Occupational licensing · Vermont · burden rank #47 of 51
Vermont Occupational Licensing Requirements
Vermont's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Vermont sits in the low-burden band (#47 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Fire Sprinkler Installer; Glazier; Land Surveyor. Nearest burden-rank peers: South Dakota; Wyoming; Maine; New Hampshire. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #47 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,558
- Avg initial fee
- $60
Vermont vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
64 Among the freest more restrictive than 4% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Fire Sprinkler Installer; Glazier; Land Surveyor. Nearest burden-rank peers: South Dakota; Wyoming; Maine; New Hampshire. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Vermont, Psychologist lists 5,081 education hours with an exam and a $116 initial fee. Compare the same license in South Dakota on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Vermont, Electrician lists 4,162 education hours with an exam and a $39 initial fee. Compare the same license in South Dakota on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among Vermont's higher initial fees at $200 . Open Wyoming for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Fire Sprinkler Installer
Fire Sprinkler Installer is among Vermont's higher initial fees at $150 . Open Wyoming for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Vermont against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Vermont already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Vermont: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#47 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Maine · burden #48/51
- Wyoming · burden #46/51
- New Hampshire · burden #49/51
- South Dakota · burden #45/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($60 here).
- Maine · avg $57 initial fee
- Wyoming · avg $65 initial fee
- New Hampshire · avg $50 initial fee
- South Dakota · avg $71 initial fee
Agriculture in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Animal Care in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 4,081 | Yes | $116 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,541 | Yes | $58 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Construction in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 4,162 | Yes | $39 | $32 | 1 yr | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 4,162 | Yes | $62 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $92 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 2,162 | Yes | $32 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 2 | Yes | $32 | $31 | 3 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 4,162 | Yes | $41 | $39 | 1 yr | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Cosmetology in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,020 | Yes | $40 | $27 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| 1,024 | Yes | $41 | $28 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 160 | Yes | $32 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 290 | Yes | $31 | $27 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 172 | Yes | $30 | $22 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Design in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $88 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Education in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| 5 | No | $32 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $44 | $40 | 5 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $46 | $42 | 5 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $44 | $40 | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Engineering in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $92 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
Finance in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $68 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Alabama |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 22 | Yes | $29 | $27 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 20 | Yes | $59 | $49 | 1 yr | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Food & Hospitality in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Healthcare in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 2,541 | Yes | $58 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,541 | Yes | $86 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wyoming |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 123 | Yes | $31 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,020 | Yes | $80 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 3,041 | Yes | $84 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 4,041 | Yes | $92 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,232 | Yes | $58 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 4,061 | Yes | $110 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alaska |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 3,041 | Yes | $86 | $84 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 3,061 | Yes | $112 | $110 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,828 | Yes | $58 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $60 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,041 | Yes | $82 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,541 | Yes | $58 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,041 | Yes | $86 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Legal & Security in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 11 | No | $34 | $25 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 282 | Yes | $64 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Mental Health in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,041 | Yes | $82 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 2,541 | Yes | $68 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,541 | Yes | $84 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 5,081 | Yes | $116 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
Miscellaneous in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 85 | Yes | $36 | $32 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Real Estate in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 46 | Yes | $64 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 46 | Yes | $41 | $39 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 69 | Yes | $64 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Transportation in Vermont
| VT profession | VT edu hrs | VT exam | VT initial $ | VT renew $ | VT cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2 | Yes | $25 | $23 | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 166 | Yes | $27 | $23 | 4 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 43 | Yes | $25 | $23 | 4 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related for Vermont
NCSL and state-board extracts for Vermont. Burden peers on this ladder include South Dakota, Wyoming, Maine, New Hampshire; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Vermont render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.