How to Become a Plumber in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
Plumbers play a vital role in residential and commercial settings. They’re an integral part of the construction process and continue to work to maintain the system long after construction ends. In California, a plumbing contractor’s license is needed. But before you can take the exam to get your license, you’ll need to meet the experience requirements. The entire process takes a minimum of four years, but the time commitment is worth the effort.
The job outlook for plumbers is better than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 6% job growth with California having the highest employment rates. New housing is not only increasing demand for skilled trades but also giving California a population boost.
Job Responsibilities of a Licensed Plumber
To work as a plumber in California—whether as journeyman or master plumber—you’re required to have a C-36 Plumbing Contractor’s license or work under someone who does. As a licensed plumber your primary responsibility is to supply safe water and disposal of fluid waste.
The day-to-day responsibilities depend primarily on the setting and type of plumbing. Plumbers work in industrial, commercial, and residential settings and can specialize in new construction, service plumbing, or specialty plumbing such as pools and solar. In general, plumbers install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair water, sewer, gas, and other piping systems. Plumbers also install fixtures such as toilets, bathtubs, and appliances, and work on water heating and solar systems.
Plumbers have a range of hard and soft skills. They have specific knowledge of building and construction, mathematics, and reading and interpreting blueprints and construction drawings. Plumbers have technical and mechanical know-how using tools and machinery and are adept in customer service. Above all else, plumbers are expert problem-solvers.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in California
California has only one license, but you can work as a journeyman and master plumber with or without a license. Project cost dictates whether a license is needed—any projects valued over $500 require that you have a C-36 Plumbing Contractor’s license or work under a plumbing contractor with a C-36 license. It is illegal to break up the job into parts to get around the $500 limit.
The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) does not distinguish between journeymen and master plumbers. The board clearly delineates that a journeyman plumber is a fully qualified person who can work independently or has completed an apprenticeship program. A journeyman plumber is not a trainee, laborer, assistant, or apprentice. Master plumbers generally have experience as a journeyman plumber. Both journeyman and master plumbers can become licensed.
The Steps to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
To become a licensed plumbing contractor in California takes a minimum of four years and includes meeting eligibility requirements, getting work experience, submitting an application, and passing a two-part exam. Here’s a closer look at each step.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid social security number or tax identification number.
Work Experience, Education, Technical Training, and Apprenticeships
Work experience is defined as having a minimum of four years of journeyman-level experience within the last 10 years. Credit is only given for experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor. A journeyman is described as someone who can perform the trade without supervision. Work experience must be documented on the application.
Education, technical or vocational training, and apprenticeships are not required. However, you can receive up to three years’ worth of credit toward the four-year experience requirement. Here is how the California State Licensing Board (CSLB) grants credit for education, training, and apprenticeships:
- A maximum of one and a half years is granted for an associate’s degree in building or construction management from an accredited school or college.
- A maximum of two years is granted for a four-year degree in accounting, architecture (B-General Building classification only), business, economics, mathematics, physics, or areas related to the specific trade or craft for which application is being made. A professional law degree or substantial coursework in any of the subjects listed.
- A maximum of three years is granted for a certificate of completion from an apprenticeship from a qualified apprenticeship program in California or a four-year degree in engineering directly related to plumbing.
Contact your local community college, the California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association, or find apprenticeship programs through a local union.
Application for Licensure
You must complete your application and pay the nonrefundable $450 fee before getting your fingerprints for the background check or being approved to take the C-36 Plumbing Contractor’s licensing exam. It’s important to spend extra time ensuring the application is completed correctly. Incomplete or insufficient applications will be returned. If this happens, you’ll have 90 days to amend your application. Once your application is complete, you will receive instructions for fingerprinting and taking your exam. You will also receive a free study guide for the exam.
All contractors are required to have a $25,000 bond filed with the CLSB and workers’ compensation insurance for any employees.
Criminal Background Check
Applicants are required to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. A criminal record is not an automatic denial. Each case is evaluated individually.
The Plumbing License Exams
The C-37 Plumbing Contractor’s license exam has two parts: Law and Business and Trade. Both exams are closed book with a three and a half hour time limit. The exams are multiple-choice, and a calculator is provided by the testing center for the mathematics portion. You need at least 73% to pass the exam.
The Law and Business exam has questions covering the following topics:
- Business Organization and Licensing (13%)
- Business Finances (15%)
- Employment Requirements (20%)
- Insurance and Liens (12%)
- Contract Requirements and Execution (21%)
- Safety (14%)
The trade portion covers:
- Planning and Estimating (22%)
- Underground and Rough Systems (24%)
- Finish Plumbing Installations (18%)
- Service, Repair, and Remodeling Plumbing Systems (19%)
- Safety (17%)
The best way to prepare for the test is to take an exam prep course. While it is a closed book exam, there are multiple practice exams to get you “test-ready” come exam day.
All new licensees must also complete the open book asbestos exam prior to licensure.
Your License is Issued
Once you pass the exam, you will be issued your license after paying an additional $200 fee. Your license is valid for two years.
How to Renew Your Plumbing License
Continuing education is not required to renew; however, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date with current trends in the industry.
If your license is active, you can renew online by completing the renewal application and paying the renewal fee of $450.
Career Opportunities as a Licensed Plumber
The plumbing field offers a wide range of career opportunities. As a plumbing contractor, you can open your own business, work independently, or hire plumbers to work under you. How much you earn depends on how hard you work.
Plumbers are some of the highest paid contractors in the state. A recent Associated General Contractors of America reported that plumbers in California earn an average wage of $72,000.
Conclusion
California, like most states, requires experience or a combination of experience and education to apply for a plumbing contractor’s license. You’re required to have documented work experience or a combination of experience and classroom education. Unlike a lot of other states, California does not distinguish between journeyman and master plumbers—both can become licensed.