How to Become a Plumber in Nevada

Being a plumber means you’ll never really be out of work as there’s always a demand for plumbing work to be done.

While you do need to spend some time training, you can build a career in this field.

With this guide, you’ll discover what you need to do to become a plumber in Nevada.

Plumber Job Description And Responsibilities

In this state, plumbers are overseen by the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE).

Most people call plumbers when they have problems with their water supply or sewage systems.

These professionals perform many other tasks and duties, that include:

• Reading and interpreting blueprints
• Designing and installing various pipe systems
• Follow and ensure the safety regulations are met and implemented
• Measuring, cutting, and soldering

In Nevada, plumbers start as apprentices, then they become journeymen, and ultimately master plumbers.

At the master level, they can obtain one of these licenses:

• Class A (or general engineering contractor)
• Class B (or general building contractor)
• Class C (or specialty contractor)

Becoming a Plumber Apprentice

To obtain a plumbing license in Nevada, you first need to complete a training program.

The most common program is an apprenticeship, though adult training at vocational schools is also accepted.

The training period is at least 4 years long, or 8,000 hours long.

The program you choose needs to be registered with the state and accredited.

Those interested in becoming plumbing apprentices need to apply with the state and work under the supervision of a licensed plumber.

Generally, the requirements vary from employer to employer, but expect to need the following documents:

• A driver’s license valid in Nevada
• Birth certificate;
• Social Security Card;
• High school diploma or GED;
• Proof of prior experience and (or) in an accredited training program

Do keep in mind that future plumbers don’t only need on-the-job training, but also some classroom education.

Expect to learn about:

• Fitting pipes
• Soldering or welding
• Measuring and cutting
• Safety measures to follow
• Which tools to use for which job

Becoming a Plumber Journeyman

Individuals who complete their apprenticeships are expected to want to become journeymen.

The procedures you need to complete for this step are:

• Fill out the application form
• Prove the accumulated experience of 8,000 hours, through an affidavit
• Show a photo ID
• Pay the application fee – $100
• Pass the journeyman exam
• Pass the construction management exam (CMS)

One exam costs $95, but if you decide to pay for and take the exams together, the fee is $140 for both.

The exams are administered by the NITC and PSI and can be taken either on paper or on a computer.

The passing score is 75%.

There is an open-book exam part that lasts for 2 hours and has 50 questions.

There’s also a closed-book test part that lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes and has 100 questions to answer.

The questions will cover topics such as:

• Installation Standards, Administration, Definitions & General Regulations
• Fixtures and Fixture Fittings, Water Heaters, Indirect Wastes, and Traps & Interceptors
• Sanitary Drainage, Vents, & Storm Drainage Related Drawings
• Water Supply & Related Drawings
• Fuel Gas & Related Drawings

Those who get receive their journeyman license will ave to renew it every 2 years.

To do so, you’ll need to pay the renewal fee of $600.

Becoming a Master Plumber

Those who want to become master plumbers will have to meet requirements similar to the ones for a journeyman license.

These requirements are:

• Fill out the application form
• Prove the accumulated experience of at least 2,000 hours as a journeyman, through an affidavit
• Show a photo ID
• Pay the application fee – $100
• Pass the exam

The master plumber exam covers the same topics as the journeyman exam.

A general engineering contractor performs fixed works where specialized engineering knowledge and skills are needed.

A general building contractor performs works related to construction or remodeling of buildings or structures that are used by either people or animals.

A specialty contractor can belong to one of the 36 classifications that require specific skills and knowledge.

It’s important to know that individuals can’t contract work without the proper license.

Doing so means risking a fine of up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $10,000 if there are multiple offenses.

Plumber Salary Information

Plumbers start earning a salary as soon as they enter an apprenticeship program.

They’ll earn less than their superiors, however, their pay starts increasing with the experience they accumulate.

At the state level, the average salary is $59,000 per year.

Regional Salary in Nevada

Additional Information

Plumbers who obtained their licenses in a different state and want to work as such in Nevada will have to pass the licensing exam again.

Plumbers have the option to join a union if they want better payment, health, and disability insurance among other benefits.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Nevada

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State