According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are around 469,900 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in the United States, with 900 working in Vermont. According to CareerOneStop, the United States Department of Labor’s job search website, employment in Vermont is estimated to expand at a pace of 7% by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As there is a consistent need for plumbers in Vermont, now is a fantastic time to go into this sector.
If you live in this state and are considering a job change, keep reading.
This essay will walk you through the steps necessary to obtain a prosperous career.
Table of Contents
Types of Vermont Plumbing Licenses and Their Requirements
Is a plumber in Vermont necessary to have a contractor’s license? Yes.
Journeymen and master plumbers in Vermont must have a state-issued license. Applicants may also seek restricted specific licenses to operate with heating systems, thermal management, and wastewater disposal.
General requirements include:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be physically and mentally active and ready to do the plumbing jobs
- Pass the drug test
In Vermont, who issues plumbing licenses?
The Division of Fire Safety of the Vermont Department of Public Safety is in charge of issuing plumbing licenses throughout the state. The licensing board is also in charge of suspending and revoking plumbers’ licenses, as well as defining plumbing laws and examination and permission costs. On the agency’s website, candidates may obtain licensing requests, updated state plumbing regulation info, ongoing training materials, and contact details for plumbing and heating inspectors.
Exam for plumbers in Vermont
In order to be accepted to take a computer-based exam, examinees must provide their testing confirmation number (issued by a Pearson VUE representative at the time of exam registration) at the testing location on the exam day. The name on the exam reservation must correspond to the name on the ID. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to test and your exam cost will be forfeited. This regulation cannot be waived by either the Code Council or Pearson VUE.
Examinees must have and exhibit a valid (unexpired) picture ID with signature issued by a state or federal regulatory body, such as a driver’s license or passport, for paper-and-pencil or computer-based examinations.
Apprentice Plumber Program in Vermont
An apprenticeship in plumbing is the first step toward a career in the plumbing trade. To be considered, aspirants must have a high school diploma or GED, picture identification, and an active driver’s license.
Individuals can receive a completion certificate while conducting repair work under the supervision of a certified journeyman or master plumber via the Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program. Applicants can learn more about the Registered Apprenticeship Program by visiting the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council.
Journeyman Plumber License in Vermont
Applicants can apply for a journeyman plumber license after finishing the requisite technical training as an apprentice plumber.
Candidates must obtain a Certificate of Completion from the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council illustrating at least 12,000 hour shifts of on-site experience, or a credentialed proclamation of licensing requirements or completed traineeship from some other state satisfactory to the Plumbers Examining Board in prior to applying for a journeyman plumber’s license.
A reciprocal military license can be obtained by providing a copy of the applicant’s DD-214, which must show proof of honorable release from the military within the previous two years, as well as a copy of the applicant’s 12K Course completion or equivalent, as well as 8,000 hours of experience. Every hour needs the signature of a qualified master plumber.
All applicants must complete a journeyman license application, pay a $90 application fee, and pass the Vermont plumbing board’s journeyman plumber exam. The journeyman exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in three hours or fewer. The following topics are covered in the exams:
- Plumbing Terminology and Fixtures
- Fundamentals of Plumbing
- Drainage Requirements for Water Distribution
- Interceptors, Cleanouts, and Traps
- Particular Requirements
- Requirements for Venting
- Make a Reading Schedule
- Amendments made at the local level
Renewal of Journeyman plumbing licenses
The Division of Fire Safety in Vermont requires journeyman plumber licenses to be renewed every two years. A $90 fee and eight hours of continuing education are required for license renewal.
Vermont Master Plumber Certification
Designing and maintaining water systems in residential and commercial buildings, as well as supervising apprentice and journeyman plumbers, are common tasks for master plumbers. Master plumbers must also have a thorough knowledge of community construction and plumbing requirements, as well as safety laws and power generation.
Candidates must collaborate as a licensed journeyman plumber for at least 12 months, give evidence of authorization from another state detailing knowledge equal to or greater than Vermont’s journeyman licensing credentials, or provide paperwork demonstrating timely accomplishment of at least 14,000 hours of lessons, coaching, and expertise from another state appropriate to the plumbing board to pertain for the master plumber’s license.
Applicants who have a license from another state must provide a certified letter of licensing from the originating state, as well as verification of any and all coursework necessary to get that license.
A reciprocal military license can be obtained by providing a copy of the applicant’s DD-214, which must show proof of honorable release from the military within the previous two years, as well as a copy of the applicant’s 12K Course completion or equivalent, as well as 12,000 hours of experience. A written affidavit from a qualified master plumber is required for all hours.
Candidates must provide their current license number, a copy of their journeyman license, a master plumber licensing application, pay a $120 application fee, and pass a test. In 4 hours, the master plumber test consists of 105 multiple-choice questions.
Vermont Plumbing Specialty License
Applicants must enroll with the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council, apply for membership, pay a $50 processing fee per specialist field, and complete an assessment to be considered for a restricted special plumber license.
Candidates for a special plumber license (P1 or P2) for heating systems or thermal management have to provide supporting documents of 2,000 hours of practice, or show successful execution of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training documented by affidavits from a P1 or P2 licensed specialist or licensed master plumber, as well as at least 144 hours of explicit schooling, to the Vermont Department of Labor.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in Vermont?
According to the BLS, the yearly mean wage for plumbers, permanent fixture experts, and skilled machinists in Vermont is $52,350. According to ZipRecruiter.com and Indeed.com, the typical pay for Vermont plumbing experts rises with knowledge and qualifications.
- Apprentice plumber: In Vermont, the average starting income for a plumbing apprentice is $43,093.
- Journeyman Plumber: In Vermont, a journeyman plumber earns an average base pay of $53,098.
- Master Plumber: A master plumber in Vermont earns an average base income of $63,697.
Salary potential varies greatly based on the region and a variety of other characteristics such as degree, qualifications, supplementary capabilities, and actual knowledge.
Vermont Plumbing Training Programs and Trade Schools
Vermont has a range of instructional options to assist you to achieve your certification process, including trade schools and even universities with plumbing programmes.
The following are some of the best training schools:
In Randolph Center, Vermont, Vermont Technical College offers a recognized apprenticeship programme.
In Barre, Vermont, the Central Vermont Career Center offers apprenticeship credit hours and certification options.
Stafford Technical Center in Rutland, Vermont, combines classroom learning with hands-on experience.
Does Veremont allow plumbing reciprocity?
Yes, Vermont recognizes a master, journeyman, or specialist plumber’s license granted in another county or jurisdiction as long as the supplier retains requirements that are comparable to or higher than most in Vermont.
Is it possible to be exempt from the plumbing exam?
If you have a license in another state or municipality that grants a reciprocal license and exemption for Vermont licensees, you may be excused from the plumbing test. The needed fee must still be paid.
In Vermont, how to renew a plumbing license?
Every two years, you must renew your license. If your license has expired, it can be revived with a $15 restoration charge in addition to the renewal price within 90 days of the termination date.
You must seek for reactivation and attend before the panel if your license has been suspended for more than 90 days. Applicants for license renewal must present evidence of the fulfillment of 8 hours of board-approved continuing training or education, two of which must be code review, during the previous two years. A copy of a certificate is sufficient proof of this.
Is it necessary to continue education in order to renew Vermont plumbing license?
Yes, each cycle requires you to finish 8 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of the review process.
What kind of insurance do Vermont plumbers need?
As a plumbing contractor, you must ensure that you have enough public liability insurance to protect yourself in the event that you cause injury or loss while doing your duties. Any subcontractors you engage should be protected by your insurance if they operate under your management if you have the correct coverage in place.
