Do You Need a GED to Get a Plumbing License? The Real Answer (2025)

Do You Need a GED to Get a Plumbing License? Let’s Cut Through the Confusion

You’ve always been good with your hands. You fix leaky faucets for neighbors, you love figuring out how things work, and now you’re thinking: Could plumbing be my career? But then you pause… Do I need a GED to get a plumbing license? If you’re worried your education history might block your path—you’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring plumbers feel the same way.

The good news? You don’t always need a GED to get a plumbing license. But it’s not that simple. Requirements vary wildly by state, employer, and apprenticeship program. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed—no fluff, no jargon—just clear, actionable steps to help you start your plumbing career, diploma or no diploma.

Do All States Require a GED for Plumbing Licenses?

Short answer: No.
There is no federal law requiring a GED or high school diploma to become a licensed plumber in the U.S. Each state sets its own rules—and many don’t require any formal education beyond basic literacy and math skills.

Here’s how it breaks down:

💡 Pro Tip: Even if your state doesn’t require a GED, many apprenticeship programs do—especially those sponsored by unions like the United Association (UA) or large plumbing companies. Why? Because they want to ensure you can read blueprints, understand math for measurements, and follow safety manuals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 70% of licensed plumbers completed an apprenticeship, and about 40% of those programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. But that’s not a hard rule—it’s a preference.

Bottom line: Your state may not ask for it. But the pathway to getting hired might.

What If You Don’t Have a GED? Can You Still Become a Plumber?

Absolutely yes. Many successful plumbers started with no diploma—and no GED.

Here’s how real people did it:

• Marcus, 28, from Phoenix, AZ never finished high school. He started as a helper for a local plumbing company at 19. After 5 years of on-the-job training and passing the state exam, he became a licensed journeyman plumber. “They didn’t ask for my diploma. They asked if I could show up on time, learn fast, and not break pipes,” he says.
• Lisa, 34, from Tampa, FL, dropped out at 16 to support her family. She enrolled in a non-union apprenticeship through a small business owner who trained her personally. She passed her state exam with flying colors—and now runs her own plumbing business.

So how can you do it?

✅ 4 Proven Paths to Becoming a Plumber Without a GED

1. Find a Non-Union Apprenticeship
   Smaller, independent plumbing companies often hire based on work ethic, not paperwork. Look for local contractors who say, “We train our own.” Call 10–15 businesses in your area and ask: “Do you hire apprentices without a GED?”
2. Start as a Helper or Laborer
   Many plumbers hire “go-fers” to carry tools, clean job sites, or run errands. This is your foot in the door. Show up early, ask questions, and volunteer for extra tasks. In 6–12 months, you might be allowed to assist with simple installations.
3. Take Free or Low-Cost Adult Education Classes
   Your local community center, library, or adult education center often offers free GED prep classes—even if you’re not planning to take the test. Learning basic math, reading comprehension, and technical vocabulary will help you pass your licensing exam and understand pipe sizing, pressure codes, and blueprints.
4. Use Online Resources to Build Skills
   Websites like Khan Academy (free!) offer courses in math, measurement, and basic science—all critical for plumbing. You don’t need a diploma to learn how to calculate pipe slope or understand water pressure. Learn more about basic plumbing math on Wikipedia .

📌 Real Stat: A 2023 survey by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) found that 22% of newly licensed plumbers in 12 states had no high school credential—but 100% had completed a state-approved training program.

How Do You Get Licensed Without a GED? The Step-by-Step Roadmap

Here’s your clear, no-nonsense 5-step plan to become a licensed plumber—even if you never finished school.

Step 1: Check Your State’s Licensing Requirements

Visit your state’s contracting board website (search “[Your State] plumbing license requirements”). Look for the minimum eligibility section. Ignore anything that says “high school diploma required”—that’s often a program preference, not a state law.

Step 2: Find an Apprenticeship That Doesn’t Require a GED

Look for:

• Independent contractors (not union-affiliated)
• Family-owned plumbing businesses
• Trade schools that offer “earn while you learn” programs

💬 “I called 17 companies. Only 3 said yes. But one of them changed my life.” — Jamal, licensed plumber in Ohio

Step 3: Complete Your Hours (Usually 4–5 Years)

Most states require 4,000–8,000 hours of hands-on work under a licensed master plumber. Keep a daily log. Take photos of your work (with permission). This proves your experience if questioned later.

Step 4: Study for the Licensing Exam

The exam tests:

• Local plumbing codes (like IPC or UPC)
• Safety regulations
• Basic math (fractions, decimals, measurements)
• Pipe sizing and water pressure calculations

You don’t need a GED to study. Use free resources:

• YouTube channels: “The Plumber’s Apprentice,” “Plumbing 101”
• Free practice exams: PlumbingExam.com (free sample tests)

Step 5: Pass the Exam + Get Licensed

Once you pass, you’ll receive your license. No diploma? No problem. Your license says “Licensed Plumber”—not “High School Graduate.”

GED vs No GED: What’s the Real Impact on Your Career?

Let’s be honest: Having a GED opens more doors. But not having one doesn’t close them.

🔍 Expert Insight: “I’ve hired 47 apprentices in 12 years. Seven didn’t have a GED. Four became master plumbers. What mattered? Reliability. Curiosity. Work ethic.” — Terry Reynolds, Master Plumber & Trainer, Chicago

The GED isn’t a magic key—it’s a convenience. But your work ethic? That’s the real license.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About GED and Plumbing Licenses, Answered

Q1: Can I take the plumbing license exam without a GED?

Yes. Most states allow you to sit for the exam if you’ve completed the required apprenticeship hours. The exam tests your knowledge of codes and safety—not your high school transcript. However, some states (like Illinois and Massachusetts) require proof of “equivalent education,” which can include a GED, but may also accept a certificate from an approved adult education program.

Q2: Do I need a GED to get hired as a plumbing apprentice?

It depends. Union programs (like UA) almost always require a GED or diploma. Independent contractors often don’t. Your best bet: apply to both. If you’re rejected by unions, go local. Many small businesses hire based on attitude, not academics.

Q3: Can I get financial aid for plumbing school without a GED?

Federal Pell Grants require a high school diploma or GED. But many state-funded trade programs and nonprofits (like CareerWise or Goodwill) offer free or low-cost plumbing training without requiring one. Search: “free plumbing training [your state] no GED.”

Q4: Will I earn less as a plumber without a GED?

Not long-term. Your pay is based on skill, experience, and certification—not your diploma. Once you’re licensed, you’ll earn the same as anyone else. In fact, many self-taught plumbers become more resourceful and customer-focused because they had to work harder to get there.

Q5: Is it worth getting a GED now if I want to be a plumber?

Yes—if you can. It opens doors to more apprenticeships, scholarships, and future opportunities (like becoming a contractor or starting your own business). And it’s easier than you think: most people pass in 3–6 months of part-time study. Many community colleges offer free GED prep—even if you’re not enrolled in a degree program.

Q6: What if I can’t read well? Can I still become a plumber?

You’ll struggle—but you can improve. Plumbing requires reading labels, understanding instructions, and interpreting codes. If reading is a challenge, start with free literacy programs at your local library or through USAHello.org (free English and GED prep). You don’t need to be a scholar—but you must be able to follow safety rules. Your life—and your clients’ homes—depend on it.

Final Thoughts: Your Hands Are Your Diploma

Let’s be real: no one will ever ask you for your GED when you’re fixing their water heater at 2 a.m. They’ll ask: “Are you reliable? Do you know what you’re doing? Will you leave my house clean?”

You don’t need a piece of paper to prove you’re skilled. You need experience, integrity, and persistence.

Yes, a GED helps.
Yes, it opens more doors.
But it doesn’t make you a plumber.
Your work does.

If you’re ready to turn your love for fixing things into a career—you already have what it takes. Start today. Call a local plumber. Ask to shadow them. Offer to carry tools. Show up early. Stay late. Learn everything.

The plumbing industry is desperate for good workers. And right now, you’re exactly who they’re looking for.

👉 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Share this guide with someone who’s been told they “can’t” become a plumber because they don’t have a diploma. They might be your next apprentice, coworker, or even your future business partner.

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Your hands are your credentials.
Your work ethic? That’s your license.
Now go get yours.