California Plumbing License

Licensed plumbers are always in high demand in California and the rest of the country. Find out how to become a licensed plumber, so you can join the ranks. You’ll also discover how to use a California plumbing license lookup tool to verify a plumber’s credentials.

How Do I Check a California Contractor License?

You can check a contractor license on the Contractors State License Board website. This site allows you to search by HIS name, HIS number, personal name, business name, or license number. “HIS” stands for Home Improvement Salesperson.

How Do I Check a Contractor’s Insurance?

You can ask the contractor to see a copy of the Certificate of Insurance. You also have the option of contacting the insurance carrier to request proof of insurance.

Do You Need a License to Be a Plumber in California?

You need to have a license to work as a plumber in California. You should also only hire licensed plumbers to work for you. You can make sure a plumber is licensed on the Contractors State License Board website, or you can use the California plumbing license lookup at the top of this page.

How Long Does It Take to Get Certified in Plumbing?

You can expect to spend eight years working toward your plumbing license. Apprenticeships generally last for four years. You will follow that up by working as a journeyman for another four years. You can then apply for your C-36 license. The licensing process typically takes a few months.

Once your license is approved, the Contractors State License Board will add your information to the database. Then, potential customers can use a State of California plumbing license lookup tool to verify your credentials.

How Do I Become a Plumber Apprentice in California?

You have to be at least 18 years old and have a GED or high school diploma to become a plumber apprentice. You also need to meet the physical requirements and must be able to read and communicate in English. If you meet those requirements, you can join a plumber apprentice training program.

You’ll attend training classes two nights a week during your apprenticeship. The apprenticeship lasts for approximately four years. During that time, you’ll get 9,000 hours of on-the-job training and attend 1,080 hours of training classes.

After you complete your apprenticeship, you can apply to become a journeyman plumber. That will get you closer to obtaining your plumber license in California.

How Do I Get a C-36 License in California?

If you want to become a plumbing contractor, you’ll need a C-36 license. You need to have at least four years of work experience as a journeyman, supervisor, or foreman. That must include at least a year of practical experience. You also have to pass a criminal background check and pass the plumbing license exam. You can then apply for your license on the Contractors State License Board website.

Work Toward Your Plumbing License

Now you know what to do to earn your plumber’s license. Keep this page bookmarked as a guide. You can also refer to this page when you need to use a California plumbing license lookup tool. Just input the information into the search located at the top of the page and then go through the results.