I have been in the construction area for five years. Learning a lot but can only get certified as a carpenter because my boss only has his carpenters license. Ive been doing the plumbing for my whole time with him and was wonderinf how hard it would be to go for my plumbing license?

Hi Mhawk

The answer depends on exactly what state or country you are from.

In my state, you need 5 years of night school to be eligible to sit for the journeyman plumber's exam. You need another 16 weeks of school and another year in the field under a licensed master plumber to be eligible to sit for the master plumber's exam... ;)

Where are you from?

Mark

In my estimation there is only one way to learn to be a plumber. You hire on to a plumbing company as a helper and hope you get a good boss. You learn the ins and outs and the plumbing code by doing the work. Things may have changed since I have retired but that's the way things were in the Tampa Bay area. Good luck, Tom

I live in canada.ya I've done quite a few intricate systems, but you're pretty much saying I have to start at square one again, right?

I'm afraid to say so, but yes, you need to start from scratch.

You need to get a job in the plumbing trade working under a licensed master plumber. Then, you apply for an apprentice license and start to count the time in field... school, etc.

Time frame will depend on where you are in Canada. A call to a local plumbing inspector would tell you exactly what the requirements are in your area!

Good luck!

you're pretty much saying I have to start at square one again, right?
Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying.

Ive been doing the plumbing for my whole time with him and was wonderinf how hard it would be to go for my plumbing license? are you say that you install plumbing and stood inspections on them without being licensed? If you were to take a plumbing test today Could you pass it? None of us learn plumbing by ourselves. We all started working with a licensed plumber that was good enough to teach us the trade. I have had many helpers and apprentices.In my years in the field. Most of them are licensed and some even own their own business. Mark and I both wish you the best. Please love us know what you decide how you make out. Good luck, Tom

Yes I have been doing the plumbing for all the houses that we have built. The company I work for is located on federal land in canada, namely a native american reservation. All of our houses are inspected by the local electrical authority and evry phase from the frame to finish is inspected and I have never failed an inspection. They person who trained me does not have his plumbing license but has been biulding houses for over 20 years. He has his carpenters license. Maybe I will just see if my experience is enough to study and take the exam. What are your thoughts?

If you want to get a Canadian license then call your local "apprenticeship authority" for requirements... only way you'll know requirements needed!

Here is an article that is quite specific to Canada...should help:

http://careerbear.com/plumber/article/how-to-become-a-plumber

Good luck!

Mark