Due to massive growth in the plumbing profession and offering job security and stability, and flexibility of work, everyone can urge to become a licensed plumber in the US. Similarly, you need a license in order to run a business or be an employee in a company. Without one, you can only work on your own property.
More so, there are requirements for individuals interested in becoming contractors in each state in the United States, and New Mexico is no exception. If you want to become a licensed plumber in New Mexico, you have to go through several years of training in an apprenticeship program and work under a journeyman plumber.
After that, you must pass an exam to become a journeyman plumber and start bidding on contracts and run your own business. So, if you want to know how to become a licensed plumber in New Mexico – NM, here is the full guide. Follow up to the end to get the full benefits of this guide.
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Types of Plumbing Licenses in New Mexico?
Unlike other states in the US, you’ve to get only one license, “journeyman plumber license,” in order to work in a company or become a plumbing contractor. To acquire this license, you must have at least two years of working experience as a plumber and pass a state-wide open-book licensing exam.
Approximately, it will take somewhat between 2 and 4 years to get a plumbing license in New Mexico. Down the road, a licensed plumber can;
- Repair plumbing and sewer systems
- Install new pipes
- Assist plumbing apprentice
The average career span of a plumbing career is 10 years in NM. Around 10K people get a plumbing licensure every year in New Mexico.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements in New Mexico
Before getting into a licensed business, you will require to have at least four years of plumbing experience. An apprenticeship is a program that offers basic training to beginners – including theoretical training and practical on-field training.
It’s only offered to;
- 18 years old,
- Have completed GED or possess a High School Diploma,
- Clean criminal records
If you meet the above requirements, you can become a plumbing apprentice. But you’ve to comply with some other requirements which include;
- Driving license or ID
- Pass a drug test
- Be good at driving
Apprenticeship programs in New Mexico last at least four years with 144 hours of instruction. Plumbers can either enroll in a plumbing program at a college or trade school, or they can become apprentices. Both ways, you will gain some practical experience to help you obtain your journeyman plumber license.
Journeyman Plumbing Requirements License In New Mexico
The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department issue all the licenses to general contractors and plumbers. So, you should submit your application to the department with a $30 application processing fee and a $50 annual renewal fee. Keep in mind that you must possess a High School Diploma or GED in order to get a license.
An apprenticeship or proof of experience/education from a vocational school is also necessary. The state of New Mexico requires you to pass a criminal background check. In fact, they don’t grant a license to people with a criminal record.
A written affidavit from your apprenticeship supervisor must accompany your application. The only plumbing program in New Mexico is offered by Central New Mexico Community College, but plumbing companies also offer apprenticeships. It usually takes less than a year to finish the program.
The school offers online courses, and you may apply for financial aid. The cost of completing a vocational training program can range from $800 to $3,000. After successfully completing the program, you can apply for your license and take an exam. CNMCC provides free materials to help you prepare.
Plumbing Journeyman Exam in New Mexico
For you to take the journeyman exam, you must obtain a plumber’s affidavit, which states the number of hours you worked with them during your apprenticeship.
PSI Exams offers this exam. If you want to participate in the exam, you must be pre-approved and pay a fee (currently, it is $68.88). You can find extra information on registering for the licensure exam in the New Mexico Contractor Examination Registration Bulletin. Or you can visit page 38 on the form.
To register for an exam, ring the PSI registrar at (800) 733-9267. Make sure you’ve everything ready. Also, you can send a written to the physical address written below;
- PSI
- 2301 Yale SE, Ste. C-4
- Albuquerque, NM 87106
The exam consists of 100 questions, all open-book. During the exam, you will be expected to bring your own reference materials – ensure that you have those prepared in advance. You must pass the exam with at least a 75% score in 250 minutes to get your license.
Plumbing Contractor Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico plumbing contractors are required to have at least 4 years of experience and 8000 hours of training. To obtain the plumbing contractor license (MM-I), you must pass two exams, including a business and law test and a trade knowledge test.
Plumbing Contractor License Exam in New Mexico
The plumbing section of the test consists of:
- 100 MCQ type questions
- 75% passing grade
- 250 Minutes
The following topics will be covered in the questions:
- Interceptors and Traps
- Isometric Analysis
- Hydronics
- Septic and Sewer
- Storm Drainage Systems
- Plumbing Fixtures, Including Water Heaters
- General Knowledge and General Regulations
- Fuel Dispensing Stations
- Drainage Waste and Vents
- Water Supply Systems
- Backflow Prevention
Insurance for Plumbers in New Mexico
Obtaining insurance before opening a plumbing business or doing any contract work is a good idea. The work you do or the work of others may lead to injuries.
Luckily, an insurance bond protects both you and your customers. Plumbing does not require any vaccinations prior to working, but tetanus shots are often advised due to rusty metal and bacteria present in the water sources.
How To Apply to get your New Mexico Plumbing License?
To apply for a plumber’s license in New Mexico, applicants must submit an application to the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department. You must submit a copy of your registered plumber’s affidavit confirming the successful completion of your apprenticeship to the following address;
- Construction Industries Division
- Regulation and Licensing Department
- 2550 Cerrillos Road
- Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Phone: (505) 476-4700
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.rld.nm.gov/
Plumbing Trade Schools in New Mexico
Below is a list of some of the top plumbing programs in the state:
New Mexico State University – Doña Ana Community College
3400 Espina St
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(575) 527-7500
There are 17 credit hours related to Plumbing in this university’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Building Construction Technology.
Santa Fe Community College
6401 Richards Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505) 428-1000
In addition to its Associate of Arts program, Sante Fe Community College also offers a certificate program in Plumbing. Plus, Sante Fe Community College is a public school.
Central New Mexico Community College
900 University Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(888) 453-1304
Their plumbing and gas fitting programs include an Associate of Applied Science degree and provide a certificate of completion.
Average Salary of a New Mexico Licensed Plumber
Now you know how to become a licensed plumber in New Mexico, it’s time to get to know what’s the mean salary of an average licensed plumber in New Mexico.
Be aware that salaries vary from city to city and are affected by other factors such as work experience and certifications. Moreover, a plumber’s salary in New Mexico depends largely on his experience and certification;
- An apprentice earns an average of $21 an hour or more in larger cities.
- The average Journeyman Plumber salary in New Mexico is $52,538.