Licensing and Certification

The Vermont Division of Fire Safety administers licensing and certification of trade groups to maintain professionals at a high level of technical knowledge. Most licensing and certification programs require continuing education to keep current with code changes and emerging technology. More information on trade licensing and certifications can be found here.


Vermont Adopted Codes and Standards

Since 1972 the State of Vermont has adopted nationally recognized safety standards to protect the public.  The Division of Fire Safety amends the national standards only when necessary to address conditions specific to Vermont. More information can be found here on the Vermont Public Safety website.


The Vermont Building and Fire Safety Code has several provisions that impact heating fuel and service companies. Below is a list of frequently asked questions.


Are inspections of heating equipment required?

Yes. All buildings in Vermont other than owner-occupied single-family dwellings are required to have their heating systems cleaned, maintained, and inspected at least once every two years by a certified heating technician. Inspections shall be in accordance with the standards and recommended procedures for inspection of existing appliances established under NFPA 31, 54 and 211, including the measurement of carbon monoxide in the flue gas.


What is required of the heating equipment technician during an inspection?

At the time of inspection the appliance should be marked with the date of the inspection and the name and certificate number of the person who performed the inspection. When the inspection determines the existing situation involves a distinct hazard to life or property and requires immediate action, the violation(s) shall be immediately corrected. If the hazard cannot be corrected, the certified inspector conducting the inspection shall contact the state or municipal fire marshal and then disconnect (red tag) the heating appliance from operation.


Where do I get inspection or red tags?

VFDA has generic inspection and red tags available that meet the requirements of the Vermont Fire Code. Order low-cost and no-cost consumer education, compliance and rebate forms here.


What is the requirement for sidewall vents?

All through the wall vents for fuel fired heating appliances, located less than 7 feet aboveground level, must have signage permanently affixed at a height of 7 feet, mounted directly above the through the wall vent.


What does the sign have to look like?

The sign shall be a “V” shape, not less than 4 ½ inches in height, with the principal stroke of the letter “V” not less than 3/4 inch in width, colored black on a white background. The sign shall contain the wording “Heating Vent” using plainly legible letters. VFDA has weatherproof signage for sidewall vents available that meet the Vermont Fire Code requirements and can be ordered through VFDA.  Order low-cost and no-cost consumer education, compliance and rebate forms here.


When do you need a state permit, plumbing, or electrical license?

This information can be found here on the Vermont Department of Fire Safety website.


How do I get a plumbing license?

Details can be found here.


When and where are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms required?

Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be installed in areas adjacent to fuel fired heating appliances that use through the wall vents that terminate less than 7 feet above the ground. More detailed information on where CO and smoke alarms are required can be found here on the Vermont Department of Fire Safety website.


What are the certification requirements for heating fuel and service companies?

The requirements are listed below.


Delivery of Liquid Propane (LP): Successful completion of the LP Gas Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) Book 1 (Basic Principles and Practices of Propane); Book 2.1/2.4 (Propane Delivery Operations and Cylinder Delivery) and Book 2.2 (Bobtail Delivery Operations).


Plant Operations: Successful completion of CETP Book 1; 3.1 (Maintaining ASME Tanks); 3.2 (Maintaining DOT cylinders); 3.3 (Operating Dispensing Equipment to Fill Containers) and 3.4 (Maintaining Bulk Equipment).


Installation, Inspection and Service of LP Gas Appliances: Successful completion of CETP books 1.0; 4.1; 4.2; 4.3; and  4.4; or other approved course of instruction.  Eight hours of related instruction is required for certificate renewal every three years, including at least two hours regarding the prevention of CO leakage and the procedure for safety inspection of an existing appliance (see NFPA 54- Annex G).


Installation, Inspection and Service of both Natural Gas and LP Gas Systems and Equipment: Successful completion of the American Gas Association (AGA) course of study including “The Fundamentals of Combustion, Gas Appliance Venting, Electricity, Gas Controls, and Gas Appliances” and CETP Books 1.0, 4.1, 4.2. Eight hours of related instruction is required for certificate renewal every three years, including at least two hours regarding the prevention of CO leakage and the procedure for safety inspection of an existing appliance (see NFPA 54- Annex G).


Installation, Inspection and Service of Natural Gas Systems and Equipment: Successful completion of the AGA course of study including “Fundamentals of Combustion, Gas Appliance Venting, Electricity, Gas Controls, and Gas Appliances;" or other approved course of study. Eight hours of related instruction is required for certificate renewal every three years, including at least two hours regarding the prevention of CO leakage and the procedure for safety inspection of an existing appliance. (see NFPA 54- Annex G).


Installation, inspection and service of Oil Burning Equipment: A Silver or Gold certificate from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). Eight hours of related instruction is required for certificate renewal including at least two hours regarding the prevention of CO leakage and the procedure for inspection, or a current NORA Silver or Gold certificate.


LIMITED installation, inspection and service of Oil Burning Equipment (not including placing a new unit in service): A Bronze certificate from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). Eight hours of related instruction is required for certificate renewal including at least two hours regarding the prevention of CO leakage and the procedure for inspection, or a current Bronze certificate from NORA.