How to Become a Plumber in Oklahoma

Maybe you want to build a new career as a plumber in Oklahoma, but first, you will need a license.

Read on in order to learn more about the licensing process and where you can get trained.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

Plumbers have to fulfill a variety of daily duties.

Some of these responsibilities include the following:

• Reading or drafting blueprints
• Installing the piping system
• Maintaining the water system
• Repairing the system whenever needed
• Ensuring the safety standards
• Meeting building regulations
• Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder

In Oklahoma, there are 3 certifications you can apply for:

• Apprentice plumber
• Journeyman plumber
• Contractor plumber

How to Become an Apprentice in Oklahoma

The first step you should take is to join a training program through a trade school.

Make sure that the program you choose is accredited by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

You can also get the training required for licensing by pursuing higher education options.

Generally, the training programs for plumbers in Oklahoma last between 4 and 5 years.

This will give you enough time to learn more about plumbing and develop your skills.

During the training program, you will attend both theory and practice classes.

Some of the subjects will include:

• Drafting,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipefitting
• Reading blueprints

Oklahoma also offers programs online for the students who cannot attend in person.

There are also some requirements for becoming an apprentice:

• Be at least 14 years old
• High-school diploma or GED
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate copy
• Proof of being a citizen of the US
• A processing fee – $25
• Pass a drug test
• Understand written and spoken English

As an apprentice, you can perform some job duties if you are supervised by a licensed plumber.

You will also have to make sure your apprenticeship is renewed when it expires.

How to Get a Journeyman License in Oklahoma

In order to have the freedom to work on any plumbing project you want, you need a journeyman license.

Before you can get this license, you have to submit some paperwork.

Unline in other states, New York does not require a certification exam.

To be eligible for the journeyman license, you have to:

• Be 18 years old
• Comply with the required training
• Social security number
• Proof of experience
• Training program certificate

You also need one of the following:

• 3 years of experience under a contractor
• 3 yeard of experience in the US military plumbing
• A current plumbing license in a state with which Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements

You can also substitute a part of the work experience for schooling, as it follows:

• To substitute 24 months:
  • Associate degree or Career Tech Diploma
  • At least 1000 hours of training in a board-approved program
• To substitute 12 months:
  • A Career Tech diploma
  • 500 hours of education in a program accredited by the board

You will also have to pay a $75 license fee, mailed to the Board.

To get the journeyman license, you will also need to take an exam.

The exam usually covers the following topics:

• Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
• Materials used, and specifications;
• Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
• Water supply systems;
• Backflow preventions;
• Gas appliances and piping;
• Plumbing mathematics.

How to Get a Contractor Plumber License in Oklahoma

To become a contractor, you need to:

• Pay a $300 license fee
• Be 18 years old
• Comply with the required training
• Social security number
• Proof of experience
• Training program certificate

You’ll also need to complete one of the following:

• 4 years of experience as a journeyman,
• 4 years of experience in the US military plumbing,
• A current plumbing license in a state with which Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements

You can also substitute a part of the work experience for schooling, as it follows:

• For substitution of 24 months:
  • Associate degree or Career Tech Diploma
  • At least 1000 hours of training in a board-approved program
• For substitution of 12 months:
  • A Career Tech diploma
  • 500 hours of education in a program accredited by the board

You will have to then pass an exam, and submit the following:

• $5,000 Corporate Surety Bond
• $50,000 in general liability insurance.

The exam will have a business and law section and a trade section.

To pass the exam, you need a 75% score in all the portions of the test.

Plumber Employment and Salary Information

In Oklahoma, you have higher chances to find a good employment place in bigger cities.

You will earn more if you are a contractor and run your own business, or if you have enough experience.

Regional Salary in Oklahoma

Additional Information

In Oklahoma, you can perform plumbing work if you already have a license in the following states:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Montana
• Nebraska
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Wyoming

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Oklahoma

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State