State licensure is crucial because it displays competency, knowledge, and skill in the field. Obtaining a state contractor's license also means that you'd have protection under the state's dispute resolution program if something happens on the job. You'd have access to state funds available to resolve these kinds of disputes, which offers meaningful financial protection for you in the case of an accident, emergency, or incident.

Not everyone will need to obtain a Vermont contractor's license. General contractors, for example, don't need any formal licensing from the state because the state of Vermont does not license its contractors.

However, that doesn't mean those general contractors don't need to get licensed and certified by their city or county government. When in doubt, it's always best to contact your local regulatory body to learn what licensing is necessary for your work. 

If you're hoping to become a plumber or electrician, on the other hand, you will need a specific state license. You may also need to get certified in lead abatement and asbestos. 

Contact the Division of Fire Safety here for more information about county and city requirements for electricians or plumbers.

Luckily, there are no experience or exam requirements to obtain a contractor's license in Vermont. There's just a required apprenticeship to verify proper education in the trade.

However, requirements will vary for a license for plumbing, electrical, or any other specialty trades. We'll touch on that more later.

The Benefits of Having a Contractor's License in Vermont

If you're serious about your plumbing or electrical work and turning it into a successful career, a Vermont contractor's license is a vital part of that dream.

Sure, someone unlicensed might be able to fix a toilet or a light switch, but a license proves that you possess the technical expertise to handle these issues. It demonstrates your credibility and increases the value of your work and your earning potential.

Open Doors to New Opportunities

Perhaps you've been working as an unlicensed handyman, helping friends, family, and neighbors with odd electrical or plumbing jobs around the house. You may have found that there's a high demand for this kind of work. However, without a license, you're limited in who will let you onto their property.

If you want to turn a side-hustle into a real business or start taking on bigger, more serious jobs as an electrician or plumber, a license is absolutely vital. It gives you credibility so that you can book new jobs and impress new customers. 

Plus, that word of mouth will spread, and you may be fielding offers left and right before you know it.

Increases the Value of Your Work

In addition to opening the doors to more opportunities, getting a Vermont plumbing or electrician's license will also increase the value of the work. The enhanced credibility that a license gives you translates directly into higher earning potential. 

Suppose a client has the choice between an unlicensed handyperson at a lower cost and a licensed contractor offering the same work at a slightly higher cost. They are more than likely to select a licensed contractor because of the additional perceived value. 

Also, you'll be able to earn more and increase your earning potential by taking on larger projects that require professional licensure.

Protects Your Business

If you work without a license on someone's property, you could potentially get into legal trouble if something goes wrong. Not only will this cost you financially, but it could also ruin your reputation as a handyman, making it hard to find future business.

A contractor license protects your business reputation and ensures you are not liable for unforeseeable damages.

The team at Contractor Training Center consists of knowledgeable contracting experts dedicated to helping contractors in Vermont. We help contractors like you obtain the licenses needed to take on specialty trade work. 

We understand the intricacies and nuances of both the Vermont Electrical Exam (for Journeyperson or Master Electrician) and the Vermont Plumbing License (for Journeyperson or Master Plumber). Rest assured, we have the resources and understanding you need to get your license without worry.

We will be by your side every step of the way, helping you file all necessary forms and sign up for the appropriate programs. Vermont requires its trade candidates to pass an open-book licensing exam.

Do you need support to get into an apprenticeship program? Looking for help in applying for the license online with the correct forms? Contractor Training Center is here to further your professional success. Plus, our friendly customer service team is always available to help with questions or concerns that may arise during the application process.

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The basic steps to getting a contractor's license in Vermont include identifying the right kind of license you need (either a plumber's or electrician's license) and applying for either the license or the state's apprenticeship program. 

There are state exams for all Vermont trade licenses. They also require education through an apprenticeship program, which trains candidates in the field before they apply for licensure.

Get the details on the whole process to become a licensed contractor in Vermont below.

Step 1: Decide What Type Of License Your Business Needs

The first and most crucial step is identifying which license your business needs. To do that, ask yourself what type of work you'd like to do.

If you prefer to stick with general contracting, you won't need a state license. You should still check with your local and county government agencies to verify any additional local requirements to take on these kinds of jobs.

If you're leaning more toward plumbing or electricity, you will need first to become an apprentice before you can take the exam to get licensed in the state.

Type 1: Plumbing License (Journeyman or Master)

The Vermont plumbing license gives individuals state permission to perform plumbing work. It includes jobs such as sanitary draining, storm drainage, and water supply work as well. 

If you have not worked as a plumber before, you will first need to complete the state registered apprenticeship program with at least 12,000 hours of on-site training. Once you do that and obtain a certificate of completion through the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council, you can then register for the exam and apply to become a journeyman electrician. At this level, you can perform all plumbing duties under the supervision of a master electrician.

If you are a journeyman plumber applying to become a master plumber, you will have additional requirements. You need to have completed one year as a journeyman or be able to prove 14,000 hours of on-the-job training. You will also need to take an open-book exam.

Type 2: Electrician's License (Journeyman or Master)

The Vermont electrician's license does not require any exams and instead relies on the state's apprenticeship program to provide the necessary education before accepting applicants.

This license allows individuals to install, repair, or maintain any cable, fixture, wire, or equipment that uses electrical energy. It also allows for the supervision of apprentices in training. 

If you've never done electrical work before, you will first need to complete the state apprenticeship program with a registered apprenticeship sponsor. Once you complete that and get your certificate of completion, you can take your exam and apply for your journeyman's license. You must apply within two years of your apprenticeship completion for those hours to be valid. As a journeyman, you can complete all electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician.

From there, you can upgrade your license and become a master electrician upon passing the exam. You will need to either have been in the journeyman program for at least two years or prove 12,000 hours of electrical work from previous employers. 

Which Exam Should You Take? 

The appropriate exam depends on the license you want. Be careful that you are selecting the appropriate exam level, however. 

For example, if you're entirely new to electrical work, you should take the journeyman exam. You will only need to take the master electrician's exam once you have already achieved journeyman status.

All trade licensing exams are available via computer at various testing centers throughout the state.

Step 2: Take The Exam

Once you've identified the exam you need to take, it's time to nail down all of the details and logistics so you can take the exam with success on your first try.

All exams cost $80. You will need to take them on a computer. However, you can’t take the exam at home. You must visit one of the many Prov testing centers throughout the state.

Exam Times and Dates

There are no set times or dates to take the exam, so there's much more flexibility to find a time that works for you. Simply call Prov (the testing center) at (866) 720-7768 during business hours to verify your identity and find the next available testing session.

Step 3: Apply 

When you are ready to apply for the license, go online and access the proper forms for either the plumbing or electrician application. Then, you must submit the form to the Vermont Division of Fire Safety and wait for approval. Contractor Training Center offers application assistance programs to assist and review your application before submission. Our license specialist can walk you through the application process from start to finish to ensure you are submitting your application correctly.