Plumbing Technician
Train at Summit College — 640 instructional hours across 8 modules in a residential on-ground format. Aligned with NCCER.
Learn the fundamentals of plumbing, mathematics in plumbing, devices, valves, fittings, fixtures, water supplies, safety, design, and installation. Prepare for entry-level work in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing — with optional third-party OSHA-10 safety training/certification.
What Is a Plumbing Technician?
The Plumbing Technician Program at Summit College offers a variety of courses to serve various career pathways within the plumbing service field. Students learn the fundamentals of plumbing, mathematics in plumbing, devices, valves, fittings, fixtures, water supplies, safety, design, and installation.
Students are prepared for entry-level work in the plumbing field across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The program is aligned with the National Center for Career Education and Research (NCCER), and students may qualify for optional third-party OSHA-10 safety training/certification.
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair the water supply, drainage, waste, vent, and gas piping systems that keep homes, businesses, and industrial facilities running. The role blends code-based theory with hands-on installation, troubleshooting, and service work — across both new construction and existing systems.
Plumbers
Job Growth Outlook
640 instructional hours · 8 modules (4 weeks each) · 54 quarter credits · 32 weeks
Training Duration
How Plumbing Technician Training Is Delivered
Format
Residential — on-ground lecture (didactic) and lab skills. Teacher/Student Ratio 1:30 Class / 1:20 Lab.
Typical Timeline
8 modules × 4 weeks each — 640 total instructional clock hours (440 lecture / 200 lab) and 54 quarter credit hours over 32 weeks.
Flexibility
Students must maintain 80% overall program attendance and complete all 8 modules (4 prerequisite modules plus 4 specialty modules) to be eligible for a Certificate of Completion.
Learning Flow
Each module includes an estimated 12–16 hours of homework outside the classroom (108 total estimated homework hours across the program). Lab hours focus on industry-related skills, exercises, and activities that strengthen and broaden a student's understanding of the job duties required in the field.
Coaching Support
What You'll Learn in Plumbing Technician Training
Core Skills
The foundational skills you'll build in this program.
- PL110 Plumbing Fundamentals (60 lecture / 20 lab)
- PL120 Plumbing Theory (80/0)
- PL130 Fittings & Fixtures (40/40)
- PL140 Drainage, Waste & Vents (40/40)
- PL150 Water Service & Distribution Installation (40/40)
- PL160 Valves, Pumps & Plumbing Code (60/20)
- PL170 Layout & Installation (60/20)
- PL180 Servicing Plumbing Systems (60/20). Prerequisite chain: PL150–PL180 require completion of PL110, PL120, PL130, and PL140.
Tools & Technology
Practical tools and frameworks used in the field.
- Hand and power tools used by plumbers
- pipe threading equipment
- blueprint reading and drafting tools (scale rulers, drafting triangles, symbol templates)
- water heater installation (gas, electric, tankless)
- copper, brass, galvanized, and polyethylene piping
- soldering, brazing, and solvent-welding compounds and sealants
- isolation valves, pumps, hose outlets, and reactionary valves
- well pumps and toilet repair
- hydronic heating system components
- roof drain and storm drain systems
- drain cleaning equipment. Reference texts include Plumbing 101, 201, 301, 401, Residential Construction Academy: Plumbing, Introductory Technical Mathematics, and Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching.
Safety & Compliance
Safety protocols and compliance requirements.
- Personal protection and safety equipment
- basic OSHA regulations
- ladder and scaffolding safety
- trench and confined-space safety
- electrical safety
- safe material handling
- plumbing-code compliance (including DWV codes, water-distribution codes, and drilling/notching codes for structural safety)
- PPE — safety goggles, plumbing shirts, and classroom consumables
- 80% overall attendance requirement
- optional third-party OSHA-10 certification eligibility.
Is Plumbing Technician Training Right For You?
This program is designed for motivated learners who want a structured path into a career in summit college.
This Program Is For You If...
- You want a stable, essential skilled trade with strong long-term demand
- You're comfortable with hands-on installation, troubleshooting, and code-based work
- You can commit to an on-ground residential schedule with lecture and lab
- You're targeting roles in residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing, service & repair, or new construction.
Consider Other Options If...
- You want a fully online, self-paced program
- You're looking for a desk-based or office-only role
- You can't commit to the 8-module on-ground schedule
- You aren't comfortable with physical work, working in confined spaces, or working on water and drainage systems.
Certifications for Plumbing Technician
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Optional OSHA-10 Safety Training / Certification
Third-party OSHA Outreach Training provider
Students may qualify for optional third-party OSHA-10 safety training/certification, recognizing core workplace safety hazards relevant to the plumbing trade.
Focus: Workplace safety hazards, OSHA standards, ladder/scaffolding safety, trench and confined-space safety, and electrical safety.
Certificate of Completion — Plumbing Technician
Summit College
Awarded once the student completes all 8 program modules and meets the 80% overall attendance requirement. The program is aligned with the National Center for Career Education and Research (NCCER).
Focus: Comprehensive coverage of plumbing fundamentals, theory, fittings & fixtures, DWV, water service & distribution, valves & pumps, plumbing code, layout & installation, and servicing across 640 instructional hours.
Program is aligned with NCCER and prepares graduates with the core and specialty skills needed for entry-level plumbing work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
* OSHA-10 certification is optional and administered by third-party OSHA Outreach Training providers. State plumbing apprentice registration and journeyman/master plumber licensure are governed by state plumbing boards and require apprenticeship hours and exams beyond this program.
Career Outlook
Entry-Level Roles
- Plumber's Helper
- Plumbing Apprentice
- Plumbing Technician
- Service Plumber
- Pipefitter Helper
- Steamfitter Helper
- Drain Service Technician (per SOC 47-2152.02).
Advancement Path
Progress into Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, service specialist, hydronic heating specialist, plumbing foreman, estimator, or open your own plumbing contracting business.
Career Progression
CIP 46.0503 (Plumbing Technology/Plumber). SOC 47-2152.02 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
Tuition & Investment
What's Included
Plumbing Technician Training
- 640 total instructional hours — 440 lecture + 200 lab
- 8 modules × 80 hours each (4 weeks per module)
- 54 quarter credit hours over 32 weeks
- 1:30 Class / 1:20 Lab teacher-to-student ratio
- Residential on-ground delivery (lecture + lab)
- Hands-on training on pipe threading, water service, sewer installation, water line repairs, fittings & fixtures, DWV systems, valves & pumps, and servicing
- Aligned with the National Center for Career Education and Research (NCCER)
- Optional third-party OSHA-10 safety training/certification eligibility
- Summit College Certificate of Completion
Offer Insurance
Complete the program, follow the coaching system, and actively execute your job search — and you'll get a qualifying job offer. If you don't, we'll give you up to $9,000 back.
Read the full guaranteeStill deciding? Get a personalized breakdown — no commitment.
We'll send you a clear overview of the Plumbing Technician program so you can decide with confidence.
Get the Full Plumbing Technician Breakdown
Tell us how to reach you and we'll send a simple, no-fluff overview of the Plumbing Technician training program so you can decide if it's a fit.
- See total cost, schedule, and certification
- Understand real job titles and pay ranges
- Get your financing options laid out in plain English
Request More Information
Train at Summit College
Request program details to learn more about start dates, financial aid, and the on-ground lecture and lab schedule at this Summit College campus.