4206 - Plumbing

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in the installation, modification, and repair of utility, supply, and disposal systems, fixtures, fittings, and equipment such as sewage, water, gas, and oil lines, compressed air, vacuum, and acid systems, water closets, water heaters, hydrants, valves, and pumps.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTING FAMILY, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) Is Not In Demand American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) mostMost    
Air Conditioning Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Air Conditioning Installation Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) mostMost    
Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Mobile Hydraulic Technician (MHT) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Residential Plumbing Inspector - P1 Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Plumbing Plans Examiner - P3 Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Commercial Plumbing Inspector - P2 Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Journey Level Plumber Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) mostMost    
Journey Level Pipefitter-Steamfitter Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) mostMost    
Medical Gas Installer Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
STAR Fire Sprinklerfitter Mastery Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) mostMost    
STAR Steamfitting-Pipefitting Mastery Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) someSome    
Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) Is Not In Demand Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Commercial Refrigeration Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome    
Hydronics Gas Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome    
Hydronics Oil Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome    
IAPMO - UMC Residential and Commercial Inspector Is Not In Demand International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) someSome    
IAPMO - Plumbing Plans Examiner Is Not In Demand International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) mostMost    
IAPMO - Mechanical Plans Examiner Is Not In Demand International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) someSome    
IAPMO - UPC Residential and Commercial Inspector Is Not In Demand International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) someSome    
Fuel Gas Inspector - FG Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome    
Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector/Plans Examiner - RF Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome    
STAR HVACR Mastery Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
STAR Plumbing Mastery Is Not In Demand National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) mostMost    
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspector - CF Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome    
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Plans Examiner - CP Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome    
State of California Plumbing Inspector Is Not In Demand International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) mostMost    
State of California Mechanical Inspector Is Not In Demand International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) someSome    
Plumbing Code Specialist - P8 Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 4206 - Plumbing. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Boilermakers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Construction and Building Inspectors someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Construction Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Home Appliance Repairers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Mechanical Engineering Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Pipelayers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Plumbers mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) certification is for engineers and designers of plumbing systems. The CPD is the only international credential program in the plumbing engineering field and sets the standards for leadership within the industry. Candidates must possess a minimum of four years of practical experience in a position of responsibility for the design of plumbing systems and possess a baccalaureate degree in a field related to engineering. In lieu of an accredited degree, candidates may substitute up to an additional four years of practical experience in the design of plumbing systems, for a total of eight years, or be granted a credit of one-half year of practical experience for each full year of education in an accredited curriculum related to plumbing engineering. Candidates must take a written exam.

Click here to go to Air Conditioning Service COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Air Conditioning Service is designed for top level service technicians in the HVAC industry. Air Conditioning Service applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems that are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity. It is recommended that applicants have two years of field experience working on air conditioning systems as a service technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Air Conditioning Service certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and an Air Conditioning Service exam. Technicians that earn the Air Conditioning Service certification are also awarded the Air Conditioning Installation certification. The Air Conditioning Service certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to Air Conditioning Installation COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Air Conditioning Installation is designed for top level installation technicians in the HVAC industry. Air Conditioning Installation applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems that are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity. It is recommended that applicants have one year of field experience working on air conditioning systems as an installation technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Air Conditioning Installation certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and an Air Conditioning Installation exam. The certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who fabricate, assemble, and test hose and assemblies. To earn the CC certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who troubleshoot, test, modify systems, and prepare reports. IHTs apply fluid power theory and related knowledge to test and troubleshoot operational industrial hydraulic systems and applications. IHTs also read industrial application schematics, perform basic cylinder and hydraulic motor calculations, and supervise system installations and commissioning. To earn the IHT certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Mobile Hydraulic Technician (MHT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Mobile Hydraulic Technician (MHT) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who troubleshoot, test, modify systems, and prepare reports. MHTs apply fluid power theory and related knowledge to test and troubleshoot operational industrial hydraulic systems and applications. MHTs also read industrial application schematics, perform basic cylinder and hydraulic motor calculations, and supervise system installations and commissioning. To earn the MHT certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Residential Plumbing Inspector - P1 COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Plumbing Plans Examiner - P3 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Code Council (ICC) Plumbing Plans Examiner certification validates an individual's technical knowledge, education and related experience as an examiner. The certification holder demonstrates the ability to interpret plans related to plumbing set up in various structures and inspect the surrounding area to ensure safe set up. A certified individual has a strong knowledge of building and plumbing codes and an understanding of factors such as: Fixtures, Water Supply and Distribution, Drainage, Interceptors, Separators, and Storage Systems as it applies to plumbing code standards. There are no experience requirements, education requirements, or pre-requisites that must be met prior to taking the written exam. However, individuals seeking the Plumbing Plans Examiner certification should have technical knowledge and related experience in their chosen field of expertise. Candidates are required to pass a multiple-choice written exam with at least a 75%.

Click here to go to Commercial Plumbing Inspector - P2 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Code Council (ICC) Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification validates an individual's basic technical knowledge, education and related experience as an inspector. The certification holder demonstrates the ability to conduct inspections of plumbing systems to ensure they are safe and legal and has a strong knowledge of building and plumbing codes. The individual will have an understanding of factors such as: Fixtures, Water Heaters, Water Supply and Distribution, Sanitary and Storm Drainage, Vents, Interceptors, Separators, and Special Piping as it applies to code compliance when conducting inspections. There are no experience requirements, education requirements, or pre-requisites that must be met prior to taking the written exam. However, individuals seeking the Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification should have technical knowledge and related experience in their chosen field of expertise. Candidates are required to pass a multiple-choice written exam with at least a 75%.

Click here to go to Journey Level Plumber COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Journey Level Pipefitter-Steamfitter COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Gas Installer COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

A National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) Medical Gas Installer certification candidate is a qualified individual who can demonstrate competence within their scope and will be proficient in and experienced in the installation of medical gas and vacuum systems covered by the ASSE Series 6000 Standard. Installers include anyone who works on or installs piping or components, including brazers. A qualified Medical Gas Installer may perform these tasks alone, or through the supervision of other individuals. In addition to knowledge of product installation, a Medical Gas Installer is required to have a general knowledge of the applicable laws, codes, rules, listing agencies, and regulations from the federal, state, and local levels pertaining to medical gas and vacuum systems as well as knowledge of product performance, system and system component testing, documenting and recording, and medical gas terminology. Candidates must have a minimum of four (4) years of documented practical experience in the field of installation of plumbing or mechanical systems and have completed a minimum 32-hour training course conducted by a Medical Gas Systems Instructor certified to ASSE Standard 6050. Candiddates must pass a multiple-choice examination covering ASSE Standard 6010 and applicable sections of NFPA 99 and (2) a proctored practical (brazing) examination.

Click here to go to STAR Fire Sprinklerfitter Mastery COOL Snapshot page.

Fire sprinklerfitter Mastery. Candidates must have a minimum of five years experience in the installation of piping systems. Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or verification of five years experience by employers is required. Candidates must also pass an open-book examination. The examination covers the topics of water supply systems, system components, spacing, location, and positioning of sprinklers, wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems, reaction and deluge systems, specialty systems, and inspection. This credential must be renewed every five years, which can be done by successfully passing a fifty question, non-proctored, multiple choice open book examination.

Click here to go to STAR Steamfitting-Pipefitting Mastery COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

A STAR Steamfitting-Pipefitting Mastry certification candidate is a qualified individual who can demonstrate mastery of the trade and will be skilled and experienced in fabricating, preparing, rigging and installing pipes, tubing and equipment by following plans, specifications, SOP's and standard pipefitting practices in order to comply with local and jurisdictional codes and help to complete the job/project safely, on schedule and to the satisfaction of the customer. Candidates should have completed a UA training program or equivalent and/or have five years of experience in the industry. Candidates must pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) is an entry-level credential designed to demonstrate that an operator has sufficient knowledge to work under supervision in industrial refrigeration. There is no minimum experience requirement for CARO. Applicants are required to pass an exam. The exam assesses mastery of concepts and principles in RETA's Industrial Refrigeration I and the Ammonia Safety chapter in Industrial Refrigeration IV. Applicants and those certified must agree to abide and uphold the RETA Code of Conduct.

Click here to go to Commercial Refrigeration Specialty (Service) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Hydronics Gas Specialty (Service) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Hydronics Oil Service COOL Snapshot page.

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Hydronics Oil Service certification is designed for top level service technicians in the HVAC industry. Hydronics Oil Service applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of hot water heating systems. System sizes are limited to 400,000 BTU or less heating capacity. It is recommended that applicants have two years of field experience working on Oil Hydronics systems as a service technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Hydronics Oil Service certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and a Hydronics Service exam. The certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to IAPMO - UMC Residential and Commercial Inspector COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to IAPMO - Plumbing Plans Examiner COOL Snapshot page.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Plumbing Plans Examiner is an intermediate-career level credential for plumbing, construction, and other professionals. IAPMO’s National Personnel Certification Program assesses knowledge of construction codes as an indicator of ability and professionalism. Candidates for the IAPMO - Plumbing Plans Examiner are required to meet criteria set by the organization and must pass an exam.

Click here to go to IAPMO - Mechanical Plans Examiner COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to IAPMO - UPC Residential and Commercial Inspector COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Fuel Gas Inspector - FG COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspector/Plans Examiner - RF COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to STAR HVACR Mastery COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC), STAR HVACR Mastery certification is for qualified individuals who can demonstrate mastery of the trade and will be skilled and experienced in operations, planning, blueprint reading, safety, and the practical installation, repair, and service of HVACR systems. Candidates should be a technician who has completed a UA training program or equivalent and/or has five years of experience in the industry. Candidates must pass a written examination.

Click here to go to STAR Plumbing Mastery COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspector - CF COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Commercial Fire Sprinkler Plans Examiner - CP COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to State of California Plumbing Inspector COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to State of California Mechanical Inspector COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Plumbing Code Specialist - P8 COOL Snapshot page.

The ICC Plumbing Code Specialist - P8 is an intermediate-level professional credential for individuals who specialize in the plumbing systems in buildings. The CS examination module is required for candidates pursuing a Code Specialist combination designation. This module serves to test the candidate's knowledge of the legal concerns, management issues, and communication skills that are necessary for an ICC Code Specialist.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Boilermakers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Boilermakers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Construction and Building Inspectors
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Construction Managers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Mechanical Engineering Technicians
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Pipelayers
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