How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Vermont

Becoming a licensed plumber in Vermont requires completing an apprenticeship program or accumulating years of on-the-job training before applying for a journeyman or master plumber license. Here is an overview of the steps to get licensed as a plumber in Vermont:

Apprenticeship Requirements

The first step to becoming a licensed plumber in Vermont is to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships provide a combination of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master plumber and classroom education.

To start a plumbing apprenticeship in Vermont, you must:

Have a high school diploma or GED
Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid driver’s license

Apprenticeships in Vermont are overseen by the Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council. An apprenticeship involves:

Minimum of 12,000 hours of on-the-job training (usually 4-5 years)
144 hours per year of related instruction
Registration with the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council

At the completion of the program, apprentices receive a Certificate of Completion from the Council.

Journeyman Plumber License

With a completed apprenticeship, you can apply to the Vermont Division of Fire Safety for a journeyman plumber license. To qualify, you need:

Certificate of Completion from the VT Apprenticeship Council
Or 12,000 hours of experience and training verified by affidavits
$90 application fee
Pass the journeyman plumber exam

The exam covers plumbing codes, fixtures, drainage, vents, plan reading, and more. It is a 3-hour, 75 question open book test. You must score 70% or higher to pass. Exams are offered in testing centers around Vermont.

If licensed in another state with equivalent requirements, you can apply for licensure by reciprocity in Vermont.

Journeyman licenses must be renewed every 2 years for $90 and 8 hours of continuing education.

Master Plumber License

To qualify for a master plumber license in Vermont, you must:

Hold a journeyman plumber license for 12 months
Or document at least 14,000 hours of experience and training
Pay a $120 application fee
Pass the master plumber exam

The exam covers advanced plumbing topics in a 4-hour, 105 question test. You need a 70% score to pass. Testing is available at approved locations.

With a master plumber license from another state with similar requirements, you can apply in Vermont by reciprocity.

Master plumber licenses are renewed every 2 years for $120 plus 8 hours of continuing education.

Specialty Plumber Licenses

Vermont offers specialty plumber licenses for:

Water heater installation (P1)
Heating system installation (P2)
Water treatment systems (P3)

Applicants need 2,000-4,000 hours of experience, affidavits from licensed plumbers, formal instruction, an exam, and a $50 application fee. Renewal is required every 2 years with 8 hours of continuing education.

Reciprocity Agreements

Vermont has reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing plumbers to transfer an active journeyman or master license. The requirements in the issuing state must be equivalent or higher than Vermont’s.

To apply for reciprocity, submit a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state and proof of all schooling and training required.

License Bond Requirements

Licensed plumbing contractors in Vermont must obtain a contractor’s bond up to $20,000 to cover any damages, code violations, or penalties. Plumbers working under a master plumber do not need their own bond.

For public plumbing jobs costing over $100,000, an additional performance and payment bond equal to the project cost is required.

Insurance Requirements

Licensed plumbers in Vermont should carry liability and property damage insurance. Recommended coverages include:

General liability – $1 million
Professional liability – $1 million
Worker’s compensation
Business property insurance
Business auto insurance

Insurance protects plumbers against liability claims and losses. Verify specific requirements with your insurance agent. Discover more about the intricacies of Vermont plumbing insurance cost in our detailed article.

Finding Apprenticeships and Training

Plumbing apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom education. Programs are available through:

Many plumbing companies also sponsor apprentices. Check job boards, contact local plumbing contractors, and ask your local United Association union.

Continuing Education

To renew a Vermont plumbing license, plumbers need 8 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Courses must be approved by the Division of Fire Safety. Subjects include:

Plumbing codes and standards
Safety procedures
Business practices
New plumbing techniques and technologies

Continuing education helps plumbers stay up-to-date on the latest practices. Courses are offered by schools, associations, unions, and private providers.

Applying for a Plumbing License

Follow these steps when applying for a plumbing license in Vermont:

Confirm you meet the experience and training requirements for the license type.
Request a copy of your apprenticeship completion certificate (for journeyman applicants).
Print the license application for your specific license type.
Complete the application and include the required fee amount ($90 for journeyman, $120 for master).
Schedule your exam at an approved testing location.
Pass the exam to complete the licensing process.
Renew your license every 2 years before the expiration date.

For questions, contact the Vermont Division of Fire Safety at 802-479-7561 or dps.dfslicensing@vermont.gov.

Plumbing License Contact Information

Vermont Division of Fire Safety
1311 US Route 302 Suite 600
Berlin, VT 05641

Phone: 802-479-7561
Email: dps.dfslicensing@vermont.gov

Vermont Plumbers Examining Board
Phone: 802-985-2827

Plumbing License Exams
Administered by PSI Exams
Schedule online or call 800-733-9267

This covers the main steps and requirements to become a licensed plumber in Vermont. Be sure to verify all information with local and state authorities.

Vermont Plumbing License