Licensing Guides
Vermont Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Vermont
Plumbing, VT
Table of Contents
Continuing Education/Renewal
As with other skilled trades, most states require training and licensure before you can legally install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems. While the plumbing trade has been around since the 1800s, today’s plumbers need a wide range of skills to work in residential and commercial settings. Depending on the nature of the job, plumbing contractors often work alongside electricians, HVAC techs, general contractors and other professionals in the construction industry.
Learning the art of plumbing takes years, but once you complete the necessary training, your skills will be in high demand across Vermont and beyond.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), there are roughly 469,000 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters nationwide, and 850 work in the state of Vermont. The BLS predicts employment to grow 2% from 2021 to 2031 nationwide, and that growth rate is expected to be more than four times higher in Vermont—projected at 9%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors need skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR professionals. In fact, 60% of firms in the United States had unfilled hourly craft positions, according to the Associated General Contractors of America, 2020 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey. So, if you get the training you need you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
Licensing requirements for plumbing professionals vary widely from state to state. In Vermont candidates can pursue specialty, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. Read on to learn more about becoming a licensed plumber in the Green Mountain State.
Licensing Requirements for Plumbers in Vermont
Is a license required for plumbing professionals in Vermont? Yes.
Vermont requires a state-issued license for journeymen, and master plumbers. Additionally, candidates may apply for special limited licenses to work with water heaters, heating systems, and water treatment systems.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Vermont?
The Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses across the state. The licensing board is also responsible for the suspension and revocation of plumbers' licenses, adopting plumbing rules, and establishing inspection and permit fees. Applicants can find license applications, current state plumbing code information, continuing education resources, and plumbing and heating inspector contact information on the agency’s website.
Vermont Apprentice Plumber Program
A plumbing apprenticeship is the first step to starting a career in the plumbing industry. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED; photo ID; and a valid driver’s license to be eligible.
The Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program allows an individual to earn a certificate of completion while performing plumbing work under the direction of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Candidates can visit the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council for more information about the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
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Vermont Journeyman Plumber License
After completing the required work experience as an apprentice plumber, candidates become eligible for a journeyman plumber license.
To apply for the journeyman plumber's license, candidates must obtain a Certificate of Completion provided by the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council demonstrating at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or a certified statement of licensure or completed apprenticeship from another state acceptable to the Plumbers Examining Board.
A reciprocal military license may be obtained by submitting a copy of the applicant’s DD-214, showing proof of honorable discharge from the military no more than two years prior to submitting, and a copy of 12K Course completion or equivalent and 8,000 hours of experience. All hours require signed documentation from a licensed master plumber.
All candidates must submit a journeyman licensing application, pay an application fee of $90, and pass a journeyman plumber exam, administered by the Vermont Plumbers Examining Board. The journeyman exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions, and the candidate must pass the test in three hours or less. The content of the exams covers the following:
Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
Plumbing Fundamentals
Water Distribution
Drainage Requirements
Traps, Cleanouts and Interceptors
Special Requirements
Vent Requirements
Plan Reading
Local Amendments
Send fees and applications to:
Division of Fire Safety1311 U.S. Route 302, Suite 600 BerlinBarre, VT 05641-2351
Vermont journeyman plumber licenses require renewal every two years through the Division of Fire Safety. License renewal requires eight hours of continuing education and a $90 fee.
Vermont Master Plumber License
Master plumbers typically perform advanced plumbing work, such as installing and repairing water systems in residential and commercial buildings, and overseeing apprentice and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, master plumbers need a strong understanding of local building and plumbing codes, safety regulations, and energy efficiency.
To apply for the master plumber’s license, candidates must work as a licensed journeyman plumber for at least 12 months, submit proof of licensure from another state documenting experience equal to or greater than Vermont’s journeyman licensing qualifications, or provide documentation showing successful completion of at least 14,000 hours of instruction, training, and experience from another state acceptable to the plumbing board.
Applicants currently licensed outside of Vermont must obtain a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state and include proof of any and all schooling required to obtain that license.
A reciprocal military license may be obtained by submitting a copy of the applicant’s DD-214, showing proof of honorable discharge from military no more than two years prior to submitting, and a copy of 12K Course completion or equivalent and 12,000 hours of experience. All hours require signed affidavits from a licensed master plumber.
All candidates must submit their current license number, a copy of their journeyman license, a master plumber licensing application, pay an application fee of $120, and pass an examination. The master plumber exam includes 105 multiple choice questions and the candidate needs to pass the test in four hours or less. The exams cover the following:
Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology
Plumbing Fundamentals
Water Distribution
Drainage Requirements
Traps, Cleanouts, and Interceptors
Special Requirements
Vent Requirements
Plan and Analysis
Local Amendments
Send fees and applications to:
Division of Fire Safety1311 U.S. Route 302, Suite 600 BerlinBarre, VT 05641-2351
Vermont master plumber licenses must be renewed every two years through the Division of Fire Safety. License renewal requires eight hours of continuing education and a $120 fee.
Vermont Special Plumber License
To apply for a limited special plumber license, candidates must register with the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council, submit an application, pay an application fee of $50 per specialty field, and pass an examination.
Send fees and applications to:
Division of Fire Safety1311 U.S. Route 302, Suite 600 BerlinBarre, VT 05641-2351
Candidates who apply for a special plumber license (P1 or P2) for water heaters or heating systems must provide documentation of 2,000 hours of experience to the Vermont Department of Labor, or show the successful completion of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training documented by affidavits from a P1 or P2 licensed specialist or licensed master plumber, as well as at least 144 hours of formal instruction.
Candidates who apply for a special plumber license (P3) license for water treatment systems must provide documentation of 4,000 hours of experience covered by documented affidavits by a P3 licensed specialist or a licensed master plumber and successful completion of a board-certified education course concerning water treatment, or documentation of successful completion of instruction, training, and experience in or out of the state acceptable to the board.
Vermont special plumber licenses require renewal every two years through the Division of Fire Safety. License renewal requires eight hours of continuing education and a $50 fee.
National Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing License in Vermont?
In Vermont, plumbing apprenticeships require 12,000 hours of training. Every apprenticeship is different, but most take around four years to complete. Journeyman plumbers need to work as a licensed plumber for a minimum of one year to become eligible to apply for a master plumber’s license.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Vermont
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Vermont plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Vermont to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
You will earn as you learn with a guarantee of pay increases as you develop new skills.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
By meeting the high standards set in Montana of completing a registered apprenticeship, you will receive industry-recognized credentials that can go with you anywhere.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
You can own your own business and be your own boss.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Vermont?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean wage for plumbers in Vermont as $53,840. The salary for plumbers increases as you acquire more experience according to Indeed.com.
Apprentice: The average salary for an apprentice plumber is $20.70 per hour in Vermont and $5,500 overtime per year.
Journeyman: The average salary for a journeyman plumber is $29.32 per hour in Vermont and $6,750 overtime per year.
Salary can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
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 ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
Vermont Plumbing Training Programs and Trade Schools
Vermont offers a wide variety of training opportunities to help you meet license requirements, including trade schools and even universities that offer plumbing programs.
Some of the top training schools include:
Vermont Technical College: Features a registered apprenticeship program in Randolph Center, VT.
Central Vermont Career Center: Offers apprenticeship credit hours and certification opportunities in Barre, VT.
Stafford Technical Center: Combines classroom study and practical application in Rutland, VT.
Click here for a list of training locations in Vermont.
Does My Vermont Plumbing License Work in Any Other States?
Yes, Vermont allows plumbing license reciprocity and will recognize a master, journeyman, or specialist plumber’s license issued in another state or municipality, as long as the issuer maintains standards equivalent to or greater than those of Vermont.
Continuing Education/Renewal
You need to renew your Vermont plumbing license every two years. Renewal of a journeyman license costs $90, a master costs $120, and a specialty costs $50. License renewal requires eight hours of continuing education.
Additional Resources for Vermont Plumbers
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades.”
