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Are you looking for a career that offers a livable wage, stability, and opportunities to advance, perhaps becoming your own boss? Skilled trades have been gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional four-year colleges, thanks to the chance to learn on the job instead of taking on student loan debt. 

Talented electricians are always in demand. If you’re interested in helping residential and commercial customers keep the lights on, the place to start is by learning how to obtain a license to practice from the Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety.  

What are the requirements to obtain your journeyman or master electrician license? 

Journeyman Electrician 

With a journeyman electrician license, you’re permitted to perform a range of professional activities, including installing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing electrical systems and equipment, under the direction of a master electrician. Journeymen can also oversee apprentice electricians or electrician’s helpers employed by a master electrician. 

To qualify for a journeyman license, you must first complete 12,000 hours of experience. You can do this through an apprenticeship program that includes both instruction and practical, hands-on experience, or you may submit equivalent training and experience (in-state or out-of-state) for approval. 

You must also pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam. This open-book exam consists of 90 questions covering topics like: 

• General electrical theory and principles 
• Wiring and protection 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Motors and controls 
• Equipment for general use 
• Special occupancies 
• Special equipment 
• Special conditions 
• Local amendments 

You will have four hours to complete the test, and you must answer a minimum of 63 questions (70%) correctly to pass. 

Master Electrician 

A master electrician can perform the same tasks as a journeyman electrician but is also permitted to design electrical systems. With this license, you may employ and supervise journeymen, apprentices, and electrician’s helpers. 

To obtain a master electrician license, you must complete 16,000 hours of experience, including at least two years practicing as a journeyman electrician. Alternatively, you may submit equivalent training and experience for approval. 

You must also pass the master electrician exam, featuring 102 questions about topics like: 

• Equipment for general use 
• General electrical knowledge 
• Motors and controls 
• Special conditions 
• Special equipment 
• Special occupancies 
• Wiring and protection 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Local amendments 

You will have three hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer at least 71 questions (70%) correctly to pass. 

How to Best Prepare for Your Exam 

Sitting for a professional exam can be stressful. You want to pass on the first try so you can obtain a license and move forward in your career. 

The best way to do this is with an exam prep program designed for working professionals. With 24/7 online access for self-paced learning and coursework developed by industry experts and educators, you’ll gain the practical knowledge needed to pass your exam and excel in your professional pursuits. 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career by obtaining a journeyman or master electrician license in Vermont? Contact RocketCert today to learn more and sign up for your preferred exam prep course.