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If you want a trade career that's steady and in demand, plumbing is one of the best options in New Jersey. The first step is getting the right training. Choosing the right school will set you up with the skills you need and prepare you for licensing.
Here's what you need to know before you register for a program.
Plumbing License Requirements in New Jersey
In New Jersey, plumbers must be licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.
State rule: You cannot perform plumbing work for the public in New Jersey without holding a state-issued license or working under a licensed master plumber.
The state requires you to complete one of the following before applying for the licensing exam:
- Four years of work as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber and one year as a journeyman
- Four years in a New Jersey apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor
Once you finish your training, you'll need to pass the state exam to become a licensed plumber.
You can find official licensing details at the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Training Options: School vs. Apprenticeship
There are two main paths to prepare for your license:
- Plumbing trade school - Classroom and lab training focused on piping systems, codes, and safety. Some schools also set you up with apprenticeships.
- Apprenticeship program - Paid training on the job under a licensed plumber, often through a union or contractor association.
Many people combine both-starting with a school program to get the basics, then moving into an apprenticeship.
Best Plumbing Schools in New Jersey
Here are some of the top-rated and well-known trade programs in the state.
1. Pennco Tech - Blackwood
- Program Length: About 9 months full-time
- Focus: Residential and commercial plumbing, blueprint reading, pipefitting
- Notes: Hands-on labs and job placement assistance
- Website: penncotech.edu
2. Eastwick College - Hackensack & Nutley
- Program Length: 9-12 months
- Focus: Plumbing theory, installation, maintenance, NJ building codes
- Notes: Prepares students for entry-level apprentice positions
- Website: eastwick.edu
3. Adult Education at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools
- Program Length: Varies by course schedule
- Focus: Plumbing fundamentals, tool use, safety
- Notes: Good option for working adults beginning their training
- Website: ucvts.org
4. Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School for Plumbing Apprenticeship
- Program Length: 5-year registered apprenticeship
- Focus: Advanced plumbing, heating systems, code compliance
- Notes: Union-based program; you earn while you learn
- Website: Contact through local UA unions in NJ
5. Ocean County Vocational Technical School (Grunin Center)
- Program Length: 10-12 months
- Focus: Tool skills, drainage systems, blueprint reading
- Notes: Offers both day and evening plumbing classes
- Website: ocvts.org
Comparing Program Lengths
| School / Program | Approx. Length | Type of Training |
| Pennco Tech | 9 months | Full-time trade school |
| Eastwick College | 9-12 months | Full-time trade school |
| Union County Vocational-Technical Adult Ed | Varies | Part-time evening classes |
| Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Apprenticeship | 5 years | Paid registered apprenticeship |
| Ocean County Vocational Technical School | 10-12 months | Full or part-time classroom/labs |
What You'll Learn in a Plumbing Program
While every program is a little different, most cover these core skills:
- Plumbing codes for New Jersey and national standards
- Blueprint reading to plan water and drainage systems
- Pipe installation for copper, PVC, cast iron, and steel
- Fixture installation and repair
- Safety training including OSHA requirements
- Customer service skills for working in homes and businesses
Steps to Start Your Plumbing Career in New Jersey
- Choose a training path - Decide between trade school, apprenticeship, or a mix of both.
- Apply to a program - Contact schools early, especially for fall starts.
- Complete training - Get hands-on experience in labs or the field.
- Work under a licensed master plumber - Gain the hours needed for licensing.
- Apply for the licensing exam - Submit the required documentation to the state board.
- Pass the exam - Earn your plumber's license and start working independently.
Important Tips
- Verify accreditation - Make sure the school is recognized by a state or national accrediting agency.
- Check placement rates - Good schools have strong industry connections.
- Ask about apprenticeship help - Some programs directly connect you with contractors or unions.
Note: Only training from an approved program or licensed apprenticeship counts toward your New Jersey licensing requirements.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing is a solid trade with reliable work across New Jersey. The right school can prepare you to pass the state exam and start earning in under a year if you go the trade school route, or you can choose a longer registered apprenticeship that pays as you learn.
Here's what to do next:
Look at the list above, contact each school, and compare schedules, costs, and job placement services. Then pick one and get started-you'll be one step closer to becoming a licensed New Jersey plumber.
Sources:
[^1] :New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Master Plumber License Requirements
[^2] :U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Programs
[^3] :O*NET OnLine - Plumbers
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