Heating Oil
FAQS
Q: What certifications are needed to work in the State of Vermont?
A: The following certifications are needed to work on a public (any building other than single family owner occupied) building in the State of Vermont.
Either a current NORA Silver or Gold Certification OR a State of Vermont Oil Heat Certificate of Fitness. In order to get the State of Vermont Oil Heat Certificate of Fitness, the technician must present his current NORA Silver certification to the state.
Q: Who offers classes to renew my oil?
A: We do! VFDA provides all the necessary education & training for oil heat & propane technicians.
Q: I am oil heat certified but the State of Vermont has no record of it. Why?
A: When a student becomes oil heat or propane certified he needs to send in copies of his certificates to the state. We do not notify the state of who takes classes through us. If the technician does not send in copies to the state, they will not have any record of it.
Q: When does my license/certification expire?
A: Silver and Gold certifications are good for five years. You must attain 24 CEUs to renew for an additional five years.
If you are Bronze certified, you will automatically be upgraded to Silver Certification after three years from the test date. The Silver upgrade will be for the remaining two years of your certification. You must have attained 24 CEUs during that period to renew your Silver for an additional five years.
Q: How many classes do I need to take to keep my license/certification current?
A: NORA Silver or Gold – 24 hours every 5 years
State Certificate - 8 hours every three years
Q: What classes have I taken towards my renewal?
A: You can check the status of your credits by registering online at http://www.noraed.org/
We do not keep track of classes taken through other organizations.
Q: I need copies of my certificates. Where can I get them?
A: If you need a copy of your certificate, call VFDA at 802-223-7750 or email training@vermontfuel.com and we will send you one.
Q: My license/certificate is expired, what do I do now?
A: -NORA Certificate – technician must retake the silver/gold exam to reinstate their certification
-State Certificate – technician must take 8 oil heat CEUs and submit them to the state
BRONZE
Bronze Certification program for individuals who have less than three years field experience. This certification is the first step toward a rewarding career as an Oilheat Technician. Individuals receive classroom instruction from industry leaders and gather hands-on experience in a fully equipped and functioning laboratory.
Criteria to Earn Bronze Certification
1. Minimum of 80 hours of classroom & lab instruction at a NORA Certified School
2. Earn 78% or higher on the Bronze Certification Exam
The Bronze Level certification will give individuals recognition and further incentive to train. To receive Bronze Certification an individual must have at least 80 hours of formal classroom training in a NORA approved program and pass the Bronze Exam. After three years of verified field experience and 20 NORA CEU's they will automatically upgrade to a Silver Certification.
The attainment of the Bronze Certification signifies that you have acquired the fundamental skills necessary to become a successful Oilheat Technician and elevates you above those who are non-certified.
SILVER
The Silver Certification Program is based on the training publication, "The NORA Oilheat Technician's Manual", which provides effective guidance on basic design, safety and repair of Oilheating equipment.
The program is designed for anyone who already has 3 or more years experience in the field as an Oilheat technician. It is a fast pace learning environment with both classroom and lab periods to strengthen basic skills on safety and reliability. The course covers topics such as basic design, safety and repair of Oilheating equipment.
Criteria to Earn Silver Certification
1. Min. of 3 years work experience as an Oilheat technician, verified on company letterhead and signed by company owner or manager.
2. Min. of 100 hours of Oilheat education training
3. Earn 78% or higher on the exam.
GOLD
A new publication, Efficient Oilheat, An Energy Conservation Guide, updated in 2004, serves as the training manual for attaining gold certification. The gold certification is for technicians who are able to move beyond basic installation and repair as well as provide systems analysis of the house, advise customers on equipment needs, and diagnose home comfort problems, as well as provide efficiency recommendations.
Criteria for Gold Certification
1. Successful completion of the Silver Technician Certification Exam
2. Minimum of five years work experience as an Oilheat technician, must be verified on company letterhead and signed by company owner or manager
3. Minimum of 120 hours of Oilheat education training beyond Basic Oilheat Technician courses
For questions regarding your oil heat certification, call Debbie Moulton with VT Dept. of Public Safety at 802-885-8883.
VERMONT FIRE CODE
Alerted by Assistant State Fire Marshall Robert Howe, VFDA would like to issue a clarification regarding the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code as it relates to oilheat technicians.
The Vermont certificate of fitness is still required, as before, for anyone installing, inspecting or servicing oil burning equipment. To obtain a Vermont certificate a person must obtain a silver certificate from NORA. To renew the Vermont certificate there are now 3 options:
* take state approved 8 hours of related instruction
* have current NORA silver certification
* have current NORA gold certification
For any of the three options a person is still required to renew the Vermont certificate every 3 years by completing the renewal form, sending documentation on related instruction or current NORA certification, and completing the necessary sign-offs for child support etc. A renewal form is sent to each certificate holder 60 - 90 days before the Vermont certificate expires.
A person working on oilburning equipment who has a NORA certificate, but does not have a Vermont certificate of fitness, is in violation of the code and subject to a fine of $100 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for a subsequent offense.
