Becoming an electrical contractor in Vermont entails requirements similar to other states, with a few nuances of its own. The process as a whole in Vermont is relatively straightforward and uniform among aspiring electricians. Most begin their apprenticeship at Vermont Technical College and then move up the ranks from there.
All licenses are administered by the Vermont Electrical Licensing Board under the Division of Fire Safety.
Electrical License Reciprocity in Vermont
License reciprocity for both master and journeymen is available in Vermont for the following states:
- Maine;
- New Hampshire.
In order to receive reciprocity, a certified letter from your previous state must be included in your application. Further requirements depend on your level of trade; each level of trade entails the same respective fees and exams as a Vermont-native electrician.
For reciprocity, specialty, master, or journeymen licensure fill out the Division of Fire Safety’s application. Completed applications can be mailed to:
Division of Fire Safety; Licensing
1311 US Route 302 – Suite 600
Barre, VT 05641
Specialist Electrical License Types and Requirements
Vermont has requirements that range from ones for general contractors to specialty contractors. Below are a few of the different specialty licenses available to electricians:
- Outdoor lighting – Electrical contractors with a specialty in outdoor lighting can install and repair equipment such as advertising billboards.
- Well pumps – A specialty license in well pumps grants electrical contractors the ability to install and repair different kinds of pumps, such as hand- and manually-operated.
- Farm equipment – Electrical contractors with a specialty in farm equipment can operate all the machines, control systems, and other such equipment specific to a farm.
- Refrigeration – A specialty license in refrigeration means electrical contractors can build and repair all things refrigeration including the electrical systems that encompass them.
- Oil Burner Installer – With this specialty, electrical contractors install, inspect, and service oil burners to make sure they do not pose a threat to people.
- Natural and Propane Gas – This specialty requires electrical contractors to install, inspect, and service natural fuel gas systems.
Electrical contractors must include a $115 fee with their application as well as proof of a training program’s completion and one year (2,000 hours) of experience in their preferred specialty. Once approved, their license lasts three years. A lack of formal training can be substituted with an additional year of experience (4,000 hours).
Master Electrician License Requirements
Obtaining a master electrician license in Vermont requires a $150 fee alongside your application.
Further requirements for the application can be met in three different ways:
- Having a reciprocity agreement with Maine or New Hampshire;
- Holding a Vermont journeyman’s license for two or more years;
- Having performed 16,000 hours worth of related work, signed off by past employers.
Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
Similar to a master’s license, a journeyman license in Vermont can be met through a few of its different requirements. The following requirements include:
- Having reciprocity with Maine or New Hampshire;
- Having completed the Vermont Apprenticeship Program.
Electrical Journeyman Exam
The exam needed to become a licensed journeyman in Vermont is usually administered through a sponsored apprenticeship program, which will be discussed below.
Electrical Apprenticeship Requirements
Sponsored apprenticeship programs are popular within the state of Vermont. Through these programs, apprenticeships are provided by employers, employee associations, colleges, or labor-management groups.
Electrical Apprentice Jobs
Programs sponsored by the Vermont Technical College ease the process of finding a job by equipping their students with electrical apprenticeships.
For individuals looking for electrical apprenticeships without having attended Vermont Technical College, utilize the Indeed’s job finder.
Electrical Trade Schools in Vermont
Many electricians in Vermont obtain their journeyman license through the Vermont Technical College due to their partnership with the state’s Department of Labor. Vermont Technical College has branches in Randolph Center, Williston, Bennington, Brattleboro, Lyndon, Middlebury, Morrisville, Newport, St. Albans, Springfield, Rutland, and White River Junction. Each branch prepares its students with the information needed to pass the journeyman exam. Material is taught through both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Vermont Technical College, various locations
- Program: Apprenticeship;
- Tuition(in-state): $14,304;
- For more information, visit the VTC contact page.
Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Hyde Park
- Program: Technical high school;
- Tuition: N/A, public school;
- Students must be juniors or seniors in high school to enter the program;
- For more information, visit their page for Electrical Technology.
Vermont Professional License Search
Utilize the State of Vermont’s open data to find licensed electrical contractors near you.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an Electrical 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:
Call Us