Plumbing Career Certificate

There’s more to plumbing than pipes and valves. New construction and building maintenance and repair in existing structures is driving demand for skilled plumbers who understand building codes, construction documents, problem solving and more. With this occupation-specific certificate, you will learn the tools of the trade and the technical knowledge to put you on the path to employment in this high-demand field.

Related Programs

Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application


Aug. 26:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Dedicated faculty: Faculty are "scholar-practitioners" with industry experience as well as academic credentials.  
  • Affordable tuition: Seminole State has significantly lower costs than trade schools.
  • High-tech facilities: Labs are equipped with the latest technologies that simulate real-world job conditions.  
  • Industry involvement: Our industry-focused certificate programs offer excellent connections to Central Florida employers.
  • Hands-on experience: Practical, hands-on learning experiences prepare students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
  • Career advancement: Graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce upon certificate completion.
Plumbing
Type: Career Certificate
Major Code: PLUMBIN-VC
CIP: 0646050312

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Spring 2025
This theoretical and practical course provides a basic introduction to the plumbing industry. Students will learn the proper use of hand and power tools, while obtaining their OSHA 10-certification. Students will learn to use construction math applications and gain an understanding in reading prints and drawings. Explains the Pythagorean theorem and reviews methods for laying out square corners. Discusses the techniques used to calculate simple and rolling offsets, as well as offsets on parallel runs of pipe. Explains how to identify and interpret civil, architectural, structural, HVAC/mechanical, plumbing and electrical drawings. Discusses how to ensure accurate dimensions, generate RFIs and locate plumbing entry points as well as how to establish piping routes and fixture locations. Isometric drawings, material takeoffs, approved submittal data and Building Information Management (BIM). Lab fee required.
This theoretical and practical course introduces electrical safety and the principles of electricity, including voltage, current, resistance and power. Includes important electrical formulas, circuitry and common plumbing-related electrical applications. Lab fee required.
This course introduces trainees to the different types of plastic pipe and fittings used in plumbing applications, including ABS, PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX and PB. Describes how to measure, cut, join and support plastic pipe according to manufacturer's instructions and applicable codes. Also discusses pressure testing of plastic pipe once installed. Discusses sizing, labeling and applications of copper pipe and fittings and reviews the types of valves that can be used on copper pipe systems. Explains proper methods for cutting, joining and installing copper pipe. Also addresses installation, pressure testing, seismic codes and handling and storage requirements. Introduces trainees to hub and spigot and no-hub cast iron pipe and fittings and their applications in DWV systems. Reviews material properties, storage and handling requirements and fittings and valves. Covers joining methods, installation and testing. Discusses threading, labeling and sizing of steel pipe and reviews the differences between domestic and imported pipe. Covers the proper technique for measuring, cutting, threading, joining and hanging steel pipe. Also reviews corrugated stainless steel tubing. Lab fee required.
This course discusses the proper applications of code-approved fixtures in plumbing installations. Reviews the different types of fixtures and the materials used in them. Also covers storage, handling and code requirements. Explains how drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems remove waste safely and effectively. Discusses how system components, such as pipes, drains, traps and vents work. Reviews drain and vent sizing, grade and waste treatment. Also discusses how building sewers and sewer drains connect the DWV system to the public sewer system. Identifies the major components of water distribution systems and describes their functions. Reviews water sources and treatment methods and covers supply and distribution for the different types of systems that trainees will install on the job. Lab fee required.
This course introduces methods for adjusting structural members, insulating pipe and installing fire-stopping. Covers reinforcement techniques for modified structural members, how to measure, cut and install fiberglass and flexible foam insulation and how to identify walls, floors and ceilings that require fire-stopping. Explains how to locate, install, connect and test a complete drain, waste and vent (DWV) system. Discusses how to develop material takeoffs, set up and use levels, locate building sewers and building drains, locate fixtures and test a DWV system. Covers the proper techniques for locating, installing and connecting roof, floor and area drains and floor sinks according to code. Also discusses waterproof membranes and flashing, drain components, shower pans, trap primers and proper drain applications. Lab fee required.
This course explores the proper techniques for locating, installing and testing complete water service and distributions systems, including meters, water heaters, water softeners and hose bibs. Introduces trainees to basic backflow prevention and water hammer prevention and discusses the installation of shower and tub valves, ice maker and washing machine boxes and pipe stub outs and supports. Reviews types of valves, their components and applications. Also covers valve servicing. Covers the installation of basic plumbing fixtures, including bathtubs, shower stalls, lavatories, sinks, water closets and urinals. Reviews the installation of associated valves, faucets and components. Also discusses how to connect appliances such as dishwashers, food waste disposers, refrigerators, ice makers and washing machines. Discusses gas-fired, electric, tankless, heat pump, and indirect water heaters, components and applications. Reviews proper installation and testing techniques and covers the latest code requirements for water heaters. Lab fee required.
This course introduces techniques for safe handling of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and fuel oil. Review fuel gas and fuel oil safety precautions and potential hazards, applications, systems installation and testing. Teaches techniques for sizing water supply systems, including calculating system requirements and demand, developed lengths, and pressure drops. Reviews the factors that can reduce efficiency of water supply piping. Introduces different backflow prevention devices and explains how they work, where they are used and how they are installed in water supply systems. Explains how to disinfect, filter and soften water supply systems. Discusses how to troubleshoot water supply problems, flush out visible contaminants from a plumbing system and disinfect a potable water plumbing system. Lab fee required.
This course reviews the different types of vents that can be installed in a drain, waste and vent (DWV) system and explains how they work. Also teaches design and installation techniques. Explains how to calculate drainage fixtures units for waste systems. Reviews how to size DWV systems, storm drainage systems and roof storage and drainage systems. Discusses corrosive wastes and reviews related safety issues and hazard communications. Discusses how to determine when corrosive-resistant waste piping needs to be installed as well as how to correctly select and properly connect different types of piping. Lab fee required.
This course explains the principles of compressed air systems and describes their components and accessories. Reviews installation and periodic servicing of air compressor systems. Covers the troubleshooting and repair of fixtures, valves and faucets in accordance with code and safety guidelines. Explains how to diagnose and repair water supply and drainage piping, water heaters and other appliances and fixtures. Describes the effects of corrosion, freezing and hard water on plumbing systems. Describes the location and layout of plumbing systems for mobile home and travel trailer parks. Explains how to design and lay out a system, how to connect water and sewer lines to a mobile home and how to estimate materials and costs for the park. Lab fee required.
This course builds on trainees' previous experience with pumps, storage tanks, controls, pipes and fittings by explaining how to assemble those components into systems that boost water pressure and provide hot water. Explains the code requirements and installation procedures for systems that protect against contamination from indirect and special wastes. Discusses the different codes used by plumbers across the country and explains how those codes are written, adopted, modified and implemented. Lab fee required.
This course is a review and prep class for the Journeyman Licensing exam. Students will research, interpret and discuss applications for relevant local and state plumbing codes. Lab fee required.
This course introduces trainees to the knowledge and skills required for team leadership. Covers practical information about today's construction industry, basic leadership skills, safety responsibilities of a supervisor and a detailed survey of project control techniques. Lab fee required.
Total Hours: 1080

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Tuition and Fees*

 Seminole State
Tuition$70
Fees$14
Total per Credit Hour$84
Total per Contact Hour Rate$3

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on program costs for in-state students according to the current fee schedule. The cost for books, supplies and any other program-related expenses will vary by program. Financial aid may be available for qualified students. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.