How Do I Become a Plumber?
To work as a plumber in BC you require:
- Completion of secondary school (including courses in mathematics, physics and science and technology) is usually required
- Trade certification (Certificate of Qualification, Gas B License and/or Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement)
OR
- apprentice status
Most employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed a four year apprenticeship program and gained certification through BC’s Industry Training Authority.
Apprenticeship involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified tradesperson.
To obtain a Certificate of Qualification as a plumber, you also write the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can work in this trade anywhere in Canada.
If you have significant work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Being approved to challenge means that if you meet the criteria for your trade, you will not be required to go through the full program. Instead, you are allowed to become certified by writing and passing the final exam(s).