How to Become a Plumber in Nevada

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In order to become a plumber in the state of Nevada, having the essential knowledge to make you aware of the procedure as well as the practice can go a long way. There are several requirements that you need to fulfill to obtain a license in Nevada so that you can start working as a plumber.

In addition, and quite importantly, you will need to give a test that will assess your knowledge and abilities while also ensuring that you have the essential information and awareness about the laws and codes regarding plumbing in Nevada.

States also tend to have different kinds of licenses that you can look into, each one requiring you to go step by step and obtain the first few licenses before you can move on to the more advanced ones. Following this, you can look for and obtain jobs based on your license and experience.

You can learn about this entire process and the requirements in further detail below.

Required Qualifications to Be a Plumber in Nevada

When it comes to becoming a plumber in Nevada, there are several things you should keep in mind. Firstly, there are mainly two types of licenses that you can apply for once you manage to complete your apprenticeship and training. These include the following:

  • Journeyman plumber license
  • Master plumber license

These licenses as well as the process to obtain them are regulated and managed by the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE).

Apart from these kinds of licenses, if you want to take on larger projects or employ people in your plumbing company, you will also need a contractor’s license managed by the Nevada State Contractors Board. This further has classifications (Class A, B and C) depending on what you want to apply for.

There are a few basic requirements that you will need to fulfill in order to become a plumber with each of these licenses. These are as follows.

  • Complete your high school education or hold a GED.
  • Complete your apprenticeship.
  • Complete at least 8,000 hours of experience and training for your journeyman license.
  • Complete at least 2,000 hours of experience for your master plumber license.
  • Register for your exams and pay the fees.
  • Apply for the license.
  • Submit to a background check.
  • Submit your identification documents and other details as required.

If you want to find out about some of these requirements in greater detail, you can go through the following sections.

Application Form

You will, first of all, need to fill out an application form in order to begin the process of obtaining your journeyman and master plumber certification. Make sure you clearly fill out all the relevant details in the form, including your personal details, your work experience and, importantly, the kind of license that you are applying for.

You will then need to select the kind of exam that you want to take, which could either be computer-based or a paper exam. Paying the fees for these exams should also be done at this stage.

Once you have gathered everything and filled the form out, you will need to post it to the address of the NBOPE office so that they can review your application, allowing you to move on to taking the exam.

If you are just starting out and want to become an apprentice, make sure you find an apprenticeship program and register yourself under an experienced plumber or contractor.

Make sure you fill the form with accurate details otherwise your license might end up getting revoked.

Background Check

When it comes to applying for a plumbing license in Nevada, as well as any other state, you will need to complete a background check.

If you have any previous criminal charges, make sure you are transparent about them and state all the relevant details about the nature of the crime, your charges and sentencing, how long it has been since then as well as your rehabilitation and record since then.

The review board will take all of these details into account, following which you can continue with the application process once you obtain the green light from them.

Work Experience

Obtaining work experience can help you understand the ins and outs of the trade and can include both training and practical work. Based on the license you are applying for, you will need the following kind of work experience.

  • Journeyman Plumber: You will need to complete 8,000 hours of experience as part of your apprenticeship program at a certain institute. This not only includes taking classes but also undergoing practical training under an experienced plumber.
  • Master Plumber: Once you obtain your journeyman license, you should hold it for at least one year or complete 2,000 hours of work experience before you can apply for your master plumbing license.

Written Exam

An important step in the process of becoming a plumber in Nevada is to give an exam and obtain a score of at least 75% to pass and go on to obtain your license. You can choose to take this kind of exam either through a computer-based test or on paper.

You can find a test center close to you through PSI Exams or through the National ITC.

This exam usually has two sections that include an open book exam for two hours followed by a closedbook exam for another two hours.

Once you receive the essential scores for this exam, you will need to note them down while applynig for your license.

Relevant Documents

There are several other documents that you might be asked to submit as part of your application apart from your personal details, work experience and scores. Make sure you attach copies of your government-issued identification documents, fee confirmation receipts, education completion certificates and other licenses that might be necessary.

If you plan on working as a master plumber or contractor, then you will additionally have to submit proof of insurance and a bond agreement proof so that you can account for the payments to your employees as well as for any kind of damage or accident that you chance upon in your business.

Good Plumbing Programs in Nevada

Obtaining a journeyman license or even getting started on your plumbing journey will first require you to find a good plumbing program in the state so that you can gain access to learning resources, online classes, trade experts and instructors.

These will also equip you with knowledge about codes, laws and skills. Overall, these programs should help you cover the 8,000-hour requirement for your license.

It is important for you to opt for a quality plumbing program, some of which can include:

  • National Technical Institute
  • Western Nevada College
  • College of Southern Nevada
  • UA 525
  • Local 350
  • Plumbing Apprentice Program of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Nevada

Make sure these institutes offer relevant courses that can aid your particular career while also being affordable enough so that you can manage the fees. Each of these is likely to have their own fee and course structures in place.

Salary Expectations in the State

As a plumber in the state of Nevada, you can get paid depending on various factors such as your work experience, your qualifications, the licenses you hold, your education level, your skills and relevant certifications, among others.

You can expect to earn within a range of $50,000-$70,000 as a journeyman plumber or master plumber, with the lower end of the range being more likely for a journeyman plumber.

You will also be able to earn around $12-$15 per hour as an apprentice still learning the trade. This could vary based on the employer you work with.

Organizations to Know

Being aware of plumbing or plumbing-adjacent organizations in the state or even the country can help you reach out to the relevant people in case you need any kind of support. Some of these are:

  • Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Nevada
  • Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiner
  • Associated General Contractors of America
  • Mechanical Contractors Association of America
  • American Backflow Prevention Association
  • American Supply Association
  • American Society of Sanitary Engineering
  • American Society of Plumbing Engineers

Some of these organizations might also have registration or membership options in case you want to access some of their other services and benefits.

Can a General Contractor Do Plumbing in Nevada?

You might be restricted to certain kinds of jobs in terms of plumbing if you hold a license as a general contractor, although it is better to hold a separate plumbing license like the ones described above.

How Long Is Plumbing School in Nevada?

Plumbing school usually lasts for four to five years in Nevada, amounting to 8,000 hours of training and experience.

Final Remarks

It is now clear that you need to complete several requirements and find a good plumbing program to help you start with this process. You can then confidently give and pass your exams to obtain your license and start practicing your occupation in Nevada.

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