Pipefitting, Certificate of Proficiency

Students must be currently working in a registered apprenticeship program in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and the United Association (UA).

The apprenticeship program prepares the student to earn a journey-level status in Plumbing; as well as earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Applied Industrial Technology. A five-year apprenticeship emphasizes the skill set required to be a highly skilled craftsman. A pipefitter apprentice will learn to layout, fabricate, assemble, install, maintain, and repair piping systems that transport fluids, slurries and gas in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. They specialize in planning, design, and installation of low- and high-pressure steam systems. Their work is in fields such as refineries, paper mills, nuclear power plants, manufacturing plants, and in the automotive industry. The systems that the pipefitter may work on are some of the highest pressure and temperature applications and require a thorough knowledge of scientific principles to complete this work safely.

Student must complete apprenticeship and be eligible for journey certification to receive Certificate of Proficiency.

Program contact: Learn more

Financial Assistance funds cannot be applied towards this program.

This certificate will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the certificate, please notify the Office of the Registrar at RegistrarOffice@tri-c.edu.

Learn more about how certificate credits apply to the related degree.

Program Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED

​Other Information

• Participant must be currently working in a registered apprenticeship program in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and the United Association (UA).

Program Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Communicate verbally, non-verbally and in writing with the construction team that include members of other trades, contractors, customers, and public officials and agencies.
2. Work independently and in a team setting to accomplish work in a timely, professional, and cost effective manner.
3. Act according to the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Code of Excellence and continually upgrade knowledge and skills.
4. Recognize, analyze and apply critical thinking to resolve issues as they arise while minimizing waste and improving productivity.
5. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and fall protection to ensure a safe and environmentally sensitive work environment in accordance with OSHA and other federal, state, local and contractor’s standards, policies, and regulations.
6. Apply basic and advanced math concepts and operations and blueprint reading to accurately determine layout in order to fabricate and complete various pipe trade tasks that minimize waste.
7. Apply knowledge of math, pipe hydraulic theory, blueprints, and tools to install, repair and test basic piping systems that meet industry codes and standards.
8. Apply knowledge of advance math to install, repair and test hydronic heating and cooling systems, steam systems, process piping, fire protection sprinkler systems, and refrigeration systems according to national, state, local and other applicable industry codes and standards.
9. Obtain all required certifications in the pipe fitting industry.

Suggested Semester Sequence

MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement.  These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016.  Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.