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Entering a skilled trade is a great option for those seeking a career path without the time and expense associated with obtaining a traditional, four-year college degree. You can learn on the job, earning money as you build the knowledge and skills needed to advance. 

Licensing is an important part of the equation. In Vermont, electrical licenses are obtained through the Electrical Licensing Board, administered by the Vermont Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety .  

This includes specialty Type-S journeyman licenses like the C3 license for refrigeration and air conditioning and the A1 license for automatic gas and oil heating. 

What types of work can you perform with these licenses, and how do you go about obtaining them? Here’s what you need to know. 

Type-S Journeyman License Requirements 

Obtaining a Type-S specialty journeyman license is a little different than a journeyman or master electrician license. There are a couple of ways to go about it.  

Many professionals start by obtaining a journeyman license because the journeyman electrician exam is part of the requirements for obtaining a specialty license. If you’re going to take the exam, you might as well complete other requirements and get your journeyman license to expand your scope of permitted work activities. 

However, this is not necessarily required. With or without a journeyman license, you must complete experience requirements for your specialty license type, including one year of relevant experience (2,000 hours) and an approved training program or two years of experience (4,000 hours) with no training program. 

You must submit signed affidavits to prove completed work experience. You will also have to take a trade exam for your specialty. 

C3 License 

With a C3 refrigeration and air conditioning license, you are permitted to perform specialty electrical installations related to refrigeration and air conditioning systems. First, you will have to pass the Vermont Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Electrical Exam. This open-book test features 35 questions about topics like: 

• General electrical knowledge 
• Motors and controls 
• Low voltage 
• Local amendments 

You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 25 questions (70%) correctly to pass. 

A1 License 

With an A1 automatic gas and oil heating license, you are permitted to perform specialty electrical installations related to automatic gas and oil heating systems. To obtain a license, you must pass the Vermont Automatic Gas and Oil Heating Exam, consisting of 40 questions covering the following topics: 

• General electrical knowledge 
• Motors and controls 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Wiring and protection 
• Local amendments 

You will have 90 minutes to complete this open-book test, and you must answer a minimum of 28 questions (70%) correctly to pass. 

Preparing to Ace Your Exams 

As a working professional, you need an exam prep program designed to accommodate your busy schedule. Look for an online program created by industry experts and educators that allows for self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to courses. 

When you’re ready to obtain your Type-S C3 or A1 electrical license in Vermont, contact RocketCert to find the right program for your needs.