The HVAC industry in Vermont employs thousands of people, from HVAC business managers to service technicians. This stable and well-paying career offers great promise.

Read this guide to discover more about the different types of Vermont HVAC licenses and the steps to becoming an HVAC technician.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

There are several types of Vermont HVAC licenses. The state does not have statewide licensing requirements for general heating and cooling work, although there is a special license for HVAC contractors who may be performing specialty HVAC work.

Many cities and counties require certain licensing or certifications to perform HVAC jobs. Check with the city or county government of places where you’ll be working to ensure you’re properly certified.

Electrical Specialist (ES) license

The Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety issues two types of ES licenses for contractors. Depending on the type of HVAC work you wish to do, you may be required to have one or both before accepting certain jobs:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (C3): Required for any job involving servicing or installing air conditioning or units with refrigeration.
• Automatic Gas/Oil Heating (A1): Required for any job involving servicing or installing HVAC units with natural gas, propane, or oil (oil burner, gas furnace, gas stove, etc.)

EPA License

The EPA Section 608 Technician Certification allows technicians to work with refrigerants. You’ll work with cooling or refrigeration systems.

NATE Certificate

A NATE certificate is a voluntary certification. North American Technical Excellence is a nationwide non-profit organization that certifies HVAC technicians. It provides proof that you have the training and knowledge to safely and effectively handle HVAC units. Many NATE-certified HVAC techs can command higher pay than non-certified peers with equal training and experience.

Local Licenses

Every city in Vermont has the right to control the trade. Therefore, some cities may require HVAC technicians to apply for a license. Most of Vermont’s major cities, like Montpelier, do not require local licenses. Some local licenses may require you to pass a technical knowledge exam, a business and law exam, or both.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Many HVAC companies in Vermont will only hire employees with a certain amount of training and experience. Possessing the right licenses and certifications helps you to prove to employers that you really know what you are doing. Also, licensed HVAC technicians can get higher salaries or charge higher fees for their services. You also can choose to work for yourself and set your own schedule.

Average salary for HVAC workers in Vermont

Hourly HVAC professionals, like an HVAC technician, installer, apprentice, journeyman, or mechanic, make an average of $28.67 per hour, although the range is from $15.92 to $51.65 per hour.

It’s a wide range, and many factors contribute to your hourly rate. Where you live, your experience, and your education factor heavily into what an employer will pay you. Additionally, if you have extra training, certifications, or can complete niche work, you’ll likely make more. You may also be eligible for overtime, or may be paid more if you work nights or weekends, to handle emergency calls.

HVAC supervisors, like a field supervisor or manager, earn an average salary of $65,395 per year. The salary range is $54,954-$77,820 per year. Your annual salary may depend on where you live, whether you own your own business, or whether your employer offers bonuses.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Vermont?

An EPA license costs about $75. The price will vary depending on the classes and the entity proctoring the exam. For example, the Air Conditioning Trade Association (which is approved by the EPA to proctor the Section 608 certification exam) charges $75 per test for members.  

NATE certifications cost $25 to $100 per exam. If you need one of the natural gas, propane, or oil safety certifications, you will pay a $60 application fee.

The application fee for an ES license is $115. Once your application is approved, you must take a licensing exam. The cost for the exam depends on the agency proctoring it. The International Code Council charges $65 for an exam administered at a testing center, for example, while Pearson VUE charges $100 for an online exam.

How to get an HVAC license in Vermont

To get each Vermont HVAC license, you will apply with the organization that administers the test. Most technicians start by getting their EPA license. To do this, look up EPA-approved programs for the Section 608 test. Most major cities will have a company running a class for this test, or you can take an online class. After completing the course, you will take a brief test. After passing the exam, the EPA will mail the license. It never needs to be renewed, and you can use it in multiple states.

For a Vermont NATE certificate, you will need to visit the NATE website. All applicants must pass one core exam that covers basic HVAC equipment, tools, and safety, and then you must pass a specialty test of your choosing. This license renews every two years. You renew it by retaking the exam or enrolling in a 16-hour continuing education class.

Vermont’s gas and oil licenses are administered by the Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety. You will fill out an application and mail it to the agency. After a background check, they will schedule your exam. You can check the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) or the American Gas Association for studying resources. This license renews every three years; you will take an 8-hour continuing education course.