What Is It Known For?
Brooke Hendren and Howard Hendren, both Master Plumber and Master Mechanical license holders, founded Hendren Services & Code Academy in Independence, Missouri in 2023. Their focus is to help tradespeople pass the master plumber and mechanical licensing exams and get backflow prevention certifications on the first try.
Students walk in nervous about exams and leave with the tools to succeed. Exact enrollment numbers are not publicly available, so contact the school for more information.
Degrees & Certifications
The programs at Hendren Services & Code Academy in Independence are short and intensive, fitting into working professionals’ schedules.
- Master Plumber/Mechanical Exam Prep: 8 hours or a single day.
- Backflow Recertification: 8 hours.
- Backflow Certification: 40 hours (10-hour classes for 4 days).
Students receive certificates from relevant professional bodies once they’ve completed and passed their exams.
Class Schedules
Flexibility drives the schedule at Hendren Services & Code Academy in Independence. Weekend and evening options work for people who can’t take weekdays off. Daytime classes typically run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on which course you take.
All instruction happens in person at the Independence, MO location. Interactive lectures combine with hands-on learning so you’re not just memorizing answers but understanding the material. The academy does not offer online classes or externships since the focus stays on concentrated exam preparation.
Is It a Good School?
Information about accreditation is not publicly available. However, the academy’s credibility comes from instructor licensing and exam alignment. Contact the school directly to ask about relevant licenses or professional affiliations.
Acceptance Rate
Hendren Services & Code Academy has open enrollment for qualified professionals. If you work in plumbing, pipefitting, or related industries and meet course prerequisites, you can likely enroll. Contact the school for admission requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition cost at Hendren Services & Code Academy depends on the particular course:
- Backflow Recertification: $400.
- Backflow Certification: $700.
- Master Plumber/Mechanical Exam Prep: $900.
A net cost calculator is currently not available.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Plumbing
Campus Locations
Independence 1011 W US Highway 24, Independence, MO 64050
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Hendren Services & Code Academy in Independence, MO, is a premier, highly-specialized training center for plumbing and mechanical professionals. It holds a perfect reputation, particularly for its ability to turn complex code books into manageable, “passable” material for high-stakes licensing exams.
Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Efficiency Exam Prep: The academy is most famous for its “Master Prep” courses. Multiple reviewers noted that they were able to pass their Master Plumber or Master Mechanical exams on the first try, even when starting with “zero prior knowledge” of specific codes.
Expert and Patient Instruction: The husband-and-wife duo who run the academy are consistently described as knowledgeable, patient, and engaging. Students appreciate their “teaching speed,” noting that they break down difficult concepts into easy-to-understand segments without wasting time.
Comprehensive Study Materials: A standout feature is the provided reference binders. The instructors provide pre-tabbed, highlighted, and underlined code books and hundreds of sample questions, which students describe as “game-changers” for navigating the ICC exams quickly.
Effective Hands-On Training: For those seeking backflow certification, the school provides “nice workstations” and plenty of practical time with gauges and assemblies. Students feel well-prepared for the physical portion of their tests, not just the written ones.
Administrative Excellence: Reviewers frequently mention great communication, including proactive email reminders for recertifications and the ability to accommodate last-minute reservations.
Common Criticisms
Zero Negative Trends: There are currently no recurring criticisms or negative trends found in the reviews. The few “neutral” comments simply mention that code prep is inherently dry material, though they quickly follow up by saying the instructor does a great job of keeping the class interactive and engaged.
Momentum
The momentum for Hendren Services & Code Academy is exceptionally strong. Recent reviews from late 2025 confirm that the school remains the “gold standard” in the Kansas City area for ASSE Backflow and ICC Master licensing. The business has successfully transitioned from a specialized service provider into a top-tier educational hub, with many “legacy” students returning every three years for recertification, citing that they “won’t go anywhere else.”