General Information
NCCER Pipefitting Levels 1-4
There are some who may consider pipefitting synonymous with plumbing, but these are really two very distinct trades. Plumbers install and repair the water, waste disposal, drainage and gas systems in homes and commercial and industrial buildings. Pipefitters, on the other hand, install and repair both high- and low-pressure pipe systems used in manufacturing, in the generation of electricity, and in the heating and cooling of buildings.
Through a combination of convenient online exercises and live classroom and lab training, this 4-level Pipefitting program provides theoretical and practical skills necessary for becoming a professional pipefitter.
- Pipefitting Level 1 introduces the craft with foundational training in Hand and Power Tools for Pipefitters Oxyfuel Cutting, Ladders and Scaffolds, and Motorized Equipment. Pre/co-requisite: NCCER Core Curriculum.
- Pipefitting Level 2 covers Piping Systems, Drawings and Detail Sheets, Identifying and Installing Valves, Pipefitting Trade Math, Threaded Pipe Fabrication, Socket Weld Pipe Fabrication, But-Weld Pipe Fabrication, Excavations, and Underground Pipe Installation. Prerequisite: Pipefitting Level 1.
- Pipefitting Level 3 focuses on Basic Rigging and Rigging Practices, Standards and Specifications, Advanced Pipefitting Math, Motorized Equipment 2, Above Ground Pipe Installations, Field Routing and Vessel Trim, Pipe Hangers and Supports, Testing Pipe Systems and Equipment. Prerequisite: Pipefitting Level 2.
- Pipefitting Level 4 addresses Advanced Blueprint Reading, Advanced Pipe Fabrication, Stress Relieving and Alignment, In-Line Specialties, Special Piping, Hot Taps, Maintaining Valves, and the Fundamentals of Crew Leadership. Prerequisite: Pipefitting Level 3.
Trainee Requirement Details
Each level provides up to 80 hours of classroom/lab training with online homework and activities to be completed outside of class. Textbooks, online access code, and all materials are included in tuition. Computer/tablet and internet access are required for homework completion. Eighth-grade competence in reading and mathematics is recommended. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in NCCER Core Curriculum.
FastForward Financial Assistance Funding
Qualifying Virginia residents may be eligible for FastForward financial assistance, which could reduce the cost of tuition by two-thirds.
Get more information on upcoming courses:
Contact Robin Jennings, FastForward Career Coach at (540) 863-2899 or rjennings@mgcc.edu for more information and to register.