirements are a matter of public safety.

There are also different types of plumbers such as residential or commercials. Jobs for licensed professionals can be found with construction companies, in the military, or within local government. Many plumbers, like the infamous, "Joe the Plumber" go into business for themselves (or at least have dreams of doing so) and become self-employed.

Most licensed plumbers belong to the UA (United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada). Membership in a union typically gives plumbers the ability to earn higher wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in the United States in 2007 was $47,350.

Albert Einstein became an honorary member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union after he told a reporter that if he would have chosen another profession he would have "enjoyed being a plumber." Einstein is pretty well-known for his genius. If he thought a career in plumbing seemed like a good idea, maybe it really is worth looking into as a potential career-move.