Plumbing License Arizona: How to Become a Plumbing Contractor in AZ

To become a plumbing contractor in Arizona, you must follow these steps:

1. Meet the minimum requirements: To become a plumbing contractor in Arizona, you must have at least four years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber or six years of experience working in the plumbing trade. You must also be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license.
2. Complete the application: Once you meet the minimum requirements, you must complete the plumbing contractor application and pay the required fees.
3. Pass the plumbing contractor exam: You must pass the plumbing contractor exam, which covers topics such as plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and business management.
4. Obtain liability insurance: You must obtain liability insurance in the amount of $300,000 for each occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
5. Register with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors: Once you have completed the above steps, you must register with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and obtain your plumbing contractor license.

It’s important to note that the process of becoming a plumbing contractor in Arizona can be complex, and there may be additional requirements and fees. Make sure to check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

Requirement to obtain Plumbing License in AZ

To obtain a plumbing license in Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Experience: You must have at least four years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber or six years of experience working in the plumbing trade.
2. Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
4. Exam: You must pass the plumbing contractor exam, which covers topics such as plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and business management.
5. Insurance: You must obtain liability insurance in the amount of $300,000 for each occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
6. Background check: You must pass a criminal background check.
7. Application and fees: You must complete the plumbing contractor application and pay the required fees.

Once you have met all of these requirements, you can register with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and obtain your plumbing license. It’s important to note that the specific requirements and fees for obtaining a plumbing license in Arizona can vary, and it’s important to check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors for the most up-to-date information.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in AZ

In Arizona, there are two types of plumbing licenses:

1. Residential Plumbing Contractor License: This license allows you to work on plumbing systems in single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings that are four stories or less. With this license, you can install, repair, or replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and piping systems.
2. Commercial Plumbing Contractor License: This license allows you to work on plumbing systems in commercial buildings, such as offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. With this license, you can install, repair, or replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and piping systems.

It’s important to note that both types of plumbing licenses require you to have at least four years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber or six years of experience working in the plumbing trade. Additionally, you must pass the plumbing contractor exam, obtain liability insurance, and meet other requirements to obtain and maintain your plumbing license in Arizona.

Benefits of becoming an AZ Plumbing Professional

There are several benefits of becoming a plumbing professional in Arizona, including:

1. High demand: There is a high demand for plumbing professionals in Arizona, as the state experiences consistent population growth and new construction.
2. Job security: The demand for plumbing services ensures job security for plumbing professionals, with a projected job growth rate of 12% from 2020 to 2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Competitive salaries: Plumbing professionals in Arizona can earn competitive salaries, with an average annual salary of $58,520 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Career advancement: With experience and additional education, plumbing professionals can advance their careers and become plumbing contractors, business owners, or industry leaders.
5. Job satisfaction: Plumbing professionals often find their work to be rewarding, as they solve problems and provide essential services to customers in need.

Overall, becoming a plumbing professional in Arizona can provide a stable and lucrative career with opportunities for advancement and job satisfaction.

Mean salary for a Plumbing technician in AZ

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for plumbing technicians in Arizona was $48,080 as of May 2020. However, this salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer. In general, plumbing technicians who have more experience or work for larger companies may earn higher salaries. Additionally, those who work in urban areas with higher costs of living may also earn higher salaries to compensate for the increased cost of living expenses.

Cost to become a Plumbing Technician in AZ

The cost to become a plumbing technician in Arizona can vary depending on several factors, including the cost of education and training, certification exams, and licensing fees. Here are some general estimates of the costs involved in becoming a plumbing technician in Arizona:

1. Education and training: To become a plumbing technician in Arizona, you will typically need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship program, which can take four years to complete. The cost of this program can vary depending on the school or training provider, but it may include tuition and fees, as well as tools and equipment. The cost of a plumbing apprenticeship program in Arizona can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more per year.
2. Certification exams: To become a licensed journeyman plumber in Arizona, you must pass the journeyman plumber exam, which costs $70 as of 2021. To become a plumbing contractor, you must also pass the plumbing contractor exam, which costs $65 as of 2021.
3. Licensing fees: Once you have completed your education and training and passed the necessary exams, you must apply for your plumbing license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The licensing fees for plumbing contractors in Arizona can vary depending on the type of license you are applying for, but as of 2021, the fee for a residential plumbing contractor license is $690, and the fee for a commercial plumbing contractor license is $1,130.

Overall, the cost to become a plumbing technician in Arizona can vary depending on several factors. It’s important to research the specific costs associated with education and training, certification exams, and licensing fees to determine the total cost of becoming a plumbing technician in Arizona.

How long does it take to become a Plumbing tech in AZ?

To become a plumbing technician in Arizona, the timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the type of education and training you pursue and how long it takes you to complete the necessary requirements. Here are some general estimates of the time it may take to become a plumbing technician in Arizona:

1. Education and training: To become a plumbing technician in Arizona, you must complete a plumbing apprenticeship program, which typically takes four years to complete. During this time, you will receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction to learn the skills and knowledge needed to become a journeyman plumber.
2. Journeyman plumber license: Once you have completed the apprenticeship program, you can apply for your journeyman plumber license. To obtain the license, you must pass the journeyman plumber exam, which can take several months to prepare for.
3. Plumbing contractor license: After working as a journeyman plumber for at least four years and meeting other requirements, you can apply for your plumbing contractor license. To obtain the license, you must pass the plumbing contractor exam and meet other requirements such as obtaining liability insurance. The timeline for obtaining a plumbing contractor license can vary depending on how long it takes you to meet the necessary requirements.

Overall, the timeline to become a plumbing technician in Arizona can take several years, with four years required for the plumbing apprenticeship program and additional time needed to obtain your journeyman plumber and plumbing contractor licenses.

AZ Plumbing Training Programs and Schools

There are several plumbing training programs and schools in Arizona that offer education and training for aspiring plumbing professionals. Here are some examples:

1. Arizona Builders Alliance: The Arizona Builders Alliance offers a plumbing apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The program is four years long and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction.
2. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.: Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. offers a plumbing apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The program is four years long and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction.
3. Arizona Western College: Arizona Western College offers a plumbing technology program that includes coursework in plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and installation and repair techniques. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
4. Mesa Community College: Mesa Community College offers a plumbing technology program that includes coursework in plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and installation and repair techniques. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
5. Pima Community College: Pima Community College offers a plumbing technology program that includes coursework in plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and installation and repair techniques. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Overall, there are several plumbing training programs and schools in Arizona that can provide the education and training needed to become a plumbing professional. Be sure to research the specific programs and schools to find the best fit for your education and career goals.

AZ Licensing exam details and EPA Certification

The licensing exam for plumbing professionals in Arizona is administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Here are some details about the exam:

1. Journeyman plumber exam: The journeyman plumber exam covers topics such as plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and best practices. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. The passing score for the journeyman plumber exam is 70%.
2. Plumbing contractor exam: The plumbing contractor exam covers topics such as plumbing codes and regulations, safety, business management, and ethics. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. The passing score for the plumbing contractor exam is 75%.

In addition to the licensing exam, plumbing professionals in Arizona may need to obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification if they work with refrigerants or other substances that may harm the environment. The EPA certification is required by federal law and involves passing an exam to demonstrate knowledge of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as safe handling and disposal practices for refrigerants. The EPA certification exam can be taken at various testing centers throughout Arizona, and certification must be renewed every three years

Core Exam details in AZ for Plumbing Professional

The core exam in Arizona is a required exam for all contractors and construction professionals, including plumbing professionals. The exam covers topics such as business management, labor law, safety, and project management. Here are some details about the core exam:

1. Format: The core exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. You will have four hours to complete the exam.
2. Content: The exam covers topics such as construction law, contract management, scheduling and project management, job site safety, labor law, and business management.
3. Passing score: The passing score for the core exam is 70%. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you may retake the exam after a waiting period of 14 days.
4. Study materials: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors provides study materials to help you prepare for the core exam, including a Candidate Information Bulletin that outlines the exam content and format, as well as a reference list of relevant books and materials.

It’s important to note that while the core exam is required for all contractors and construction professionals in Arizona, the specific licensing exams for plumbing professionals cover more specific plumbing-related topics, such as plumbing codes and regulations, safety, and installation and repair techniques.

Who issues Plumbing Licenses in AZ?

Plumbing licenses in Arizona are issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The Registrar of Contractors is responsible for issuing and regulating licenses for all contractors and construction professionals in the state, including plumbing professionals. The Registrar’s office sets the licensing requirements and standards for plumbing professionals in Arizona and administers the exams that plumbing professionals must pass in order to become licensed. The Registrar also investigates complaints against licensed plumbing professionals and takes disciplinary action when necessary to protect the public and ensure that licensed professionals adhere to state laws and regulations.

National Plumbing Certifications

There are several national plumbing certifications that plumbing professionals can obtain to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and enhance their career prospects. Here are some examples:

1. Journeyman plumber certification: This certification is offered by the National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) and demonstrates that the plumbing professional has the knowledge and skills needed to work as a journeyman plumber.
2. Master plumber certification: This certification is also offered by NITC and demonstrates that the plumbing professional has the knowledge and skills needed to work as a master plumber and oversee plumbing projects.
3. Certified Plumbing Design (CPD) certification: This certification is offered by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) and demonstrates that the plumbing professional has the knowledge and skills needed to design plumbing systems for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
4. Green Plumber certification: This certification is offered by the Green Plumbers USA and demonstrates that the plumbing professional has the knowledge and skills needed to design and install plumbing systems that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

Obtaining national plumbing certifications can help plumbing professionals demonstrate their expertise and stand out in a competitive job market. However, it’s important to note that these certifications may have different requirements and fees, and not all certifications may be necessary or relevant for every plumbing professional.

Continuing education and renewal of AZ license for Plumbing.

Continuing education is required for plumbing professionals in Arizona to renew their licenses and stay up-to-date with the latest plumbing codes, regulations, and best practices. Here are some details about continuing education and license renewal for plumbing professionals in Arizona:

1. Continuing education requirements: Plumbing professionals in Arizona are required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours during each licensing period. For journeyman plumbers, 8 hours of continuing education are required, while plumbing contractors are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education.
2. Renewal process: Plumbing professionals must renew their licenses every two years with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. To renew a plumbing license, you must complete the required continuing education hours and submit a renewal application along with the renewal fee.
3. Late renewal: If you fail to renew your plumbing license before the expiration date, you may be subject to a late renewal fee and additional continuing education requirements.
4. Approved continuing education providers: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors maintains a list of approved continuing education providers for plumbing professionals. Be sure to choose an approved provider and complete the necessary coursework to meet the continuing education requirements for your license renewal.

Overall, continuing education is an important part of maintaining a plumbing license in Arizona and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. By completing the required continuing education hours and submitting a timely renewal application, you can ensure that your plumbing license remains in good standing and continue to work as a licensed plumbing professional in Arizona.