What should be on the first line of a Plumber resume?

State + license tier + license number ("CA Journeyman Plumber #45-89234"). Plumbing-contractor ATS configs scan the first line for the credential. Missing it or having a typo drops your match score by 20+ points relative to peers who lead with the string.

How do I tailor a Plumber resume for commercial vs. residential roles?

Commercial: lead with pipefitting, brazing, medical-gas installer credential, hydronic systems, BAS-integrated valves, and code-compliance work for tenant build-outs. Residential: lead with service-call volume, drain cleaning, water-heater installs, repipe scope, and customer-service metrics. Commercial JDs barely overlap with residential on ATS keyword screens.

Is backflow prevention certification required for plumber roles in 2026?

Increasingly yes for commercial and municipal-adjacent roles. In CA, TX, FL, and most metro counties, backflow tester certification is a separate state credential. Listing it explicitly with state + number boosts ATS scores on JDs that specify "BPAT required" — those are the higher-paying commercial roles.

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