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In a society that relies heavily on electricity to power homes, transportation, and nearly every aspect of the modern lifestyle, electricians are an integral part of a functional system.  

As a licensed electrician or electrical specialist, you are permitted to perform a range of activities designed to keep residential or commercial electrical systems working as they should. 

However, you must be properly licensed to do so, and you are required to renew your license periodically through the Electrical Licensing Board, administered by the Vermont Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety.  

Electrician licenses expire three years from the date of issue, on the last day of the issue month, so a license issued on January 1, 2020, would expire on January 31, 2023.  

What are the requirements to renew an electrician license, and what happens if you fail to meet renewal requirements? 

How to Renew a Journeyman or Master Electrician License 

If you currently hold a journeyman or master electrician license, you are required to complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education (CE) consisting of National Electrical Code (NEC) updates and changes.  

As of 2021, all electricians must also complete the Vermont Energy Goals Education Module, found on the Vermont Division of Fire Safety website. 

This module, which provides information about the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP), the Clean Energy Development Fund, and the Renewable Energy Standard programs, is designed to educate professionals about Vermont’s energy goals and conservation efforts, as well as renewable energy programs in general.  

With increased awareness and understanding of Vermont’s energy policies and programs, professionals can contribute to efforts to achieve goals like promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

What About Specialty Licenses? 

As a specialty license holder (A1, C3, D4, etc.), you are only required to complete eight hours of CE relevant to your field. In an electrical specialty, this means completing CE on updates and changes to the NEC. You must also complete the Vermont Energy Goals Education Module.  

If you are licensed in more than two fields, you are required to complete no more than 15 hours of total instruction for license renewal. 

What Happens if Your License Expires? 

Before your license expires, you will be sent a notice of renewal. It’s best to complete the requirements and submit your renewal several weeks before expiration to ensure your license doesn’t lapse.  

If it does expire, you won’t be allowed to conduct unsupervised work until it has been renewed, and this can impact your ability to complete contracts and earn a living. 

However, you do have options. You can submit proof of required CE with a renewal application and pay an additional fee (consider it a late fee) to renew your license within one year of expiration. If you fail to renew your license within a year of expiration, you will have to apply for a new license, including completing required state exams. 

Finding the Right Renewal Program 

If you’re looking for a state-approved program that offers the required CE to renew your journeyman, master, or specialty electrician license in Vermont, contact RocketCert to learn more about available courses.