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How to become a licensed plumber in Vermont. State-level licensing required. 12,000 apprenticeship hours required. Total initial fees: $205. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Plumber
Governing Authority
Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers Examining Board
Official website →Yes
State Licensed?
12,000
Apprentice Hours
4
License Levels
$205
Total Fees
8 hrs
CE Hours
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Code Version
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types Available
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers Examining Board
Apprenticeship Program
12,000
Total Hours
4 yrs
Duration
576
Classroom Hours
7,424
OJT Hours
Registered Apprenticeship Program Required
Experience Required
Registration required; no prior experience
No exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
12,000 hours on-the-job (via VT Apprenticeship Council certificate of completion), OR certified statement of licensure/apprenticeship from another state, OR 4,000 hours documented by affidavits + 144 hours formal instruction
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
VT Journeyman license for at least 12 months, OR current 1-year licensure outside VT at journeyman-equivalent, OR 14,000+ hours board-approved training
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Exam Information
VerifiedJourneyman Exam
RequiredMaster Exam
RequiredExam Provider
PSI
Plumbing Code Version
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Open Book Exam
Passing Score
70%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Apprentice Registration Apprentice registration fee | $25 |
Journeyman License Journeyman plumber license fee | $70 |
Master License Master plumber license fee | $95 |
Exam Fee Plumbing exam fee | $110 |
Renewal Fee Annual or biennial renewal fee | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total for apprentice registration + journeyman license + exam | $205 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8
CE Hours Required
$45
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Required
Regulatory Board
Renewal fee per 2 years
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require plumbers to pass the local exam or apply for endorsement when transferring an out-of-state license. Requirements vary by state.
Vermont has an owner-occupied exemption for single-family residences not on public water/sewer. The state also requires completion of a Vermont Energy Goals educational module for all new and renewal applications since July 2021. Three distinct license tiers (Heating System Specialist, Journeyman, Master) with open-book exams.
Vermont has an unusual exemption: owner-occupied single-family residences not connected to public water or sewer systems are not covered by state plumbing rules.
Vermont Energy Goals educational module required for new and renewal applications (since July 1, 2021).
Vermont has three distinct plumber license tiers: Heating System Specialist (P1/P2), Journeyman, and Master — each with different hour and exam requirements.
Journeyman exam: 75 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open-book. Master exam: 105 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, open-book.
Code: International Plumbing Code (ICC).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Vermont.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#35 of 51
Cost
#10 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
Entry Level
$48,770
25th percentile
Median
$60,550
-4% vs. national avg ($62,970)Experienced
$78,000
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
960 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" includes pipefitters and steamfitters in addition to plumbers. Wages for plumbers specifically may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.4%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+27,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
39,200
per year (avg.)
510,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Plumbing Career Ladder+29% salary growth potential
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
$60,550
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
$60,550
Master plumber license + contractor license
$78,290
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 212–222 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Plumbing
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Plumbing
Study guides and code practice tests for the plumber licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-22
Vermont requires state-level licensing. Complete 12,000 hours of apprenticeship to qualify. All licensing is managed through the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers Examining Board.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.