HVAC technicians are in high demand in Vermont, making it an attractive career with plenty of opportunities for advancement. This comprehensive guide is designed to answer your question about how to get an HVAC license in Vermont.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
There are no statewide requirements for contractors to maintain an HVAC license in Vermont. However, some cities may require licensing, so it is recommended that you check with the local building office before beginning work in a new area to make sure youPage1Power!!!1are in compliance with municipal regulations.
HVAC License Types in Vermont
While there are no Vermont HVAC license requirements, there are several options for licensing that you may want to pursue to advance your career. For example, many HVAC technicians and contractors apply for an electrical specialist (type-S) license with the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety. The following two electrical specialist classifications allow HVAC work:
- Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1)
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3)
Additionally, Vermont Fire and Building Safety Codes require certification to work with certain fuel types. For example, you must get licensed as an Oil Burning Equipment Installer to install, inspect or service oil-burning equipment. The codes also require anyone servicing, installing, or repairing equipment that uses propane or natural gas to be a Certified Gas Installer. There are options to certify for handling propane, natural gas, or both.
Vermont HVAC License Requirements
License requirements for electrical specialists are straightforward. Applicants must complete a minimum number of hours of work experience in an applicable trade. Approved education programs, military experience and training, and licensing in other states may be substituted for the work portion of Vermont HVAC license requirements.
Insurance Requirements
There are no minimum statewide standards for insurance coverage for Vermont HVAC technicians. However, counties and cities may require a certificate of coverage. Check with local building departments to determine requirements.
According to the Department of Labor, certain types of insurance are required for business owners in Vermont. These include:
- Unemployment insurance: Vermont businesses with one or more employees must carry unemployment insurance. There are a few exceptions.
- Workers compensation insurance: All businesses in the state must carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Don’t be misled about the lack of insurance requirements; just because you don’t have to purchase it does not mean you shouldn’t have it. An on-the-job accident that causes damage or injury can end up being very costly without liability insurance. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Vermont HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
Vermont has several fees associated with getting an HVAC-related license or certification. These include:
- Electrical Specialist initial license fee: $115 (3 years)
- Electrical Specialist renewal fee: $115 (3 years)
- Oil Burning Certification fee: $60
- Gas Installer Certification fees:
- Propane Installer: $60
- Natural Gas Installer: $60
- Combined Natural Gas and Propane Installer: $60
Please keep in mind that fees are accurate as of the time of writing, but they are subject to change. Therefore, you should always check with the Division of Fire Safety to verify current licensing costs.
Vermont HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
Vermont’s education and training requirements vary depending on which license or certification you are applying for.
- Electrical Specialist licensees are required to complete a recognized training program plus 2,000 hours of verifiable work.
- Oil Burner Installers must go through the appropriate National Oil Heat Research Alliance training and pass the exam for certification.
- Gas installers must pass a study program from the American Gas Association, which includes:
- Fundamentals of Combustion
- Gas Appliance Venting
- Electricity
- Gas Controls and Gas Appliances
- CETP books 1.0, 4.1, and 4.2.
Regardless of which Vermont HVAC license you are applying for, there are many good online and in-person training programs that can prepare you for a career in HVAC.
HVAC License Exam Details
There is an exam to become a certified Oil Burner Installer in Vermont. It is administered as a part of the National Oil Heat Research Alliance training and certification program. There are three levels of certification — Bronze, Silver, and Gold. They are progressive in that you start at the Bronze level and move up as you acquire additional training and work experience. Each certification has continuing education requirements for renewal.
HVAC Training Schools in Vermont
There are two NORA Certified Technical Schools in Vermont, which are:
- Green Mountain Technology & Career Center, Hyde Park, VT (802)888-4447
- Local 693 Plumbers & Gas Fitters, So Burlington, VT (802)864-4042
Additionally, several schools provide HVAC training in Vermont, including:
- Bennington Cooling & Heating, Bennington, VT (802) 442-3519
- Center for Technology, Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-7121
- Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Hyde Park, VT (802) 888-4447
- River Bend Career and Technical Center, Bradford, VT (802) 222-5212
- Stafford Technical Center, Rutland, VT (802) 770-1033
- Southwest Vermont Career Development Center, Bennington, VT (802) 447-0220
- Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT (800) 442-8821
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
Vermont License Application
All three types of HVAC licenses in Vermont (Electrical Specialty, Oil Burner Installer, and Gas Installer) have a similar paper application process. Applicants for an Electrical Specialist License can also complete the form online. When completing your application, you should be prepared to provide:
- Name and contact information
- References
- Employment information
- Education and work experience (must meet minimum requirements for licensure)
- Answers to compliance questions about child support, tax payments, and unemployment insurance
Registration and Permitting Requirements
Licensed Electrical Contractors and Oil Burning or Gas Installers are listed online on the Division of Fire Safety website. You must maintain an active license or certification to be listed.
Renewals and Continuing Education Requirements
Electrical Specialists are not required to complete continuing education courses for renewal. However, the Division of Fire Safety provides resources to find approved providers for Electrical Specialists courses to stay up to date on current practices.
The Oil Burner Installer and Gas Installer certifications in Vermont require eight continuing education credits every three years for renewal. Several providers of continuing education courses for Oil Burner Installers are listed, including:
- Carlin Combustion Technology (Carlin University Training) (800) 989-2275
- Local 693 Training Center (802) 864-4042
- System 2000 Energy Kinetics 800-323-2066
- Vermont Fuel Dealers Association (VFDA) (802) 223-7750
- VLPA (802) 660-0406
The Division of Fire Safety has approved the following providers for Gas Installer continuing education courses:
- AdvancedTradeSchool.com (603) 785-2491
- Anderson, Ed (603) 355-3355
- Education Training & Safety Associates (ETS) (603) 876-4342
- Granite State Trade School (603) 895-4444
- HONEYWELL (Source Gas Ignition) (763) 954-4091
- Local 693 Training Center (802) 864-4042
- Propane Gas Association of New England (888) 445- 1075
- SKILLTECH (802) 879-5559
- Tyrrell, Robert (207) 782-2514
- Vermont Fuel Dealers Association (VFDA) (802) 223-7750
- VLPA (802) 728-5400
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in Vermont
Vermont HVC license requirements do not call for HVAC technicians to also be general contractors. However, if you will be performing work outside of the scope of HVAC services, you must comply with any other licensing requirements.
EPA Certification in Vermont
All HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. This is done by successfully passing an 80-question exam with a score of 70 or higher. The exam material consists of a core component and information about one of the three certification types.
HVAC License Vermont FAQ
It is not unusual to have questions about how to get an HVAC license in Vermont. Since the answer will depend on what type of equipment you plan to service and install, it can get confusing. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
How Long Is My Vermont HVAC License Valid?
All licenses and certifications are valid for three years.
Can I Use My Vermont HVAC License in the Other States?
Vermont has reciprocal agreements with Maine and New Hampshire, so you may be able to use your certification toward education or work experience requirements in those states. It is always best to check with the local licensing board about current reciprocity agreements.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Contact the Division of Fire Safety if you still have a few questions about how to get an HVAC license in Vermont. The Electrical Licensing Specialist can be reached by phone at 802-479-7564 or send an email inquiry to PS.DFSLicensing@vermont.gov. Questions about oil burner or gas installer certifications can be directed to Deborah Moulton at 802-885-8883 or Debra.Moulton@vermont.gov.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an HVAC-R technician in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Vermont, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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