15 Best Plumbing Schools in Virginia in 2024 | How to Apply

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Are you in search of the best plumbing schools in Virginia? Search no more; we’ve got you covered.

This article fully reviews the best plumbing schools in Virginia, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.

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Plumbing is required everywhere humans live and work as a critical infrastructure that keeps society running.

Plumbers must learn a lot before they can work on their own. Your training should include becoming acquainted with the tools of the trade, the various materials used for multiple types of systems, and state and local building codes. 

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The job entails a lot of responsibility for public safety and material handling. Plumbers must be physically fit because they will perform physical tasks for most workdays.

Plumbers in Virginia receive their training by participating in a registered apprenticeship. The program combines on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom instruction delivered by community colleges in the area. Students will collaborate with a suitable sponsor to gain 2,000 hours of supervised practice. The program takes four years to complete, on average.

If you live in Virginia and want to become a plumber, you should learn more about plumbing training in the state. To become a licensed plumber in Virginia, you must first complete training.

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This article will walk you through the various plumbing schools in Virginia and other crucial information you’ll need to succeed in this field.

See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Illinois|Ranking

Is Plumbing A Good Career Path in Virginia?

Plumbing is a fantastic career that combines knowledge and innovation with the ability to create and build with one’s hands. It also has numerous advantages and career opportunities.

While many popular career paths require years of schooling and money, most plumbers learn on the job and make money. Plumbers not only start earning while they are apprentices but also avoid significant tuition payments and student loan debt because all of their training is hands-on and done on the job.

Plumbing is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. The plumbing industry is expected to grow by 21% between 2012 and 2023, which is expected across the country. That means the reported 386,900 jobs in 2012 will grow to more than 450,000 by 2023.

Plumbing also offers a secure job, as plumbing services will always be in demand, plumbers will not be replaced by machines, and plumbing jobs cannot be outsourced for cheaper labor overseas.

Are there Plumbing Schools in Virginia?

  • Central Virginia Community College
  • Lord Fairfax Community College
  • Massanutten Technical Center
  • Piedmont Virginia Community College.
  • Valley Vocational Tech Center
  • Tidewater Tech
  • Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association
  • JASA Inc. Trade School
  • Virginia Technical Institute
  • A+ Tradesman Continuing Education
  • Virginia Technical Academy
  • Eastern Shore Community College
  • Center for Employment Training – CET Alexandria
  • Technical and Career Education Center
  • Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center
  • Richmond Community College
  • Tidewater Community College

How To Become A Licensed Plumber in Virginia?

A journeyman plumber’s license, master plumber’s license, or contractor’s license is required within Virginia. Two exams must be passed to become a journeyman or master plumber.

The statutory and regulatory exams and the plumbing trade exams are separate. A Virginia Class A, B, or C license and a master plumber’s license are required to obtain a plumbing contractor’s license.

Applications for licensure may be obtained from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation State Board for Contractors by calling 804-367-8511 or writing to the following address:

Professional and Occupational Regulation Department

Suite 400, 9960 Mayland Drive

23233-1463 Richmond, Virginia

The website

How To Renew Your Plumbing License in Virginia 

The Virginia DPOR Board of Contractors requires all PLUMBERS to complete 3 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal.

These courses cover the International Plumbing Code’s significant changes. It’s fully narrated and animated and can be finished in as little as 2 hours and 30 minutes.

There is a short 15-question quiz at the end of the program. You will be given a certificate of completion, and the board will be notified that you have completed your required education.

How Much Do Plumbers Make in Virginia?

As of 2023, the average plumber salary in Virginia is $59,635; however, the salary range typically falls between $51,657 and $67,920. 

Salary ranges can vary greatly depending on the city and many other important factors, such as education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

How Long is Plumbing School in Virginia?

It will take at least four years to qualify for the Journeyman Level licensing exam in Virginia and another year working as a journeyman to qualify for the Master level. 

Even if you devote some time to classes, you will almost certainly be working and earning money the entire time.

15 Best Plumbing Schools In Virginia 

#1. Central Virginia Community College

The plumbing course at CVCC will teach you about new definitions, code changes, general requirements, job impacts, general use, and special equipment included in the respective codes.

CVCC’s CTE Academy and Fast Forward credentialing courses provide complete degree and “job-ready” programs. You’ll be right in the thick of things with a college dedicated to your success.

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#2. Piedmont Virginia Community College

At Piedmont Virginia Community College, you can start your career in the skilled trades on a solid foundation. This entry-level course, formerly known as “core craft skills,” is the recommended first course for all trades students and a prerequisite for most specialty courses. 

Basic safety, construction math, an introduction to hand and power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging, communication skills, employability skills, and material handling are the topics covered in the plumbing course. Students who complete the program can take the National Center for Construction Education and Research Introduction to Construction Credential Exam (NCCER).

The plumbing program at PVCC is a G3 application. Tuition, fees, and books may be waived for students who qualify.

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Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Oregon|Ranking

#3. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association

PHCC offers a fantastic “4-Year” Plumbing Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with vocational training facilities throughout Virginia. This program is BAT (Bureau of Apprenticeship Training) approved and recognized throughout and in 32 other states.

The program allows students to attend school at night and work during the day to earn a living while learning the trade. Students attend the class for three hours per night, twice a week. There are 168 class hours, 56 days of instruction, and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training available. The student is entitled to a pay scale with a top-out rate of $17.00 per hour.

This class is an excellent way to train an employee who wishes to pursue a career in plumbing. The annual cost is less than $1,000.00, which includes books, lab fees, and tuition. 

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#4. Virginia Technical Academy

The Virginia Technical Academy’s Plumbing Career Program is a comprehensive, accredited course that supplements on-the-job training. 

This program prepares individuals to install, operate, maintain, and repair plumbing fixtures, fittings, piping, water supply systems, venting, fuel gas systems, and storm and waste systems using technical knowledge and skills. Includes electrical principles and safety, as well as applied mathematics such as calculating system requirements, demand, lengths, and pressure drops. There are four levels in this course.

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Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Ohio |Ranking

#5. Eastern Shore Community College

ESCC provides a non-credit online program. This online program will teach you how to interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Plumbing systems must be assembled, installed, tested, and maintained. Repair and maintain water heaters. Install and troubleshoot the dishwasher and other appliance plumbing.

A wide range of tools, including wrenches, pliers, and a torpedo level, are included in the course fee to provide you with hands-on training in plumbing repair. The program prepares and certifies you for the DPOR journeyman plumber examination.

The plumbing program comprises eight instruction sets that will guide you through the techniques and skills you’ll need in your new career. The following textbooks are provided and included in the course fee: Plumbing Technology: Design and Installation, Math for Plumbers and Pipe-Fitters, Complete Plumbing, and National Standard Plumbing Code. The course costs $808.

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#6. Virginia Technical Institute

The Virginia Technical Institute Plumbing Career Program is an extensive, accredited program supplementing on-the-job training. 

The plumbing courses Include an introduction to the plumbing profession, plumbing safety, plumbing tools, plumbing math, plumbing drawings, plastic pipe, copper pipe, cast-iron pipe, carbon steel pipe and fittings, corrugated stainless steel tubing, fixtures and faucets, introduction to drain, waste, and vent systems, introduction to water distribution systems, reading commercial drawings, installing and testing DWV piping, types of valves, installing and testing water supply piping, introduction to water supply piping, introduction to water supply piping, introduction to the water supply.

To graduate from the program, students must receive a C or higher in all courses. Certificate of Competency program graduates may pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Construction Trades degree.

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Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Colorado|Requirements

#7. Tidewater Tech

Enrolling in Tidewater Tech’s Plumbing Program will teach you to use technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair plumbing fixtures, fittings, piping, water supply systems, venting, fuel gas systems, and storm and waste systems. 

Electrical principles and safety, as well as applied mathematics such as calculating system requirements, demand, lengths, and pressure drops, are all covered. This course is divided into four levels.

The Plumbing and Fire Protection Basic Certificate program provides students with theoretical and hands-on experience with plumbing and sprinkler systems. After completing the program, graduates will be qualified to work as a plumber or fitter’s assistant.

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#8. Center for Employment Training – CET Alexandria

You will learn hands-on and theory-based construction techniques and regulations during this 8- to a 9-month-long plumbing training program. Students will be taught how to use hand and power tools; plumbing tools and equipment; plumbing codes; basic plumbing-related math; fire protection; home plumbing systems, and vocational and physical training I, II, and III; all of which will be covered in theory and practice.

 Graduates will be familiar with the installation, maintenance, and plumbing. Students will also learn plumbing techniques as well as construction and maintenance methods. This career program will teach you everything you need to know about plumbing from the ground up, including energy-saving techniques.

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Read More: Best Plumbing Schools In Arizona|Ranking

#9. Technical and Career Education Center

This one-year program introduces students to various plumbing and heating applications. Plumbing, piping, residential and commercial plumbing installations, hydronic heating, controls, and solar technologies are all covered in this course. Pipe drafting and plan layout are part of the coursework. 

Graduates of this program are eligible for a second-year apprenticeship in the Plumbing and Heating trade. Students will study for the following credentials or certifications: National Association of Home Builders HBI/NAHB- Plumbing Basic, Skills Connect Assessment (SkillsUSA)-Plumbing, and Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination.

Graduates have many options after completing their courses and entering the labor force!

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#10. Valley Vocational Technical Center 

The Plumbing program teaches residential and commercial plumbing by the Virginia Fuel Gas and Plumbing Code. 

Plumbing is a good fit for students who enjoy collaboration, being on the move, and the satisfaction of seeing the immediate results of their work. This rigorous curriculum, with a strong emphasis on science and math, includes instruction in the assembly of steel, copper, and cast iron piping, residential hot and cold water distribution systems, drainage waste and vent systems, and the installation of commercial plumbing fixtures. 

The Plumbing program’s combination of training and real-world plumbing experience under the supervision of Master Plumbers has resulted in excellent job placements.

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Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Missouri|Requirements

#11. Lord Fairfax Community College

This is the first level of training in the Plumbing trade. Students learn the following content in a hybrid class that is structured as a combination of online training and live classroom/lab training: Core Curriculum; Basic Safety; Construction Math; Hand Tools; Power Tools; Construction Drawings; Basic Communication Skills; Employability Skills; Plumbing Safety, Plumbing Tool, Plumbing Math, Plumbing Drawings, Plastic Pipe and Fittings, Copper Pipe and Fittings, Cast-Iron Pipe and Fittings, Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings, Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, Fixtures and Faucets, Introduction to Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems, and Introduction to Water Systems All materials, including the textbook and online access code, are included.

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#12. JASA Inc. Trade School

Online plumbing training students gain the technical skills necessary to repair and install fixtures, appliances, water, drain waste, vent, and gas piping systems. 

Plumbing courses will also teach trainees an in-depth curriculum that covers mechanics, chemistry, electricity, heating, and ventilation by Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) standards. These self-paced plumbing courses introduce trainees to the program by introducing them to basic mathematics, measurements, and safety.

Learners will gain academic experience in Pipefitting and steamfitting, Assembling and testing pipe joints and systems, Tanks, pumps, and plumbing maintenance when combined with hands-on training in compliance with updated National Standard Plumbing codes.

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#13. Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center

The purpose of this course is to provide a hands-on introduction to the plumbing trade. This will help first-year students become acquainted with a broad overview of fundamental topics in the plumbing industry. Students will understand the fundamental mathematical concepts required for plumbing work. Students will also be given an overview of basic construction drawings.

It provides practical knowledge and skills based on real-world issues that plumbing professionals face. Plumbing 2 discusses potable water piping materials, sources, and distribution; water pipe sizing; cross-connection protection; water heaters; sewage disposal; drainage fixture units; building drains; stacks; and other topics.

Concentrates on plumbing and gas code references to provide “must-know” information for commercial and private plumbers. The plumbing courses are designed for fourth-year apprentices and provide a thorough understanding of practical plumbing installations and national plumbing codes. Coverage includes essential topics such as service and repair, blueprint reading, installation practices, heating systems, and related science and plumbing codes. It spans the residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional arenas.

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Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Louisiana|Requirements

#14. Richmond Community College

The plumbing course at Richmond Community College will give you an overview of plumbing practices. An instructor kneels by a pipe and talks to students about plumbing. Students will learn how to identify and use trade tools.

Also, students who complete this course can use basic skills to identify a plumbing problem and find a solution. Students will identify the components and functions of a water distribution system and demonstrate safe practices. Students will receive a tool kit upon successful completion of the course.

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#15. Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College is starting a plumbing program. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the field quickly and is appropriate for transitioning military personnel or anyone interested in the skilled trades.

TC-C’s Skilled Trades Academy is offering a 204-hour hands-on program. Upon completion, students will receive an industry-recognized credential from the National Center for Construction Education and Research and 20 continuing education units from TCC.

Students will learn the fundamentals of plumbing, safety precautions, trade tools, and how to use plumbing math and drawings. Students will work with plastic, copper, and cast-iron pipes, as well as specific fittings and drain, waste, and vent systems.

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Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Maine|Requirements

How Much Do Plumbing Schools Cost in Virginia?

To become a plumber in Virginia, you should budget between $1,000 and $18,000 for tuition and materials. Your total cost will be determined by the location of your school, whether you attend part-time or full-time, and the length of time it takes you to complete the program.

The price of plumbing schools in Virginia varies greatly depending on the program and whether it is public or private. Because tuition rates are not regulated, it is critical to factor in all costs when budgeting for school.

Plumbing school costs vary depending on where you live, the length of the program, and how quickly you complete the coursework.

Plumbing Schools in Virginia FAQs

In Virginia, do you need a license to do plumbing?

A valid master plumber’s license and a Virginia Class A, B, or C license are required to become a licensed plumbing contractor. Contractors must pass a test.

What school subjects are required for plumbing?

Plumbing has no required subjects; however, it is recommended that you take English. Pure Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy Life Orientation.

How long does it take to become a plumber again?

You can retrain as a plumber through an apprenticeship, a fast-track course, or work as a plumber’s mate. Traditional plumbing apprenticeships are sponsored for four years, so they are free.

Conclusion

If you want to be a plumber, Virginia Plumbing programs will teach you the fundamental, job-ready skills required in the plumbing and piping industry. 

You’ll learn how to work on modern plumbing systems from in-depth course material developed by industry experts and employers in this self-paced course. 

After completing the course, you will have the specialized skills and technical knowledge required to begin a career in plumbing.

References

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