Plumbers install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drainage, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, chemical and irrigation. They also install specialized systems such as medical gas, process piping, compressed air, water conditioners, fuel piping, sewage and water treatment, and storage and flow equipment. Plumbers interpret drawings, refer to layouts of existing services, and review applicable codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures. They locate and mark positions for fixtures, pipe connections and sleeves, and cut openings to accommodate pipe and fittings.
Regulations concerning the planning, installation, maintenance and inspection of sewage treatment systems may vary by jurisdiction. Additional certification may be required in some jurisdictions to allow plumbers to plan and perform work on these systems.
For information regarding BC regulations, please refer to Sewerage System Regulation
OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS THE PLUMBER PROGRAM WILL BE CHANGING. WHERE ARE WE NOW?
APRIL 2020 - MARCH 2021
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
Harmonized* |
Harmonized* |
Current** |
Current** |
*Harmonized = Program stream with re-aligned content beginning in April 2019
**Current = Program stream for apprentices who've completed level 1 training before April 2019
If you are unclear as to what program you are registered in, or unclear as to which program you should be following, please contact ITA Customer Service.
HARMONIZED PROGRAM INFORMATION - In effect starting April 1, 2019 as per Transition Plan |
||
Program Profile | Describes the requirements for apprentices and challengers to earn certification. | Download (191 PDF KB) |
Program Outline | Guidelines for delivery of technical training at ITA Recognized Training Providers | Download (1,211 PDF KB) |
Exam Weighting Charts | The Exam Weighting Charts for the Harmonized level exams will be made available as the Harmonized level exams are launched. |
Level 1 (130 PDF KB) |
Please be aware that changes have been made to the Gasfitter - Class B program, please view OPSN 2018 002.1 for details.
Program Updates:
Transitioning to the Harmonized Program
|
Standardized Level Exams
|
Program Information
The documents below offer detailed information specific to this program.
- Program Profile
- Describes the requirements for apprentices and challengers to earn certification
- Download(PDF 171.39 KB)
- Program Outline
- Guidelines for delivery of technical training at ITA Recognized Training Providers
- Download(PDF 893 KB)
- Guidelines on Interprovincial (IP) Red Seal Examination
- Information guide about how to study for the IP Exam including sample questions
- Download(PDF 1.32 MB)
- Interprovincial (IP) Exam Table
- List of tasks that will be tested and number of questions on each task
- Download(PDF 28.68 KB)
Challenge Certification/Recognize Prior Experience
If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification.
OR
If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.
- Instructions
- How to Apply
- Download(PDF 171.16 KB)
- Application Form
- Personal information and exams scheduling information (for challenge option)
- Download(PDF 57.04 KB)
- Employer Declaration
- Document of relevant work experience
- Download(PDF 521.18 KB)
- Statutory Declaration
- Attestation for self-employment/work experience when employer cannot be contacted
- Download(PDF 410.88 KB)