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In Vermont, there isn't a single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade in the way some other states do. Instead, HVAC professionals are primarily licensed as Specialty Electricians by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, for specific types of HVAC work. Additionally, if you operate a business, you'll need to register as a contractor with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
Electrical Specialist (ES) License (from VT Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety): This is the primary license for HVAC work in Vermont. There are two relevant classifications:
A1 - Automatic Gas/Oil Heating: Required for individuals who install or service HVAC units with propane, natural gas, or oil (e.g., gas furnaces, oil burners).
C3 - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Required for individuals who install or service units with refrigeration or air conditioning.
Note: You can pursue both A1 and C3 licenses simultaneously.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience (Choose ONE of these paths for each ES specialty license):
Option 1: Approved Training Program + Experience:
Completion of a recognized HVAC training program (often 1-2 years).
Proof of one year (2,000 hours) of specialty work experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Option 2: Extensive Work Experience:
Proof of at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Examination: You must pass a licensing exam for each specialty (A1 or C3).
Exams are typically 35 questions with a 1.5-hour time limit, requiring a 70% passing score. They cover general electrical knowledge, motors and controls, and topics specific to heating or refrigeration.
Exams are administered by third parties like Pearson VUE (online) or International Code Council (test centers).
Background Check: You must pass a background check with the State of Vermont.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This is a federal certification and does not expire.
Mandatory Requirements (Contractor Business Registration)
Residential Contractor Registration (from Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation): If you perform residential construction work (which includes HVAC) valued at $10,000 or higher (inclusive of labor and materials), you are required to register your business.
Business Name Registration: Individuals and businesses must register their name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Residential Contract Agreements: You must attest to using residential contract agreements that comply with state requirements for projects over $10,000 (e.g., including maximum price, work dates, scope of services, change order provisions).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Gain Experience/Education: Complete a recognized HVAC training program and/or accumulate the required hours of supervised on-the-job experience in either Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1) or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam for the appropriate type (I, II, III, or Universal). Know more
Apply for Electrical Specialist (ES) License(s):
Submit a complete Electrical Specialist license application form to the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
Provide proof of your experience/education (signed affidavits).
Pay the application fee ($115 per specialty license, e.g., $230 for both A1 and C3).
Undergo a background check.
Schedule and Pass ES Exam(s): Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to schedule and pass the required A1 and/or C3 exams through Pearson VUE or the International Code Council.
Receive Your ES License(s): Upon passing the exam(s), the Division of Fire Safety will issue your Electrical Specialist license(s).
Register Your Business (if applicable):
Register your business name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
If performing residential work over $10,000, register with the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation, as a Residential Contractor.
Provide proof of General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Pay the registration fee ($75 for individuals, $250 for businesses).
No Statewide General HVAC License: Unlike many other states, Vermont does not have a single, overarching HVAC contractor license. The ES license focuses on the electrical components and specific systems.
Local Requirements: While the largest cities like Burlington, South Burlington, and Essex generally do not require specific local HVAC licenses, they do require building permits for projects. Always check with the local municipality where you plan to work for any specific local permits or business registrations.
Journeyman/Master Electrician: While not strictly required for HVAC work, holding a general Journeyman or Master Electrician license also permits you to perform the work covered by the HVAC-related Electrical Specialist licenses. These require more extensive apprenticeship and experience (e.g., 4 years/8,000-12,000 hours for Journeyman, plus 2 years as Journeyman for Master).
Continuing Education: ES licenses require 8 hours of continuing education per specialty (or 15 hours if holding more than one specialty) for renewal every three years.
License Renewal: ES licenses expire every three years. Residential Contractor registration typically requires annual renewal.
NATE Certification: While not mandatory for state licensing, North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification is a voluntary, industry-recognized credential that can enhance your professional standing and career opportunities.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
In Vermont, there isn't a single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade in the way some other states do. Instead, HVAC professionals are primarily licensed as Specialty Electricians by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, for specific types of HVAC work. Additionally, if you operate a business, you'll need to register as a contractor with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
In Vermont, there isn't a single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade in the way some other states do. Instead, HVAC professionals are primarily licensed as Specialty Electricians by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, for specific types of HVAC work. Additionally, if you operate a business, you'll need to register as a contractor with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
Electrical Specialist (ES) License (from VT Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety): This is the primary license for HVAC work in Vermont. There are two relevant classifications:
A1 - Automatic Gas/Oil Heating: Required for individuals who install or service HVAC units with propane, natural gas, or oil (e.g., gas furnaces, oil burners).
C3 - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Required for individuals who install or service units with refrigeration or air conditioning.
Note: You can pursue both A1 and C3 licenses simultaneously.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience (Choose ONE of these paths for each ES specialty license):
Option 1: Approved Training Program + Experience:
Completion of a recognized HVAC training program (often 1-2 years).
Proof of one year (2,000 hours) of specialty work experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Option 2: Extensive Work Experience:
Proof of at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Examination: You must pass a licensing exam for each specialty (A1 or C3).
Exams are typically 35 questions with a 1.5-hour time limit, requiring a 70% passing score. They cover general electrical knowledge, motors and controls, and topics specific to heating or refrigeration.
Exams are administered by third parties like Pearson VUE (online) or International Code Council (test centers).
Background Check: You must pass a background check with the State of Vermont.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This is a federal certification and does not expire.
Mandatory Requirements (Contractor Business Registration)
Residential Contractor Registration (from Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation): If you perform residential construction work (which includes HVAC) valued at $10,000 or higher (inclusive of labor and materials), you are required to register your business.
Business Name Registration: Individuals and businesses must register their name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Residential Contract Agreements: You must attest to using residential contract agreements that comply with state requirements for projects over $10,000 (e.g., including maximum price, work dates, scope of services, change order provisions).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Gain Experience/Education: Complete a recognized HVAC training program and/or accumulate the required hours of supervised on-the-job experience in either Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1) or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam for the appropriate type (I, II, III, or Universal). Know more
Apply for Electrical Specialist (ES) License(s):
Submit a complete Electrical Specialist license application form to the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
Provide proof of your experience/education (signed affidavits).
Pay the application fee ($115 per specialty license, e.g., $230 for both A1 and C3).
Undergo a background check.
Schedule and Pass ES Exam(s): Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to schedule and pass the required A1 and/or C3 exams through Pearson VUE or the International Code Council.
Receive Your ES License(s): Upon passing the exam(s), the Division of Fire Safety will issue your Electrical Specialist license(s).
Register Your Business (if applicable):
Register your business name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
If performing residential work over $10,000, register with the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation, as a Residential Contractor.
Provide proof of General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Pay the registration fee ($75 for individuals, $250 for businesses).
No Statewide General HVAC License: Unlike many other states, Vermont does not have a single, overarching HVAC contractor license. The ES license focuses on the electrical components and specific systems.
Local Requirements: While the largest cities like Burlington, South Burlington, and Essex generally do not require specific local HVAC licenses, they do require building permits for projects. Always check with the local municipality where you plan to work for any specific local permits or business registrations.
Journeyman/Master Electrician: While not strictly required for HVAC work, holding a general Journeyman or Master Electrician license also permits you to perform the work covered by the HVAC-related Electrical Specialist licenses. These require more extensive apprenticeship and experience (e.g., 4 years/8,000-12,000 hours for Journeyman, plus 2 years as Journeyman for Master).
Continuing Education: ES licenses require 8 hours of continuing education per specialty (or 15 hours if holding more than one specialty) for renewal every three years.
License Renewal: ES licenses expire every three years. Residential Contractor registration typically requires annual renewal.
NATE Certification: While not mandatory for state licensing, North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification is a voluntary, industry-recognized credential that can enhance your professional standing and career opportunities.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
In Vermont, there isn't a single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade in the way some other states do. Instead, HVAC professionals are primarily licensed as Specialty Electricians by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, for specific types of HVAC work. Additionally, if you operate a business, you'll need to register as a contractor with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
In Vermont, there isn't a single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade in the way some other states do. Instead, HVAC professionals are primarily licensed as Specialty Electricians by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, for specific types of HVAC work. Additionally, if you operate a business, you'll need to register as a contractor with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
Electrical Specialist (ES) License (from VT Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety): This is the primary license for HVAC work in Vermont. There are two relevant classifications:
A1 - Automatic Gas/Oil Heating: Required for individuals who install or service HVAC units with propane, natural gas, or oil (e.g., gas furnaces, oil burners).
C3 - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Required for individuals who install or service units with refrigeration or air conditioning.
Note: You can pursue both A1 and C3 licenses simultaneously.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience (Choose ONE of these paths for each ES specialty license):
Option 1: Approved Training Program + Experience:
Completion of a recognized HVAC training program (often 1-2 years).
Proof of one year (2,000 hours) of specialty work experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Option 2: Extensive Work Experience:
Proof of at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Examination: You must pass a licensing exam for each specialty (A1 or C3).
Exams are typically 35 questions with a 1.5-hour time limit, requiring a 70% passing score. They cover general electrical knowledge, motors and controls, and topics specific to heating or refrigeration.
Exams are administered by third parties like Pearson VUE (online) or International Code Council (test centers).
Background Check: You must pass a background check with the State of Vermont.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This is a federal certification and does not expire.
Mandatory Requirements (Contractor Business Registration)
Residential Contractor Registration (from Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation): If you perform residential construction work (which includes HVAC) valued at $10,000 or higher (inclusive of labor and materials), you are required to register your business.
Business Name Registration: Individuals and businesses must register their name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Residential Contract Agreements: You must attest to using residential contract agreements that comply with state requirements for projects over $10,000 (e.g., including maximum price, work dates, scope of services, change order provisions).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Gain Experience/Education: Complete a recognized HVAC training program and/or accumulate the required hours of supervised on-the-job experience in either Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1) or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam for the appropriate type (I, II, III, or Universal). Know more
Apply for Electrical Specialist (ES) License(s):
Submit a complete Electrical Specialist license application form to the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
Provide proof of your experience/education (signed affidavits).
Pay the application fee ($115 per specialty license, e.g., $230 for both A1 and C3).
Undergo a background check.
Schedule and Pass ES Exam(s): Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to schedule and pass the required A1 and/or C3 exams through Pearson VUE or the International Code Council.
Receive Your ES License(s): Upon passing the exam(s), the Division of Fire Safety will issue your Electrical Specialist license(s).
Register Your Business (if applicable):
Register your business name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
If performing residential work over $10,000, register with the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation, as a Residential Contractor.
Provide proof of General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Pay the registration fee ($75 for individuals, $250 for businesses).
No Statewide General HVAC License: Unlike many other states, Vermont does not have a single, overarching HVAC contractor license. The ES license focuses on the electrical components and specific systems.
Local Requirements: While the largest cities like Burlington, South Burlington, and Essex generally do not require specific local HVAC licenses, they do require building permits for projects. Always check with the local municipality where you plan to work for any specific local permits or business registrations.
Journeyman/Master Electrician: While not strictly required for HVAC work, holding a general Journeyman or Master Electrician license also permits you to perform the work covered by the HVAC-related Electrical Specialist licenses. These require more extensive apprenticeship and experience (e.g., 4 years/8,000-12,000 hours for Journeyman, plus 2 years as Journeyman for Master).
Continuing Education: ES licenses require 8 hours of continuing education per specialty (or 15 hours if holding more than one specialty) for renewal every three years.
License Renewal: ES licenses expire every three years. Residential Contractor registration typically requires annual renewal.
NATE Certification: While not mandatory for state licensing, North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification is a voluntary, industry-recognized credential that can enhance your professional standing and career opportunities.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
In Vermont, there isn't a single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade in the way some other states do. Instead, HVAC professionals are primarily licensed as Specialty Electricians by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, for specific types of HVAC work. Additionally, if you operate a business, you'll need to register as a contractor with the Vermont Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.
Electrical Specialist (ES) License (from VT Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety): This is the primary license for HVAC work in Vermont. There are two relevant classifications:
A1 - Automatic Gas/Oil Heating: Required for individuals who install or service HVAC units with propane, natural gas, or oil (e.g., gas furnaces, oil burners).
C3 - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Required for individuals who install or service units with refrigeration or air conditioning.
Note: You can pursue both A1 and C3 licenses simultaneously.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience (Choose ONE of these paths for each ES specialty license):
Option 1: Approved Training Program + Experience:
Completion of a recognized HVAC training program (often 1-2 years).
Proof of one year (2,000 hours) of specialty work experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Option 2: Extensive Work Experience:
Proof of at least two years (4,000 hours) of on-the-job experience in the specific HVAC field (A1 or C3) through signed affidavits.
Examination: You must pass a licensing exam for each specialty (A1 or C3).
Exams are typically 35 questions with a 1.5-hour time limit, requiring a 70% passing score. They cover general electrical knowledge, motors and controls, and topics specific to heating or refrigeration.
Exams are administered by third parties like Pearson VUE (online) or International Code Council (test centers).
Background Check: You must pass a background check with the State of Vermont.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This is a federal certification and does not expire.
Mandatory Requirements (Contractor Business Registration)
Residential Contractor Registration (from Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation): If you perform residential construction work (which includes HVAC) valued at $10,000 or higher (inclusive of labor and materials), you are required to register your business.
Business Name Registration: Individuals and businesses must register their name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Residential Contract Agreements: You must attest to using residential contract agreements that comply with state requirements for projects over $10,000 (e.g., including maximum price, work dates, scope of services, change order provisions).
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Gain Experience/Education: Complete a recognized HVAC training program and/or accumulate the required hours of supervised on-the-job experience in either Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1) or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam for the appropriate type (I, II, III, or Universal). Know more
Apply for Electrical Specialist (ES) License(s):
Submit a complete Electrical Specialist license application form to the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
Provide proof of your experience/education (signed affidavits).
Pay the application fee ($115 per specialty license, e.g., $230 for both A1 and C3).
Undergo a background check.
Schedule and Pass ES Exam(s): Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to schedule and pass the required A1 and/or C3 exams through Pearson VUE or the International Code Council.
Receive Your ES License(s): Upon passing the exam(s), the Division of Fire Safety will issue your Electrical Specialist license(s).
Register Your Business (if applicable):
Register your business name with the Vermont Business Services Division.
If performing residential work over $10,000, register with the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation, as a Residential Contractor.
Provide proof of General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Pay the registration fee ($75 for individuals, $250 for businesses).
No Statewide General HVAC License: Unlike many other states, Vermont does not have a single, overarching HVAC contractor license. The ES license focuses on the electrical components and specific systems.
Local Requirements: While the largest cities like Burlington, South Burlington, and Essex generally do not require specific local HVAC licenses, they do require building permits for projects. Always check with the local municipality where you plan to work for any specific local permits or business registrations.
Journeyman/Master Electrician: While not strictly required for HVAC work, holding a general Journeyman or Master Electrician license also permits you to perform the work covered by the HVAC-related Electrical Specialist licenses. These require more extensive apprenticeship and experience (e.g., 4 years/8,000-12,000 hours for Journeyman, plus 2 years as Journeyman for Master).
Continuing Education: ES licenses require 8 hours of continuing education per specialty (or 15 hours if holding more than one specialty) for renewal every three years.
License Renewal: ES licenses expire every three years. Residential Contractor registration typically requires annual renewal.
NATE Certification: While not mandatory for state licensing, North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification is a voluntary, industry-recognized credential that can enhance your professional standing and career opportunities.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
