Plumbing Technician is a Certificate program offered by Capstone College in Pasadena, CA. The program takes 30 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $17,850.
Program Overview
The Plumbing Technician Program is designed to prepare graduates with the technical skills and practical hands-on training to obtain entry-level employment in today’s residential and commercial plumbing industry. Course topics include plumbing theory and fundamentals, proper safety issues and practices, basic mathematical skills, and use of power and hand tools, equipment, materials and joining methods used in the trade. Training includes the design and installation of water and gas distribution systems, selection and requirements of various types of plumbing fixtures, and repair of water supplies and wastewater systems, with primary emphasis on the International Plumbing Code as well as applicable local codes and standards.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical training in our 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art lab, you’ll learn to diagnose, repair, and install plumbing systems for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In less than a year, you’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to enter the workforce and build a future in the plumbing industry.
Plumbing skills you’ll be learning.
- Pipe Installation and Repair: measure, cut, and thread pipes of copper, PVC, and steel.
- Fixture Installation and Maintenance: water heaters, sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, and bathtubs.
- Drainage and Waste Systems: drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) systems.
- Blueprint Reading and System Design.
- Soldering, Brazing, and Welding.
- Water Supply Systems.
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.
- Advanced Tools and Technology, including video inspection equipment.
- Safety and Environmental Practices, including OSHA regulations.
What sets this Program apart
State-Of-The-Art Lab. Work in our 10,000 square foot facility equipped with the latest technology and tools. Get exposure to residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
Experienced Instructors. Learn from experienced, certified instructors with years of experience in the field. Get personalized guidance and feedback to ensure skill mastery.
Certification Preparation. Includes preparation for the state or EPA certification, with guidance on steps to earn additional certifications, like OSHA safety certification.
Graduate in Less Than a Year. Accelerated programs designed to get students workforce-ready in under a year.
Hands-On Training. Gain practical real-world experience working with real tools and systems, and complete projects that mirror the challenges faced on the job.
Flexible Class Schedules. We offer both morning and evening class schedules to help you train for a new career while balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.
Career Support. Job placement assistance upon graduation, including resume workshops and interview coaching, and connections with local employers in the industry through partnerships.
One-on-One Tutoring. Our instructors offer personalized one-on-one tutoring to ensure you fully understand the material.
Admission Requirements and Process
Our Admissions team is here to guide you in selecting the best training program to match your career goals. All applicants complete an application for admission and an enrollment agreement prior to the start of any class, and a High School diploma or GED is required for all programs. A personal interview with an Admissions Representative is also required; it enables administrators to determine the qualifications of a potential applicant and gives the candidate a tour of campus.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. If younger than 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the enrollment process and sign the enrollment agreement. The institution accepts applicants with physical or mental handicaps or learning disabilities; the building and bathrooms are handicapped accessible.
Transfer of credit. Advanced placement/transfer of credit may be requested and awarded up to a maximum of one-third of the total program credit hours. There is no fee assessed for testing, evaluation, or granting of transfer of credit.
General Requirements
- Application and enrollment agreementAll applicants are required to complete an application for admission and an enrollment agreement prior to the start of any class.
- High school diploma or GEDA High School diploma or GED is required for all programs.
- Admissions interviewCompletion of a personal interview with an Admissions Representative is a requirement for admission; it also gives the candidate a better understanding of career fields, program…
- Minimum ageApplicants must be at least 18 years old; if younger than 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the enrollment process and sign the enrollment agreement.
- English proficiencyInstruction is provided in English only, and English language proficiency is required at the level of a high school diploma or GED certificate.
- Mandatory orientationOrientation is mandatory: attend a one-hour on-campus meeting or schedule an online session, where you receive all course materials and set up your online student account.
Application Process
- 1Schedule a VisitGive us a call at (626) 486-1000 or apply online. Your admissions advisor will help answer questions and recommend a program that fits your goals; after your initial call you'll be sent a preliminary application and scheduled for an in-person visit to tour the 10,000 sq ft facility, meet instructors, and see classes in action.
- 2Meet with an Admissions RepSpeak to our admissions rep to talk about your career goals and how we can best help you on your journey into the trades.
- 3Meet with Financial AidMeet with our Financial Aid team to explore your options and see if you qualify. Start by filling out the FAFSA (Capstone College's Federal School Code is 030199).
- 4Apply and EnrollOrientation is mandatory. Attend a one-hour on-campus meeting or schedule an online session. You'll receive all course materials and set up your online student account.
- 5First Day of ClassWelcome to Capstone College! Make sure to complete your enrollment agreement and interview with an Admissions Rep before your first day.
Program Schedule
Day classes meet 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program is 30 weeks during the day. Courses are scheduled on a modular system: students may start with any module and continue until all modules are successfully completed, so classes start throughout the year.
Upcoming start dates: October 22, 2026, November 19, 2026, December 17, 2026, January 29, 2027, February 12, 2027, March 15, 2027, April 12, 2027, May 10, 2027, June 8, 2027, July 6, 2027, August 3, 2027, August 31, 2027, September 15, 2027, October 13, 2027, November 10, 2027, and December 10, 2027.
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The school observes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday, and is closed for the Christmas and New Year break from December 18, 2026 through January 4, 2027 and from December 17, 2027 through January 3, 2028.
- November 19th, 2026
- December 17th, 2026
- January 29th, 2027
- February 12th, 2027
- March 15th, 2027
- April 12th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 08th, 2027
- July 06th, 2027
- August 03rd, 2027
- August 31st, 2027
- September 15th, 2027
- October 13th, 2027
- November 10th, 2027
- December 10th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition and fees (Plumbing Technician). Tuition: $17,850.00 (includes books & supplies). Registration Fee: $100.00 (non-refundable). STRF: $0 (STRF is charged by the State of California). Total cost: $17,950.00. Fees do not include tools.
Payment. Total tuition and fees for a program are due and payable upon starting classes for the specified term or enrollment period. Cash, check, money order, credit and/or debit card are accepted, and arrangements will be made for students to make payments according to a schedule acceptable to the student and the school. Capstone College offers interest-free, flexible payment plans, and payment options are available for all students regardless of their chosen program.
Federal financial aid. Capstone College is approved by the Department of Education to participate in the Federal Student Aid-Title IV programs; loans and grants are available to eligible students. The school participates in Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans and PLUS Loans for parents of dependent students. The school does not participate in State Financial Aid Programs. To apply, complete the FAFSA using Capstone College's Federal School Code 030199, then schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Financial Aid Advisor to review your FAFSA results and choose your best option.
Military and veteran benefits. Capstone College is approved to train veterans by the State Approving Agency, and its HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical programs are approved for GI Bill® benefits. The school accepts VA benefits (including Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) and has a Military Benefits Coordinator to help you understand your eligibility. Unearned military Tuition Assistance is returned on a proportional basis through at least the 60% point of the period for which the funds were provided.
Cancellation and refunds. You have the right to cancel the enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. If you do not begin classes or withdraw on the first day, no more than $100 of the tuition and fees may be retained.
Curriculum
The Plumbing Program consists of a total of 750 clock hours and 58.75 units, divided into 8 course modules. All theory and laboratory sessions are held at the school’s location at 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, and students who complete the program satisfactorily are awarded a Certificate as a Plumbing Technician.
Course curriculum highlights.
- Introduction to Plumbing Systems: residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
- Tools and Equipment: pipe cutters, augers, and video inspection equipment.
- Pipe Installation and Fitting: measuring, cutting, threading, and joining PVC, copper, and steel.
- Fixture Installation and Maintenance.
- Drainage, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems.
- Blueprint Reading and Plumbing Codes.
- Soldering, Brazing, and Welding Basics.
Lab equipment. Students train on snake machines, plumbing benches with pipe vices, power threading machines, welding, soldering and cutting stations, Pro Press and PROPEX expansion tools, an inspection camera, gas furnaces and water heaters, and fixture workstations (toilets, faucet sinks, bathtubs, kitchen appliances, garbage disposals) with copper, galvanized, cast iron, black pipe, PVC, ABS and PEX materials.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Plumbing Technician Program will be prepared to work as entry-level Plumbers in the residential and commercial plumbing industry, performing the planning, layout, installation and repair of pipe and fittings, fixtures and water systems in accordance with the International Plumbing Code and applicable local codes. Graduates can obtain entry-level positions such as:
- Plumber
- Plumbing Apprentice
- Plumbing Technician
- Plumbing Installer
- Residential Plumber
- Service Plumber
- Drain Technician
- Commercial or Industrial Plumber
- Pipefitter or Steamfitter
- Water Systems Installer
Reported outcomes (BPPE 2024 Annual Report). Of 4 students who began the Plumbing Technician program, 2 graduated on time (completion rate 50%) and the 150% completion rate was 75%. Both graduates available for employment were employed in the field (placement rate 100%). Total charges for the program: $16,950.
Capstone College assists graduates in obtaining employment upon the successful completion of a program. While no job placement guarantees are made, the school offers job placement services to all graduates, including assistance with resume preparation, mock interviews, interview readiness and provision of job leads.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Capstone College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Capstone College is licensed to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and is approved to train veterans by the State Approving Agency.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Pasadena Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Testimonials
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