Plumber License Requirements in Vermont
| Licensing Authority | Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers Examining Board (DFS) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | 12,000 hours of on-the-job plumbing work experience for Journeyman; Master requires holding Journeyman license for at least 12 months |
| Education Substitute | Approved plumbing apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $75 |
| Est. Initial Total | $225 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Master Plumber 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.
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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 · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →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 Plumber
Entry level — must work under licensed Master Plumber
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
12,000 hours (approx. 6 years) on-the-job experience
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
Must hold Vermont Journeyman license for at least 12 months
Exam: Required
Notes
- 8 hours of continuing education required every 2 years for license renewal
You're licensed in Vermont as a plumber — 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, Plumbers Examining Board issues the Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber; 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 plumber 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 $75. Continuing education: 8 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Vermont
- General Contractor license in Vermont
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Vermont
Statewide license required · $235 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 a plumber license in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont requires a statewide plumber license through the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers Examining Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Vermont?
The estimated initial cost is $225, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Vermont?
12,000 hours of on-the-job plumbing work experience for Journeyman; Master requires holding Journeyman license for at least 12 months Education substitute: Approved plumbing apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements
What exams are required for a plumber license in Vermont?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Vermont?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Vermont?
Yes, 8 hours per 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Vermont— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DFS