Becoming a licensed plumber requires a combination of experience, training, and passing an exam. Depending on the state, two to five years of experience is needed before you can take classes to become licensed and sit for the exam. You can also earn optional certification in areas such as plumbing design from the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). To start working as a plumber in North Charleston, you must first complete a certification program to gain practical experience and learn critical skills.
You'll need three years of experience before you can apply for a day laborer's plumber license and five years of experience to apply for a class 1 restricted master plumber license or an unrestricted class 2 master plumber license. As an apprentice or in a trade school, you can start accumulating the three years of work experience needed to apply for your official plumber license under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. After two additional years, you can apply to become a master plumber yourself. The applicant must provide three individuals who are currently licensed plumbers who can attest to the applicant's good character and plumbing experience to the satisfaction of the Division. It takes an average of 2 to 4 years of job training to become a plumber.
