Acquiring a plumber’s license in Texas is a multi-step process that can take a couple of years but is surely worth it. Not only will you acquire valuable experience along the way, but you’ll also have the chance to create valuable connections throughout this process.
So if you’ve been wondering if getting your licence is worthwhile, the answer is a resounding Yes! Before jumping in, however, knowing what steps to follow beforehand is always a good idea to increase your chances of success. Let’s uncover them together!
Understand the Licensing Requirements
You should start by understanding the requirements of the license that you want to acquire and the ones below it, as stipulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). There are four types of licenses, each more advanced than the other. So if you want the highest licence (master plumber), you will have to scale the levels or meet the minimum hours of experience to get there.
By understanding the requirements of all licences preceding the one you’re interested in, it will be easier to prepare in advance. You can learn more about these requirements and even purchase your Texas Plumbing License expert-created exam prep materials at RocketCert since they deliver fantastic results when it comes to helping professionals like you acquire their licences successfully.
Register as an Apprentice
You can only become a licensed plumber in Texas if you have completed a plumbing apprenticeship program. Starting as an apprentice gives you the basic skills that you will need throughout your career, regardless of the licence you’ll end up with. You will work under the supervision of experienced plumbers for two to five years, depending on the program you’ll enrol in and your progress.
When starting at the apprentice level, not much will be required of you. You simply have to:
- Be 16 years or older
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Have the $15 application amount
- Be accepted into an accredited agency or program to work under a master plumber
Hit the Minimum Required Hours of Experience
You’ll have to work under the guidance of a master plumber for a specified number of hours to gain the experience required for your license. Every license tier has a specific minimum number of hours that you should accumulate before qualifying to apply for the next level.
You can complete these hours either through an agency or approved program, and they are as follows:
Apprentice Plumber: No minimum hours required.
Tradesman Plumber: Limited: 4,000 hours working under a master plumber.
Journeyman Plumber: 8,000 hours in the plumbing industry.
Master Plumber: Be licensed as a journeyman plumber for 4 years or more.
Pick a Licence Type and Submit Your Application
As mentioned earlier, you should always get into an apprenticeship program with a target plumbing licence in mind. That way, you know what’s required of you, such as the minimum hours of experience you should have before applying for your new license.
Once you’re good to go, you can proceed to submit your application along with the required fee. You will also be required to submit a few support documents for your specific licence, which again stresses the need to review your new licence’s requirements early enough.
Complete the Required Course and Take Your Exam
Depending on the license you pick, you may be required to complete TSBPE-approved courses covering a range of topics such as plumbing codes, safety regulations, and more. In addition, the majority of licence types require passing an exam, so you’ll want to prepare adequately for that as well.
The main aim of the exam is to determine your understanding of important plumbing concepts as well as tools and techniques. Leveraging high-quality exam-prep materials from a reputable course provider like RocketCert gives you the guarantee you’ll have the knowledge you need to ace both the written and practical sessions of your exams.
Acquire Your Licence With Ease
Getting your plumber’s license in Texas can be a lengthy and quite challenging process, depending on how you look at it. The most demanding parts of this process such as studying and passing your exam are typically the most important, which is why it can be necessary for you to use some help.
RocketCert, one of the leading course providers, prepares you to tackle these stages of your license acquisition process by providing all the materials you need to succeed. As if that’s not enough, they even go the extra mile to offer all the support you need whenever you need it!