Plumbing as a profession requires you to make various kinds of repairs and installations when it comes to pipes and fixtures around the house or building. A major part of this profession also requires you to be up-to-date with local laws, regulations and codes.
To enable this kind of preparation for the job, it is essential for you to obtain a license that can allow you to practice your occupation on a legal and skilled basis in the state of Arizona.
To figure out how to become a plumber in Arizona, you can go through the following steps, qualifications and criteria so that you can begin the process of becoming a plumber in Arizona.
Required Qualifications to Be a Plumber in Arizona
There are mainly two kinds of plumbing licenses in the state of Arizona that you can obtain through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. These licenses include the following:
- An R-37 residential license for contractors
- A C-37 commercial license for contractors
In order to obtain either of these plumbing licenses, you will need to first show proof of having completed all the required qualifications, including your education, work experience, relevant exams, background checks, bonds and fees, among others.
You will also need to carry out some training through a course and/or an apprenticeship that can help you earn credits and complete your qualification criteria.
Overall, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a training course or apprenticeship
- Pay exam fees
- Pass the AZ Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE), if applicable
- Pass a business and trade exam
- Submit to a background check
- Have four years of experience
- Apply for the license
- Provide official identification
- Provide proof of a license bond
You can go through some of these requirements in further detail below.
Application Form
You will need to fill out the relevant application form to obtain your plumbing license. Make sure you go through all the relevant details and information thoroughly and fill out the form accurately and with honesty.
Once you have an idea of the form requirements, you can fill it out online through the Online Customer Portal that you will need to register for. Once you complete all the fields, you can simply submit the form online.
You can also print out, fill and mail the form to the address of the registrar. Once they receive the form through whichever method, the authorities will go through and verify your details, following which they will then approve your license provided that you qualify for it.
Once you receive your license, you will be able to start practicing your profession as a licensed plumber in the state of Arizona.
Background Check
You will need to submit to a background check for the state to determine whether you are fit to become a plumber. This background check should include all the relevant information about your criminal history, if any.
Make sure you are transparent and honest when filling out the form related to the background check. Based on the information that you provide, the licensing board will review it thoroughly and call you for further queries if they think it is necessary.
Based on the nature of your crime, the charges and sentence levied against you, how long it has been and your behavior and rehabilitation since then, your application will be assessed accordingly.
Based on this, then, you might either get approved or rejected when it comes to the license or you might have to fulfill certain conditions to show that you are eligible and fit for the license.
Work Experience
You will need to present proof of your work experience so that you can qualify to become a plumber in Arizona. Generally, you will need to have work experience of four years so that you can then obtain your license.
This work experience can include completing an apprenticeship, working in the field under a professional and successfully completing a technical course. This can then allow you to become a journeyman plumber in the state.
You will also need to provide all the essential documentation, recommendations and proof regarding the work that you have carried out. Make sure you go through all the requirements while you fill out your application so that you know what to prepare for.
Take the time to complete this kind of work experience so that you can become eligible to apply for the license. This will make the process of getting your license approved much smoother.
Written Exams
If you manage to gather the relevant work experience that is required of you, you can move on to registering for your license examinations through PSI. For a plumbing license, you will first need to pass the SRE followed by a business and trade exam.
Each of these exams will require you to pay a fee, following which you can book a date for the exams. These will usually last for a few hours depending on the nature of the exam and will test you on your knowledge about the industry as well as its local laws.
You have the option of taking this exam online or at a physical test center. Make sure you clearly indicate your choice.
You will need a score of at least 70% to pass the exam, which you will then need to submit while applying for the license.
Relevant Documents
Apart from the application form, background check details, work experience details and your exam scores, there are several other essential documents that you will need to submit while applying for your license in Arizona.
For instance, you will need to attach certain official documents related to your identity and citizenship so that the licensing board can verify your identity. You will also need to pay all the applicable fees at this juncture.
In addition, you will need to submit the applicable disclosure forms along with the papers about your legal entity. A license bond is also essential whose details you can fill out in its separate form.
The bond is particularly important if you want to employ other people after obtaining your license.
Good Plumbing Programs in Arizona
As part of your training and apprenticeship, it can be a good idea for you to complete a training program and course that can equip you with theoretical and legal knowledge, as well as practical skills for your job.
Often, this kind of program is also an important requirement for you to obtain your license. This can then either include in-person classes, online courses as well as access to plumbing resources and books.
Some good programs that you can opt for include those in the following institutes.
- University of Arizona
- Katerra
- UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Center
- Tonoho O’odham Community College
- Gateway Community College
You can look for additional apprenticeship programs through the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Make sure you opt for a reputed course that helps you meet your requirements.
Salary Expectations in the State
The salary expectations for the state of Arizona can depend on a range of factors, such as how much experience you have, what kind of license you hold, your education level, the city you reside in, as well as your skills and qualifications.
If you want to charge more than $1,000 for a project, you will need to hold the relevant contractor’s license.
Apart from that, you can expect to earn around $24 per hour for your plumbing services or anywhere between $50,000 and $75,000 per year on average, depending on the quality of your services and qualifications.
Organizations to Know
Make sure you are aware of the following organizations in Arizona as well as the country in case you need any kind of support and resource in your profession.
- Plumbing and Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Arizona
- Arizona Plumbing Heating, Cooling, Contractors Association
- Mechanical Contractors Association of America
- American Backflow Prevention Association
- American Supply Association
- American Society of Sanitary Engineering
- American Society of Plumbing Engineers
FAQs
Is It Essential to Have a License to Do Plumbing in Arizona?
It is important for you to have a license to do plumbing in Arizona so that you can legally carry out the work according to the local codes and laws. Without a license, you might be able to carry out apprenticeships and smaller jobs under another professional license holder.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber in Arizona?
It can take around four to five years to become a plumber in Arizona, since you need at least four years of work experience to meet the qualifications. It might take longer or shorter depending on the range of skills, education levels and other qualifications that you have.
Final Remarks
To sum up, you can become a plumber in Arizona by filling out the application forms, paying the fees, completing your education, having enough work experience, submitting relevant documents and passing the exams. Make sure you prepare well and find good training programs to help you meet your qualifications.