Vermont Plumbers' Examining Board · checked 2026-10-20
Vermont Plumber License Requirements
Statewide journeyman, master and specialist plumber licenses under 26 V.S.A. chapter 39; licenses run two years. Master Plumber: 1 year of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1J · Journeyman Plumber time not stated
- 2M · Master Plumber 1 year after the prior level
License levels in Vermont
The Vermont path has 2 steps on this page: Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. The source states the time in years.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Journeyman Plumber | none stated | — | time not stated | Yes | License (two years) $90 |
| M Master Plumber | 1 year at the prior level | — | 1 year after the prior level | Yes | License (two years) $120 |
Journeyman Plumber (J)
A plumbing apprenticeship with both instruction and practice, verified by the Vermont Apprenticeship Council, or equivalent training and experience acceptable to the Board, and an examination. No hour count is stated. 26 V.S.A. § 2192. Source: 26 V.S.A. chapter 39.
Master Plumber (M)
A valid Vermont journeyman plumber's license held for at least 12 months, or equivalent training and experience, and an examination. 26 V.S.A. § 2191. Source: 26 V.S.A. chapter 39.
Vermont also issues narrower classes on the same page: Specialist license ($50): instruction, training and experience acceptable to the Board, and an exam.
Exam
2 of the 2 levels listed here require an exam: Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. The source does not print a pass mark. Exams cover theory and practice, Vermont law and Health and Environmental Conservation rules; the Board sets the exam fee. Renewal needs 8 hours of training in the prior 24 months.
Fees
- Journeyman Plumber: license (two years) $90.
- Master Plumber: license (two years) $120.
Reciprocity
26 V.S.A. § 2194(a): licenses without examination for holders from states with equivalent standards and a reciprocal arrangement, and master, journeyman and specialist licenses for applicants licensed in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least three years. Source: 26 V.S.A. § 2194.
How Vermont compares
Vermont's source gives 1 year for the master plumber on top of the earlier level, but no time for the earlier level itself, so the full path cannot be ranked against other states.
Same trade elsewhere: Connecticut · Massachusetts · New Hampshire · Maine · Rhode Island. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Other trades in Vermont
- Electrician: Master Electrician: 2 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: Vermont trade licenses.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · What the license fees add up to.
Questions
Who issues the plumber license in Vermont?
Vermont Plumbers' Examining Board (Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety). Statewide journeyman, master and specialist plumber licenses under 26 V.S.A. chapter 39; licenses run two years.
How long does it take to qualify for the Master Plumber in Vermont?
1 year by this site's count, plus however long the earlier level takes. A valid Vermont journeyman plumber's license held for at least 12 months, or equivalent training and experience, and an examination. 26 V.S.A. § 2191.
Does Vermont have plumber license reciprocity?
26 V.S.A. § 2194(a): licenses without examination for holders from states with equivalent standards and a reciprocal arrangement, and master, journeyman and specialist licenses for applicants licensed in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least three years.
What are the Vermont plumber license fees?
Journeyman Plumber: license (two years) $90. Master Plumber: license (two years) $120.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Vermont Plumbers' Examining Board (Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety) | 2026-10-20 |
| J requirements | 26 V.S.A. chapter 39 | 2026-10-20 |
| M requirements | 26 V.S.A. chapter 39 | 2026-10-20 |
| Law cited | 26 V.S.A. §§ 2191 to 2195 | 2026-10-20 |
This page summarises what the Vermont source said on 2026-10-20. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with Vermont Plumbers' Examining Board before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.