Quick Reference Table
License Type | Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Type-S Journeyman, Framing Certificate |
|---|---|
Regulating Agency | VT Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Electricians’ Licensing Board |
Experience Required | Master: 2 years Journeyman; Journeyman: apprenticeship or board-accepted experience; Type-S: specialized training/experience |
Exam | Yes: Written and practical exams, scope varies by license |
Renewal | Every 3 years (triennial) |
Continuing Education | Master/Journeyman: 15 NEC hours + 2-hr energy/renewables module |
Fees (Initial/Renewal) | Master: $150, Journeyman/Type-S: $115, Framing Certificate: $10 (as of June 2026 - verify at Vermont Statutes § 905) |
Official Licensing Page |
Who Needs a License in Vermont?
Most importantly, you must hold a valid Vermont electrical license to perform, supervise, or contract for electrical work outside of exempt situations. Generally, any non-owner-occupied commercial, industrial, or rental residential work requires licensing, as do all contractors bidding for or supervising such work. The electrical license requirements in Vermont prohibit unlicensed electrical contracting on these structures.
According to state law, only licensed master electricians may contract for or supervise electrical work independently. Journeyman electricians may perform work only under the supervision of a master electrician. Type‑S journeyman electricians are restricted to work within their designated specialty field, also usually under a master’s supervision. If you are an employee who does not supervise or contract for work on your own, and work exclusively under a licensed master, you might not need an independent license. However, owner-occupant homeowners working on their own primary residence (1–2 family dwelling) are typically exempt from licensing for their own non-commercial work, though local permit requirements may still apply.
Contractors, companies, or firms without a Vermont license cannot lawfully bid or perform electrical work in the state. Similarly, unlicensed individuals may not present themselves as electricians, supervise, or solicit electrical contracting work. Licensing is required to pull work notice permits, supervise installations, or sign off on completion certificates for non-exempt structures. Electrical license requirements in Vermont are enforced strictly.
Electrical License Requirements in Vermont: License Types
Vermont offers several electrical license types, each with different scopes of permitted work. Choosing the right one is crucial for compliance and legal business operations under electrical license requirements in Vermont.
Master Electrician: This license allows you to contract for, supervise, and perform all classes of electrical work, including installation, alteration, and repair of systems such as general wiring, lightning rods, fire alarms, fire detection, and related specialties. Masters may supervise journeyman electricians and apprentices.
Journeyman Electrician: A journeyman can perform most electrical work but must do so under a master electrician’s supervision. Journeymen can also supervise apprentices and helpers but are not authorized to install lightning rods or fire alarm systems unless also licensed as Type‑S in those fields.
Type‑S Journeyman Electrician: This is a specialty-per-field journeyman license covering areas like automatic gas/oil heating, outdoor sign wiring, refrigeration/AC, appliance/motor repair, well pumps, farm equipment, commercial fire alarms, gas pumps, electrical locking devices, lightning rods, and solar installations. Type‑S licensees are limited to their specialty area.
Framing Certificate: A framing certificate covers only the installation of mechanical support for electrical apparatus. This is very limited and excludes connection or wiring. It is not an electrician’s license.
Detailed statutory definitions and scopes are found at 26 V.S.A. § 905.
How to Get Licensed in Vermont
Step 1: Choose Your License Type
The process for obtaining any electrical license in Vermont involves several clear steps. Under electrical license requirements in Vermont, you must decide which license type fits your experience and work scope (master, journeyman, Type‑S, or framing certificate).
Step 2: Prepare Experience Documentation
Gather proof of experience or apprenticeship. Masters need at least two years as a Vermont journeyman, or comparable experience judged acceptable by the Board. Journeymen must complete an apprenticeship or provide work history recognized by the Board; military 12R electricians with 8,000 hours and four years of duty also can qualify for journeyman, all per electrical license requirements in Vermont.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Download and complete the official application from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety’s licensing page. Fill out the application in ink or electronically, then print and sign it original ink. Include required documentation of experience, education, and any prior licenses from other states if applying via reciprocity.
Step 4: Submit Application and Await Examination
Mail or hand-deliver your complete application to the Division of Fire Safety central office: 1311 U.S. Route 302, Suite 600, Barre, VT 05641. Wait for exam scheduling instructions. For Type‑S exams in specific specialties (for example, electric lock installer), you may be referred to a third-party such as ProV, Inc. for testing. Pay the required examination fee. Fees are set by the Board to reflect actual exam administration costs. When tested with a third-party service, you must pay them directly at their published rates.
Step 5: Pass Your Exam and Obtain License
Take and pass the relevant exam(s). Exams include written and practical portions tailored to your chosen license. Passing scores and allowed reference materials are established by the Board or exam provider. If you do not pass, you may retake the exam by paying an additional fee. However, after three failures you must document at least eight additional hours of approved code education before another attempt. Upon passing the exam and paying all applicable license fees, you receive your license card. You can request a framed wall certificate for an additional fee. These steps are required under electrical license requirements in Vermont.
Check application forms, deadlines, and detailed process steps at the Division of Fire Safety licensing portal.
Application Requirements
Experience and Age
Applicants must provide written proof of the required experience for their chosen category:
Master Electrician: Minimum two years’ licensed journeyman experience in Vermont, or out-of-state experience deemed equivalent by the Board. No minimum age is explicitly mentioned in statute, but applicants must have completed the required experience period.
Journeyman Electrician: Completion of a qualifying apprenticeship program or experiential credit recognized by the Board. Veterans and 12R military electricians may substitute service experience (at least 8,000 hours and four years’ duty).
Type‑S Journeyman: Must document specialized experience or vocational education in the specialty field, as outlined in the Board’s rules and application guidance.
Framing Certificate: Requires proper application; specific experience not detailed.
Bond and Insurance
No explicit surety bond or general liability insurance requirement is stated in current Vermont statutes for individual electrical licensure. If operating as an electrical contracting company, you may be subject to business registration and insurance requirements under separate state or local business laws. Verify current insurance rules at the Division of Fire Safety licensing page in case electrical license requirements in Vermont change.
Background Check
There is no mention in official statutes of a criminal background check as part of the electrical licensing process. However, you must answer all questions truthfully on the licensure application. False statements or undisclosed violations can result in denial or future disciplinary action. The Board considers disciplinary records from other jurisdictions when evaluating reciprocity applications. Electrical license requirements in Vermont include compliance with application honesty.
Federal Certifications
Vermont does not require OSHA cards or other federal certifications for state electrical licensing. However, certain projects (federal, military, or public works) may require separate federal certifications or background screening. Always check project-specific requirements.
Exams
Applicants for all license types (except framing certificate) must pass an exam covering both theory and practical aspects of electrical work, as well as Vermont-specific rules, in line with electrical license requirements in Vermont.
Exam Name/Type: Vermont Electrical Licensing Exam (varies by license: Master, Journeyman, Type‑S specialties)
Format: Written and practical. Master exams include specialty topics (lightning rod, fire alarms); Type‑S covers the chosen specialty area only.
Administrator: The Division of Fire Safety. Some specialty exams (e.g., electric lock installations) administered by ProV, Inc. or similar services. Written or online proctored formats may apply.
Passing Score and Retakes: Minimum passing scores set by the Board. If you fail three times, you must complete at least eight hours of approved comprehensive code training before another attempt.
Permitted References: For some exams, open-book format is allowed. Typical allowed materials include the current Vermont Electrical Safety Rules and the National Electrical Code (2020 or 2023 depending on exam cycle).
Official Exam Page: See the Vermont Division of Fire Safety licensing portal.
For detailed specialty Type‑S testing information, see provider policies (e.g., ProV, Inc. for electric lock installation) and Vermont’s exam rules at 24-001 Code Vt. R. 24-040-001-X.
Fees
Vermont sets its licensing and renewal fees by statute. All amounts below are confirmed as of June 2026 in 26 V.S.A. § 905.
Master Electrician license: $150 (initial and renewal, 3 years)
Journeyman Electrician or Type‑S Journeyman: $115 (initial and renewal, 3 years)
Framing Certificate: $10 (initial and renewal, 3 years)
Late Renewal Fee: $25 (if renewing within 1 year of expiration; after this, reapply as new applicant)
Replacement License: $20
Examination Fee: Board sets, up to actual cost of administration. Some exams delivered by third-party. Exact amounts are not listed in statute - Verify current exam fees at DFS Licensing.
Work Notice (Electrical Permit) Fee: $40 for complex structures (all non-owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings, commercial, and public). Owner-occupied one- and two-family homes may be exempt from the base state fee (local permits can still apply).
Municipalities may charge additional, separate permit fees. Always confirm total fees with your local inspection office. All fee payments are based on electrical license requirements in Vermont statute.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Renewal and Deadline
You must renew your license every three years. The Division of Fire Safety will send renewal notices, but you are responsible for keeping your license current. Licenses can be renewed within one year of expiration by paying a $25 late renewal fee. After one year, you must reapply as a new applicant and retest if required. The renewal process is a core part of electrical license requirements in Vermont.
Continuing Education (CE)
Master and Journeyman Electricians must complete at least 15 contact hours of continuing education during each renewal period. All hours must focus on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
In addition, each licensee is required to complete a two-hour, board-approved module covering Vermont energy goals, relevant energy programs, and legislative updates. The requirement is in effect at initial licensure and each subsequent renewal.
Approved CE providers and course lists are published at DFS Licensing.
Failure to complete required CE may result in non-renewal. Reinstatement after long lapse requires successful application as a new applicant, including all exams and fees.
If your license lapses, notify clients and refrain from contracting or supervising work until compliance is restored.
Reciprocity
Vermont offers limited reciprocity with other jurisdictions for electrical licensing. If you have practiced as a master or journeyman in another jurisdiction for at least three years, you may qualify for license endorsement or reduced requirements, provided the Board finds the other state’s criteria substantially equivalent. All reciprocity follows electrical license requirements in Vermont.
To apply by endorsement, submit proof of experience and current licensure with your Vermont application. The Board or Commissioner will determine if your credentials meet state standards. If they do not find equivalency, you may be required to complete full Vermont testing and education. For statutory reference, see 26 V.S.A. § 901(b)(1)(B–C).
No formal blanket reciprocity exists; each application is considered individually. Vermont does recognize qualifying military service for experience credit toward journeyman licensure.
Official Links
Application and Permit Forms
Public License Lookup (linked from Open Data portal)
Full Statutes: Title 26, Chapter 15
For help with ongoing compliance, you may want to review our state electrical licensing guides and electrical permit tools.
