Sprinkler Fitter Technology

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map
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This apprenticeship program map for the 2024-2025 catalog year provides an overview of the required courses.You must be accepted into the apprenticeship by the Program Sponsor.

Apprenticeship Programs at Chabot College are an excellent way to earn a certificate and/or an associate degree while also gaining real-world, paid work experience in the occupation. The requirements and expectations vary depending on the apprenticeship program. Classes also vary by program, with some offered in person, online or off-campus.

I'm ready to get started.What do I do next?

  1. Apply to be an apprentice for the program you are interested in www.chabotcollege.edu / academics / apprenticeship
  2. Meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and plan general education courses (for associate degree programs only) www.chabotcollege.edu / counseling
Program Description

Students must first be accepted into the Sprinkler Fitters Apprenticeship Program before enrolling in APSF 9701 through 9710. The Apprenticeship program is a five (5) year earn-and-learn program. Apprentices must work a total of 8000 hours in five (5) years to reach journey level status. Apprentices are required to attend related instruction classes a minimum of 144 hours per year at the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (J.A.C.) Training.

The responsibilities and work of the Sprinkler Fitter consists of the knowledge and ability to install all types of fire protection systems, including the layout and installation of underground fire mains. A Sprinkler Fitter is able to read blueprints and layout and install hangers and overhead piping in all types of buildings and all types of construction. Fire sprinklers are found in high-rises, warehouses, aircraft, hangers, hotels, motels, and homes.

For more information on the Apprenticeship Program, visit https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs.


What can I do with this major?

All Apprentices start off with an hourly wage and fringe benefit package and the wages increase based on advancement within the program. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program and passing the CA state licensing exam, the graduate may be employed at the journey level by contractors, or may pursue an entrepreneurial path.

Upon completion of the program, the median hourly rate is $34.92 (2021 rate, East Bay). LMI projections for East Bay region project 751 openings per year for sprinkler fitter occupations.


Learning and Career Pathway
  • Industrial Technology & Automotive

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

For more information about apprenticeship programs, including Sprinkler Fitter Technology, please see: www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/apprenticeship/

Semester 1

3 units

APSF 9701
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship I

3 units
First half of year one of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview include related safety and health, OSHA 10, Rigid 300, hand tools, ladders, scissor lift certification, scaffolds; reading sprinkler drawings (part one); care and use of hand tools; operation of the sprinkler head; reading a ruler, performing calculations with whole numbers and fractions; using a MacBook for online instruction; communicating pipe dimensions. Registration in this course is limited to apprentices accepted into, and registered with, the state of California Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Each apprenticeship has different eligibility and admission requirements but includes being at least 18 years of age and having earned a high school diploma or GED. For information, see https://www.apprenticeship4you.com/our-programs.
Course Details:

Semester 2

3 units

APSF 9702
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship II

3 units
Second half of year one of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: related safety and health, industry gases, shoring and man lifts; reading sprinkler drawings (part two); types of pipe, fittings, valves, and hangers used in the piping industry; history, installation and hazard ratings of automatic sprinkler systems; Victualic, grooved and plain end piping method; certification in CPVC installation. Residential and multi-family homes. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 3

3 units

APSF 9703
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship III

3 units
First half of year two of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: basic mathematics; operation of the sprinkler head; knot tying and rigging; oxygen-acetylene safety (part one); heritage and future in the pipe trade. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 4

3 units

APSF 9704
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship IV

3 units
Second half of year two of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: review OSHA safety standards; copper pipe installation (soldering and brazing); installation of wet pipe system; using the NFPA 13 Standard; wet pipe alarm valves; maintenance and inspection of automatic fire protection systems. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 5

3 units

APSF 9705
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship V

3 units
First half of year three of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: related safety and health (underground construction); installation of underground piping (NFPA 24); oxygen-acetylene safety (part two); fundamentals of gas welding and flame cutting. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 6

3 units

APSF 9706
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship VI

3 units
Second half of year three of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: dry valves, accelerators and exhausters; hydraulics, the physical properties of fluids; isometric drawing; building plans, architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawing; forklift/gradall safety certification. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 7

3 units

APSF 9707
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship VII

3 units
First half of year four of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: NFPA 25/CA title 19 inspections; pumps; architectural drawings; isometric drawings; Viking rate of rise, pneumatic, hydraulic release deluge, pre-action non interlock, single interlock and double interlock systems; soldering larger diameter copper tube; techniques and topics for tailgate meetings. CPR recertification. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 8

3 units

APSF 9708
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship VIII

3 units
Second half of year four of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: use of the t-drill; automatic fire pumps installation, start up, certification and maintenance; pumps for fire protection system; installation of combined sprinkler-standpipe systems; technical reports; fire protection water supply. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 9

3 units

APSF 9709
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship IX

3 units
First half of year five of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: sprinkler alarms; Viking rate of rise; NFPA 13; fire detectors; OSHA 30; backflow protection. CPR recertification. Gradall recertification. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

Semester 10

3 units

APSF 9710
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship X

3 units
Second half of year five of a five-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program. Topics overview: NFPA 13 handbook; types of foaming agents; direct injection and proportion based foam system; bladder type foam tanks; review basic hydraulics; review fire pump basics; good foremanship; computer basics, state licensing exam preparation. Requires indenture in the Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program, approved by the California State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Course Details:

General Education Requirements

22 units

Students may earn an AA or AS degree at Chabot with completion of any one of the following general education patterns:

  • Local AS pattern
  • CSU General Education Breadth pattern
  • IGETC General Education pattern

See the general education course lists: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling/transfer/ge-requirement-transfer-archive.php. 

It is recommended that all students meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and create an individualized student education plan. See the Counseling Department webpage for information on how to speak with a counselor: www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling.

Other (specify)

8 units

Elective courses may be needed to complete the 60 units required for an associate degree. Please see a counselor for assistance with choosing appropriate courses.

Total Units: 60 units
This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.