To become a licensed plumber, you need to pass a state licensing exam. This exam is administered by the state's plumbing board.
The exam typically consists of a written test and a hands-on component. The written test covers plumbing codes, safety procedures, and other theoretical aspects of plumbing.
In most states, you'll need to complete a certain number of hours of apprenticeship or training before you can take the exam. This hands-on experience is crucial in preparing you for the exam.
Passing the exam is just the first step - you'll also need to obtain a license from your state's plumbing board.
Exam Prep
You're getting ready to take the plumbing exam and you want to make sure you're prepared. Our exam prep is designed to help you pass your test the first time, and it's backed with a no pass, no pay policy.
The Louisiana State Plumbing Board governs both Journeyman and Master plumber licenses, which require passing an examination. You can obtain a Journeyman or Master plumber license, and the qualifications for each are detailed below.
To prepare for the exam, you can take our Journeyman/Master Plumbing Exam Prep course, which is available from almost any device, any time. This course is designed to help you pass your test the first time.
Here are the prices for our exam prep courses:
These prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the no pass, no pay policy that comes with our exam prep courses.
Exam Questions
You'll need to answer questions on water supply systems, such as the average flow rate of a household water supply, which is around 10-15 liters per minute.
Understanding pipe sizing is crucial, and you should be able to calculate the diameter of a pipe needed for a given flow rate. For example, a pipe with a diameter of 15mm can handle a flow rate of up to 6 liters per minute.
Familiarize yourself with common plumbing codes and regulations, such as the requirement for a minimum of 1.5 meters of clearance between the water heater and any combustible material.
You'll also need to know the different types of pipe fittings and how to use them, such as using a 90-degree elbow to change the direction of a pipe.
Being able to identify and explain the purpose of various plumbing tools, like a pipe wrench or a basin wrench, will also be tested.
State Exams
To pass a plumbing exam in Louisiana, you'll need to obtain a Journeyman or Master Plumber license, both of which require passing an exam. The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana governs these licenses.
The exam prep offered by RocketCert is designed to help you pass your test the first time, and they have a no pass, no pay policy. You can access their courses from almost any device, at any time.
Here are the costs for their exam prep packages:
- $299Journeyman/Master Plumbing Exam Prep
- $601$549Journeyman Plumbing Bundle
- $705$649Master Plumbing Bundle
Louisiana Journeyman Exam
To prepare for the Louisiana Journeyman Exam, you'll want to consider the resources available to you. You can purchase a Louisiana Journeyman Plumbing Exam Bundle that includes all the books you'll need during the exam, as well as permanent tabs, instructor support, and a no pass no pay policy.
The bundle also comes with free shipping and lifetime access from nearly any device. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to study at home.
You can also opt for the Louisiana Journeyman Plumbing Exam Prep, which provides instant online access and the ability to start and stop as needed. Instructor support is also included, and you'll have the benefit of a no pass no pay policy.
Here are the references allowed during the exam:
- Instant Online Access
- Start & Stop as needed
- Instructor Support
- No Pass No Pay Policy
Florida License
To get a Florida license, you'll need to pass the state's vision test, which checks for visual acuity and peripheral vision.
The Florida driver's manual is available online or at your local DMV office, and it's a great resource to study for the written test.
You'll need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a learner's permit in Florida, and you'll need to pass a vision test and a written test on traffic laws and road signs.
The permit is valid for one year, and during that time, you'll need to complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.
If you're under 18, you'll also need to complete a driver's education course and have a licensed driver accompany you when you practice driving.
2021 International Code
The 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) brought about some significant changes that you should know about.
Counties that use the IPC can save a substantial amount of money, with a 12-year period study showing they saved $38 billion in construction costs.
A single-family home built to the IPC can save up to $4,000 in labor, materials, and overhead compared to the same home built to other codes.
The IPC now allows multiple-user toilet facilities to serve all genders, making it more inclusive.
Two new methods for relining or rehabilitating existing sewers have been added to the code.
The code now accommodates mounted rooftop solar panels over vent terminals.
CSA B805/ICC 805 Rainwater Harvesting Systems is allowed as an alternative design method.
The IPC has incorporated plumbing provisions from the ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Usable and Accessible Buildings and Facilities.
Valve and Pipe
A valve is a device that controls the flow of liquid or gas in a pipe. It's a crucial component in any plumbing system.
Valves can be operated manually or automatically, and they come in different types such as ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves.
A ball valve is a type of valve that uses a ball to control the flow of liquid or gas. It's often used in residential plumbing systems.
The pipe, on the other hand, is the tubing that carries the liquid or gas through the system. It's typically made of materials such as copper, PEX, or PVC.
Pipe sizes are measured in inches or millimeters, and they're usually designated by a specific Sch 40 or Sch 80 rating.
In a plumbing system, pipes are usually connected to each other using fittings such as elbows, tees, and couplings.
Analytical Thinking
Analytical thinking is a crucial skill for plumbers to have, as it helps them identify problems and their solutions. This skill is essential for troubleshooting and finding water leaks, as a plumber trying to fix a malfunctioning system will need to use logical thinking to figure out what's going on.
A plumber's analytical thinking skills are evaluated in the Analytical Thinking section of the Plumber Exam, which means you'll need to be prepared to demonstrate this skill in order to pass.
The ability to analyze problems and come up with creative solutions is what sets a good plumber apart from a great one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plumbing a hard skill to learn?
Plumbing requires a strong foundation in math and physics, as well as spatial reasoning and technical drawing skills. While it can be challenging, with dedication and practice, anyone can develop the skills needed to become a skilled plumber.
What is the most common type of plumbing system test?
The most common type of plumbing system test is hydrostatic testing, which uses the pressure of a column of water to test the drain system. This simple yet effective method is widely used due to its minimal equipment requirements.
What is the highest plumbing certification?
The highest plumbing certification is Master Plumber, which allows individuals to own their own business, pull permits, and hire other plumbers. This advanced certification is the pinnacle of a plumbing career, offering unparalleled independence and responsibility.
Sources
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