MOS 21K Plumber

Civilian Equivalents The following civilian occupations are similar to MOS 21K. For more information about these occupations from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, click on the civilian equivalent below. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Credential Summary     Certification   Federal License   State License   Apprenticeship

National Certification

The following sections provide information on national certifications related to MOS 21K.

Common Certifications

The following certifications are directly applicable to MOS 21K. For information about how well military training and experience qualify you for these certifications, use the links below.

American Society of Plumbing Engineers
	Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD)

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Advanced/Specialized and Other Certifications

Soldiers in MOS 21K may also be interested in the following certifications. These certifications may require additional education, training or experience. For information about the general requirements for these certifications from the certifying boards, use the links below.

American Construction Inspectors Association -- Board of Registered Construction Inspectors (ACIA)

• Registered Construction Inspector: Division III: Specialty - Plumbing  

International Code Council (ICC)

• Certified Commercial Plumbing Inspector (CCPI)
• Certified Plumbing Inspector  
• Certified Plumbing Plans Examiner (CPPE)
• Residential Plumbing Inspector  

Prometric (formerly Experior Assessments)

• Construction Code Inspector

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State Licensure

A number of states require licensure for individuals practicing in this field in the civilian workforce. You can search for state licensure requirements on the
U.S. Department of Labor’s Licensed Occupations web site.

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Apprenticeship

Armed Forces training in plumbing is considered to be good preparation for entry into some type of apprenticeship training, which is how virtually all plumbers enter the trade. Apprenticeships - both union and nonunion - consist of four or five years of on-the-job training, in addition to at least 144 hours per year of related classroom experience. Classroom subjects include drafting and blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics and chemistry, safety, and local plumbing codes and regulations.

There is no centralized source of information regarding opportunities for plumbing apprenticeships. For details about apprenticeship or other work opportunities in the plumbing trade, contact any one of the following:

• National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors (NASTAD)
• The Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training)
• America’s Job Bank
• Local chapters of the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors
• The Mechanical Contractors Association of America
• The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada

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