Vermont indeed has no state-level license for HVAC technicians and contractors.
However, both professionals have the option to obtain an Electrical Specialist license if they want to work in specialty areas of HVAC/R.
Read on to learn more about it and the HVAC schools you can enroll in to start your HVAC career in Vermont.
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HVAC Programs in Vermont
Becoming an HVAC professional involves high technical skills due to its labor-intensive work.
So as an aspirant, you need to invest in 3 areas:
- Education
- Practical training
- Field experience
You can get these when you enroll in an approved HVAC program.
Below is a list of schools offering HVAC programs in Vermont.
4 HVAC Schools in Vermont
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Ashworth College | 6625 The Corners Pkwy NW #500, Norcross, GA 30092 |
Green Mountain Technology & Career Center | Box 600 Rt 15 W, Hyde Park, VT 05655 |
Barre Technical Center | 155 Ayers St #2, Barre, VT 05641 |
HVAC-R Hands-On Trade School, LLC | South Burlington, VT |
How to Get Licensed in Vermont
Instead of a state-level HVAC license, HVAC technicians and contractors can obtain an Electrical Specialist license.
This license will be under the administration of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety.
Types of Licenses
The Electrical Specialist license has 2 classifications:
Class | Service Coverage | Qualifications |
A1 – Automatic Gas/Oil Heating | Perform specialty electrical installations on HVAC units that use propane, natural gas, or oil for heating | Experience requirements, either:
|
C3 – Refrigeration or Air Conditioning | Perform specialty electrical installations on refrigeration or air conditioning units |
Applying for the Electrical Speciality License
If you meet the qualifications, then you can submit to the Division the following:
- Completed, signed, and notarized Electrical License application form
- Payment of license application fee of $115 per specialty
- Completed Employer Affidavit of Experience
Afterward, you can apply to sit for the licensing exam for the specialty you want to take.
Successfully passing the exam will have the Division process and issue your Electrical Speciality license.
Electrical Speciality Exam
Prov, Inc. will administer the exam on behalf of the Division.
Before taking the exam, here are some details you should know about:
- Exam details:
- A1 – Automatic Gas/Oil Heating – 40 items to be completed in 1.5 hours
- C3 – Refrigeration or Air Conditioning – 35 items to be completed in 1.5 hours
- Exam will be a computer-based test at any of Prov’s testing centers
- It will be an open book exam where you can only use approved reference materials at the testing center
- Each specialty exam will cost $80
- Passing score is 70%
- You have 3 attempts within the eligibility period to successfully pass the exam
Renewal Requirements
Your Electrical Speciality license is only valid for 3 years.
To renew it, you must…
- Complete 8 hours of continuing education at an approved training program
- Pay the renewal fee of $115 per specialty
EPA Certification
Although there’s no state-level HVAC license per se, there is a national mandatory certification you need to obtain.
That is the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
You need this because the HVAC work will involve servicing and disposing of refrigerants, which are chemicals harmful to the environment.
And under the Clean Air Act, any technicians working with refrigerants need to be certified.
Learn more about this in our guide to the EPA certification.
Potential Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians in Vermont can earn an average of $55,220 annually.
For entry-level, salary can go up to $38,250, while senior experts can have more than $72,220.
The table below shows the salaries in 10 of Vermont’s cities for your reference.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of HVAC Techs in Vermont
City Name | Salary |
---|---|
Burlington | $46,121 |
Essex | $46,121 |
Rutland | $46,481 |
Colchester | $46,121 |
South Burlington | $46,121 |
Bennington | $47,336 |
Brattleboro | $47,368 |
Hartford | $47,896 |
Milton | $46,093 |
Barre | $45,700 |
Regional Salary
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 430 | $61,390 | $29.51 | $82,120 | $41,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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