Journeyman Plumber | Education and Training

When people think of plumbing, they might picture a dripping faucet or a clogged drain. What most don’t realize is how much effort, training, and dedication go into becoming a licensed journeyman plumber. The path of a journeyman plumber requires YEARS of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and knowledge of complex plumbing codes. The schooling involved and job experience needed can be likened to the effort a graduate student puts into earning a degree. For a plumbing contractor, there is even more skill and knowledge required.

Let’s break down what it takes to become a journeyman plumber. We will also explore why this profession demands as much skill as any advanced academic pursuit.

Experience: The Journeyman Plumber Requirements

Becoming a licensed journeyman plumber isn’t something that happens quickly. It takes thousands of hours of work experience. In fact, the State of Oklahoma requires 4,000 to 8,000 hours, just to qualify for a license. This is comparable to the time graduate students spend in classrooms, laboratories, and on research projects.

But for a plumber, those hours are spent on the job. An apprentice learns by installing pipes, fixing plumbing systems. They learn the intricacies of water pressure, heating, and sanitation. And, just like in academia, the learning never stops.

The Rigorous Examination

Once a plumber has completed the required on-the-job-hours, they must pass a rigorous journeyman plumber exam. This state board test ensures that plumbers can uphold the standards set by the International Plumbing Code. They must know and understand all local regulations. This isn’t just a simple pass/fail test. The test is a comprehensive exam covering theory, practical application, and problem-solving.

Just as a graduate student might face thesis defenses or comprehensive exams, a journeyman plumber must demonstrate their expertise under pressure.

Apprentices Learn Under A Contractor

A key part of becoming a journeyman is gaining practical experience under a licensed plumbing contractor. Apprentice plumbers work under the watchful eye of a master. This relationship ensures that every task is done correctly, every project meets code, and the apprentice is building the right skills. The contractor is also required to sign off on all working hours for the apprentice to advance.

Supervision and Leadership: After earning their journeyman license, a plumber can supervise up to three apprentices. This level of leadership—managing apprentices while working on large-scale projects—resembles the role of a research supervisor overseeing junior lab members.

Journeyman Plumber Protects Public Safety

Plumbers have a duty to protect public health and safety. Licensed journeyman plumbers are the front line in ensuring that clean water flows into homes and businesses. They also ensure waste is safely removed. Ensuring compliance with the International Plumbing Code protects everyone.

A trained medical professional must meet strict standards to protect patients. Plumbers work to keep the public safe. It’s not just about fixing leaks; it’s about ensuring the entire system functions properly.

Becoming A Plumbing Contractor

Journeyman plumbers cannot stop learning once they earn their license. In order to renew their license with the Construction Industries Board, they must prove continuing education. Many continue their journey by gaining even more experience to qualify for a plumbing contractor license. This license allows them to take on larger projects, hire their own team, and oversee massive builds. Justin Carnahan is Green Country Plumbing’s contractor. He supports our team with his license.

The experience gained as a journeyman plumber counts towards becoming a contractor, similar to how graduate students eventually take their knowledge into the professional or academic world.

Plumbers: The Professionals You Can Trust

When you call a plumber, you’re trusting someone who has put in years of training, worked on countless projects, and earned a journeyman plumber license through hard work and dedication. It’s not just about fixing leaks—it’s about ensuring your home stays healthy and safe. So the next time you call in a plumber, know you’re getting a professional who cares about doing the job right.

OK State Contractor License #105780