How to Become a Plumber in Vermont: License Requirements and Trade Schools
Similar to becoming a general contractor or earning an electrician's license in the state of Vermont, becoming a plumber requires an extensive amount of training, as well as the completion of various exams. A Vermont plumbing license holder shall:
Observe the plumbing rules regarding the installation of all plumbing work and the supervision of unlicensed employees;
Not begin plumbing work until a work notice for the work has been validated by the department;
Notify the department of a change of address;
Provide all the information requested by the department.
Any licensed plumber who has filed a work notice shall:
Keep records which outline who has accomplished the work covered under a work notice;
Provide at least five working days notice to the plumbing inspector for any required inspection;
Provide access for the plumbing inspector to all plumbing work and records subject to inspection.
Vermont Plumbing Reciprocity
Currently, Vermont will recognize anyone with a master, journeyman, or specialist plumber's license issued in another state or municipality, only if the issuer maintains standards at least equivalent to those of Vermont.
Vermont Journeyman Plumber License Requirements
The Vermont Plumbing Rules states that a journeyman plumber is any person licensed who installs plumbing and water treatment or heating specialties under the direction of a master plumber. Journeyman plumbers may supervise an apprentice employed by a master plumber under the master plumber's direction.
Those who wish to complete an application for the Vermont journeyman plumber's license will need to provide personal information such as:
Legal name as it appears on your driver's license or other legal forms of identification — no nicknames or abbreviations;
Date of birth in the format of MM/DD/YY;
Social Security Number (required on all applications);
Mailing address – please specify an address where you can receive year-round mail to include licenses, renewal notices, and additional notices from the Division of Fire Safety;
Valid email address.
Aside from the personal information, applicants will need to provide a copy of at least one of the following along with the application:
Certificate of completion provided by the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council;
OR a certified statement of licensure or completed apprenticeship from another state acceptable to the board;
OR proof of successful completion of instruction, training, and experience in or out of the state acceptable to the board (to include at least 12,000 hours);
If Reciprocal Military License, applicants must submit a copy of their DD-214 showing proof of honorable discharge from the Military, no more than two years prior to submitting the application, as well as a copy of 12K course completion or equivalent.
All applicants will be required to pay an application fee of $90.00
According to Title 26, Chapter 039 of the Vermont Statutes, upon successful completion of the examination and payment of a licensing fee, the applicant will receive a journeyman plumber's license in the form of a wallet-sized card. The statute also states that the license must be carried by the journeyman at all times while performing the licensee's trade and shall be displayed upon request.
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Journeyman Exam
The Vermont Journeyman Plumber Exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions in which the candidate has three hours to complete. The content of the exam contains questions regarding:
Drainage requirements;
Local amendments;
Plan reading;
Plumbing fixtures and terminology;
Plumbing fundamentals;
Special requirements;
Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors;
Vent requirements;
Water distribution.
The exam is administered by the International Code Council and Pearson Vue. Applicants can mail in their exam application to:
Division of Fire Safety
1311 US Rte 302 Suite 600 Berlin
For information on how to obtain an application, or any other questions call (802)479-7561.
After applicants have been preapproved by the state of Vermont to take the test, they can call Pearson Vue at (877)234-6082 to register for the exam.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
According to the Vermont Plumbing Rules, an apprentice plumber is any person, employed by a master plumber or under the direction of a master plumber or journeyman plumber, who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing and water treatment or heating specialties under an apprenticeship program properly registered with the Vermont Apprenticeship Council. For more information in regards to the apprenticeship program, contact the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council at (802)828-5082.
Typically, those applying for the plumbing apprenticeship program:
Are at least 18 years old;
Have a high school diploma or GED;
Are physically fit to do the work of the trade;
Have other than dishonorable discharge from the military (if applicable);
Must pass the appropriate drug test.
Vermont Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Prospective applicants can look for plumbing apprenticeship jobs in Vermont by visiting the Vermont Joblink. Here, users can search for the job they're looking for by location or keywords.
Plumbing Trade Schools in Vermont
There are few options for plumbing trade schools in Vermont, the most popular being:
Vermont Technical College: VTC has locations in both Randolph Center and Williston. The tuition for VTC varies, so it's important for applicants to familiarize themselves with the cost descriptions, payment and refund policies, and the definition of residency for tuition payment purposes.
Vermont Professional License Search
Employers can verify a potential employee's license and certification by reviewing the list of licensed plumbers in Vermont.
To find out how to become a Plumbing Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Vermont, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Vermont General Contractor License Requirements
How to Become an Electrician in Vermont
Vermont Handyman License Guide
Vermont Welding Schools and Career Guide
How to Get an HVAC License in Vermont