Get Started
Entrance Exam
Prior to acceptance into the PHCC GSA Training Facility Plumbing Apprenticeship and Trainee Program, the applicant must pass an entry level examination and oral interview.
Requirements for the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
- Be at least eighteen (18) years old
- Have a High School Diploma or equivalent GED or High School Proficiency Certificate
- Valid California drivers license
- Be physically able to perform the work of the trade
- Complete an enrollment application. Bring your completed application to the examination appointment
- Pass Entrance Exam. You will take a written examination consisting of reading comprehension, math, and a ruler exam
- Pass Oral Interview: You will be given an oral interview by one of the members of the training staff
- Must be willing to commit to a four-year program
- Must work for a sponsoring contractor in the program
- Must be willing to follow the Rules and Regulations and Standards governing the program
Find Your Local Training School
Download Additional Forms
State and Federally Approved Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
PHCC GSA offers State & Federal registered Plumbing apprenticeship training programs for the 47 northern California counties. Federal trainee programs are offered in parallel with the state apprenticeship.
PHCC GSA Training programs give students the opportunity to learn a trade with paid hands-on experience, and while building a career. Students work for a C-36 Plumbing licensed contractor and are paid for on-the-job training. Apprentices and trainees are required to complete 800 hours of classroom instruction and 7,200 hours of on-the-job training during the four (4) year program.
The federally-approved apprenticeship program runs in conjunction with the state-approved training program. Students are registered with the United States, Department of Labor and are approved to work on Davis Bacon projects.
California requires the use of apprentices on all local and state public works construction projects. PHCC Apprentices are registered with the State of California, Division of Apprenticeship Standards and are certified to work as apprentices on public work projects.
Plumbing Trainee Program
The trainee program is offered to employers who perform residential and/or private commercial work. These employers want to provide an education to their employees to create a stronger workforce. The trainee program parallels the State Approved Apprenticeship Program and is offered throughout the state.
Trainees are not registered with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and cannot work on public work projects as an apprentice.
This program is also employer sponsored and the students are paid for their On-the-Job-Training. The sponsoring contractor pays the yearly enrollment fee.
Become A Plumber Today
The PHCC GSA offers three training programs to suit the needs of California Plumbing Contractors. We’d love to help you meet your training needs and the needs of the plumbing industry.
Application Process
- Complete the Student Application
- Submit High School Diploma or GED Certificate
- Attend Testing Date in Local Area
- Pass Written Test
- Pass Oral Interview
- Gain Employment with Sponsoring Contractor
- Complete an Apprentice Agreement (Apprentices only)
- Receive a welcome package
- Begin one of the PHCC GSA Plumbing Training Programs
Before an applicant is accepted, they must pass an entry level examination and oral interview.
Written Examination
Part 1, Reading and Comprehension: The applicant will be required to read several paragraphs and answer 13 multiple choice questions about what was read.
Part 2, Math: The math portion consists of 32 problems. A calculator may be used to solve the problems.
Part 3, Ruler: This portion of the exam will test the applicant’s ability to read a ruler including fractions and inches. The applicant is given several close-up views of a ruler with arrows identifying the specific measurements along the ruler. The applicant will be required to provide the measurement that corresponds with each of the arrows.
The applicant will be given one hour to complete the entire exam. A passing grade of 70% in each of the three sections is required to pass.
Oral Interview
The oral interview will be given to each applicant passing the written entrance examination.
The interview is conducted in order to be assured that the applicant would be committed to a four-year program.
The applicant must achieve a passing score of 70% on the oral interview.
Challenge Test Fees
Each year, the applicant wishes to challenge, an application fee with the required form and W-2s must be submitted in order to schedule a test date, along with an enrollment fee per year challenged.
Challenge tests are scheduled and proctored by PHCC GSA Training Facility staff at the training office located at 1820 Tribute Road, Suite A, in Sacramento, CA 95815. Each year’s challenge test can only be taken once per applicant and must be taken prior to enrollment into the training program and dispatched to the employer. After completion of the challenge test, the applicant will be notified of the results and the year they will start the program in.
For all questions and/or to request the Challenge test form - contact the PHCC GSA Training Facility Monday - Thursday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Fridays 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM via email at info@phccgsa.org or by phone at (916) 640-0910.