VERMONT · plumber
Journeyman Plumber
Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers' Examining Board →Scope of Work
A Vermont Journeyman Plumber is authorized to perform plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. Contracting for plumbing work and pulling plumbing permits in the Journeyman's own name is not authorized; that requires a Master Plumber license. The Plumbers' Examining Board sits within the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety. Source: Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbing (https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing).
Experience and Training
Standard pathway: 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience documented through a Certificate of Completion from the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council, or a certified statement of licensure or completed apprenticeship from another state acceptable to the Plumbers' Examining Board. Apprentice registration and tracking through the Vermont Apprenticeship Program are prerequisites to counting hours. Source: Vermont Division of Fire Safety Plumbers License Application Instructions (https://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/files/files/forms/dfs_plumbing_license_application.pdf).
Exam
The Journeyman exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions administered over 3 hours. Content covers the Vermont Plumbing Rules, the plumbing code currently adopted in Vermont, and applicable Vermont statutes. Source: Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbing (https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing).
Renewal and CE
2-year renewal cycle. Renewal requires 8 hours of continuing education and a $90 renewal fee per the Division's published guidance. Continuing education must be approved by the Plumbers' Examining Board. Verify current CE and fee requirements before renewal. Source: Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbing (https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing).
Reciprocity
The Plumbers' Examining Board reviews reciprocal licensing on a case-by-case basis. Applicants licensed in another state by examination should submit a license-verification letter from the originating board and confirm current terms with the Division. Source: Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbing (https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
Apprenticeship hours may be earned through UA-affiliated Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 693 (Vermont/western New Hampshire region) and Local 131, as well as non-union programs registered with PHCC of New England. Vermont Technical College provides plumbing coursework. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
A Journeyman Plumber in Vermont may not contract for plumbing work in the Journeyman's own name or act as the permitting principal; those functions require a Master Plumber license. A Master Plumber applicant must have at least 12 months as a licensed Journeyman Plumber or equivalent qualifying experience, pass the Master Plumber exam (105 questions, 4 hours), and meet Board requirements. Source: Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbing (https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing).