Plumbing, Certificate of Proficiency

Student 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. A five-year apprenticeship emphasizes the skill set required to be a journey-level Plumber. The Certificate of Proficiency provides academic recognition of the accomplishment of the journey-level worker. An apprentice will learn to install, repair, maintain and service piping systems, plumbing systems and equipment used for drinking (potable) water distribution, sanitary storm water systems and waste disposal. Additional opportunities for plumbers can include technical installations for Medical Gas, Hydronic in-floor heating, Solar Panels, Heat Pumps, Cross-Connection Control and many other systems necessary for the health and safety of the general public.

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 minimizes 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 Potable Water, Storm/Sanitary Drainage, Fuel Gas and Medical Gases Systems according to national, state, local and other applicable industry codes and standards.
9. Obtain all required certifications in the plumbing industry.

Suggested Semester Sequence

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Apprentice may be awarded credit from JATC for life experience. 

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.