Essential Skills for Essential Work
Gain expertise to start your plumbing career in just nine months with the Plumbing Technology Certificate. From day one, you will develop essential skills to build a thriving career including:
- How to install and repair pipes and fixtures
- Safety practices and how to use tools
- How to work with customers and solve problems
Courses take place in the plumbing lab on the Springfield Campus in Springfield, MO, meant to mimic real job sites so you leave with realistic, hands-on experience. Use your training to step into residential, commercial and service repair plumbing roles.
“This program has shown me I can do this, so I am not scared about the future.”
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply for the program.
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Department Chair for Heating, Refrigeration & Air, Electrical Trades and Construction Trades
417-447-8274
Find Your Community
Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Plumbing Technology Certificate
Program Length: 1 Year
Location: Springfield Campus
Certificate: 32 Hours
Plumbing technicians install, service and repair the piping required to maintain a safe and sanitary plumbing system. Students in this program will learn to identify and understand the components of the plumbing system and how they work. Students will gain the knowledge and ability necessary to succeed in the plumbing industry while placing an emphasis on safe work practices and critical thinking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will learn how to use the tools of the trade safely and properly. This includes skills like:
- Reading a set of plans
- How to size water and drain piping
- Understanding the mechanical principles of plumbing
- Knowledge of pipes and fittings and how to install them
- How to repair most fixtures and pipes
- Communicate with a team and customers
- Basic knowledge of plumbing codes
The Ozarks Tech Plumbing program is a nine-month certificate.
To become a licensed plumber, you must have four years of experience as an apprentice working under a licensed master plumber before you can take your journeyman test.
To take you master plumbing test, you must have four years of experience working as a journeyman.
Your time at Ozarks Tech counts toward this time.
The Plumbing certificate helps you start working at a higher pay rate, and progress at a faster rate because of the knowledge you build in the program.
Most graduates of the Plumbing program have secured jobs before finishing school.
Yes. Ozarks Tech offers a nine-month certificate in Plumbing Technology.
You can work in roles to complete service repair or new construction in both residential and commercial plumbing.
More Tools for Finding Your Path
Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.