HVAC license: State-by-state requirements

Not even COVID-19 could cool down the need for HVAC. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is "hot, hot, hot" and is expected to grow 4% by 2029. But before you can start making the indoor temperature a perfect 72 degrees for your customers, you have to snag a license. Read on to learn how you can meet your state's requirements, and ultimately start your own HVAC business, without breaking a sweat.

How to get an HVAC license: Overview

What is HVAC certification?

HVAC certification is a process in which an authorized organization certifies that a technician has received the necessary training for the job and has fulfilled industry standards and criteria. Any HVAC technician hired by a contractor, business owner, or homeowner should be thoroughly trained and qualified.

How is this distinct from getting a business license for my HVAC business?

A business license is granted by government bodies that enable people or companies to conduct profit-generating activities within a geographical jurisdiction. It is the local government's permission to set up a company. On the other hand, an HVAC certification proves that you have the necessary skills and training in your field.

Because a person obtains his HVAC license after completing his training program and certification or degree, it’s a kind of post-graduate education. While this may seem an unnecessary extra step, it is essential to note that most states need applicants to pass the license test before working independently in the sector to guarantee competence. Altogether, you may need an HVAC certification, HVAC license, and business license, although certification and licensing can be two separate things or interchangeable based on your state.

How much does HVAC certification cost?

Depending on the state or granting organization, the cost of getting your HVAC license or certification may vary. Most of the time, the overall cost will range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Standard expenses can include course registration fees, coursework and materials, examination fees, renewal fees, and possible reinstatement fees if your certification lapses or expires.

What happens if I'm not HVAC certified?

HVAC contractors that work without a license risk being penalized, entangled in legal disputes, or even sued if anything goes wrong on the job. General contractors who employ unauthorized subcontractors risk losing their licenses. Even homeowners may risk penalties if they use unlicensed HVAC contractors to conduct work that needs a permit. Proper certification and licensing ensure you can serve your customers well and build a solid reputation in your community.

HVAC license requirements: State by state

The licensing requirements are different in every state, but there are similarities. You'll find links to your state's licensing body where applicable. Below are some things to consider.

Personal requirements

• You need to be 18 years old or older.
• You must have a clean criminal record with no felonies.
• You will need a high school diploma, GED, or bachelor's degree (for the highest level of mastery in some states). Also, there will be a combination of on-the-job training and formal HVAC training programs from trade school, community college, or even university programs. (Since experience requirements may be listed in hours, please note that 2,000 hours is roughly equal to one year of 40-hour work weeks)

Your state may...

• Differentiate between HVAC technicians and contractors, with technicians working under contractors to gain the skills and experience to become independent.
• Use the apprentice-journeyman-master model that is common to many trades.
• Require a trade exam such as the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) test, where you prove your HVAC skills and a law and business exam relevant to construction and the industry in general.Require a surety bond, a set amount of money paid to guarantee a contractor fulfills stated obligations to customers.
• Require HVAC business insurance, including general liability, property damage, and workers' compensation coverage.
• Have reciprocal licensing relationships with neighboring states.
• Not require certification at all, but local governments, labor unions, or other trade organizations may still maintain standards.

Nationwide....

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians to take a one-time exam for handling refrigerant regardless of state. Once you complete the test, you earn an EPA Section 608 certification.

Alabama

The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. In addition, you must have an apprenticeship certificate issued by the board for the preceding two years or produce transcripts proving graduation from an authorized program. Alternatively, you must show at least 3,000 hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor. After passing the test, you must apply for active certification, which involves a $15,000 performance bond.

Alaska

HVAC contractors in Alaska must be licensed. You must first get a Mechanical Administrator license, or you must hire a Mechanical Administrator. There are several kinds of HVAC-related Mechanical Administrator licenses available, and the license you have will be crucial in deciding the mechanical contracting job you may do.

• Heating, Cooling, and Process Piping (HCPP): You must have journeyman or management experience in 4 of the previous 6 years; or a mechanical engineering degree plus one year experience as a field engineer or journeyman pipefitter; or registration as a professional mechanical engineer with contracting management experience in one of the preceding three years.
• Mechanical Systems Temperature Control
• Residential HVAC: You must have journeyman experience for 2 of the previous 4 years.
• Residential Plumbing and Hydronic Heating: Same requirements as Residential HVAC
• Unlimited HVAC/Sheet Metal: You must have journeyman or management experience in 4 of the previous 6 years; or a mechanical engineering degree plus one year experience as a field engineer or journeyman; or registration as a professional mechanical engineer with contracting management experience in one of the preceding three years.
• Unlimited Refrigeration: You must have journeyman experience for 2 of the previous 4 years; or proof of graduation from a trade school or an accredited course.

Arizona

To operate as an HVAC contractor in Arizona, you must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. To get licensed, you must have 4 years of HVAC experience in the specialty for which you are seeking a license or 2 years of experience with completion of an apprenticeship or course. In addition, you must pass the trade and business management exams, register with the Arizona Secretary of State or the Arizona Corporation Commission, buy worker's compensation insurance, and pay a cash bond.

Arkansas

You must earn an educational certification from an authorized HVAC/R school or complete 2 years of on-the-job training. The educational certification must involve at least six months of on-the-job training and must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Licensing Board. The state board will examine the applicant's educational transcripts as part of the approval procedure, and HVAC business licenses require yearly renewal.

California

The Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board licenses HVAC contractors in California. Any work worth more than $500 requires a C-20 HVAC license. You must have pre-authorization from the state and pass both trade and law and business exams to take the test. You must have at least 4 years of experience in the preceding 10 years to be eligible to take the test. A $15,000 bond and evidence of worker's compensation insurance are needed.

Colorado

HVAC contractors in Colorado do not have to be licensed, but they may become certified. However, licensing on a local level may be needed. Any jobs that require electrical or plumbing work must be done with the proper licenses.

Connecticut

HVAC contractors in Connecticut must have a license. You must have completed a recognized apprenticeship program or equivalent experience to qualify for a journeyman's license. In addition, you must pass both trade and law and business exams. A contractor license requires two years of experience as a qualified journeyman. You must renew your license yearly.

Delaware

HVAC contractors in Delaware must be licensed. Two kinds of licenses govern the type of job you may perform. Master HVACR Restricted only works in one specialized area. A Master HVACR license is needed to offer services in multiple specialties. As part of your application, you must provide evidence of a journeyman's certificate and at least 2 years of work experience supervised by a master contractor, or at least 7 years of work experience supervised by a master contractor.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades sets HVAC license requirements. To become a journeyman, you must complete an HVAC-R classroom-based education or 4-year apprenticeship program with a minimum of 8,000 hours or obtain a certificate from a nationally recognized Refrigeration/Air Condition trade organization or labor union.

Florida

You'll need an HVAC license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The four licenses are:

• Class A State Certified Contractor
• Class B State Certified Contractor
• Class A State Registered Contractor
• Class B State Registered Contractor

Class A Licenses let you work on any size unit. Class B licenses limit you to working on units of 500,000 BTU of heating and 25 tons of cooling or less. In addition, you must pass both trade and business and finances exams.

Georgia

The Division of Conditioned Air Contractors of the Construction Industry Licensing Board licenses HVAC contractors in Georgia. There are two types of licenses:

• Class I (Restricted): You can only work on systems or equipment that do not exceed 175,000 BTUs of heating and 60,000 BTUs of cooling. Requires 4 years of experience.
• Class II (Unrestricted): You can work on any system with no BTU limit. Requires 5 years of experience.
• Both licenses: You must pay a $10,000 surety or cash bond in the county you'll work in.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs licenses HVAC contractors, and the specialty contractor license has the C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor designation. You must pass both trade and law and business exams. You must have 4 years of full-time supervisory experience as a contractor, foreman, journeyman, or contractor in the specialized area you seek during the preceding 10 years. You must provide evidence of worker's compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Idaho

Idaho requires everyone in the HVAC industry to hold a license, including apprentices, journeymen, and contractors. The Idaho Division of Building Safety sets two classes: Contractor and Specialty Contractor. Before taking your exam, you must have 24 months of experience as a journeyman, and for the Special Contractor licenses, 24 months in your specialty. In addition, the state requires a $2,000 compliance bond.

Illinois

In Illinois, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there are local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Indiana

In Indiana, there is no state licensing requirement; however, there are local HVAC license requirements. It is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work. For example, Indianapolis and Marion County have the following licenses:

• Unrestricted Air Conditioning License A
• Air Conditioning B (for cooling units, 25 tons or and boilers, 15 PSIG steam or less, and 30 PSIG water or less)
• Air Conditioning D (for cooling units 5 tons or fewer and heating units 300,000 BTUs or less)
• Refrigeration
• High-pressure steam

Iowa

The Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing, and Mechanical Systems Board licenses HVAC contractors. You must submit a NATE certification or show the equivalent educational or training experience. In addition, it requires insurance, a bond, and a permanent business address.

Kansas

In Kansas, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there are local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Kentucky

The Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction licenses HVAC contractors. You must have a Kentucky Journeyman Mechanic license for 2 years and be supervised by a Master HVAC contractor. In addition, you must pass both trade and law and business exams and buy a $500,000 general liability insurance policy.

Louisiana

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. You must get a commercial license for projects exceeding $50,000. In addition, you must pass a trade exam for your subspecialty or get a Mechanical Work Contractor license if you want to cover all subspecialties. Also, the state requires a business and law exam.

Maine

In Maine, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there are local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Maryland

The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. There are four levels of licensure are:

• Journeyman license: You must be an apprentice for 3 years and have done 1,875 hours of training under an HVACR contractor.
• Limited license: You must be a journeyman for 2 years supervised by a master with 1,000 hours in the year before applying.
• Master restricted license: You must be a journeyman for 3 years supervised by a master with 1,875 hours in the year before applying.
• Master license: You must be a journeyman for 3 years supervised by a master with 1,875 hours in the year before applying.

The levels from limited to master require $300,000 in general liability and $100,000 in property damage insurance coverage. In addition, you must pass the respective exam for your level of license.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, general HVAC contractors do not need a license unless they do refrigeration work. Refrigeration contractors must be licensed for work exceeding 10 tons of refrigeration. Your training must be a combination of work and educational experience as such:

• 6,000 hours of apprenticeship and 250 hours of education, or
• 4,000 hours of apprenticeship and 500 hours of education, or
• 2,000 hours of apprenticeship and 1,000 hours of education.

Michigan

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division licenses HVAC contractors. First, you'll need 3 years of experience in a specific work field, such as HVAC ductwork, equipment, refrigeration systems, or hydronic heating. After that, you must pass a trade exam.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, there is no state licensing requirement; however, the Department of Labor and Industry requires a $25,000 surety bond, and there are local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Mississippi

The Mississippi State Board of Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. There's no set experience requirement, but the licensing board will review your past jobs in relevant fields. Generally, the licenses fall under residential and commercial categories with specific classifications for specialties. In addition, you must pass both trade and law and business exams.

Missouri

In Missouri, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Montana

Montana does not offer HVAC licenses outright. Instead, HVAC professionals who hire workers must acquire an independent contractor license or a construction contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. It is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work. Contractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor and provide evidence of worker's compensation if they have workers.

Nevada

Nevada requires HVAC contractors to be licensed. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning contractors can choose from many subspecialties. You'll need 4 years of journeyman experience, and you must pass both trade and business exams as well as a background check. You'll need to submit financial statements, too.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, there is no state licensing requirement unless you're a gas fitter. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

New Jersey

The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. You'll need a bachelor's degree in HVACR and 1 year of experience, a bachelor's degree in a related field with 3 years of experience, or a completed vocational or trade program and 2 years experience, or 4 years as an HVAC apprentice with 1 year of experience. In addition, the state requires liability insurance and a $3,000 surety bond.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department licenses HVAC contractors. You'll need 2 to 4 years of experience, depending on your classification. In addition, you'll need to pass both trade and law and business exams.

New York

In New York, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

North Carolina

The State Board of Refrigeration Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. The licenses come in multiple classes. You must have two years of experience, and one year can be from a technical or academic training course.

North Dakota

The North Dakota Secretary of State requires HVAC contractors to get a license to perform projects worth $4,000 or more. In addition, you'll need business insurance, including general liability and worker's compensation coverage. And the local level may have other licensing requirements based on where you work.

Ohio

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board licenses HVAC contractors. You must have 5 years of experience or a registered engineer with 3 years of construction industry experience, particular to your specific trade.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board licenses HVAC contractors. The multiple types of licenses are categorized under Mechanical Contractor licenses. You'll need 3 years of experience as a journeyman, and formal mechanical education may substitute for part of the time requirement. In addition, the state requires a $5,000 surety bond and liability insurance.

Oregon

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board licenses HVAC contractors. There are two licenses: the Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R License and the Commercial and Residential Contractor License. You can skip the exam for the limited license, but you'll need 4 years of installation experience along with a completed recognized training program. The commercial license requires 16 hours of education and an exam. For either license, you'll need general liability and worker's compensation insurance.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island uses the apprentice-journeyman-master model for HVAC contractors as below.

• Apprentice: Requires 4,000 hours (2 years) of paid on-the-job training and 144 of HVAC schooling per year.
• Journeyperson Class II (Limited): Requires 4,000 hours (2 years) of paid on-the-job training and 288 hours of HVAC schooling.
• Journeyperson Class I: Requires 10,000 hours (5 years) paid on-the-job training with 144 hours of HVAC schooling OR 6,000 hours (3 years) paid on-the-job training and 432 hours of HVAC schooling.
• Contractor Master II (Limited): Requires 3 years experience as Journeyperson Class II.
• Contractor Master I: Requires 1 year of experience as Journeyperson Class I OR Contractor Master II.
• Contractor Master (Limited): Requires a BS degree in mechanical engineering and 4 years of refrigeration or pipefitting experience; or a BS in business administration and 4 years of refrigeration or pipefitting experience.
• Master Mechanical Contractor: Requires 20 years experience with 10 as a pipefitter Master I and 10 years as a Master I.

For the "Limited" designations, commercial and residential heating installations are set to 500,000 BTUs or less.

South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation licenses HVAC contractors. The Mechanical Contractor license for commercial work over $5,000 and the Residential Specialty HVAC contractor for work over $200. You'll need 1 year of experience supervised by a Master contractor to earn your license. In addition, you'll need to pass an exam and pay for your bond.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Tennessee

The Board for Licensing Contractors licenses HVAC contractors. You must have a license for projects worth $25,000 or more. You'll have to pass both trade and law and business exams to qualify for the Tennessee Mechanical HVAC Refrigeration Contractor License. Also, you'll need liability insurance.

Texas

The Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Advisory Board licenses HVAC contractors. Class A licenses allow you to work on units of any size, and Class B licenses limit you to cooling HVAC systems that are 25 tons or under and heating systems up to 1.5 million BTUs/hour. You'll need 4 years of practical experience in the past 6 years, supervised by a licensed and trained HVAC technician. Or you can have 1 year of technical schooling along with 3 years of practical experience. In addition, you must pass an exam and buy business insurance.

Utah

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing manages HVAC contractor licensing. You can choose one of many subclasses based on your specialty, and you'll need 4 years of full-time work experience in the last 10 years. In addition, you must pass both trade and law and business exams.

Vermont

In Vermont, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Virginia

The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation licenses HVAC contractors. The three classes of licenses are:

• Class A: Requires completing an 8-hour pre-licensing course, 5 years experience, and $45,000 business capital, trade and law exams, and proof of insurance. Project size and annual revenue are unlimited.
• Class B: Requires completing an 8-hour pre-licensing course, 3 years experience, and $15,000 business capital, trade and law exams, and proof of insurance. Projects are limited to $120,000, with a maximum annual revenue of $750,000.
• Class C: Requires completing an 8-hour pre-licensing course, 2 years experience, and $15,000 business capital, trade and law exams, and proof of insurance. Projects are limited to $10,000, with a maximum annual revenue of $150,000.

Washington

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries licenses HVAC contractors. First, you'll need a certificate from an accredited school to earn your HVAC mechanical license. Then you must pass an exam.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Department of Commerce Division of Labor licenses HVAC contractors. To earn your license, you must pass both trade and law and business exams. Also, you'll need worker's compensation insurance.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, certification is not mandatory. However, the HVAC Qualifier can lend credibility to your business. If you want licensure, go to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You'll need 1,000 hours of experience yearly for four years or equivalent education and experience at a mechanical engineering university, trade school, or accredited college.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, there is no state licensing requirement. However, there may be local HVAC license requirements. Therefore, it is essential to research the license requirements in the area where you want to work.

Getting HVAC business insurance with Huckleberry

Are you feeling cooler than ever? Even though starting your own company can mean jumping through regulatory and HVAC licensing hoops, you can at least chill out through one step—buying your small business insurance.

You can get coverage with Huckleberry in about the same time it takes to change an air filter. (Getting a quote is free, easy, and 100% online.)