Plumbing services are available in small towns as well as huge metropolises seven days a week. These hardworking professionals maintain and build the nation’s infrastructure, from installation to emergency repairs. Their services include everything related to water, such as plumbing and sewer lines to gas lines and irrigation systems.
There are different levels of licensed plumbers in Rhode Island who work on residential and commercial projects. Their salary is commensurate with the importance of their work.
Nonetheless, just anyone cannot operate and bid on projects as a Rhode Island plumber. The state’s procedures must be followed in order to work in this field. In fact, this guide will guide you step by step on how to become a licensed plumber in Rhode Island.
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Types Of Plumbing License Available In Rhode Island
Applicants to the Rhode Island plumber licensing program can earn one of three certifications:
- Apprentice plumbing license,
- Journeyman plumbing license,
- Master plumbing license.
You can also get a general contracting license if you want to start your own business, which is also required for all underground utility work. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) Plumbers and Irrigators regulates all the plumbing and contracting licenses. You can contact them via mail;
RI Department of Labor and Training
1511 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-0943
(401)462-8000
Moreover, each certificate is like an advanced level. So, in order to step up the ladder, you have to meet specific requirements. Follow up-to note them down.
Master Plumber License Requirements In Rhode Island
All machinery and appliances related to plumbing are installed, repaired, and assessed by master plumbers. Rhode Island requires master plumbers to meet the following criteria;
- Five years experience as a journeyman working under a master plumber
- Clear the RI Master Plumber examination
- Submit the application with a fee.
Note: The Plumbing and Irrigators Application for Examination and Apprenticeship is required for apprenticeship, journeyman, and master license candidates. Also, a $75 application fee is required for journeyman and master applicants, as well as reciprocity applicants from out of state. On the other hand, there is no fee for applying as an apprentice in Rhode Island.
Journeyman Plumber License Requirements In Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, journeymen plumbers perform the same plumbing tasks as do the masters; however, you have to do them under the supervision of a master. There are several requirements for journeymen plumbers:
- Over a 5-year period, receive at least four years of on-the-job training (8,000 hours);
- A state-approved training program must account for 576 of those hours.
- Take and pass the Journeyman examination in Rhode Island
- Submit application with fee.
The application mentioned above must be submitted by candidates for journeyperson licensure.
Journeyman Plumbing Exam Requirements
There are 50 questions on the Rhode Island plumbing test based on the State Building Code SBC-3 State Plumbing code for July 1, 2013, and the Rhode Island Edition of BOCA International Plumbing Code 2006.
The following subjects will be addressed in the exam, so we recommend paying particular attention to them when you are preparing:
- Vents and Venting Systems,
- Cross Connections,
- Storm Drains,
- Hangers and Supports,
- Terminology and Calculations,
- Inspecting and Testing
- Traps and Cleanouts,
- Plumbing Fixtures,
- Indirect Waste Piping,
- Water Distribution Systems,
- Sanitary Drainage Systems,
- Materials and Material Standards,
- Joints and Connections,
- Related Subjects
We strongly recommend that you prepare well for the exam since it is not an open book exam.
To take the Rhode Island plumber exam, go to the following address after you feel confident enough to take the exam;
RI Department of Labor and Training
Building 73-1, Conference Room
1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-0943
(401) 462-8580, Option #4
You will be informed within one week, whether you passed or failed.
Documents Required For The Application
Below is a list of Rhode Island plumber documents requirements for application:
- Pass journeyman or master plumber exam
- High school/GED equivalent
- Registration
- Proof of working as a plumber
- Payment of all exam fees
High School Diploma Or GED
To begin, you will need your high school diploma, and however, a GED is acceptable as well. To become a journeyman and eventually a master plumber, you will need good English and maths skills to perform better on the field.
Plumbing Apprenticeships in Rhode Island
Having a solid understanding of a variety of concepts and procedures is an essential part of working as a plumber. So, where does one get such a solid understanding? In many states, apprenticeship programs are the first step in the learning process. One such state is Rhode Island.
Unlike many other states, Rhode Island requires apprenticeships for plumbers and irrigation specialists. Under the current rules, you cannot just train wherever you want, and a state-wide accredited program must be chosen instead. Make sure before enrollment that the program must provide you with 576 hours of education.
This education includes theoretical and hands-on practical training. Moreover, the state issues a certificate upon completion of your apprenticeship. After that, you can sit for the journeyperson plumber exam, and eventually, you can achieve master plumber status.
You will also learn;
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting,
- Reading blueprints,
- Science.
More so, a list of accredited apprenticeships is maintained by Rhode Island. There are also benefits offered to newcomers in this field. You can fulfill the hands-on criteria after employment. You must, however, enroll in a state-accredited institution to fulfill your classroom requirement.
Apprenticeship Programs in Rhode Islands
- Community College of Rhode Island offers apprenticeships. Your training at CCRI is adapted to each stage of your apprenticeship advancement.
- You can also get your training at Rhode Island Master Plumber & Mechanical Association. RMPM is a non-profit organization that teaches everything you need to know to meet apprenticeship standards in RI.
Plumbing License Reciprocity In Rhode Island
If you’re already a licensed plumber in another state, then it’s your good luck that Rhode Island has a plumbing reciprocity agreement with several states. You can get your license in RI if the requirements to become a licensed plumber in other states are the same as RI.
For a plumber from another state to work in Rhode Island, they need to submit the following information:
- Active license copy of another state
- Affidavits aka proof of passing written examination for the license of the current state.
- A statement attesting to a license holder’s status is provided to the Board of this State by the Board of Plumbing or Irrigation in each state in which the applicant holds or has held a license.
The Cost Of Different Plumbing Related License In Rhode Island
Getting your Rhode Island plumbing license comes with a number of fees. They are as follows:
- Contract Master: $240
- Journeyman Irrigator: $72
- Master Water Filtration: $240
- Journeyman Water Filtration: $72
- Journeyman Plumber: $72
- Master Plumber: $240
- Master Irrigator: $240
A fee of $6.00 will be added to the state fees already mentioned.
Average Salary Of A Rhode Island Plumber
Many people consider their salary to be low and not satisfying when it comes to wages. However, a plumber’s salary will solely depend on the level of experience he or she has, and those with a high level of experience can earn as much as $69313 annually.
It varies from city to city, but the average salary for a Plumber is $60.585 in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Plumbing License Renewal
To reduce the renewal hassle, the state offers online license renewal services. You just need to put identification information, follow some simple steps, and pay the renewal fee to renew your plumbing license in Rhode Island.
Master Plumber License renewal fee is $240, while a journeyman license fee is only $72. Maintaining your Rhode Island plumbing license does not require continuing education.
