Plumber License from Pennsylvania to Vermont: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board) ↗
A plumbing license transfers from Pennsylvania to Vermont by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board), verify your Pennsylvania license, and meet Vermont's endorsement requirements. Vermont MAY issue a journeyman (or master/specialty) plumber license WITHOUT examination under 26 V.S.A. section 2194 to a plumber previously licensed by another state or municipality, but only if (i) that state/municipality maintains licensing standards equivalent to Vermont's and (ii) the applicant proves he or she is a bona fide licensee; the exam exemption applies only where the issuing state has a like exemption or reciprocal agreement in place for Vermont licensees. Applicants who do not meet those conditions must pass the Vermont plumber exam. In practice the Division of Fire Safety 'universal license' application requires a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state, proof of all apprenticeship/schooling required for that license, and 8,000 hours of experience.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Pennsylvania is not among the states Vermont names for an automatic exam waiver, so this move runs on the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board)'s individual endorsement or equivalency review rather than a guarantee. Vermont MAY issue a journeyman (or master/specialty) plumber license WITHOUT examination under 26 V.S.A. section 2194 to a plumber previously licensed by another state or municipality, but only if (i) that state/municipality maintains licensing standards equivalent to Vermont's and (ii) the applicant proves he or she is a bona fide licensee; the exam exemption applies only where the issuing state has a like exemption or reciprocal agreement in place for Vermont licensees. Applicants who do not meet those conditions must pass the Vermont plumber exam. In practice the Division of Fire Safety 'universal license' application requires a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state, proof of all apprenticeship/schooling required for that license, and 8,000 hours of experience. Bring your Pennsylvania license, proof that it is active and in good standing, and your apprenticeship and exam records — and get any discretionary exam or experience credit in writing before you rely on it.
What changes, Pennsylvania → Vermont
| Pennsylvania (current) | Vermont (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | No statewide fee. Fees are set locally; for example, Philadelphia's journeyman plumber license is $126 initial (including a $25 non-refundable application fee) and $126 annual renewal. | $90 ($90 journeyman plumber license application fee; master $120; specialist P1/P2/P3 $50 per specialty field. Checks payable to the Division of Fire Safety) |
| Processing time | No statewide process; processing time is set by each municipality. | No board-stated processing time; applications are reviewed by the Plumbers' Examining Board and must be received or postmarked at least two weeks before a board meeting date |
| Licensing authority | No statewide board — plumber licensing is handled by Pennsylvania municipalities (e.g., Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections; Allegheny County Health Department for the Pittsburgh area) | Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Vermont sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Vermont's current requirements on the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold an equivalent out-of-state (or municipal) plumber license and obtain a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state (26 V.S.A. section 2194; photocopy not accepted).
- Exam exemption applies only if the issuing state maintains equivalent standards AND offers Vermont licensees a like exemption or reciprocal agreement.
- Document 8,000 hours of experience (journeyman) on Employer Affidavit of Experience forms plus proof of all required apprenticeship/schooling.
- Complete the required trades energy education module and include the completion certificate; the application must be signed and notarized.
- Pay the fees ($90 ($90 journeyman plumber license application fee; master $120; specialist P1/P2/P3 $50 per specialty field. Checks payable to the Division of Fire Safety)) and allow No board-stated processing time; applications are reviewed by the Plumbers' Examining Board and must be received or postmarked at least two weeks before a board meeting date.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Vermont accept a Pennsylvania plumbing license?
A plumbing license transfers from Pennsylvania to Vermont by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Vermont Department of Public Safety — Division of Fire Safety (Plumbers' Examining Board), verify your Pennsylvania license, and meet Vermont's endorsement requirements. Vermont MAY issue a journeyman (or master/specialty) plumber license WITHOUT examination under 26 V.S.A. section 2194 to a plumber previously licensed by another state or municipality, but only if (i) that state/municipality maintains licensing standards equivalent to Vermont's and (ii) the applicant proves he or she is a bona fide licensee; the exam exemption applies only where the issuing state has a like exemption or reciprocal agreement in place for Vermont licensees. Applicants who do not meet those conditions must pass the Vermont plumber exam. In practice the Division of Fire Safety 'universal license' application requires a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state, proof of all apprenticeship/schooling required for that license, and 8,000 hours of experience.
Which exam applies moving from Pennsylvania to Vermont?
Vermont MAY issue a journeyman (or master/specialty) plumber license WITHOUT examination under 26 V.S.A. section 2194 to a plumber previously licensed by another state or municipality, but only if (i) that state/municipality maintains licensing standards equivalent to Vermont's and (ii) the applicant proves he or she is a bona fide licensee; the exam exemption applies only where the issuing state has a like exemption or reciprocal agreement in place for Vermont licensees. Applicants who do not meet those conditions must pass the Vermont plumber exam. In practice the Division of Fire Safety 'universal license' application requires a certified letter of licensure from the issuing state, proof of all apprenticeship/schooling required for that license, and 8,000 hours of experience.
What does the Pennsylvania-to-Vermont move cost and how long does it take?
$90 ($90 journeyman plumber license application fee; master $120; specialist P1/P2/P3 $50 per specialty field. Checks payable to the Division of Fire Safety); processing No board-stated processing time; applications are reviewed by the Plumbers' Examining Board and must be received or postmarked at least two weeks before a board meeting date.
Can I keep my Pennsylvania plumbing license after I'm licensed in Vermont?
Yes — plumbing licenses in different jurisdictions run independently. Keep the Pennsylvania credential active on its own renewal and continuing-education schedule and you hold both, which is common for plumbers working near a state line.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- 26 V.S.A. section 2194 — Examinations not required; temporary licenses (without-exam licensing only for equivalent-standard states with a like exemption/reciprocal agreement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbing licensing page ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Vermont Division of Fire Safety — Plumbers License Application (universal-license reciprocity: certified letter, schooling proof, 8,000 hours; fees $90/$120/$50) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- City of Philadelphia — Get a Journeyman Plumber License (representative municipal program; requirements and fees; no state license) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]