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If you want to start a plumbing career in Missouri, the first step is getting the right training. Plumbers work in a skilled trade that requires hands-on knowledge of piping systems, safety codes, and tools. Missouri does not have a single statewide plumbing license, but several cities and counties set their own licensing requirements. That means your training program needs to prepare you for real-world work and local exams.
This guide covers the best plumbing schools in Missouri, what each offers, and the basic steps to getting licensed.
How to Become a Plumber in Missouri
Getting into the trade is straightforward, but you need to follow a structured path.
Basic steps:
- Get education or start an apprenticeship - Enroll in a plumbing technology program or apprentice under a licensed plumber.
- Meet local licensing requirements - Missouri cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield issue their own licenses.
- Pass required exams - Some jurisdictions require written and practical tests on plumbing code.
- Maintain your license - Continuing education may be needed, depending on your area.
Licensing reminder: According to the City of St. Louis, anyone engaging in plumbing work must be licensed by the Board of Plumbing Examiners for the city. Always check with your local jurisdiction before you start work.
Top Plumbing Schools in Missouri
The best program for you will depend on location, schedule, and whether you want a certificate or degree. All of the following are accredited or recognized training options that prepare students for entry-level plumbing work and apprenticeships.
1. Ranken Technical College - St. Louis, MO
- Program: Plumbing Technology
- Length: 1-year certificate
- Highlights: Focuses on hands-on training in a lab setting with full-size mock-up plumbing systems; includes blueprint reading and plumbing code compliance.
- Website: https://ranken.edu
- Program: Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship
- Length: 16 weeks
- Highlights: Designed in partnership with the Plumbing Industry Council; ideal for those planning to enter a union apprenticeship.
- Website: https://stlcc.edu
- Program: Construction Technology with Plumbing Focus
- Length: 2-year associate degree or shorter certificates
- Highlights: Covers plumbing alongside other building trades; good option for students who want broader skills for construction management or business ownership.
- Website: https://mcckc.edu
4. Jefferson College - Hillsboro, MO
- Program: Skilled Trades Program - Plumbing Track
- Length: Varies
- Highlights: Combines classroom learning and lab projects; can be taken as part of a broader skilled trades curriculum.
- Website: https://jeffco.edu
5. Ozarks Technical Community College - Springfield, MO
- Program: Plumbing Apprenticeship Training
- Length: 4-year apprenticeship model in partnership with local contractors
- Highlights: Work and earn wages while you complete your training; aligns with Department of Labor apprenticeship standards.
- Website: https://otc.edu
Comparison Table:
| School | Location | Program Type | Typical Length |
| Ranken Technical College | St. Louis | Certificate | 1 year |
| St. Louis Community College | St. Louis | Pre-Apprenticeship | 4 months |
| Metropolitan CC | Kansas City | Degree/Certificate | 1-2 years |
| Jefferson College | Hillsboro | Certificate/Track | Varies |
| Ozarks Technical CC | Springfield | Apprenticeship | 4 years |
Choosing the Right Program
When you evaluate plumbing schools in Missouri, focus on these points:
- Accreditation - Ensures the program meets recognized trade education standards.
- Hands-on training - Plumbing is best learned through practice.
- Local licensing alignment - Programs that prepare you for your city's licensing exam save you time later.
- Apprenticeship connections - Schools connected with unions or contractor networks can help you get a paid position faster.
- Flexible scheduling - Night and weekend classes can help if you're working while studying.
Apprenticeships vs. School-Based Training
Some plumbers start directly in a paid apprenticeship with a contractor or local union. Others take a short-term school program first to gain basic skills and stand out to hiring managers.
Advantages of apprenticeships:
- Paid training from day one
- Direct work experience with licensed plumbers
- Program completion leads to journeyman status
Advantages of school-based training:
- Structured learning environment
- Broader exposure to theory and code
- Option to apply credits toward a degree
Both paths require a willingness to work in physically demanding conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Missouri Plumbing Licensing Notes
Missouri has no statewide plumbing license. Instead:
- St. Louis - Requires a license from the Board of Plumbing Examiners. Both journeyman and master levels are available.
- Kansas City - Issues plumbing licenses through the City Planning & Development Department. Exams are based on the International Plumbing Code.
- Springfield - Licenses plumbers through the Building Development Services Division.
You must contact your local licensing board to confirm:
- Application fees
- Required number of work hours
- Exam dates and requirements
- Continuing education rules
Preparing for Success
Training is only the first step. To thrive as a plumber in Missouri:
- Build strong math and problem-solving skills.
- Learn to read and interpret plumbing codes and blueprints.
- Develop good communication skills for working with customers and teams.
- Keep safety first - always follow OSHA guidelines for tools, ladders, and confined spaces.
Safety note: OSHA requires proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with tools and materials that may cause injury or health hazards.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Becoming a plumber in Missouri starts with the right education or apprenticeship and continues through meeting your city's licensing requirements. Choose a school or program that fits your schedule and leads directly to a license in the area where you plan to work.
The next step is to contact one or two programs from the list above and ask about enrollment dates, costs, and how their training aligns with local licensing. From there, you can plan your path toward a stable, in-demand career in plumbing.
Sources:
[^1] :U.S. Department of Labor - https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship
[^2] :OSHA - https://www.osha.gov
[^3] :St. Louis City Board of Plumbing Examiners - https://www.stlouis-mo.gov
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