How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Connecticut

Today’s constant technological advances are changing more than just our phones and computers. They’re also changing the construction materials and plumbing we install in our homes. Therefore, now is the best time to strike gold by becoming a licensed plumber in the state of Connecticut. Not sure where to get started?

You can become a plumber in Connecticut without obtaining a full four-year degree. Instead, simply finish with a high school diploma then undergo vocational training and an apprenticeship program before applying for licensure. If you can pass the licensing examination and meet all the requirements, you will become a fully licensed plumber. 

In this quick guide, we will explore in more detail every step you should take to become a licensed plumber in the state of Connecticut. We’ll also help you out by sharing a few details about the cost of training so you can prepare ahead of time.

How to Become a Licensed Plumber in the State of Connecticut

Not just anyone can become a plumber in Connecticut. Under Section 20-330 of the Connecticut General Statutes, licensed plumbers must first undergo an examination and have a minimal 2year experience as a journeyman or apprentice. The process goes like this:

Complete a High Diploma or GED Certificate

Licensed plumbers are required to graduate from high school with a diploma or complete a General Education Development (GED) certificate before they are considered eligible for licensure. You will also be required to pass technical subjects, such as science and math, with a high grade if you want to be considered for an apprenticeship.

Undergo Vocational Training

You don’t need a four-year college degree to become a licensed plumber in Connecticut. However, going through vocational training will boost your odds of getting into an apprenticeship. You can typically find vocational training courses through a community college, where you’ll take short-term courses that last around six months at a time. You should be able to finish everything within a year.

Finish a 2-Year Apprenticeship Program

Because Connecticut law requires you to have a minimum of  two years of experience before you can be licensed, you’ll need to go through an apprenticeship program before taking the licensing exam. You can find apprenticeships through the United Association of Journeymen ; Apprentices of the Plumbing ; Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

Through an apprenticeship, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of plumbing and develop the skills and experience needed to pass the licensing exam. Best of all, you’ll get paid for any on-the-job training you receive. By the time you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to pass with flying colors.

Take the Licensing Exam

There are three different examinations you’ll have to take depending on what type of plumber you want to become. Hopeful journeyperson plumbers are required to pass the P-2 Unlimited Journeyperson Plumber Exam. Hopeful master plumbers will be required to complete both the P-1 Unlimited Plumber exam and an additional Contractor Business and Law exam to prepare them for business in the future.

Requirements to Become a Licensed Plumber

Before you can become licensed as a plumber, you’ll need to:

To pass the P-1 examination, you’ll have to correctly answer the majority of a 65-item test that covers topics from general regulations to safety, water treatment, drainage, heating systems, and more.

The P-2 examination consists of two separate tests that cover both advanced plumbing and business law. The plumbing section consists of 80 questions and the legal examination consists of 50 more test items.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Licensed Plumber in Connecticut?

It’s not free to become a licensed plumber. If you decide to take vocational courses, you can expect to pay more but it’s recommended that you do so to help prepare for the examinations.

Here’s a rundown of the total cost of becoming a licensed plumber in Connecticut:

  • Vocational school – A full year of courses can cost as much as $3,000 at a community college
  • P-2 Journeyman Examination – It costs $130 to take the exam and another $120 to receive a journeyman license.
  • P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor Examination – It costs $130 to take the examination to become a master plumber
  • Contractor Business and Law Examination – It costs an additional $65.00 to take the mandatory business law exam
  • P-1 Licensure – Your final license will cost another $150

The total minimum cost comes to $595. If you attend a vocational school, this number will go up.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed plumber in Connecticut will take time and patience but it’s worth the wait. Top plumbers can make up to $80,000 a year, meaning that your vocational training and apprenticeships will undoubtedly pay off in the long run. Stick it out and enjoy the process of becoming licensed in Connecticut.

Sources

https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/License-Services-Division/All-License-Applications/Plumbing-and-Pipefitting-Licensing

https://candidate.psiexams.com/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?ro=yes;actionname=83;bulletinid=61;bulletinurl=.pdf

https://candidate.psiexams.com/catalog/fti_agency_license_details.jsp?fromwhere=findtest;testid=89

https://candidate.psiexams.com/catalog/fap_test_details.jsp?testid=89;prev_page=/catalog/fap_test_catalog_details.jsp

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