Electrician License Requirements in Vermont
| Licensing Authority | Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety (DFS) |
| License Type | Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours of full-time electrical work experience under a licensed electrician plus 576 hours of classroom-based training for Journeyman; Master requires 2 years as licensed Journeyman |
| Education Substitute | Completion of an accredited electrical program may satisfy classroom hour requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Electrician Exam + Electrical Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 15 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $80 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $80 |
| Est. Initial Total | $235 |
Renewal: $80 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Electrical Contractor Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Vermont
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Vermont. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Apprentice Electrician
Entry level — must work under licensed Journeyman or Master
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours on-the-job plus 576 hours classroom instruction
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
Must hold Vermont Journeyman license for at least 2 years
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Vermont participates in the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA)
- 15 hours of NEC code-based CE required for each renewal cycle
You're licensed in Vermont as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety issues the Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Vermont customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Carry general liability insurance.
Vermont does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $80. Continuing education: 15 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Vermont
- General Contractor license in Vermont
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Plumber license in Vermont
Statewide license required · $225 in initial government fees · DFS
- HVAC Technician license in Vermont
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Vermont
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont requires a statewide electrician license through the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
How much does an electrician license cost in Vermont?
The estimated initial cost is $235, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Vermont?
8,000 hours of full-time electrical work experience under a licensed electrician plus 576 hours of classroom-based training for Journeyman; Master requires 2 years as licensed Journeyman Education substitute: Completion of an accredited electrical program may satisfy classroom hour requirements
What exams are required for an electrician license in Vermont?
You must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam and Electrical Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Vermont have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Vermont has reciprocity agreements with 2 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Vermont?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Vermont?
Yes, 15 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Vermont— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DFS