Without any doubt, plumbing is a diversified and secure career that requires a huge investment of time, dedication, and effort. No matter in which state you’re, you can’t rush the process, and that’s the same for Oregon – OR. However, if you’re dedicated and motivated enough to make a start, we want to say that you will have a great career ahead.
The federal government and state boards have set criteria to become a plumber for your and customer safety. That being said, you will need to train for several years, appear for a physical exam, and demonstrate your skills through testing, which shows you are competent enough to get a plumbing license in Oregon.
In simple words, every person working in any plumbing activity for compensation in Oregon must have a plumber’s license. Moreover, it is necessary to meet a few requirements in order to become a general contractor in Oregon.
Before applying for a license, contractors, including plumbers, must either complete trade school education or complete an apprentice program. This post will help you understand how to become a licensed plumber in Oregon – OR.
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Types Of Plumbing Licenses Available in Oregon:
The plumbing licensing Board in Oregon offers four different types. There is a contractor license and other licenses that combine plumbing with other trades. Each license has its requirements, along with a separate fee that you will require to pay before appearing for the exam.
- Journeyman plumber: Fee – $100
- Four-year experience in the field, or completion of a registered 4-year apprenticeship program from. Or you can get a referral letter from the training committee or Oregon Plumbing.
- If you don’t possess any of these, you must require to complete at least 576 hours of academic classroom training in all the required subjects.
- As an apprentice or journeyman plumber, you must provide evidence of 3,850 hours of on-the-job experience, including 3,850 hours as a residential plumber.
- Solar heating and cooling installer: Fee – $100
- Proof of 2,888 hours of theoretical and practical training from a division approved training program OR
- Proof of 2,000 hours of hands-on experience in all the categories
- Water Treatment Installer: Fee – $100
- Complete an 18-month apprenticeship program from State verified and authorized apprenticeship program OR
- A referral letter from either training committee or Oregon approved training program OR
- Verify hands-on experience of 210 hours is the required category and 3,000 hours of experience in all related subjects.
- Residential water heater installer: Fee $100
- Have both an Electrical Limited Specialty (LMS) and Plumbing Contractor license – Must be a sole proprietor, a partner, or a designated officer or employee in a firm, OR
- Must be an individual working under a licensed plumbing contractor and verify and complete 8-hour practical training for installing water heaters.
- Plumbing Business Contractor: Fee $250
- Have a business with the ability to advertise, provide labor and material, or provide material only; install, change, or repair. The holder of this registration can’t work as a journeyman plumber without an applicable license. Must be renewed every three years on July 1.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Licensed Plumber In Oregon?
To become a certified Water-treatment Installer (WTI) in Oregon, you must complete an 18-month apprenticeship program and training. Similarly, it takes four years to become a Journeyman Plumber in Oregon. And, the average apprenticeship program takes four years to complete.
How to Get a Journeyman Plumbing License In Oregon?
To get a license, you are required to work as an apprentice plumber for four straight years under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber. After that, you must sit in the written journeyman examination and pass it by 70% to get your license issued.
Once you have completed the registration process with the licensing board, send your journeyman application to get your contractor plumber license from the Oregon Construction Contractor Board.
Criminal Background: Every application for a plumber license is reviewed individually. Luckily, plumbers and journeymen licenses are available to applicants with criminal backgrounds.
Plumbing schools: Some of the popular plumbing schools to train plumbers in Oregon are;
- Lane Community College;
- Chemeketa Community College;
- Clackamas Community College;
Unlike some other States, classes are only available offline, including theoretical and practical education. Another thing, due to different length and performance criteria, course fees vary from school to school,
Prerequisites To Join A Plumbing Trade School
There are no long-form requirements to qualify for a trade school, but you must meet the following in order to get considered;
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must Possess a GED or high school diploma
- Oregon issued driving license
- Understand the basics of algebra
Journeyman Plumbing Examination in Oregon
Before getting a license, every individual apprentice must pass the examination. The written exam is four hours long, which requires you to solve 64 plumbing questions. In order to pass, you must score 75% on the written exam.
Furthermore, the practical exam includes isometric drawing, piping assembly, and blueprint reading subjects. Same as above, you have to score 75% or higher to pass the practical and get your license.
The plumber examination cost in Oregon
Journey plumbing license exam cost $305.
Below are some valuable resources that can help you achieve more scores in exams;
- One and Two Family Dwelling Specialty Code
- Oregon Revised Statutes
- Oregon Administrative Rules
- Occupational Safety and Health Code
- Oregon State Plumbing Specialty Code
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements In Oregon
Apprentice plumbers must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Possess a High School Diploma or GED
- One year algebra with C or higher.
High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or its equivalent GED is required for a plumbing license in Oregon. It is essential for a plumber to have a solid education in math (geometry and algebra), science (physics), and computer skills (computer-aided design).
In fact, it will give you an edge over many others in the field if you can also learn blueprint reading and drafting.
Insurance for Plumbers in Oregon
Insurance is required for Oregon plumbers. The plumbing industry is prone to mistakes and accidents. Get plumber insurance to guard yourself against lawsuits. A minimum plumber insurance policy must include:
- A maximum of $300,000 for property damage (per occurrence)
- A minimum of $100,000 for general liability insurance (per occurrence).
If this is your first time performing plumbing work, you will do well to obtain insurance coverage. Property damage claims are covered under general liability insurance, and general liability insurance costs typically range between $671 and $1,740 per year.
It is common for plumbers to encounter bacteria, human waste, and harmful organisms in contaminated water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plumbing professionals should be vaccinated against tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, and Hepatitis B.
Oregon Plumbing License Reciprocity
Idaho and Montana have reciprocity agreements with the Oregon Plumbing License Board. Plumbers in these states may apply for reciprocal licenses and vice versa. However, you need to comply with the following requirements to get considered;
- An equivalent or higher license from the reciprocal state without any violation must be active.
- Qualified from the licensing exam from another state.
- Scored 75% or higher in licensing exam.
- Worked for at least 1,000 hours under a licensed plumber.
- Pass the Oregon licensing exam for the license you’re reciprocating.
Reciprocity application has a $100 nonrefundable fee. Also, you need to submit the following documents along with the application;
- Passport;
- Copy of an active contractor’s license in other states ;
- Completed license verification form;
- Employment information.
Average Salaries Of Oregon Plumbers
Plumbing salaries in Oregon are challenging to determine with certainty, but it is believed that the wages are high enough for plumbers to live comfortably. Moreover, plumbers in Oregon earn an average salary of $57251 per year, but it is dependent on where you live and the type of work you do.
