State-by-State Licensing Requirements for HVAC Technicians and Contractors

Getting an HVAC license can be complicated.

Most of this stems from the fact that states and their localities have different requirements for it.

These requirements may range from simple and quick to complex and long, depending on…

• The services you want to perform
• If you plan to become an independent contractor

What’s more, because state and local laws have tendencies to change, the process may not be the same as the ones implemented years ago.

That’s why we prepared this comprehensive guide to state-by-state HVAC licenses for you.

Read on to learn the rules and requirements for getting an HVAC license in your state.

State-level HVAC Licensing Requirements

Alabama

Professional Licensing Organization

• Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

To obtain the state HVAC contractor license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Completed, signed, and notarized exam application forms (EA-1 to 4)
• Proof of training or work experience, either:
  
  • Apprentice Certificate issued by the Board for the previous 2 years
  • Transcript from completing an approved curriculum
• If you don’t have any of those proofs, you can submit the following:
  
  • Proof of at least 3000 hours of work experience (18 months) under the supervision of a HACR licensee.
  • Form W-2 and an affidavit of the employer or officer of the employing company

Afterward, you’ll pay for the active certification fees plus a performance bond of $15,000 to complete your application.

Alaska

Professional Licensing Organization

• Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

HVAC Technician

Certificate of Fitness for the Trades related to some HVAC industry is needed for Plumber Restricted PG.

Requirements:

• 2000 hours of work experience in fuel and gas pipes installation
• 4000 hours of work experience in general plumbing
• Apprenticeship or training programs can be a substitute for up to 500 hours of experience
• Successfully pass the exam

HVAC Contractor

There are two steps to obtaining a contractor’s license.

First, they must have a Mechanical Administrator license or a Mechanical Administrator on staff to supervise the work.

The types of HVAC-related Mechanical Administrator licenses and their requirements are as follows:

• Heating, Cooling, and Process Piping (HCPP)
  
  • Must meet one of the following qualifications:
    
    • Journeyman experience in heating, cooling, and process piping for 4 of the past 6 years before the application
    • Management experience in heating, cooling, and process piping for 4 of the past 6 years before the application
    • Mechanical engineering degree plus 1 year of journeyman pipefitter or field engineer experience in heating, cooling, and process for 1 of the 3 years before the application
    • State-registered mechanical engineer plus mechanical contractor experience in a management position for 1 of the 3 years before the application
• Residential HVAC (RHVAC)
  
  • Journeyman experience in residential HVAC area for 2 of the past 4 years before the application
• Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating (RPHH)
  
  • Residential plumber and hydronic heating journeyman experience for 2 of the past 4 years before the application
• Unlimited Commercial and Industrial Plumbing (UCIP)
  
  • Must meet one of the following qualifications:
    
    • Journeyman plumber experience for 4 of the past 6 years before the application
    • Plumbing experience in a management position for 4 of the past 6 years before the application
    • Mechanical engineer degree plus 1 year of journeyman plumber or field engineer experience for the past 3 years before the application
    • State-registered mechanical engineer plus mechanical contractor experience in a management position for 1 of the 3 years before the application
• Unlimited HVAC/Sheet Metal (UHVCS)
  
  • Must meet one of the following qualifications:
    
    • Journeyman experience in HVAC/sheet metal area for 4 of the past six years before the application
    • Management experience in HVAC/sheet metal area for 4 of the past six years before the application
    • Mechanical engineer degree plus journeyman or field engineering experience in HVAC/sheet metal area for 1 of the past 3 years before the application
    • State-registered mechanical engineer plus mechanical contractor experience in a management position for 1 of the 3 years before the application
• Unlimited Refrigeration (UR)
  
  • Must meet one of the following qualifications:
    
    • Journeyman refrigeration experience for 2 of 4 years before the application.
    • Certification from an accredited refrigeration training program/vocational school

Second, you must apply for a Mechanical Contractor registration.

Requirements:

• $10,000 surety bond
• Liability insurance certificate coverage
• $20,000 for property damage
• $50,000 for individual
• $100,000 for aggregate
• Workers’ compensation insurance certificate
• Business license
• If you’re a corporation, register with the Division of Corporations
• Mechanical Administrator license (or having a licensed employee on staff)

Arizona

Professional Licensing Organization

• Arizona Registrar of Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

An HVAC contractor can get any of these licenses:

• Specialty Residential Contractor
  
  • AC and Refrigeration, plus Solar
• Specialty Dual License Contractor
  
  • AC and Refrigeration, plus Solar
  • AC and Refrigeration
• Specialty Commercial Contractor
  
  • AC and Refrigeration, plus Solar
  • AC and Refrigeration

Requirements:

• Experience in the HVAC specialty for four years
  
  • Two years of work experience can be substituted from training or apprenticeship
• Company name registration through…
  
  • For LLCs and corporations – Arizona Corporation Commission
  • For partnerships – Arizona Secretary of State
• Successfully pass the state examination for your chosen category
• Successfully pass the business management exam
• Surety or cash bond
• Worker’s compensation insurance certificate

Arkansas

Professional Licensing Organization

• Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can get any one of the following licensing classes:

• Class A – covers the HVAC/R work of unlimited capacity
• Class B – covers the work on the 15-ton capacity of a cooling system unit, 15 HP refrigeration, and 1 million BTUs per hour of heating systems
• Class C – covers servicing and repair of HVAC/R equipment
• Class D – covers work only in the sheet metal area
• Class E – covers refrigeration work only

Requirements:

• Application to the state HVAC/R licensing board for pre-approval
• Successfully pass the Class A or B examinations
• For projects over $20,000, successfully pass the state’s Business Law examination
• Work experience in HVAC for 2 years

California

Professional Licensing Organization

• California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can obtain a Class C 20 Specialty Contractor License in the following categories:

• Ventilating and AC
• Warm Air Heating

Requirements:

• Work experience as a journeyman or higher for four years
• 3 years of work experience can be substituted from education and training
• Successfully pass the following exams:
  
  • Licensing exam
  • California Law and Business exam
  • Asbestos exam (open book)
• $15,000 contractor bond
• Workers’ Compensation Certificate

Colorado

Professional Licensing Organization

• None, but related professions apply to Colorado State Electrical Board and Plumbing Board.

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Connecticut

Professional Licensing Organization

• Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

HVAC Technician

You can avail of the following licenses:

• Category B
  
  • B-2 – Limited Oil Burner and Gas Journeyman
  • B-4 – Limited Oil Burner and Gas Journeyman
• Category D
  
  • D-2 – Limited Air Conditioning, Warm Air, and Refrigeration Journeyman
  • D-4 – Limited Cooling Journeyman
• Category G
  
  • G-2: Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyman
• Category S
  
  • S-2 – Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Journeyman
  • S-4 – Limited Heating, Cooling, and Piping Journeyman
  • S-6 – Limited Hot Water, Heating, and Steam Journeyman
  • S-8 – Limited Journeyman
  • S-10 – Limited Heating Cooling Journeyman

Requirements:

• Having a registered apprenticeship or an equivalent experience/education
• Successfully pass the examination

HVAC Contractor

You can avail of the following licenses:

• Category B
  
  • B-1 – Limited Oil Burner and Gas Contractor
  • B-3 – Limited Oil Burner and Gas Contractor
• Category D
  
  • D-1 – Limited Air Conditioning, Warm Air, and Refrigeration Contractor
  • D-3 – Limited Cooling Contractor
• Category G
  
  • G-1 – Limited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor
• Category S
  
  • S-1 – Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor
  • S-3 – Limited Heating, Cooling, and Piping Contractor
  • S-5 – Limited Hot Water, Heating, and Steam Contractor
  • S-7 – Limited Contractor
  • S-9 – Limited Heating Cooling Contractor

Requirements:

• Working experience as a licensed journeyman for two years in the specialization you want
• Successfully pass the following exams:
• Contractor’s exam
• Business and Law exam

Delaware

Professional Licensing Organization

• HVAC technicians – Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners
• HVAC contractors – Delaware Division of Revenue

HVAC Technician

You need an HVACR license in the following levels:

• Apprentice
  
  • Register with the Delaware Department of Labor
  • Enroll in a federally-approved program
• Journeyman
  
  • Must meet one of the following qualifications:
    
    • Option 1
      
      • Complete a federally-approved apprenticeship and earn a Journeyman’s Certificate of Completion
      • Have 2 years of work experience under a licensed Master HVACR after receiving the certificate
    • Option 2
      
      • 7 years of work experience under a licensed Master HVACR
      • Successfully pass the Apprenticeship By-Pass exam
• Master
  
  • Certified Journeyman
  • Successfully pass the Master HVACR exam

HVAC Contractor

There are 2 types of licenses:

• Resident Contractor
• Non-resident Contractor

Requirements:

• Contractor’s surety bond
• Liability insurance

District of Columbia

Professional Licensing Organization

• District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades

HVAC Technician

You can choose any of these licenses:

• Refrigeration and AC Mechanic
  
  • Apprentice – have proof that you’ll work for a licensed Master
  • Journeyman – have 8000 hours or 4 years of experience as an apprentice
  • Master – have 4 years of experience as an apprentice and 4 years as a journeyman
• Master AC and Refrigeration Mechanical Limited
  
  • Four years of experience as an apprentice and four as a journeyman
• Steam Engineer – Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, Class 6
• Operating Engineer – Class 7 Unlimited, 7A, and 8A

Requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Have met the education and/or experience requirements mentioned
• Successfully pass the examination

HVAC Contractor

You can avail any of these licenses:

• Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Contractor
• Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Contractor Limited

Requirements:

• Successfully pass the examination
• Completion of Local Representative Affidavit
• Completion of Stock Certificate from the designated Master
• Performance bond from the designated Master

Florida

Professional Licensing Organization

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can avail of the following licenses:

• Air Conditioning
  
  • Class A State Certified Contractor
  • Class B State Certified Contractor
  • Class A State Registered Contractor
  • Class B State Registered Contractor
  • Class C State Certified Service Contractor
  • Class C State Registered Contractor
• Mechanical State Certified Contractor
• Solar State Certified Contractor

Requirements:

• To be certified, you must successfully pass the exam.
• To be registered, you must the local competency exam

For both types, you must meet one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 2000 hours or 1 year of experience
• 4 years of experience in the apprenticeship program with at least 1 year working as a foreman
• 1 year of experience as a foreman and a minimum of 3 years of college credits
• 1 year of experience as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, and 2 years of college credits
• 2 years of work experience as a worker, 1 year as a foreman, and 1 year of college credits
• Successfully pass the Business and Finance exam

Georgia

Professional Licensing Organization

• Georgia Board of Conditioned Air Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can avail the following licenses:

• Conditioned Air Contractor Class I (Restricted in BTU limits):
  
  • Requirements:
    
    • 4 years of HVAC experience
      
      • 2 years as a lead mechanic
      • 1 year as a service technician with EPA Type II certification (or higher)
      • 1 year of residential experience in a supervisory position
    • Completion of a board-approved heat loss and gain and duct design program
    • Successfully pass the state exam
    • Deposit $10,000 surety or cash bond in the country where you plan to work
• Conditioned Air Contractor Class II (Unrestricted in BTU limits):
  
  • Requirements:
    
    • 5 years of HVAC experience
      
      • 2 years as a lead mechanic
      • 1 year as a service technician with EPA Type II certification (or higher)
      • 2 years of commercial experience in a supervisory position
    • Completion of a board-approved heat loss and gain and duct design program
    • Successfully pass the state exam
    • Deposit $10,000 surety or cash bond in the country where you plan to work

Hawaii

Professional Licensing Organization

• Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.

HVAC Contractor

You can get a Specialty Contractor license.

Requirements:

• Successfully pass the trade and business/law examinations
• Workers compensation insurance
• Liability insurance
  
  • $100,000 for individual
  • $300,000 for occurrence
  • $50,000 for property damage
• Surety bond
• The business must be state-registered

Idaho

Professional Licensing Organization

• Idaho Division of Building Safety

HVAC Technician

Instead of a license, you’ll get a Certificate of Competency in the following levels:

• HVAC Apprentice
  
  • At least 18 years old or registered in a Bureau of Apprenticeship Training certified HVAC training program
  • Maintain enrollment in the approved training program.
  • Work under the supervision of a certified HVAC journeyman
• Specialty HVAC Apprentice
  
  • At least 18 years old or registered in a Bureau of Apprenticeship Training certified HVAC training program
  • Maintain enrollment in the approved training program.
  • Work under the supervision of a certified HVAC journeyman or specialty journeyman
• HVAC Journeyman
  
  • 4 years of HVAC experience or as a registered HVAC apprentice with all training completed
  • Successfully pass the examination
• HVAC Hearth Specialty Journeyman
  
  • 1 year of HVAC experience in HVAC or as a registered HVAC apprentice
  • Completion of board-approved training plus 60 hours of training in piping installation and fuel gas code methods.
  • Successfully pass the examination
• HVAC Waste Oil Specialty Journeyman
  
  • 1 year of experience in waste oil heating installation
  • Successfully pass the examination
• HVAC Fuel Gas Piping Specialty Journeyman
  
  • 1 year of HVAC experience
  • Completion of 60 hours of training in piping installation and fuel gas code methods
  • Successfully pass the examination

HVAC Contractor

You can avail of the following Certificates of Competency:

• HVAC Contractor:
  
  • 24 months of HVAC journeyman experience
  • Successfully pass the examination
  • $20,00 of compliance bond
• HVAC Specialty Contractor:
  
  • 24 months of HVAC specialty journeyman experience
  • Successfully pass the examination
  • $20,00 of compliance bond

Illinois

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Indiana

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Iowa

Professional Licensing Organization

• Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing, and Mechanical Systems Board

HVAC Technician

You can avail of the following licenses:

• Apprentice
  
  • Enrollment with a US Dept of Labor-approved apprenticeship program
  • Work supervised by a licensed journeyman or master
• Journeyman
  
  • 4 years of experience as an apprentice
  • Successfully pass the journeyman exam
• Master
  
  • A journeyman license
  • 2 years of experience
  • Successfully pass the master-level exam
• Service Technician HVAC Specialty
  
  • Completion of the North American Technical Excellence (NATE) training and certification
• Hearth Systems Specialty Technician
  
  • Have a National Fireplace Institute certification

HVAC Contractor

You can become an HVACR contractor if you meet these requirements:

• Be a Master of Record or have one on staff
• Register as a contractor with the Iowa Division of Labor.
• Hold a $500,000 public liability insurance
• $5000 minimum surety bond

Kansas

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Kentucky

Professional Licensing Organization

• Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction

HVAC Technician

You can have the following licenses:

• Apprentice HVAC Mechanic
  
  • Work under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed Master HVAC Contractor
  • Registration with the state
• Journeyman HVAC Mechanic
  
  • Either…
    
    • 3000 hours or two years of work under the supervision of a Kentucky licensed master HVAC contractor
    • 4 years of HVAC work experience in another state
  • Successfully pass the examination
  • 1 year of HVAC training can be substituted for 1 year of work experience
  • Proof of liability insurance
    
    • $500,000 for general
    • $300,000 for property damage

HVAC Contractor

You can become a Master HVAC Contractor if you fit the following requirements:

• Either…
  
  • 3000 hours or two years of work under the supervision of a Kentucky licensed master HVAC contractor
  • 5 years of HVAC work experience in another state
• Successfully pass the examination
• 1 year of HVAC training can be substituted for 1 year of work experience

Louisiana

Professional Licensing Organization

• Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can get a Mechanical Work Contractor license in the following sub-licenses:

• Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Duct Work, and Refrigeration
• Industrial Pipe Work and Insulation
• Controls for Mechanical Work

Requirements:

• Successfully pass the following exams:
  
  • Trade exam
  • Business and Law exam
• Provide a statement of financial responsibility
• Appoint a qualified individual to legally represent the business entity

Maine

Professional Licensing Organization

• None, but related professions apply to Maine Fuel Board

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing, but to work in construction, you must have a license in related professions.

Maryland

Professional Licensing Organization

• Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

HVAC Technician

You can become a licensed HVACR technician for the following levels:

• Apprentice
  
  • No exam but must work under the supervision of a Master HVACR
• Journeyman
  
  • Must meet any of the following:
    
    • Three years or 1875 hours of training as an apprentice under a Master HVACR
    • 3 years of HVACR certificate or degree program and experience under a journeyman or higher
    • 3 years of out-of-state HVACR experience
• Master
  
  • 3 years working as a licensed Journeyman
  • Complete 1,875 hours of training the year before sitting for the master-level exam
  • Successfully pass the exam

HVAC Contractor

You can avail the following licenses:

• Master HVACR Contractor
  
  • Licensed as a Journeyman HVACR Technician for 3 years
  • 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Master
  • Successfully pass the Master HVACR Contractor exam
• Master Restricted HVACR Contractor
  
  • Licensed as a Journeyman HVACR Technician for 3 years
  • 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Master
  • Successfully pass the Master HVACR Restricted Contractor exam
• Limited HVACR Contractor
  
  • Licensed as a Journeyman HVACR Technician for 3 years
  • 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Master
  • Successfully pass the Limited HVACR Contractor exam

For all three types of contractors, they must obtain the following:

• $300,000 general liability insurance
• $100,000 property damage insurance

Massachusetts

Professional Licensing Organization

• For HVAC technicians and contractors:
  
  • Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety
  • Security Department of Public Safety
• For HVAC technicians only:
  
  • Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Division of Professional Licensure

HVAC Technician

A general HVAC technician requires no license but a Refrigeration Technician does.

• Apprentice
  
  • Registration with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Apprentice Standards
  • Enrollment with the appropriate program to gain training and experience
• Technician
  
  • Must meet one of the following to take the exam:
    
    • Option 1
      
      • Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship
      • Proof of 6000 hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice and 250 hours of refrigeration classwork
    • Option 2
      
      • Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship
      • Proof of 4000 hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice and 250 hours of refrigeration classwork
    • Option 3
      
      • Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship
      • Proof of 2000 hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice and 1000 hours of refrigeration classwork

HVAC Contractor

You can get the following licenses:

• Refrigeration Contractor
  
  • 2000 hours of on-the-job experience as a licensed Refrigeration Technician
  • 100 hours of approved classwork training in refrigeration
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Construction Supervisor’s License – only necessary if you plan to open a refrigeration contracting company
  
  • This license has three levels:
    
    • Unlimited – work with buildings smaller than 35,000 sq. ft.
    • Limited – work with one-family or two-family dwellings of any size
    • Specialty – supervisory work on the construction types

Michigan

Professional Licensing Organization

• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can become a Mechanical Contractor with the following classification:

• Fire suppression
• Refrigeration
• Ductwork
• HVAC equipment
• Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping
• Limited heating service
• Limited refrigeration and air conditioning service
• Unlimited heating service
• Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service
• Specialty license
  
  • Solid fuel and vented decorative gas appliances
  • Solar heating and cooling
  • Fuel gas piping and venting
  • Fuel gas piping
  • LP distribution piping

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in the chosen classification
• Successfully pass the exam

Minnesota

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing but must file a $25,000 surety bond with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Mississippi

Professional Licensing Organization

• Mississippi State Board of Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can become a Mechanical Contractor with the following classification:

• Refrigeration
• HVAC
• Boiler installation and repair
• Process piping
• Ductwork for HVAC
• Fueling systems
• Heat exchangers and repairs
• Instrumentation, controls, and energy management-mechanical
• Energy management
• Incinerator construction

Requirements:

• Business name registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office
• Mississippi Federal Tax ID or Tax ID Number
• Workers’ compensation insurance certificate
• General liability coverage certificate
• Provide a qualifying party on application
• Successfully pass the following exams:
  
  • Trade exam
  • Law and business management exam

Missouri

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Montana

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

No requirements for licensing but you must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

If you want to be a…

• Sole proprietor without employees, get the Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate
• Corporation with employees, get the Construction Contractor Registration

Nebraska

Professional Licensing Organization

• Nebraska Department of Labor

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can become a General Contractor, provided you’ll obtain workers’ compensation insurance should you have employees.

Nevada

Professional Licensing Organization

• Nevada State Contractors Board

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can obtain the following licenses:

• Specialty C-21 – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor
• Subspecialties:
  
  • C-21a – Refrigeration
  • C-21b – Air conditioning
  • C-21c – Sheet metal.
    C-21d – Maintenance
  • C-21e – Solar air conditioning
  • C-21f – Cold and hot water systems
  • C-21g – Industrial piping

Requirements:

• At least 4 years of journeyman experience
  
  • 3 years can be substituted from completing an accredited HVAC training program
• Meet financial responsibility requirements
• Successfully pass the following exams:
  
  • Exam for your preferred specialty
  • Trade exam
  • Construction Management Survey exam
• Secure a bond

New Hampshire

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing but must register as a Mechanical Business Entity with the New Hampshire Department of Safety Building Safety and Construction Mechanical Safety Section.

New Jersey

Professional Licensing Organization

• New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can be a Master HVACR Contractor if you meet the following requirements:

• Secure a $3000 guarantor bond
• Hold a $500,000 liability insurance
• Any one of the following:
  
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in HVACR plus 1 year of field experience
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in related fields plus 3 years of HVAC experience
  • Complete a vocational training program plus 2 years of field experience
  • Complete a 4-year apprenticeship plus 1 year of field experience

New Mexico

Professional Licensing Organization

• New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

HVAC Technician

No requirements for licensing.

Instead, you’ll get a Journeyman Certificates of Competence in the following categories:

• • Gas fitter
  • Refrigeration
  • Plumber and natural gas fitter
  • Boiler operator – low pressure
  • Boiler operator – high and low pressure

HVAC Contractor

You can avail the following licenses:

• MM-2 Natural Gas Fitting Contractor
• MM-3 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Contractor
• MM-4 Process Piping, Heating, and Cooling Contractor
• MM-98 Mechanical Contractor

Requirements:

• At least 8000 hours of work experience
• Successfully pass the exam for your chosen license
• $10,000 surety bond

New York

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

North Carolina

Professional Licensing Organization

• North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Examiners
• North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
• North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinklers Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can avail the following licenses:

• Commercial Refrigeration Contractor
  
  • Commercial refrigeration experience for 4000 hours
    
    • Half of it can be substituted from academic or technical field training
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Transport Refrigeration Contractor
  
  • Commercial refrigeration experience for 4000 hours
    
    • Half of it can be substituted from academic or technical field training
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Heating, Group No. 1 Contractor
  
  • Experience for 2 years
    
    • 1 year can be substituted from academic or technical field training
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Heating, Group No. 2 Contractor
  
  • Experience for 2 years
    
    • 1 year can be substituted from academic or technical field training
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Heating, Group No. 3 Contractor
  
  • Experience for 2 years
    
    • 1 year can be substituted from academic or technical field training
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Fuel Piping Contractor
  
  • Experience for 1 year
    
    • Half of it can be substituted from academic or technical field training
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Electrical Contractor
  
  • Classifications:
    
    • Limited:
      
      • Experience for 4 years, with 2 years being the primary experience
      • Successfully pass the exam
    • Intermediate:
      
      • Experience for 6 years, with 4 years being the primary experience
      • Successfully pass the exam
    • Unlimited:
      
      • Experience for 7 years, with 5 years being the primary experience
      • Successfully pass the exam

All contractors must provide a statement of bonding ability and/or a surety bond.

North Dakota

Professional Licensing Organization

• North Dakota Secretary of State

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can get a Contractor License if you meet these requirements:

• Apply and pay the fee
• Insurance certificate with liability coverage
• Insurance certificate for workers’ compensation
• Registration of the business name with the Secretary of State

Ohio

Professional Licensing Organization

• Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can be a licensed HVAC Contractor if you meet the following requirements:

• 5 years of experience as an HVAC Technician to be eligible for the exam
• Contractor liability coverage for $500,000

Oklahoma

Professional Licensing Organization

• Oklahoma Construction Industries Board

HVAC Technician

You can avail the following licenses:

• Mechanical Apprentice
  
  • State registration
  • Work under the supervision of a licensed Mechanical Contractor
• Mechanical Journeyman
  
  • Must meet one of the following to qualify for the exam:
    
    • 3 years of experience as a Mechanical Apprentice
    • Associates degree in HVAC with 1000 training hours plus 1 year as a Mechanical Apprentice
    • A vocational diploma with either:
      
      • 500 training hours plus 2 years as a Mechanical Apprentice
      • 375 training hours plus 2 ¼ years as a Mechanical Apprentice
      • 334 training hours plus 2 ⅓ years as a Mechanical Apprentice
      • 250 training hours plus 2 ½ years as a Mechanical Apprentice

HVAC Contractor

You can be a Mechanical Contractor if you meet these requirements:

• Corporate surety bond for $5000
• General liability insurance certificate for $50,000
• Any one of the following:
  
  • 3 years of experience as a Mechanical Journeyman
  • Associates degree in HVAC with 1000 training hours plus 1 year of experience as a Mechanical Journeyman
  • A vocational diploma with either:
    
    • 500 training hours plus 2 years as a Mechanical Journeyman.
    • 375 training hours plus 2 ¼ years as a Mechanical Journeyman
    • 334 training hours plus 2 ⅓ years as a Mechanical Journeyman
    • 250 training hours plus 2 ½ years as a Mechanical Journeyman

Oregon

Professional Licensing Organization

• Oregon Construction Contractors Board

HVAC Technician

You can have a Limited Energy Technician Class B license if you complete one of these requirements:

• A state-approved apprenticeship
• 288 hours of classroom training, 4000 hours of work experience, and 32 hours of the board-approved training program
• 8000 hours of out-of-state work experience and 32 hours of the board-approved training program

HVAC Contractor

You can become a Limited Specialty Contractor HVAC/R if you meet all of these requirements:

• Experience for four years or 4000 hours in installation
• Completion of specialized training in one of these HVACR specialized areas:
  
  • Service
  • Maintenance
  • Electrical repair
  • Installation or replacement
• 16 hours of law and business practices pre-examination training

Once you successfully pass the exam, do the following:

• Choose the endorsement type for your license:
  
  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • Both
• Business name registration with the Secretary of State
• A CCB surety bond
• General liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance

Pennsylvania

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Rhode Island

Professional Licensing Organization

• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation

HVAC Technician

You can be a Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technician at the following levels:

• Apprentice
  
  • Registration with the state
  • Enrollment in a state-approved program.
• Journeyperson Class I
  
  • Completion of the 10,000-hour state-approved apprenticeship program and 144 class hours per year
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Journeyperson Class II (limited)
  
  • Completion of the 4000-hour on-the-job training and 288 class hours per year in a state-approved apprenticeship program
  • Successfully pass the exam

HVAC Contractor

You can get any of these licenses:

• Refrigeration Master Contractor Class I
  
  • Previously held Refrigeration Journeyperson I license or Refrigeration Master II license for 1 year
• Refrigeration Master Contractor Class II
  
  • Previously held Refrigeration Journeyperson Class II license for 3 years
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Contractor Master in Refrigeration
  
  • Any one of the following:
    
    • BS in Mechanical Engineer Bachelor plus 4 years of experience in refrigeration/AC
    • BS in Business Administration plus 4 years of experience in refrigeration/AC
  • Successfully pass the exam
• Master Mechanical Contractor
  
  • 10 years working as a Rhode Island Licensed Pipefitter Master I and Refrigeration Master I
  • No exam required

Requirements for all contractors:

• Workers compensation insurance
• Correct taxation information
• Awareness of the State and Federal OSHA laws
• Awareness of the BOCA State Building Code, especially the International Mechanical Code

South Carolina

Professional Licensing Organization

• South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Residential Builders Commission

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can have a Residential Specialty HVAC License if you meet these requirements:

• Minimum of 1 year of HVAC experience
• No exam but must submit the application with the relevant fees
• Original surety bond for $10,000 if the construction cost is more than $5000

South Dakota

Professional Licensing Organization

• None

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

Tennessee

Professional Licensing Organization

• Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You need a Mechanical Contractor (CMC) license if you have projects for $25,000 and up

This license has several categories, which need at least 3 years of work experience.

Also, a category may require you to sit for an exam.

The following categories require that you successfully pass the exam:

• Full CMC
• Plumbing and Gas Piping (CMC-A)
• HVAC, Refrigeration, and Gas Piping (CMC-C)
• Solar HVAC (Geothermal)

Meanwhile, these don’t require an exam:

• Process Piping (CMC-B)
• Pneumatic Tube Systems (CMC-G)
• Boiler Construction and Repairs (CMC-I)
• Fuel Gas Piping and Systems (CMC-J)

Texas

Professional Licensing Organization

• Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Advisory Board

HVAC Technician

You can have any of these licenses:

• Registered Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
  
  • Registration with the state
  • Payment of the registration fees
• Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
  
  • Successfully pass exam

HVAC Contractor

You can avail any of these licenses:

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Class A or Class B
• Environmental Air Conditioning Endorsement
• Commercial Refrigeration and Process Cooling or Heating Endorsement
• Combined Endorsements

Requirements:

• Class A
  
  • Liability insurance for $300,000 aggregate and $300,000 per occurrence
• Class B
  
  • Liability insurance for $100,000 aggregate and $100,000 per occurrence
• For both classes
  
  • Practical AC and refrigeration experience for 48 months under a licensed AC/R contractor
    
    • Part of the experience can be substituted from training
      
      • 24 months for graduates of AC or refrigeration engineering or technology or mechanical engineering
      • 12 months for graduates of a 2-year degree or certification program
      • 6 months for graduates of a 1-year certification program or training

Utah

Professional Licensing Organization

• Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can obtain any of these licenses:

• S350 – HVAC Contractor
• S351 – Refrigerated Air Conditioning Contractor
• S352 – Evaporative Cooling Contractor
• S353 – Warm Air Heating Contractor
• S354 – Radon Mitigation Contractor

Requirements:

• Experience for 4000 hours or 2 years within the last ten years.
• Successfully pass the following exams:
  
  • Trade exam
  • State of Utah Laws and Rules exam
• Complete 20 hours of a pre-license training course or get a construction management degree.
• General liability coverage with $300,000 aggregate and $100,000 per incident

Vermont

Professional Licensing Organization

• Vermont Department of Public Safety

HVAC Technician

You can become a licensed Electrical Specialist in the following classifications:

• C3 – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• A1 – Automatic Gas/Oil Heating

You must meet any one of these requirements:

• Approved HVAC training program plus 2000 hours or 1 year of HVAC work experience
• 4000 hours or 2 years of HVAC work experience

HVAC Contractor

No requirements for licensing.

Virginia

Professional Licensing Organization

• Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

HVAC Technician

You can have an HVAC Tradesman license in the following categories:

• Apprentice
  
  • Not required, but should you want to, you must enroll in an approved training program
• Journeyman
  
  • Either one of the following:
    
    • Complete apprenticeship and successfully pass the exam
    • Complete an approved training program and gain field experience in any of these ways:
      
      • Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 1 year of experience
      • Associate’s degree in an HVAC program plus 2 years of experience
      • 240 hours of training in a vocation school plus 4 years of experience
      • 160 hours of training in a vocation school plus 5 years of experience
      • 80 hours of training in a vocation school plus 6 years of experience
      • 40 hours of training in a vocation school plus 7+ years of experience
      • 10 years of experience
• Master
  
  • Holds a Journeyman HVAC Tradesman license, either:
    
    • Experience as a licensed journeyman for 1 year
    • Experience in the HVAC trade for ten years
  • Successfully pass the exam

HVAC Contractor

You can avail of any of these licenses:

• HVAC Contractor Class A
  
  • HVAC Tradesman license – Master
  • 5 years of experience
  • Business capital of $45,000
  • Completion of the 8-hour approved pre-education program
• HVAC Contractor Class B
  
  • HVAC Tradesman license – Master
  • 3 years of experience
  • Business capital of $15,000
  • Completion of the 8-hour approved pre-education program
• HVAC Contractor Class C
  
  • HVAC Tradesman license – Master
  • 2 years of experience
  • Completion of the 8-hour approved pre-education program

Washington

Professional Licensing Organization

• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

HVAC Technician

You can be a Specialty Electrician HVAC/R in the following levels:

• Trainee
  
  • 16+ years old
  • Apply for a certificate to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
  • Enroll in an apprenticeship program
• Journey-level Electrician
  
  • 06A (restricted) – 4000 work hours as a trainee plus 48 hours of classwork
  • 06B (unrestricted) – 2000 work hours as a trainee plus 24 hours of classwork
• Master Electrician
  
  • Holds a license as a journeyman or specialty level electrician
  • Successfully pass the exam

HVAC Contractor

You can hold an Electrical Contractor license by submitting a surety bond to the state.

West Virginia

Professional Licensing Organization

• West Virginia Department of Commerce Division of Labor

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing; only those in related professions.

HVAC Contractor

You can have a Contractor Class D – HVAC Classification license if you meet the following:

• Successfully pass these exams:
  
  • Heating, Ventilating & Cooling exam
  • Business and Law exam
• Submit your application with the relevant fees, along with:
  
  • Secretary of State Certificate of Authority (not for sole proprietorship)
  • Wage bond if you have employees
  • WV business registration tax number
  • Federal taxpayer’s ID number
  • Workers’ compensation policy number
  • Unemployment compensation number

Wisconsin

Professional Licensing Organization

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

HVAC Technician

• No requirements for licensing.

HVAC Contractor

You can avail any of these licenses:

• HVAC Qualifier Certification
  
  • Must meet one of the following:
    
    • Experience for 4000 hours or 4 years in HVAC
    • 4 years of HVAC training program
    • A combination of experience and training plus successfully passing the HVAC Qualifier exam
• HVAC Contractor Registration
  
  • Submission of application and related fees

Wyoming

Professional Licensing Organization

• Wyoming Trades Certification Program

HVAC Technician

No requirements for licensing but has certification programs for the following:

• Journeyman Gas Pipe Fitter
• Refrigeration Journeyman
• Journeyman HVAC
• Master HVAC
• Master Gas Pipe Fitter
• Refrigeration Master

HVAC Contractor

• No requirements for licensing.
• Check with your locality if they require licensing.

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