Plumbing Schools in North Dakota: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited North Dakota Plumber Training Programs 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” All of this holds true in North Dakota.

The North Dakota State Plumbing Board issues licenses for apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbers. North Dakota also requires a general contractor's license, issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office, to work as a plumbing contractor.

The following North Dakota trade schools and technical colleges offer plumbing training programs:

• North Dakota State College of Science in Fargo and Wahpeton

• Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical school, community college, or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some, like North Dakota, require experience working under a licensed contractor.

Finding a job as a plumber’s helper can be very competitive, and you will need to find ways to move up the ranking list to be selected. There are often classes applicants can take in high school and college to prepare and perhaps be ranked higher on the candidate list.

They include trade classes such as blueprint reading and construction classes, and math classes like Algebra I & II, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Very few plumbers choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering degree programs at one of the four-year universities in North Dakota such as:

• University of North Dakota in Grand Forks

• North Dakota State University in Fargo

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All class instruction combines theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the plumbing courses you’ll take are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Isometric Analysis 

• Waste, Sanitary Drainage Systems, and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Water Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Further along will be intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals, among other education courses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the plumbing apprenticeship or school and program that is right for you.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at North Dakota community colleges on average is $4,270 per year for in-state students and $7,571 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving financial aid in the form of a federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants can apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

Program length varies based on the type of program (certificate, degree, etc.) and the school. The Plumbing Technology certificate at Turtle Mountain Community College takes nine months to complete.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or pre-apprenticeship over one without. Those credentials can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals.

Online vs. In-person

You may choose to get that jump on plumbing training through an online program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. 

Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success both list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies more on personal instruction, the traditional in-person classes and accredited programs listed above are fairly accessible throughout the state.

Level of Difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing trade in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers must learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including: how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems (including water heaters); troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; execute on remodels or new installations that involve running all water, gas and sewage lines; know how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; understand the plumbing code; and keep accurate records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance   

Let’s take a look at plumbing trade schools in North Dakota:

North Dakota State College of Science 

• Offers a Plumbing certificate program | Upon successful completion of the NDSCS Plumbing program, up to 2,040 schooling hours may be credited by the ND State Plumbing Board | 37 credits

• An Associate in Applied Science degree in Mechanical Systems may be earned by taking the additional REFG (HVAC/R) courses listed under the Mechanical Systems AAS Degree.

Turtle Mountain Community College 

• Offers a Plumbing Technology certificate program | 32 credits

Steps for Enrollment in North Dakota

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in North Dakota

A four-year apprenticeship under a master plumber is required to be eligible for the journeyman plumber exam. In addition, a journeyman plumber must also hold a general contractor’s license. After at least two years (3,400 hours) of work experience as a journeyman plumber under a licensed master plumber, individuals become eligible for the master plumber exam. 

Both journeyman and master plumbing license holders must complete four hours of continuing education coursework every two years. 

For a detailed explanation of North Dakota’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your North Dakota Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in North Dakota

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field, you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what average salary can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in North Dakota? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber annual salary in North Dakota for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $45,100

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $54,600

• Senior 4-6 years: $59,000

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

To eventually work as a licensed journeyman plumber or master plumber in North Dakota, you must first fulfill apprentice plumber requirements. Earning a plumbing certificate counts as credit toward the required four-year apprenticeship program.

The North Dakota Department of Commerce maintains a list of companies offering apprenticeships for all trades. The United Association Local 300 offers union apprenticeships. In addition, candidates can apply directly with a sponsoring company.

Other School Options

In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in neighboring South Dakota and Minnesota.

• Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, S.D.St. Cloud Technical and Community College in St. Cloud, Minn.

• Saint Paul College in Saint Paul, Minn.

You can find the training you need to excel in a career as a plumber in North Dakota. The opportunities are all around you.