Job requirements Plumber in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a plumber in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Plumbers (NOC 7251).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in plumbing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified plumbers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office, Government of Alberta
British Columbia Plumber Regulated Industry Training Authority British Columbia
Manitoba Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship Manitoba
New Brunswick Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Departmant of Advanced Education and Skills of Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades, Government of the Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia Plumber Regulated Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Nunavut Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification, Government of Nunavut
Ontario Plumber Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Prince Edward Island Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship Training and Skilled Trade Certification, Government of Prince Edward Island
Québec Plumber Regulated Emploi Québec
Saskatchewan Plumber Regulated Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Yukon Plumber Regulated Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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