Yes, you will need a Vermont electrical license to perform work. 

There are three main types of electrical licenses in Vermont: Specialist, Journeyman, and Master.

Specialists can do a range of work, including design, installation, repair, and maintenance. You can employ others and supervise an apprentice. Specialty fields include outdoor advertising, gas or oil heating, refrigeration or air-conditioning, appliance repairs, and farm equipment.

Journeyman electricians can perform electrical installations and oversee the work of an apprentice, as long as the apprentice is employed by a master electrician.

Master electricians can design and install electrical systems in addition to supervising journeyman electricians. 

To work as a Specialist, there are two paths. The first path is to complete an approved training program and one year (2,000 hours) of relevant work. The second path is to show proof of working in the field for two years (4,000 hours).

For the Journeyman license, you need to complete the Vermont Apprenticeship Program within the past two years. You also can show proof of least 12,000 hours in the field. Anyone who served and held a military license can apply for a reciprocal Journeyman license.

To become a Master Electrician, you need to work as a Journeyman Electrician for at least two years. If you haven’t held this job, you still can apply if you have completed 16,000 hours in the field.

Application fees are $150 for the Master Electrician, and $115 for the other licenses.

Upon application approval, you can register for your exam, which is administered by the International Code Council. Exams are open book and cover the electrical safety rules and the National Electric Code.

You can join a union and seek an apprenticeship through either the National Electrical Contractors Association or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. These programs are designed to help you complete your license application. 

For those pursuing their own training and education, you can join the union to network and go to additional training classes. Unions also provide wage negotiation assistance, pension plans, and healthcare.

You can browse online job boards for new openings in your area. You’ll also want to connect with people in your network. 

During the interview, maintain a sense of professionalism as you detail your experience and training. Be open-minded about the work. It’s also important to ask questions.

Working in the field is not without risk. Exposure to live wires, active construction sites, and external elements provide some level of danger. You are advised to get insurance. Some policies cover expenses related to your workplace injuries and provide compensation for loss wages. Other policies can protect you against accidents, like harm to others or property damage.

With the emergence of smart devices, wireless communication, and eco-friendly options, customers are seeking electricians to install these new technologies. Attending trade shows and learning about different products can help you stay marketable. You want to be a knowledgeable resource for your employer or customers.

Vermont has reciprocity agreements with Maine and New Hampshire for the Journeyman and Master electrician licenses. 

Contact the Department of Fire Safety if you need a replacement license. The fee is $20.  If you need to update your contact information, please contact the department too.

A Vermont electrical license is valid for three years. License renewal fees for Master Electricians are $150, and they’re $115 for the other licenses. Fifteen hours of continuing education are required for anyone seeking to renew a license.