How To Get A Virginia Plumbers License

Are you considering getting a Virginia Plumbers License? Thanks to the low cost of learning the trade and abundant income opportunity, plumbing is an excellent career choice. Since water damage may occur in homes or businesses at any time, there’s no shortage of opportunities for plumbers. While there is no guarantee, in Virginia licensed plumbers often have job security even in an uncertain economy. In addition, plumbers may join a union for great benefits and generally receive excellent pay working for someone else or as a small business owner themselves. Other benefits to a plumbing career include social interaction with people as well as both physical and mental exercise while on the job. If you’ve decided to get your plumbing license in Virginia, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting A Plumbing License

Plumbers in Virginia are licensed at 3 levels:

Journeyman
Master
Contractor.

Florida Plumbing Contractors License Requirements

There are two examination portions that must be passed to become either a journeyman plumber or a master plumber and Pre-approval is required to sit for the exam:

Statutory and regulatory portion
Trade portion

To become a plumbing contractor, a Virginia Class A, B, or C license must also be obtained in addition to the master plumber license. According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) these are the additional applications, fees, training, and work experience needed for obtaining a plumbing license with the state:

Journeyman license:

Two years of practical experience in the trade and a degree or certification showing the completion of a two year program from either a trade or technical school, or a community college; or
Four years of practical experience in the trade and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
Five years of practical experience in the trade and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
Six years of practical experience in the trade and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade; or
A bachelor’s degree received from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and 1 year of practical experience in the trade; or
Ten years of practical experience in the trade, verified by an affidavit from those who observed the candidate’s work in the trade
Certified or licensed as a journeyman or master by a governing body outside the Commonwealth of Virginia
You will also need a completed Individual Experience Verification form, along with a certification of completion or an official transcript submitted with your application

Master license:

One year of practical experience as a licensed Virginia journeyman; or
Ten years of practical experience in the trade, verified by an affidavit from those who observed the candidate’s work in the trade
Or possess a journeyman or master license issued by a governing body outside the Virginia Commonwealth

Plumbing Careers

Thanks to continued new construction in the state, careers in plumbing are on the rise in Virginia. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry will continue to grow over the next 10 years and Virginia plumbers can expect to earn an average of $51,000 per year. Plumbing offers individuals a great way to earn a living once you’ve learned the trade and passed the licensing exam. Ready to invest in yourself as a licensed Virginia plumber? Click here to learn more!