Kansas Plumbing License

Like other skilled trades, most US states claim licensing and experience before you can do a legal repair or installation of plumbing systems. To work in commercial/residential settings, plumbers need to be more skillful nowadays.

Depending on the job type, plumbers usually work alongside HVAC techs, electricians, general contractors, and other specialists in the construction industry.

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 3,900 of 469,900 plumbers, pipefitters, and gasfitters (nationwide) are employed in KS.

Today, contractors are concerned about finding good specialists. So, don’t miss your chance to obtain a Kansas plumbing license and become one of them!

Kansas Plumbing License Types and Needs

In fact, KS offers plumbing licensing not at the state level, but at the local level. Moreover, there is no official license for plumbers and a contractors’ licensing board.

Typically, the state’s cities and municipalities certify Apprentices, Journeymen, and Master Plumbers.

Apprenticeship

The appliance takes place once a year, for a two-week period. Usually, it is in March and is run by the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Willing applicants may visit their local Workforce Center to fill out the official application form.

There are some more requirements needed to apply:

• Present a current Class C driver’s license
• Provide a copy of a GED/high school diploma with unopened transcripts’ certified copy
• Bring citizenship/legal work status proof or your birth certificate’s copy
• Make an appointment beforehand and complete a Work Keys test: The latter may take 2 to 4 hours and is given at Workforce Centers.
• Be prepared to pass a drug screen

After successfully completing all the above-mentioned steps, you will receive a letter informing you about the upcoming interview. After that, you will get another letter providing your rank among interviewees.

Afterward, if they call you up for service you will get a job and start working from the 1st of June. Yet, depending on the open apprenticeships numbers, you may either get a call or not.

Journeyman

You will be considered a professional, once you satisfy the apprenticeship requirements. Both Journeyman and Master Plumber certifications require exams. You can pass the exams in various cities within Kansas.

The body that provides them is the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

Master

When you realize you really like your job and want to become more experienced, it’s time to become a Master. Additionally, if you continue your education, you will be able to take over more lucrative plumbing jobs.

The required time

According to the type of certification and municipality, the length of the training may vary. However, it typically takes 2 years of apprentice training to become Journeyman. Additionally, two years go on to becoming a Master.

Education and technical training

Initially, to apply for an apprenticeship in this state, you need a GED or a high school diploma. Besides, to get a Kansas plumbing license you have to pass 280 classroom instruction hours annually during the 5 years of apprenticeship.

Training programs and trade schools

There is a wide variety of training opportunities across Kansas. Accordingly, here are the top trade schools and colleges that offer plumbing programs:

• Butler Community College
• KS Plumbing and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training
• North Central KS Technical College
• Johnson County Community College

Reciprocity

KS doesn’t have any state-level reciprocal agreements within the US. Even such close states as Missouri, Colorado, or Iowa are not an exception.

The salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers in Kansas get on average $55,050 annually.

For apprentices, it is $ 19.66/an hour and $5,404/a year. For journeymen, it is $26.56/an hour and $6,750/a year.

Some factors have their impact on the amount of the salary, including:

• The location
• Certifications
• Education
• Additional skills
• Years spent in the profession