The Importance of CETP Certification for VHV Employees

Even with the recent proliferation of natural gas lines in Vermont, propane remains an important fuel for the operations and heating of commercial and industrial buildings, as well as laboratories, manufacturing and processing plants in our region.

The importance of propane in northern New England and New York first led VHV to offer training classes through the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP), which is organized  by the National Petroleum Gas Association.

We require our employees to get certified, as knowledgeable handling of materials and best practices for installation is key to maintaining a safe work place and job site. 

What the Law Says about CETP

Propane gas is a by-product in the refining of oil and natural gas.

Unlike natural gas, propane gas can be converted to a liquid at room temperature, which makes it easy to transport and a favored fuel for applications off of the natural gas infrastructure network. But like other petroleum gases, petroleum can be hazardous because it’s flammable and stored under pressure. 

Propane gas workers in Vermont are required by law to complete five specific CETP certifications. This is a different set of certifications than the American Gas Association (AGA) courses required to install natural gas systems.

What CETP Entails

Vermont’s regulations specifically require CTEP certifications in the following five areas of study for workers who install, inspect or service propane systems. 

• 1.0 Basic Principles and Practices of Propane (BP&P) 
• 4.1 Designing and Installing Vapor Distribution System
• 4.2 Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation
• 4.3 Installing Appliances and Interior Vapor Distribution Systems
• 4.5 Basic Propane Appliance Service and Troubleshooting

CETP and Other Training Programs

Providing propane certification classes is only one part of VHV’s mission to provide a wide range of safety training opportunities for VHV’s employees, employee-owners and the larger construction industry in northern New York and New England. 

See our training website for more information about other opportunities, including apprenticeships and NCCER classes in the HVAC, sheet metal and piping trades.