Comprehensive Guide to HVAC License Requirements in the United States

Introduction to HVAC Licensing

HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Given the complexity of these systems and the potential safety hazards, obtaining a license is a crucial step in ensuring the highest level of professionalism and skill.

Why Obtain an HVAC License?

An HVAC license demonstrates that you have met the necessary requirements, including education, experience, and examination, to perform HVAC work safely and competently while using complex HVAC tools. Possessing a license also increases your credibility, marketability, and potential for higher earnings.

Federal Requirements and EPA Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces regulations to protect the environment and human health. One such regulation is the requirement for HVAC technicians to obtain EPA certification before handling refrigerants.

Types of EPA Certification

There are four types of EPA certification for HVAC technicians:

1. Type I: For servicing small appliances containing five pounds or less of refrigerant.
2. Type II: For servicing high-pressure and very high-pressure appliances.
3. Type III: For servicing low-pressure appliances.
4. Universal: A combination of Types I, II, and III, allowing technicians to service all types of appliances.

Obtaining EPA Certification

To obtain EPA certification, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of the regulations and safety practices related to handling refrigerants. Numerous organizations offer these exams, including trade schools, community colleges, and online providers.

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State-by-State HVAC License Requirements

Each state in the United States has its own set of requirements for obtaining an HVAC license. These requirements may include education, experience, examinations, and fees. Additionally, some states require contractors to obtain a separate license for HVAC work.

• Alabama: Requires an HVAC contractor license for projects over $50,000. Applicants must pass a trade and business/law exam and provide proof of general liability insurance. Obtain a license from the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors
• Alaska: Requires a mechanical administrator's license for HVAC contractors. Applicants must pass a trade exam and provide proof of liability insurance and a bond. Alaska requires a state license for mechanical contractors that the state calls Mechanical Administrators
• Arizona: Requires a C-39R or C-79 HVAC license. Applicants must have at least four years of experience, pass trade and business management exams, and provide proof of bonding and insurance. HVACR contractor licenses are issued through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
• Arkansas: Requires an HVACR contractor's license. Applicants must pass a trade exam, provide proof of insurance, and meet financial requirements. Obtain a license from the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing
• California: Requires a C-20 license for HVAC contractors. Applicants must have at least four years of experience and pass a trade and law exam. The California Contractors State License Board issues the licenses.
• Colorado: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations oversees licensing and registration.
• Connecticut: Requires an S or D contractor's license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection issues all professional licenses and oversees the Heating, Piping, Cooling, and Sheet Metal Examining Board
• Delaware: Requires an HVACR contractor's license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. The state of Delaware licenses HVAC professionals through the Division of Professional Regulation. Specifically, the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners is responsible for issuing licenses.
• Florida: Requires a Class A or Class B HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business exams and provide proof of liability insurance and financial stability. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, a division of Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, issues the licenses.
• Georgia: Requires a Class I or Class II conditioned air contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business exams and meet experience requirements. The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Conditioned Air Contractors oversees the licensing, under the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State.
• Hawaii: Requires a C-52 HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business exams and meet experience and financial requirements. You'll need to a Class C Specialty Contractor License, issued by Hawaii’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
• Idaho: Requires an HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and provide proof of insurance and bonding. Obtain a license from the Idaho Division of Building Safety
• Illinois: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Indiana: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Iowa: Requires a master or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass trade and business exams and meet experience requirements. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) is responsible for the licensing.
• Kansas: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. In Wichita, the Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) is the licensing board responsible for issuing licenses. In Topeka, the City of Topeka Development Services Division (DSD) is responsible for issuing licenses.
• Kentucky: Requires a master or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning issues and renews all HVAC licenses in the Commonwealth.
• Louisiana: Requires a mechanical work contractor's license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass a trade and business/law exam and provide proof of insurance. Commercial Mechanical Contractor licenses are issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) for both commercial and residential buildings.
• Maine: Requires an oil burner, solid fuel, or propane/natural gas technician's license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass trade exams and meet experience requirements. The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation oversees and issues licenses.
• Maryland: Requires a master or journeyman HVACR license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. HVAC-R licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
• Massachusetts: Requires a refrigeration technician license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. Refrigeration Licenses are issued by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Office of Public Safety and Inspections
• Michigan: Requires a mechanical contractor's license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. Mechanical Contractor licenses are issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division licenses Mechanical Contractors in a wide variety of classifications and specialties.
• Minnesota: Requires a master or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. The Minneapolis Construction Code Service and the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection issue certificates of competency, or Comp Cards, at the journey and master level.
• Mississippi: Requires a mechanical or HVAC contractor's license for projects over $10,000. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams and provide proof of insurance and financial stability. Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) issues both residential and commercial contractor licensing. Some local jurisdictions also require local licensing, such as the city of Gulfport issues a Mechanical/HVAC Contractor license and the Building Department of Ocean Springs.
• Missouri: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. The Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works issue certificates of qualification at the journey and master levels, and license contractors.
• Montana: Requires a warm air heating, ventilating, or air conditioning contractor's license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. Register as a construction contractor with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry
• Nebraska: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. You are required to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. The City of Omaha Planning Department Air Conditioning/Air Distribution (ACAD) board oversees local licensing in Omaha. The City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety is responsible for issuing HVAC licenses in Lincoln.
• Nevada: Requires a C21 or C21b HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams, meet experience requirements, and provide proof of insurance and financial stability. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues contractor licenses, including: Classification C-1 Plumbing and Heating Contracting license and Classification C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning license.
• New Hampshire: Requires a gas fitter or oil burner technician's license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. You must obtain a state mechanical business entity license.
• New Jersey: Requires a master HVACR contractor's license. Applicants must pass a trade exam, meet experience requirements, and provide proof of liability insurance. The State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors issues licenses.
• New Mexico: Requires an MM-1, MM-2, or MM-3 HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams and meet experience requirements. Obtain a license from New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Construction Industries Division
• New York: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions have their own requirements. New York City issues three HVAC-related licenses. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues the Oil Burning Equipment Installer and High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer licenses, and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) tests for and issues a Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification license.
• North Carolina: Requires an H1, H2, or H3 HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business exams and meet experience requirements. The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues licenses for all HVAC contractors. The State Board of Refrigeration Contractors issues licenses for anyone engaged in commercial, industrial or transport refrigeration contracting.
• North Dakota: Requires a master or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. Obtain a North Dakota State contractor’s license through the North Dakota Secretary of State. The City of Fargo Department of Inspections issues licenses. The City of Bismarck requires mechanical licensing, issued by the City of Bismarck Community Development Department, Building Inspection Division
• Ohio: Requires an HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and provide proof of insurance and bonding. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues state licenses.
• Oklahoma: Requires a mechanical journeyman or contractor license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass trade exams and meet experience requirements. Mechanical journeyman and mechanical contractor licenses are issued through the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
• Oregon: Requires a commercial or residential HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams, meet experience requirements, and provide proof of insurance and bonding. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues specialty contracting licenses for HVAC work.
• Pennsylvania: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. You must earn an EPA Section 608 technician certification. The City of Philadelphia Business Services Department issues HVAC licenses in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh requires an HVAC contractor license, issued by Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections
• Rhode Island: Requires a refrigeration contractor or journeyman license for HVAC work. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. Obtain a license from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation. HVAC contractors performing basic work, only need to register with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB).
• South Carolina: Requires an air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams and meet experience requirements. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees both the Contractor’s Licensing Board, which issues licenses for commercial mechanical contractors, and the Residential Builders Commission
• South Dakota: Requires a contractor's or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass trade exams and meet experience requirements. The City of Sioux Falls Building Services issues contractor licensing relating to mechanical and refrigeration work within city limits. The City of Rapid City Building Services Division issues mechanical and gas contractor licenses for contractors, apprentices, journeymen/installers, or gas fitters.
• Tennessee: Requires a contractor's or journeyman HVAC license. You must be licensed at both the state and local level. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams, meet experience requirements, and provide proof of insurance. Licenses are issued on a statewide level by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
• Texas: Requires a Class A or Class B HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass a written exam and have a specified amount of experience. Texas HVAC techs can opt to become a Certified ACR Technician by completing a 2,000-hour HVAC certification program.
• Utah: Requires an S350 HVAC contractor's license. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams, meet experience requirements, and provide proof of insurance and bonding. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) issues the S350 HVAC contractor license. Note that some cities in Utah also require contractors to obtain a business license before working within their city limits.
• Vermont: Requires a master or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass a trade exam and meet experience requirements. Obtain a license through the Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety
• Virginia: Requires a master or journeyman HVAC license. Applicants must pass trade and business/law exams and meet experience requirements. The Board for Contractors issues licenses.
• Washington: Requires an HVAC/refrigeration contractor or journeyman license. Applicants must pass trade exams and meet experience requirements. Obtain a Specialty Electrician license from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• West Virginia: Requires an HVAC technician or contractor license. Applicants must pass trade exams and meet experience requirements. The West Virginia Division of Labor provides licensing.
• Wisconsin: Requires an HVAC contractor or journeyman certification at the local level. Applicants must pass trade exams and meet experience requirements. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services issues certification.
• Wyoming: No statewide HVAC license requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements. For example, the City of Cheyenne Building Permitting & Licensing and the City of Casper Community Development Department

IMPORTANT - For specific requirements in your state, visit your state's licensing board website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

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Preparing for the HVAC Licensing Exam

To pass the HVAC licensing exam, you will need a strong understanding of HVAC principles, codes, and safety practices. It's essential to allocate ample time for studying and to use the best resources available to you.

Study Resources

• HVAC trade schools: Many trade schools offer exam preparation courses, which can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience.
• Online study materials: Numerous websites offer study guides, practice exams, and educational materials to help you prepare for your HVAC licensing exam.
• Textbooks and reference materials: Invest in up-to-date textbooks and reference materials covering HVAC principles, codes, and safety practices to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

Tips for Successful Exam Preparation

• Create a study schedule: Allocate regular study sessions to ensure you cover all necessary materials and retain information effectively.
• Practice exams: Take multiple practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format and identify areas for improvement.
• Join study groups: Collaborate with fellow HVAC professionals to share resources, tips, and encouragement during your exam preparation.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Most states require HVAC technicians to complete continuing education courses to maintain and renew their licenses. These courses ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards, technology, and regulations.

• Alabama: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every year for HVAC contractors.
• Alaska: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for mechanical administrators.
• Arizona: No specific continuing education requirements for HVAC contractors; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Arkansas: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every year for HVACR contractors.
• California: No specific continuing education requirements for HVAC contractors; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Colorado: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Connecticut: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for S or D contractor license holders.
• Delaware: Requires 5 hours of continuing education every two years for HVACR contractors.
• Florida: Requires 14 hours of continuing education every two years for HVAC contractor license renewal.
• Georgia: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every year for conditioned air contractors.
• Hawaii: No specific continuing education requirements for HVAC contractors; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Idaho: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every three years for HVAC contractors.
• Illinois: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Indiana: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Iowa: Requires 18 hours of continuing education every three years for master or journeyman HVAC licenses.
• Kansas: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Kentucky: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every year for master or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Louisiana: Requires 6 hours of continuing education every year for mechanical work contractors.
• Maine: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for oil burner, solid fuel, or propane/natural gas technicians.
• Maryland: Requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years for master or journeyman HVACR license holders.
• Massachusetts: Requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years for refrigeration technicians.
• Michigan: Requires 6 hours of continuing education every three years for mechanical contractors.
• Minnesota: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for master or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Mississippi: No specific continuing education requirements for HVAC contractors; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Missouri: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Montana: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every two years for warm air heating, ventilating, or air conditioning contractors.
• Nebraska: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Nevada: Requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years for C21 or C21b HVAC contractor license holders.
• New Hampshire: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for gas fitter or oil burner technicians.
• New Jersey: Requires 5 hours of continuing education every two years for master HVACR contractors.
• New Mexico: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every three years for MM-1, MM-2, or MM-3 HVAC contractor license holders.
• New York: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• North Carolina: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every year for H1, H2, or H3 HVAC contractor license holders.
• North Dakota: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for master or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Ohio: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every three years for HVAC contractor license holders.
• Oklahoma: Requires 6 hours of continuing education every three years for mechanical journeyman or contractor license holders.
• Oregon: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every year for commercial or residential HVAC contractor license holders.
• Pennsylvania: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
• Rhode Island: Requires 5 hours of continuing education every two years for refrigeration contractor or journeyman license holders.
• South Carolina: Requires 6 hours of continuing education every two years for air conditioning, heating, or refrigeration contractor license holders.
• South Dakota: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every two years for contractor or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Tennessee: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every two years for contractor or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Texas: Requires 8 hours of continuing education every year for Class A or Class B HVAC contractor license holders.
• Utah: Requires 14 hours of continuing education every two years for S350 HVAC contractor license holders.
• Vermont: Requires 15 hours of continuing education every three years for master or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Virginia: Requires 3 hours of continuing education every three years for master or journeyman HVAC license holders.
• Washington: Requires 24 hours of continuing education every three years for HVAC/refrigeration contractor or journeyman license holders.
• West Virginia: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every year for HVAC technician or contractor license holders.
• Wisconsin: Requires 4 hours of continuing education every four years for HVAC contractor or journeyman license holders.
• Wyoming: No statewide continuing education requirements; however, local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

To stay informed about the continuing education requirements in your state, visit your state's licensing board website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Remember that requirements may change over time, so it's essential to stay current on your state's requirements to maintain your license and continue providing high-quality service to your clients.

Additional Resources

• Industry associations: Joining industry associations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), can provide networking opportunities, access to resources, and ongoing professional development.
• Trade publications: Stay informed about the latest HVAC industry news, trends, and technologies by subscribing to trade publications, such as the ACHR News or HVACR Business.

In conclusion, obtaining and maintaining an HVAC license is crucial for demonstrating your knowledge, skills, and commitment to professional standards. By understanding federal and state requirements, preparing for exams, and completing continuing education, you can excel in the HVAC industry and provide the highest level of service to your clients.