It typically takes about 4 to 5 years to become a fully licensed plumber through an apprenticeship program. This includes about 2,000 hours of on-the- job training combined with classroom instruction each year. Alternatively, attending trade school or vocational programs can take between 6 months to 2 years, which may shorten the apprenticeship duration. There are also fast- track courses for quicker entry into the trade, ranging from a few weeks to several months, but full qualification usually requires the longer apprenticeship period and passing a licensing exam.
Here is a breakdown of common pathways and timelines:
- Traditional apprenticeship with on-the-job training: 4 to 5 years
- Trade school or vocational programs: 6 months to 2 years
- Fast-track courses (less in-depth): 4 to 16 weeks (mostly in the UK, and not fully licensed plumbers)
- Licensing exam after apprenticeship to become fully certified
The total time depends on state regulations, education choices, and availability of apprenticeship programs.