Licensing Guides

State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Vermont

category-iconRoofing, VT

Table of Contents

  1. Roofing License Requirements in Vermont

  2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Vermont?

  3. Types of Roofing Licenses in Vermont

  4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Vermont

  5. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Vermont?

  6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Vermont?

  7. Vermont Roofer Training Programs and Schools

  8. Vermont Roofing Licensing Exam Details

  9. Do I Need to Renew My Vermont Roofing License?

  10. Continuing Education

  11. Does Vermont Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

  12. National Roofing Certifications

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work. 

There are 168,100 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Vermont employs 310 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% by 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Vermont is higher at 8% for roofers. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the roofing industry, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Vermont.

Roofing License Requirements in Vermont

Vermont does not issue state roofing licenses. The state requires residential contractors who perform a job of more than $10,000 in construction labor and materials to register with the Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation. Commercial contractors do not need to register with the Office of Professional Regulation, and neither do subcontractors working for a registered residential contractor.

Most cities in Vermont do not have contractor licensing requirements. Some cities, such as Burlington, require roofing contractors to follow a permitting process for roofing work, so it’s important to check local requirements before starting work.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Vermont?

The Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation regulates specific professions and requires registration for residential contractors who perform more than $10,000 worth of work for a homeowner.

State statute defines residential construction as building, demolishing, renovating or repairing a residential dwelling unit, building, or premise with four or fewer residential dwelling units. This includes roofing, painting, paving, weatherization, and the installation or repair of heating, plumbing, solar, electrical, water, or wastewater systems.

The Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety also issues licenses and certifications for specific professions in the construction industry. Vermont cities generally do not require a general contractor license, but may require a permitting process based on the type of construction work.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Vermont

While Vermont does not issue state licenses for roofing contractors, the state regulates certain professions in the construction industry.

The Office of Professional Regulation regulates residential contractors and requires them to register with the state if they perform a construction job of more than $10,000.

In addition, the Vermont Division of Fire Safety administers state-level licensure and certification for specialty trades. These include:

  • Master Electrician License

  • Electrical Journeyman License

  • Electrical Specialist License

  • Master Plumber License

  • Plumbing Journeyman License

  • Plumbing Specialist License

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Vermont

Residential contractors who perform more than $10,000 worth of construction or home improvements for homeowners need to register with the state’s Office of Professional Regulation.

Contractors without employees register as an individual, and those with employees register as a business.

To register as a residential contractor, follow these steps:

  1. Register or sign in with the Office of Professional Regulation’s online services portal.

  2. Show documentation proving an individual or business has registered a name with the Vermont Secretary of State’s Business Services Division and remains in active status.

  3. Provide a copy of a certificate of insurance showing minimum liability insurance coverage in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

  4. Attest to using a written contract before receiving a deposit or commencing residential construction work if the estimated value of the labor and materials exceeds $10,000.

  5. Pay the $75 application fee for individuals or the $250 license application fee for businesses.

The state provides a sample residential contractor agreement that contains the essential elements required by Vermont law. It also provides a general FAQ page, a residential contractor FAQ page, and a how-to video.

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing 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 the average ticket

  • 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 a Roofing License in Vermont?

It costs $75 to register as an individual residential contractor and $250 to register as a residential contracting business.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Vermont?

Residential contractors applying online should allow a minimum of five business days for processing, according to the Office of Professional Regulation. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the license and volume of applications. You can check the status of your application in your online account. The department also emails real-time updates.

Vermont Roofer Training Programs and Schools

Since there are no requirements for higher education, people entering the roofing field can choose to learn on the job or complete an apprenticeship program to gain years of experience. If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout Vermont offering these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

Vermont Roofing Licensing Exam Details

Residential contractors registering in Vermont do not need to take an exam. They simply complete the registration process listed above. Most cities in Vermont do not have extensive requirements, but it’s important to check first to ensure you meet local guidelines.

Some specialty contractors holding Vermont trade licenses, such as electrical and plumbing licenses, require applicants to pass an exam.

Do I Need to Renew My Vermont Roofing License?

Yes, residential contractors need to renew their registrations by March 31 in odd years. The Office of Professional Regulation sends contractors a renewal notice email six weeks before their registration expires. Residential contractors renew in the online services portal and update their information. The residential contractor renewal fee is $75 for individuals and $250 for businesses.

The #1 newsletter for the trades.

Continuing Education

Vermont does not have continuing education requirements for residential contractors.

Does Vermont Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Since there is no Vermont contractor license, Vermont does not permit license reciprocity with other states. 

The state allows reciprocity for some trade licenses, such as electrical work, and has reciprocal agreements with New Hampshire and Maine for those licenses.

National and State Roofing Certifications

Other certifications help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Vermont through regional industry associations. This includes:

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contractor license in Vermont or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.