Vermont requires that anyone doing plumbing work in the state be licensed. Learn more about how to become a licensed plumber and start working on plumbing jobs in Vermont.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Vermont
In Vermont, there are two types of plumbing licenses:
- Journeyman license
- Master license
However, people who do not have licenses can also apply for special, more limited licenses that allow them to install, maintain, and repair heating systems, water heaters, and water treatment systems.
The first level of plumbing license available in Vermont is the journeyman plumber license.
Candidates that want to get this license must first complete two-year apprenticeships and obtain Certificates of Completion through the state’s Apprenticeship Council that prove they have completed at least 12,000 hours of work under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
Master plumber licenses are available after a journeyman plumber has at least 12 months of experience on the job.
These are required for plumbers that want to perform more advanced work installing and repairing plumbing systems.
Master plumbers can also oversee journeyman plumbers and apprentices.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Vermont
The cost to get a journeyman license in Vermont is $90.
For a master plumber license, applicants will need to pay a fee of $120.
Specialty licenses that cover only limited situations cost $50 per specialty field.
Licensing Exams
Both journeyman and master plumber exams are administered by the state’s Plumbers Examining Board.
The journeyman exam has 75 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in three hours or less.
The master plumber exam includes 105 questions, but applicants get four hours to complete the exam.
The two levels of plumbing licensure exams cover the same general subjects. They include:
- Plumbing fundamentals
- Fixtures and terminology
- Drainage requirements
- Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors
- Water distribution
- Plan reading
- Vent requirements
- Special requirements
- Local amendments
The exam for master plumbers has a stronger focus on local codes and regulations and emphasizes energy efficiency.
Applying for the exam requires having at least 12 months of experience as a journeyman plumber.
The licensing requirements for specialty plumbers are a little different.
Candidates must provide proof that they have at least 2,000 hours of experience working with either water heaters or heating systems and at least 144 hours of formal instruction, or 4,000 hours of experience with water treatment systems before they can take the exams.
There are also official board-certified education courses about water treatment that can be substituted for some on-site experience.
Specialty licenses are issued without the need for additional examinations. Renewals can be obtained every two years with proof of at least eight hours of formal continuing education.
Who Issues Plumber Licenses in Vermont?
All plumbing licenses are issued by the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
The board also establishes inspection and permit fees, adopts new rules, and oversees license suspensions and revocations.
Additional Plumbing Certifications
Vermont doesn’t require any kind of plumber certifications in addition to licenses.
However, obtaining national certifications from the NITC or ASSE can help already licensed plumbers find new opportunities by demonstrating their proficiency in the field.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Vermont?
While Vermont does not have explicit plumbing license reciprocity, out of state plumbers may be able to receive experience or fee waivers.
Both journeyman and master plumber licenses can be obtained without added years of training or experience if people can show reciprocal experience from other states or military licenses.