Becoming a licensed plumber in Delaware can be a great career move, as long as you follow and complete all the necessary steps. You will need to complete either a set number of years’ work in the field or pass an exam.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything that you need to know about obtaining your plumber’s license in Delaware as well as the different methods of obtaining it.
What is a licensed plumber?
One of the most important pieces of knowledge that a licensed plumber will have is that they are kept up-to-date on the latest requirement and regulations. This means that when you hire a licensed plumber you can be safe in the knowledge that all of your new plumbing work will be up to regulation and safe.
Often regular, unlicensed plumbers will not have this level of knowledge and although they may do a good job with your pipes, they may not be up to state regulation.
In addition, licensed plumbers are able to issue certificates to state that their completed work is in compliance with any and all state requirements. Along with these certificates, a licensed plumber will also have insurance against their work. So, if anything should be faulty with their work you, as their customer, are covered.
The different types of licenses for plumbers
Within Delaware, there are several types of plumbing licenses. They are all issued by the same governing body: the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
The most senior plumbing license is that of the Master Plumber. However, in order to reach this stage you must already hold a journeyman’s certificate.
A journeyman’s plumbing certificate can be obtained only by an approved plumbing apprenticeship scheme or through the Delaware Department of Labor. Having this certificate will allow you to begin working as a plumber but under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
This will let you complete a number of jobs connected to plumbing in order to build up a good knowledge base as well as practice your skills for when you yourself become a Master Plumber.
How to become a licensed plumber in the state of Delaware?
If you are now looking to become a Master Plumber then there are a few steps that you will need to follow in order to qualify for and receive your license.
If you already have your journeyman’s license then you will need to have completed a minimum of 7 years of experience within the field in order to ensure that you have all of the necessary skills and training to become a Master Plumber.
Once you have this experience you can apply to sit the exam to become a Master Plumber. The fee incurs a small cost and the pass mark is 70%. Anything less than this will be classed as a fail and you will not be presented with a Master Plumber’s license.
However, if you are already very experienced in the world of plumbing and have obtained your Master’s license from another state (except Pennsylvania) then you will immediately be eligible to receive your Delaware license without the need to sit any exam. You will still need to pay the fee for the license which is currently $141.
Becoming a plumber is thankfully an occupation that is open to many different people. Unlike with many other professions you are still eligible to receive a plumbing certificate even if you have a criminal record. You should declare this on any forms that you fill out and this will be taken into consideration when looking through your application. However, it is not an automatic disqualification.
About the exam
The examination to become a Master Plumber in the state of Delaware is a multiple choice quiz made up of 100 questions. You will have a total of 4 hours to finish the exam. The aim of the test is to evaluate your knowledge base, covering a broad range of topics. You must pass with a minimum of 70%.
The test will include topics such as waste vents, speciality plumbing and general plumbing regulations. Thankfully, the exam is open book, meaning that you will have access to any materials that you will need. Just like on the job if you are unable to remember something you will be able to look it up to remind yourself.
Please note that you will only be able to sit this exam after completing the following:
- Completing an approved apprenticeship program
- Completing two years of working under a Master Plumber
- Completing two years of classroom training
In summary
Becoming a professional licensed plumber in Delaware takes a lot of time and dedication but can certainly be worth it. You will need to ensure that you were enrolled in an approved apprenticeship scheme for a minimum of 7 years before applying to become a Master Plumber via exam.
If you are already a Master Plumber in another state (excluding Pennsylvania) then you will only need to apply for the license without the need to sit an exam.
References
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/newlicense/
https://www.usaplumbing.info/license/de/delaware-plumbing-license-requirements