If you’re thinking about starting a career in plumbing—or you’re a contractor planning your next wave of hires—one of the first things you’ll wonder is: “How long does it take to become a plumber?”
In most cases, the journey from beginner to licensed journeyman plumber takes about 4–5 years. That timeline includes education, on-the-job training, and passing your state’s licensing exam.
In this article, you’ll get a clear breakdown of:
- The educational requirements to become a plumber
- How long plumbing apprenticeships take
- Licensing and certification steps
- What affects how fast plumbers can get licensed licensed
- Practical tips for accelerating the training process
Whether you’re entering the trade or managing apprentices, this guide gives you a realistic timeline of what to expect.
How Long Does It Actually Take?
Most plumbers become journeymen in 4–5 years.
Across the U.S., plumbing apprenticeships typically include:
- ~2,000 hours/year of paid, hands-on work
- 144–200 classroom hours/year in plumbing codes, safety, and system design
Alongside apprenticeship training, some aspiring plumbers choose trade school programs, which can take:
- 6–12 months for certificate programs
- Up to 2 years for associate degree programs
These programs can sometimes shorten their apprenticeship, depending on state requirements or employer discretion.
Pro Tip! Becoming a fully licensed journeyman plumber takes about 4–5 years nationwide, though exact timelines vary by state, experience level, and whether you complete vocational schooling beforehand.
Educational Requirements to Start Plumbing Training
The path to becoming a plumber typically begins with:
High School Diploma or GED
Nearly all states and employers require this baseline before accepting new apprentices.
Early Vocational Training Helps
Some high schools offer introductory plumbing, pipefitting, or constructions-trades programs—giving future plumbers a helpful, early start.
Trade School or Community College
These programs cover:
- Pipe systems and safety
- Plumbing codes
- Blueprint reading
- Tools and materials
- Basic system design
Why It Matters
- Completing a vocational program can make apprenticeship acceptance easier—and in some states, may reduce required apprenticeship hours.
Plumbing Apprenticeships: The Core Training
A plumbing apprenticeship is where real skill is built. Apprentices earn wages while learning under licensed plumbers and completing classroom instruction.
What an Apprenticeship Comes From
Apprenticeships may be offered by:
- Local plumbing companies
- Trade unions
- Technical school partnerships or community college
How Long Does a Plumbing Apprenticeship Take?
Typical duration: 4–5 years
Standard requirements include:
What Apprentices Learn
During an apprenticeship, you’ll get hands-on experience in:
- Installing and repairing plumbing systems
- Working with water, drainage, and gas lines
- Reading blueprints and system diagrams
- Understanding plumbing codes and regulations
- Applying safety protocols and best practices
By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have the technical and practical knowledge needed to apply for your journeyman exam.
Licensing and Certification: The Final Step
After apprenticeship completion, most states require passing a journeyman plumber exam that tests:
- Plumbing codes
- Installation and repair knowledge
- Safety and materials
- Sometimes practical demonstrations
Licensing varies widely by state:
- Some states issue statewide licenses
- Others require city or county-level licensing
- A few states have tiered or specialized licenses (gas, commercial, medical gas, etc.)
Becoming a Master Plumber
Once they become licensed as a journeyman, they may qualify to become a master plumber after gaining:
- 1–5 additional years of experience (varies by state)
- Typical total timeline: 5–10 years from beginner → journeyman → master plumber
Factors Affecting How Long It Takes
While 4–5 years is standard, your timeline can shift based on:
1. State and Local Requirements
Some states require more classroom hours, application certifications, or specific types of logged work.
2. Apprenticeship Availability
Union programs and high-demand regions may have waitlists.
3. Prior Experience or Schooling
Trade school or construction experience can reduce apprenticeship length.
4. Work Pace and Exact Timing
Staying consistent, logging hours correctly, and passing exams on the first attempt keeps the process on track.
5. Specializations
Endorsements like:
- Gas fitting
- Medical gas
- Backflow prevention
- Commercial systems
…can require additional coursework or exams.
Tips to Speed Up the Plumbing Career Path
To move through the process as efficiently as possible:
- Begin vocational/trade schooling early: They’ll enter apprenticeships better prepared—and in some states, with reduced hour requirements.
- Choose a reputable apprenticeship program: Look for programs that offer structured hour tracking, comprehensive instruction, and exam prep.
- Know your state licensing requirements upfront: Avoid timeline-killing surprises.
- Track hours carefully: Missing documentation is one of the biggest reasons apprentices get delayed.
- Consider additional certifications early: These make you more marketable and may help with employer advancement.
Streamline Apprentice Management with FieldEdge
Training new plumbers takes time—and organization.
FieldEdge can help plumbing businesses:
- Track apprentice and technician performance
- Standardize training workflows
- Log jobs and hours more accurately
- Reduce back-and-forth between office and field
- Improve scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing
If you’re ready to create a more efficient path for your apprentices and techs:
- Book a personalized FieldEdge demo today!
Want to save money and time? Schedule a personalized FieldEdge demo today!
Now You Know: How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?
Becoming a plumber is a multi-year commitment, but it’s also one of the most stable and well-paid technical careers available today.
Here’s the short version:
- 4–5 years is the average time to become a licensed journeyman plumber
- Education can range from high school training to 2-year trade programs
- Licensing requires passing your state’s journeyman exam
- Timeline variations depend on your state, experience and apprenticeship structure
For plumbing companies, understanding this process helps you plan recruiting, training, and long-term workforce development.
Related: Top Plumbing Trade Shows to Attend
