Anyone who’s ever had to fix their plumbing systems without help has probably realized from experience how essential plumbers are in our society. Understanding the complex system that provides us running water and efficient channels to dispose of our waste is not an ability that comes out of thin air.
It takes significant training and education to become familiar enough with these systems to manipulate them to suit specific scenarios.
Thankfully, several colleges and vocational institutions are qualified to provide this training. The only challenge is identifying the best one.
The list below is a great way to start for anyone looking to become a plumber in Portland and wondering which school is the best alternative.
Accredited Plumbing Programs
Plumbers in Portland and other areas in Oregon must be licensed before they can practice. Licensing is required on every level, including journeymen, master plumbers, and plumbing contractors.
An essential licensing requirement in the state is to obtain training from an accredited program/institution. For this reason, regardless of whether you’re getting your exercise from an apprenticeship program or a classroom, you must confirm that your training source is accredited.
Naturally, we have ensured that all the entries below are accredited and offer a direct path toward getting licensed.
Preparing for Plumbing Schools
A plumbing school provides a critical technical foundation for anyone looking to become a plumber. The structure and organization of the courses in a plumbing school make passing licensing exams objectively easier.
To enter most plumbing schools, applicants must possess a GED or high school diploma. Most plumbing schools also advise having a background in foundational high school classes such as Algebra I & II, trigonometry, geometry, blueprint reading, and construction.
Top Plumbing Schools in Portland, OR
Below are some of the most prominent plumbing schools in Portland.
Portland Community College
Portland, OR Online + Campus
Established in 1971, Portland Community College remains the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon. The school is accredited by the Northeastern Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers one of the best plumbing training programs in the state.
Tuition
$128 - $268 per CreditContact
971-722-8888
enroll@pcc.edu
705 Killingsworth St. Portland, Oregon 97217
Oregon Tradeswomen
Portland, OR Campus Only
The Oregon Tradeswomen program is another veritable alternative for students looking to acquire solid plumbing training, emphasizing both classroom work and hands-on experience.
The organization is quite famous for providing assistance and free job training for women in the area. Their plumbing program contains 192 hours of classroom training, field trips, and practical work.
Email: applications@oregontradeswomen.org
Tuition
FreeContact
(503) 335-8200
Email in Bio
454 SE 18th St. Portland, Oregon 97233
Job Corps
Portland, OR Campus Only
The Jobs Corps' Oregon chapter in Portland allows individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 to acquire a skilled trade and workplace readiness. One of the programs available is plumbing.
Tuition
FreeContact
(301) 608-3290
Luht.Julie@jobcorps.org
30 N. Webster St. Portland, Oregon 97207
Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries
Portland, OR Online + Campus
Another nonprofit known for its comprehensive approach towards skills development and acquisition, the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries, has a solid plumbing training program focused on providing pre-apprentice classes and hands-on training sessions.
Tuition
FreeContact
(971) 245-3844
boli_help@boli.oregon.gov
800 NE Oregon St. Portland, Oregon 97232
What’s Next After Graduation?
After graduating from a plumbing school in Portland, the next step is to get licensed as a journeyman plumber. To do so, you must pass a licensing examination. Some topics to focus on in preparation for the exam include plumbing mathematics, vents, appendices, water heaters, general regulations, definitions, fixtures, faucets and fixture fittings, and sanitary drainage.
The application includes a $100 fee.
To qualify, candidates either possess a certificate showing they completed four years of apprenticeship training or a verified proof of 576 hours of classroom training AND 3,850 hours of training on-the-job training.
Explore nearby states for training and education:
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: