Thinking about a career in plumbing but unsure how much time it’ll take to get trained? You’re not alone. Many aspiring tradespeople ask, “How long does it take to do a plumbing course?”—especially when balancing work, family, or other commitments. The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and flexible paths exist for every schedule and goal. Let’s break it down clearly and realistically.
What Is a Plumbing Course?
A plumbing course is formal training designed to teach the fundamentals of installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems for water, gas, drainage, and more. These programs can range from short-term certificates to multi-year apprenticeships, depending on your career goals and state requirements.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most plumbers learn through a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. However, accelerated or part-time options are also available.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Plumbing Course? (By Program Type)
The timeline depends heavily on the type of program you choose. Here’s a detailed look:
1. Vocational or Trade School Certificate Programs
Duration: 6 months to 2 years
Format: Full-time or part-time classroom and lab work
Best for: Beginners seeking fast entry into the field
Example: Penn Foster’s online plumbing program can be completed in as little as 9 months with full-time study.
2. Apprenticeship Programs (Most Common Path)
Duration: 4 to 5 years
Structure: 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training + 144–200 hours of classroom instruction per year
Sponsored by: Unions (like UA – United Association) or non-union contractors
Outcome: Journeyman plumber license eligibility
Note: You earn while you learn—apprentices typically start at 40–50% of a journeyman’s wage.
3. Associate Degree in Plumbing Technology
Duration: 2 years (full-time)
Offered by: Community colleges
Includes: General education + technical plumbing courses
Advantage: Broader career flexibility (e.g., facility management, code inspection)
4. Online Plumbing Courses (Introductory Only)
Duration: 3–12 months
Limitation: Not sufficient for licensure in most states
Best for: Career exploration or supplemental learning
Tip: Use online courses to prep for in-person apprenticeships or certifications.
💡 Did You Know? Plumbing is consistently ranked among the top 10 skilled trades with strong job growth. The BLS projects a 2% employment growth from 2024–2034—with over 50,000 job openings annually due to retirements and new construction.
Factors That Affect Plumbing Course Duration
Not all timelines are fixed. Several variables influence how long your training takes:
State Licensing Requirements
Some states require more classroom hours (e.g., California vs. Texas)
Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment
Part-time students may take 2–3x longer
Prior Experience
Military veterans or construction workers may qualify for credit
Program Accreditation
Accredited programs often align with licensing boards, avoiding delays
Step-by-Step: Typical Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in the U.S.
If your goal is full licensure (not just a certificate), here’s the standard roadmap:
Earn a High School Diploma or GED (Prerequisite for most programs)
Enroll in a Plumbing Program or Apply for an Apprenticeship
Submit applications to local unions (e.g., UA Local 12) or trade schools
Pass basic math and mechanical aptitude tests
Complete Classroom + On-the-Job Training
Attend 144+ hours/year of technical instruction
Log 1,700–2,000 supervised work hours annually
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam
Covers code knowledge (IPC or UPC), safety, and practical skills
Administered by your state or local licensing board
Work as a Journeyman (2–5 years)
Gain experience before pursuing a Master Plumber license
Optional: Get Specialized Certifications
Backflow prevention, medical gas, green plumbing (e.g., EPA certifications)
This entire journey typically takes 4–7 years, but many start earning income within weeks of beginning an apprenticeship.
Pros and Cons of Different Plumbing Training Paths
Trade School
Fast start (6–12 months), structured learning
Higher upfront cost; may not include job placement
Apprenticeship
Paid training, industry-recognized, leads to licensure
Competitive entry; longer total time
Online Course
Flexible, low cost, self-paced
Not sufficient for licensing; limited hands-on practice
Associate Degree
Transferable credits, broader career options
Longer than certificate-only routes
Real-World Example: Maria’s Plumbing Journey
Maria, 28, worked retail but wanted a stable, well-paying trade. She:
Completed a 12-month certificate program at a local community college ($6,000 tuition)
Applied to 3 union apprenticeships and was accepted into UA Local 456
Worked as an apprentice for 4 years, earning $18/hr (rising to $35/hr by Year 4)
Passed her journeyman exam on the first try
Now earns $72,000/year with benefits—and plans to open her own shop
Her total time from start to licensed plumber: 5 years, with income from Day 1 of her apprenticeship.
FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Do a Plumbing Course?
Q1: Can I become a plumber in less than a year? A: You can complete a basic plumbing course in under 12 months, but you won’t be licensed to work independently. Most states require an apprenticeship (4+ years) for full licensure. However, you can start as a plumber’s helper immediately after a short course.
Q2: Do I need to go to school to become a plumber? A: Not necessarily. Many plumbers enter through apprenticeships without formal school. However, trade school can strengthen your application and shorten on-the-job learning curves.
Q3: How much does plumbing training cost? A: Apprenticeships are often free or low-cost (sponsored by unions/employers). Trade schools range from $1,000 to $15,000. Always check for grants (e.g., Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds).
Q4: Can I take a plumbing course online? A: Yes—but only for foundational knowledge. Hands-on skills (pipe threading, soldering, drainage slope calculations) require in-person labs. Online courses alone won’t meet licensing requirements in most states.
Q5: Is plumbing school hard? A: It requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and comfort with math (fractions, geometry). But with dedication, most students succeed. Support is available through instructors, mentors, and study groups.
Q6: How soon can I start earning money? A: If you enter an apprenticeship, you’ll get paid from day one—often $15–$20/hour to start. Even plumbing helpers (with minimal training) can earn $30,000–$40,000/year.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to do a plumbing course? It depends on your goals:
Quick start: 6–12 months for a certificate
Full career path: 4–5 years via apprenticeship to become licensed
Maximum flexibility: Combine online learning with part-time trade school
Plumbing offers job security, competitive pay (median $60,090/year), and the satisfaction of solving real-world problems. Best of all—you don’t need a 4-year degree to succeed.
If this guide helped clarify your path, share it with someone considering a trade career! 👷♂️💡 Your future in the skilled trades starts with one pipe at a time.
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