Class Description
Plumbers are in short supply across the region and the work doesn't go away. NCCER Plumbing Level 1 is part of the required training for many company apprenticeship programs, and it's built to get you hired as a helper or apprentice while you keep training.
You start with NCCER Introductory Craft Skills, the 40-hour CORE credential, and move into Plumbing Level 1 right after. You register for both at the same time.
Total Course Hours:
40 hours CORE + 190 hours Plumbing Level 1
Full Tuition Cost:
FastForward price for Virginia residents: $366 (CORE) + $833 (Plumbing Level 1)
Course Structure & Schedule
This is an in-person hybrid program. You will be in the lab for hands-on work and online for coursework.
Location: Richmond, VA - Reynolds Community College Downtown Campus
Credential: NCCER CORE and NCCER Plumbing Level 1
Schedule: Daytime or evening
Part 1 — NCCER Introductory Craft Skills (CORE)
You cover:
- Basic safety
- Hand tools and power tools
- Construction drawings
- Construction math
- Basic communication and employability skills
Part 2 — NCCER Plumbing Level 1
Starts after CORE ends. Classroom instruction plus hands-on lab time in entry-level plumbing for construction and service work. Topics include:
- Introduction to the plumbing profession
- Plumbing safety
- Plumbing tools
- Introduction to plumbing math
- Introduction to plumbing drawings
- Plastic pipe and fittings
- Copper pipe and fittings
- Cast-iron pipe and fittings
- Carbon steel pipe and fittings
- Corrugated stainless steel tubing
- Fixtures and faucets
- Introduction to drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems
- Introduction to water systems
NOTE: Registration in NCCER CORE or previous NCCER CORE certification is required for enrollment in NCCER Plumbing Level 1. Already have your CORE credential? Call us — you may be able to enter Level 1 directly.
Going further: Plumbing Level 2
Level 2 covers topics such as fuel gas and fuel oil systems, water heaters, valves, installing and testing water supply piping, roof and floor drains, and commercial drawings.
What's Included in Tuition?
- Instructor-led classroom and lab training for both CORE and Level 1
- Course materials
- NCCER CORE credential upon successful completion
- NCCER Plumbing Level 1 credential upon successful completion
- Registration in the NCCER Registry
Upcoming Class Dates
CORE + Plumbing Level 1
- Starts 09/10/2026, finishes 02/15/2027
- CORE: 09/10/2026 – 10/26/2026
- Plumbing Level 1: 10/29/2026 – 02/15/2027
Getting Started
Step 1:
Complete the CCWA Financial Assistance Application if interested in seeing if you qualify to have the last 1/3 of your tuition cost paid for.
If you have any questions, give us a call at 804-523-2296.
John McGarry Coordinator, Trades & Construction 804-523-2284
jmcgarry@ccwa.vccs.edu