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. 

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  

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

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

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. 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

In effect starting April 2019, as per Transition Plan

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Plumbers install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drainage, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, chemical and irrigation. They also install specialized systems such as medical gas, process piping, compressed air, water conditioners, fuel piping, sewage and water treatment, and storage and flow equipment. Plumbers interpret drawings, refer to layouts of existing services, and review applicable codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures. They locate and mark positions for fixtures, pipe connections and sleeves, and cut openings to accommodate pipe and fittings.

Regulations concerning the planning, installation, maintenance and inspection of sewage treatment systems may vary by jurisdiction. Additional certification may be required in some jurisdictions to allow plumbers to plan and perform work on these systems.

View Program Profile

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

Information:

Updates:

  • October 2022: OPSN 2022 025 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Code Book Update)
  • February 2022: OPSN 2022 003 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Launch)

Information:

Updates:

Information:

  • 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

Updates:

  • December 2023: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2023 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Anlaysis detailing changes between the 2016 RSOS and 2023 RSOS can be found here. 

Information:

Program Information

Information for the Current (pre-harmonized) program.

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.