Plumber

Plumbers take great satisfaction creating, and fixing complex systems. Their logical approach is fit for a career centered around installing and repairing the essential plumbing we depend on. 

A female tradesperson stands smiling in a shop in front of a wall of tools.

As a Plumber, you’ll constantly test your troubleshooting skills, demonstrating a persistent and agile approach to work as you think ahead while fixing, installing, and reviewing complex systems and appliances.  

You enjoy challenging and time-sensitive tasks, not to mention working in a key role that upholds high safety standards and ensures we protect the essential water systems around us.

What You'll Learn

  • How to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and project specifications
  • How to install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems
  • How to install specialized systems
  • How to select, measure, shape and join pipes
  • How to locate, prevent, repair and test pipes for leaks 

Key Job Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Quality control
  • Plumbing components preparation and assembly
  • Plumbing systems installation  

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 30 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6300 HOURS
General Skills
Analytical Curious Independent Logical Persistent

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

  • Exam Breakdown
  • Acronyms
  • Code Books required:
    • One version of each of the following two code books will be required:
      • National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) 2015 or 2020
      • CSA B149.1:15 or CSA B149.1:20

 

Program, Harmonization and Exam Updates

Program Updates

Harmonization Progress

  • Level 1 - Harmonized*

  • Level 2 - Harmonized*

  • Level 3 - Harmonized*

  • Level 4 - Harmonized*

*Harmonized = Program stream with re-aligned content beginning in April 2019

If you are unclear as to what program you are registered in, or unclear as to which program you should be following, please Contact Us. 

  • February 2025: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to the 2023 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS) with revised Exam Breakdown). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between 2016 RSOS and the 2023 RSOS can be found here.

  • April 2024: OPSN 2024 011 (Harmonized Level 3 SLE Launch)

  • October 2022: OPSN 2022 025 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Code Book Update)

  • February 2022: OPSN 2022 003 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Launch)

  • October 2019: OPSN 2019 015 (Harmonized Level 1 SLE Launch)

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.