Licensing Guides
Vermont Electrician License: How to Become an Electrician Contractor in Vermont
Electrical, VT
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Vermont
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Vermont?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Vermont?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Vermont?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Vermont?
Does My Vermont Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Vermont?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Vermont?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Vermont.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide, and 1,270 work in Vermont. The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Vermont is projected at 11%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Vermont in July 2025 totaled 15,700, a decrease of 400 (-2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 400 (3%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Vermont
Is a state licensure required to be an electrician in Vermont? Yes.
The Vermont Electrical Licensing Board, a subsidy of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety (located in Waterbury), is responsible for issuing electrical licenses in the state of Vermont. Apprentice electricians need to register with the Vermont Department of Labor.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Vermont
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Vermont. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Acquire work experience (progressively more for specialist, journeyman, and master status).
Pass a state-administered examination.
Apply for your license through the Division of Fire Safety
Pay all applicable fees.
How to Become an Electrician in Vermont
To become a licensed electrician in Vermont, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements.
Pass the required examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
SPECIALIST ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Completion certificate from a recognized formal training program, plus one year experience, or two years of experience verified by signed affidavits from employers.
Pass licensing exam: Administered via Prov.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $115.
Limitations: A specialist electrician may only perform electrical work within the specialty area approved by the state (such as controls, fire alarm systems, or renewable energy systems). They cannot perform general electrical installations, supervise other electricians or apprentices, or contract directly with the public unless they also hold a Journeyman or Master Electrician license. Work outside the approved specialty is not permitted.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Completion of an approved apprenticeship program or at least 8,000 hours (four years) of electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
Pass licensing exam: Administered via Prov.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $115
Limitations: May perform electrical work independently, but cannot contract for jobs or supervise other electricians without a Master Electrician license.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Must have held a Journeyman license for two years, or submit proof of 16,000 hours of work experience verified by signed employer affidavits.
Pass licensing exam: Administered via Prov.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $150.
Limitations: May perform all types of electrical work, supervise electricians and apprentices, and contract directly with the public.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Vermont
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Vermont? There are three separate licenses.
Specialist Electrician
A Specialist Electrician is licensed to perform limited electrical work within a defined specialty area, such as fire alarm systems, controls, or renewable energy systems. Applicants must complete a recognized training program and gain supervised work experience specific to their specialty. Specialist electricians must work within the scope approved by the state and may not perform general electrical work, supervise other electricians, or contract directly with the public.
Journeyman Electrician
A Journeyman Electrician is qualified to perform a broad range of electrical installations and repairs. Applicants must complete an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent on-the-job experience and pass a state licensing exam. Journeyman electricians may work independently but must be employed by or work under a licensed master electrician and cannot operate an electrical contracting business on their own.
Master Electrician
A Master Electrician has demonstrated advanced knowledge of electrical systems and is qualified to plan, lay out, supervise, and inspect electrical installations. Applicants must have extensive work experience, including time as a licensed Journeyman Electrician, and pass the Master Electrician licensing exam. Master Electricians may supervise Journeymen and apprentices and are permitted to contract directly with the public.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Vermont
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Vermont:
First and most important, it is required by law in Vermont to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Vermont?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Vermont is $73,360 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate-level, and 3.15% for senior-level electricians. In Vermont, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $57,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,300
Senior (4-7 years): $72,500
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Vermont?
The cost of a license varies in Vermont, depending on the level. The fees include:
Specialist: $115
Journeyman: $115
Master: $150
Testing fee: All examinations cost $80.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Vermont?
You can earn a specialist electrician license in about two years, and a journeyman license in about four years. After holding a journeyman license for two years, you are eligible to become a master electrician.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
Vermont Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Vermont.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program.
There are a number of community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology or similar degrees. A few are:
Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, Rutland, Williston, Newport, and other locations
Central Vermont Career Center in Barre
Stafford Technical Center in Rutland
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition for Vermont community colleges is approximately $6,570 per year for in-state students and $12,134 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Vermont, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Vermont: The Ultimate Guide.
Vermont Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Vermont requires an examination adminstered by Prov for each level of licensing. There are testing sponsorship requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Specialist Electrician exam candidates must:
Have completed a recognized training program related to the approved specialty and have at least one year of documented electrical experience in that specialty area, OR have at least two years of verifiable experience specific to the specialty, supported by signed affidavits from employers.
Journeyman Electrician exam candidates must:
Have completed a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-registered apprenticeship program, OR have completed at least 8,000 hours (four years) of documented electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
Master Electrician exam candidates must:
Have at least 12,000 hours (six years) of documented electrical work experience, including a minimum of 2,000 hours as a licensed Journeyman Electrician, OR meet an equivalent experience standard approved by the state licensing board.
As you advance through Vermont’s licensing levels, the exams become more comprehensive and place greater emphasis on advanced electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and supervisory responsibilities.
While exam length and question counts vary by license level, all Vermont electrical exams require a minimum passing score of 70%. Exam content generally includes electrical theory, wiring methods and materials, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, equipment for general use, special occupancies, special equipment, and applicable state electrical regulations. There is an $80 fee per exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Vermont?
At each level, you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the open-book exam. Your training will help you prepare.
There are several different types of exams for specialist electricians, including:
Automatic Gas and Oil Heating
Outdoor Advertising Signs
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Electrical
Appliance and Motor Repairs
Electrical Well Pumps
Electric Farm Equipment
Commercial Fire Alarm
Household Fire Detection and Alarm
Gas Pump Installation and Bulk Plant Works
Electric Lock Installation
The Journeyman Electrician exam has 90 questions and a four-hour time limit. Topics include:
General Electrical Theory & Principles
Wiring and Protection
Wiring Methods and Materials
Motors and Controls
Equipment for General Use
Special Occupancies
Special Equipment
Special Conditions
Vermont Electrical Safety Rules
The Master exam has 105 questions and a five-hour time limit. Topics include:
Equipment for General Use
General Electrical Knowledge
Motors and Controls
Special Conditions
Special Equipment
Special Occupancies
Wiring and Protection
Wiring Methods and Materials
Local Amendments
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Vermont?
The Vermont Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety is responsible for issuing electrical licenses in the state of Vermont. It also regulates plumbers and contractor licenses.
Does My Vermont Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Vermont has reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire and Maine for Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Vermont?
The instructions for reciprocal licenses are listed on the license application. You’ll need a photocopy of your license and a certified letter of good standing from your state.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Vermont?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Vermont. They include:
NorthEast Electrical Scholarships: Offers $1,000 scholarships and $500 tool grants for vocational students in New England, including Vermont.
Empire Electric Association (EEA) Scholarship: Provides $500 to individuals pursuing a vocational/technical certificate in an electrical-related trade.
The Vermont Trades Forgivable Loan Program covers up to full tuition, initial licensing fees, and exam fees for qualified students enrolled in an industry-recognized training and certification program in high-demand trades, which includes electrical.
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships that help students begin their career in the electrical trade.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Vermont?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Vermont HVAC license by visiting the Division of Fire Safety’s Electrician page. The website provides a current list of licensed electricians in the state.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Vermont?
A suspended electrician license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Vermont electrical licenses can be suspended are:
If the license was wrongfully or fraudulently obtained
If the licensee has violated or failed to comply with Vermont Statutes
If the licensee is found by the Board of Electricians to be unqualified to hold the license
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Vermont electrical license regulations, you can refer to the official Vermont Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Vermont?
Working as an electrical contractor in Vermont without a license is subject to up to $500 per offense, according to Vermont Statutes.
Continuing Education
You need to renew your Vermont electrician license every three years. Renewal of a master license costs $150, a journeyman costs $115, and a specialty costs $115. License renewal requires 15 hours of continuing education.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
