The Vermont Division of Fire Safety is responsible for the licensing of various trades-related professions throughout the state, including Electrical Contractors. The Division’s Electrical Safety Program and Licensing Board helps to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities by requiring licensing for all persons performing electrical work.
The Board ensures that all Electrical Contractors have the skills and knowledge to perform work on electrical projects by adhering to and enforcing nationally recognized safety codes. As part of the licensing process, contractors are required to meet the Board’s requirements for work experience and training, and pass an exam.
License Classifications and Categories for Electrical Contractors in Vermont
The Vermont Division of Fire Safety offers the following license classifications and categories to Electrical Contractors:
- Master Electrician License- allows contractors to design, install, repair, maintain, and replace electrical wiring, devices and equipment, including lighting rods, fire alarms and fire detection systems. This license class also allows contractors to supervise, direct and oversee work on electrical projects.
- Journeyman Electrician License- allows contractors to perform electrical installations under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician. Journeymen are also allowed to supervise apprentices and helpers who are under the employment and direction of the licensed Master Electrician.
- Specialist Electrician License- allows the contractor to specialize in one or more of the following categories within the electrical trade:
- Outdoor Advertising
- Appliance and Motor Repairs
- Well Pumps
- Farm Equipment
- Commercial Fire Alarms
- Gas Pumps/Bulk Plants
- Automatic Gas/Oil Heating
- Refrigeration/Air Conditioning
- Electrical Locksmith
- Lightning Rod Installations
*Please note that all Journeyman Electricians must work under the supervision of a Master Electrician. Master Electricians are responsible for performing final inspections to make sure that all work is up to codes and standards.
For more information about the license classifications offered and the scope of work they may perform, please contact a Board licensing specialist at:
802-479-7564
OR
Visit: State of Vermont- Professions and Occupations
Process to Obtain an Electrical Contractor License in Vermont
- Contractors must meet the Board’s requirements for work experience and training based on their chosen license classification.
- Contractors must complete and submit a license application to the Board along with all the required documents and fees
- Contractors must take and pass a written and practical exam based on electrical installations, codes and safety standards.
- Contractors must attend continuing education courses every 3 years upon renewal
Work Experience and Training Requirement
In order to qualify to take the licensing exam, all contractors must prove that they meet the Board’s requirements for work experience and training, based on their chosen license classification:
- Master Electricians- must prove that they have held a Journeyman license in Vermont for at least 2 years prior to applying. In order to prove licensure, applicants are required to submit a copy of their Journeyman license along with their application.
- Journeyman Electricians- must prove that they have completed an approved Vermont Apprenticeship Training Program within the past 2 years before submitting their application; or the applicant must prove at least 12,000 hours of work experience in the electrical trade. Applicants must submit a copy of their training program completion certificate or a signed affidavit from their current/previous employer, along with their application.
- Specialist Electricians- must prove that they have completed a recognized training program, in addition to one year (2,000 hours) of work experience in the specialty for which they are applying; or they must prove 2 years (4,000 hours) of work experience within their specialty if they have no formal training. Applicants must submit a copy of their training completion certificate and/or signed affidavits from their current/previous employers as proof of work experience, along with their application.
For more information about the work experience and/or training requirements for each license classification, contact the Board to speak with a licensing specialist at:
802-479-7564
OR
Visit: Division of Fire Safety- Electricians
Preparing and Submitting an Application
In order to gain approval to take the exam, all contractors are required to complete and submit a license application.
For a copy of the application packet, please visit:
Electrical Applications and Instructions
Be sure to read and follow all instructions within the application packet to avoid delays in the licensing process. The Board only accepts original copies of the application, completed in blue or black ink.
The Board will return any application with missing, incomplete or illegible information. Do not use whiteout on the application.
The application requires that contractors provide the following information:
- Full, legal name- as it appears on the contractor’s driver’s license (abbreviations and nicknames are not acceptable)
- Date of birth, social security number and mailing address
- Employment information
- References to qualifications
- Education information
- Experience information
*Contractors must keep a current, up-to-date address on file with the Board in order to receive notifications, correspondence about their license and renewal information.
The Employer Affidavit of Experience form must be completed by the contractor’s current/previous employer to verify all work experiences.
All applications must be signed, dated and notarized. The Division of Fire Safety offers notary services to individuals when submitting their application in-person. Bring the unsigned application, along with a photo ID to the Division’s Central office to utilize this service.
Along with the application, contractors are required to submit the appropriate license fee:
- Master Electricians- $150
- Journeyman Electricians- $115
- Specialist Electricians- $115 per specialty
Submit the completed application along with all the required documents and fees to:
Division of Fire Safety
Attn: Electrical Licensing Board
1311 U.S. RTE 302, Suite 600
Barre, VT 05641-2351
Applications are due at least 2 weeks before the next scheduled Board meeting in order to be considered on the next meeting agenda. This means the application needs to postmarked or dropped off at the Board’s central office 2 weeks before the scheduled meeting.
To view a list of scheduled Board meetings, please visit:
Contact a Board licensing specialist with any questions concerning the application or application process by calling:
802-479-7564
OR
Email: DPS.DFSLicensing@vermont.gov
Once the Board approves the application, they will issue approval and send the contractor the exam registration form. It is the contractor’s responsibility to register for and schedule their exam.
The 2-part exam includes a written and practical portion, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of performing electrical installations. It also covers rules, laws and codes related to electrical work within the state.
*The Master Electrician exam contains additional questions related to lightning rods, fire alarms and fire detection systems.
If the contractor does not pass the exam, they will be allowed to re-test upon re-registering and paying the examination fee.
Contact one of the Board’s licensing specialists to find out more about the examination process, exam fees and registration information by calling:
802-479-7564
Upon passing the exam, the Board will issue the contractor’s license. This includes a pocket-sized wallet card which the contractor must keep on their person at all times when performing electrical work. Contractors must present their license card at all times, upon request.
How Long is a Vermont Electrical Contractor License Valid?
All Electrical license classifications and categories are good for a period of 3 years in the State of Vermont. Licenses expire on the last day of the month, as indicated by the Board.
The cost to renew a license is the same as the initial licensing fee:
- Master Electricians- $150
- Journeyman Electricians- $115
- Specialist Electricians- $115
In order to renew a license, all contractors are required to attend Board-approved continuing education courses, based on their license classification:
- Master and Journeyman Electricians- must attend 15 hours of continuing education related to the most current National Electric Code and updates.
- Specialist Electricians- must attend 8 hours of continuing education courses related to their specialty category. If the contractor specializes in more than one category they are required to attend up to 15 hours of courses related to each category.
For a list of Board-approved continuing education courses, please visit:
Approved Continuing Education Seminars
For more information about the renewal process, please contact a Board licensing specialist by calling:
802-479-7564
OR
Visit: The Vermont Statutes Online
Table of Fees
| Fee | What is it For? | When is it Due? |
| $150 | Licensing Fee and Renewal Fee for Master Electricians | Upon submitting the license application and every 3 years upon renewal |
| $115 | Licensing Fee and Renewal Fee for Journeyman Electricians | Upon submitting the license application and every 3 years upon renewal |
| $115 | Licensing Fee and Renewal Fee for Specialist Electricians (per category) | Upon submitting the license application and every 3 years upon renewal |