How to Become a Plumber in Vermont

The demand for plumbers in Vermont is steady, thus now it’s a good time to enter this field.

If you live in this state and were wondering what industry to start a career in, read on!

This article will guide you through the process you need to complete to have a lucrative job.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

Plumbers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing pipe systems that carry:

• Water
• Gas
• Waste

Usually, those who want to become plumbers in Vermont need to meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically fit to do the work of the trade
• Pass the drug test

If you were in the military, be sure you were discharged for another reason than dishonorable.

There are 3 main stages in the career of a plumber in Vermont:

• Apprentice
• Journeyman
• Master

Becoming a Plumber Apprentice in Vermont

Apprentices are employed by master plumbers, or work under the supervision of a master or journeyman plumber.

The purpose is to learn and assist with the installation of plumbing and water treatment or heating systems.

While it’s relatively easy to find such positions, candidates also have the option to enroll in a plumbing trade school.

This can help them achieve a better career later on.

The training for all plumbers involves a theory part in a classroom setting as well as hands-on practice.

Some of the theory classes include:

• Drafting,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipe-fitting
• Reading blueprints

The apprenticeship in Vermont lasts for longer than in other states, at 12,000 hours.

In this state, apprentices need to be registered with the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council.

Specialist P1 or P2

After 2,000 hours plumbing apprentices can apply for a limited license specialist P1 or P2.

For this you also need:

• To fill out the application form
• Have a certification of completion from the Vermont Department of Labor
• Pay the application fee – $50

Alternatively, you can document 4,000 hours of on-the-job training through affidavits from a P1 or P2 licensed Specialist or licensed Master Plumber and 144 hours of formal schooling.

Specialist P3

Plumbing apprentices can also become P3 specialists, for water treatment.

For this they need to complete one of the following:

• 4,000 hours of experience, proved through affidavits from a P3 licensed Specialist or a Licensed Master Plumber, along with completing the appropriate coursework
• The completion of instruction, training, and experience in or out of the state, as acceptable to the board

Additionally, an application form and fee of $50 are also needed.

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber

In Vermont, like in several other states, journeymen complete a variety of plumbing work while being supervised by a master plumber.

The tasks they can complete include the installation of plumbing and water treatment or heating specialties.

To become a journeyman there are a series of requirements an individual has to meet:

• Providing their legal name
• Providing their birth date in a certain format
• Provide their social security number on the application form
• Providing an address for physical mail
• Providing a working, current email address
• Fill out the application form
• Pay the application fee of $90
• A copy of the certification of completion of the apprenticeship
• Pay for and pass the journeyman exam

The format of the date of birth is the month, day, and year, all written in 2 digits.

For the exam, candidates have 3 hours to answer 75 questions.

They’ll cover topics such as:

• Drainage requirements;
• Local amendments;
• Plan reading;
• Plumbing fixtures and terminology;
• Plumbing fundamentals;
• Special requirements;
• Traps, clean-outs, and interceptors;
• Vent requirements;
• Water distribution.

The International Code Council and Pearson Vue administer this exam.

The license is the size of a card that fits in the wallet, and in Vermont, journeymen plumbers are to have it with them at all times when they perform plumbing work.

Becoming a Master Plumber

Journeymen who accumulated at least 1 year of experience can consider becoming master plumbers.

These individuals also need to fill out an application and pay the application fee of $120.

Those who go their license in a different state need to prove one of the following:

• Experience of a journeyman for at least 1 year
• At least 14,000 hours of experience

Regardless of the situation, you need affidavits from master plumbers to prove your accumulated experience.

Plumber Salary Information

Plumbers start getting paid when they become apprentices, however, their earnings will be much lower compared to a seasoned plumber.

If you want to generally get paid more, you can search for employment in a larger city.

Regional Salary in Vermont

Additional Information

While knowing about the steps to take towards a plumbing career, some occupational aspects need sharing.

License Reciprocity

Some people may have obtained their plumbing license in a different state.

If these individuals want to work in the same field in Vermont, all they need is to make sure the issuing state has the same licensing standards as Vermont.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Vermont

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State