HVAC Licensing & Certifications: What Do I Need to Start a Business

Starting a business in the HVAC industry is not just about the skill and the will; it’s about fulfilling legal requirements and industry standards, too. Obtaining the necessary HVAC licenses and certifications could be your golden ticket to not just enter this field but to thrive in it.

So, what does it take? Stick with us to discover the ABCs of HVAC licensing and certifications and why these credentials can help showcase your expertise and grow your business.

Understanding HVAC Licensing

HVAC licensing is a foundational step for starting your business and advancing your career. Let’s explore the compelling reasons for having a license, as it is more than just a formality in this field.

Why Do HVAC Professionals Need a License?

HVAC licensing isn’t merely procedural; it symbolizes a professional’s competence and expertise.

Key reasons to get an HVAC license include:

• Legal Compliance: Ensuring that professionals adhere to licensing standards is a way to safeguard consumers against substandard services and potential hazards. Operating without a license can lead to severe penalties. For example, according to the Contractors State License Board of California, operating without a license in California can result in jail terms of up to six months and fines upwards of $15,000.
• Building Trust with Customers: A license demonstrates a contractor’s commitment to their profession and adherence to legal and quality standards, which builds trust with customers​.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: Licensed contractors enjoy better earnings, job security, and career growth due to compliance with legal and industry standards, insurance coverage, and the ability to undertake more significant and legally compliant projects. For instance, licensed general contractors in the U.S. have an average annual pay of $97,202.

An HVAC license serves as your passport to a world of professional respect, greater financial rewards, and legal peace of mind.

Types of HVAC Licenses

When it comes to HVAC licensing, one size doesn’t fit all. The type of license you pursue will depend on your career stage and specific goals within the industry. Here’s a closer look at the three primary types of HVAC licenses and what you’ll need to secure each one:

• Apprenticeship License: This entry-level license allows you to assist in basic tasks under supervision. Costs are minimal, usually between $100 and $200, often covered by your employer. The main requirement is a high school diploma. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are a plus.
• Journeyman License: This elevates you to solo work on intricate projects like installations and repairs. You’ll need to finish an apprenticeship and pass a state exam. Expect costs around $300 to $500. Technical training and a solid understanding of electrical systems are required.
• Contractor License: With this license, you can design HVAC systems for large setups and manage teams. You’ll need at least five years of experience and must pass a rigorous exam. Costs range from $700 and $1,000. An Associate’s degree in HVAC technology and strong managerial skills are necessary.

How to Get an HVAC License?

Getting an HVAC license is more than just filling out a form and paying a fee. It’s a multi-step process that requires careful preparation and commitment.

Here’s how you can navigate through these steps to secure the HVAC license that aligns with your career goals:

• State-Specific Research: Each state has distinct requirements. For instance, while California mandates 4 years of experience before applying for a contractor’s license, Texas requires a combination of formal training and work experience totaling 4 years.
  To find state-specific HVAC license requirements, start with your state’s licensing board website for guidelines and procedures. Local HVAC schools and trade organizations can also offer insights and exam prep materials. Lastly, consider consulting current HVAC professionals in your state for firsthand advice.
• Undergo Necessary Training: The type of HVAC training you need depends on your target license. For an apprenticeship license, expect 3-5 years of supervised, hands-on training combined with classroom lessons. Journeyman license candidates typically focus on specialized topics like electrical systems and thermodynamics during their apprenticeships, plus exam prep. Contractor license seekers often require an Associate’s degree in HVAC technology, covering technical HVAC skills and business management basics.
• Pass Required Exams: After training, you’ll need to prove your knowledge through exams covering a broad spectrum of HVAC topics, including system design, installation techniques, maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and the principles of heating and cooling. These exams are typically administered by state or local licensing boards. In some cases, trade organizations may also offer exams that meet state requirements.
• Complete Documentation: Once you’ve passed the exams, you’ll need to submit an application accompanied by required documents such as proof of training, work experience, background checks, and insurance proof. Additionally, fees can range from $50 to $300, depending on the state and specific certification sought.
• Explore Financial Assistance Options: While obtaining an HVAC license requires time and financial investment, several ways exist to ease the burden. Educational costs can vary greatly, ranging from $500 to $35,000 depending on your chosen path, such as apprenticeships or formal education through vocational schools or community colleges. Thankfully, many organizations provide scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to assist with your HVAC education and licensing costs. Some organizations include:
  • HVAC HERO Scholarship
  • ASHRAE Scholarship Program
  • PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships
  • Federal Pell Grants

HVAC License Requirements by State

Since license requirements can vary significantly from one state to another, it’s beneficial to understand the varied licensing requirements across the U.S.

State	Issuing Office	State Requirements
Alabama	Alabama State Board of Heating and Air Conditioning	Requires a State Board Mechanical Contractor’s license for work exceeding $50,000.
Alaska	Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development	Mechanical Contractor and Mechanical Administrator licenses are needed for commercial work.
Arizona	Arizona Registrar of Contractors	Requires passing trade and business exams and securing a bond and worker’s compensation insurance.
Arkansas	Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing	Class A and B licenses for work exceeding $20,000 and $50,000, respectively.
California	Contractors State License Board	Requires a C-20 HVAC Contractor License.
Colorado	Colorado State Electrical Board and Colorado State Plumbing Board	No state-level licensing, but local requirements often apply.
Connecticut	Department of Consumer Protection	Requires an S-1 or S-2 Contractor’s license.
Delaware	Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, etc.	Requires a Delaware Business License for HVACR contractors.
District of Columbia	Board of Industrial Trades	Requires passing an examination and meeting additional criteria such as completing a Local Representative Affidavit.
Florida	Department of Business & Professional Regulation	Requires Class A or Class B Air Conditioning Contractor’s license.
Georgia	Construction Industry Licensing Board	Conditioned Air Contractor licenses Class I and II available.
Hawaii	Professional and Vocational Licensing Division	C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor License required.
Idaho	Division of Building Safety	Requires two years of journeyman experience, passing an examination, and securing a $2,000 compliance bond.
Illinois	Cook County Department of Building and Zoning	No state-level requirements, but local licensing is usually necessary.
Indiana	City of Evansville	No state-level license is needed, but local licenses are often required.
Iowa	Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board	Contractor registration is required.
Kansas	Kansas Mechanical Trades Review Board	No state-level requirements, but local licensing is often necessary.
Kentucky	Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction	State HVAC Contractor license required.
Louisiana	Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors	State HVAC Contractor license required.
Maine	Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation	Requires an Oil and Solid Fuel or Propane and Natural Gas license.
Maryland	Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation	Requires HVAC Mechanical License.
Massachusetts	Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters	Requires a Refrigeration Technician license.
Michigan	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs	Requires a Mechanical Contractor’s License.
Minnesota	Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry	Requires a state license or local bonding, depending on jurisdiction.
Mississippi	Mississippi State Board of Contractors	Requires a Mechanical Contractor’s License.
Missouri	St. Louis County Board of Examiners for Mechanical Licensing	No state-level license is needed, but local licenses are often required.
Montana	Montana Department of Labor & Industry	Requires Construction Contractor Registration
Nebraska	Department of Labor	No state-level license is needed, but local licenses are often required.
Nevada	Nevada State Contractors Board	A C21 Air Conditioning Contractor’s license is required.
New Hampshire	Mechanical Licensing Board	Gas Fitter license required.
New Jersey	New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs	Requires Master HVACR License.
New Mexico	New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department	MM-98 Mechanical license required.
New York	New York City Building Department	No state-level requirements, but local licenses are usually required.
North Carolina	North Carolina State Board of Examiners	Requires an H-1, H-2, or H-3 class license.
North Dakota	Secretary of State’s office	Requires a Mechanical Contractor license.
Ohio	Department of Commerce	Requires Ohio HVAC license for commercial work.
Oklahoma	Oklahoma Construction Industries Board	Requires Mechanical Contractor or Mechanical Journeyman license.
Oregon	Construction Contractors Board	Requires an Oregon HVAC/R license.
Pennsylvania	City of Philadelphia Business Services Department	No state-level requirements, but local licensing is usually necessary.
Rhode Island	Department of Labor and Training	Requires a Mechanical Contractor’s license.
South Carolina	Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation	Requires a Mechanical Contractor’s license.
South Dakota	South Dakota Plumbing Commission	Contractor’s License required
Tennessee	Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors	Requires Mechanical Contractor’s license for work exceeding $25,000.
Texas	Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation	Requires Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor’s License.
Utah	Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing	Requires an S350 HVAC Qualifier license.
Vermont	Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation	No state-level requirements, but local licensing is often necessary.
Virginia	Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation	Requires a Class A, B, or C Contractor license.
Washington	Washington State Department of Labor & Industries	Requires an HVAC/R Specialty Electrical license.
West Virginia	Division of Labor	Requires an HVAC Technician and Contractor license.
Wisconsin	Department of Safety and Professional Services	Requires HVAC Qualifier Certificate.
Wyoming	Wyoming Trades Certification Program	No state-level requirements, but local licensing is often necessary.

What is an HVAC Certification?

An HVAC certification is a professional credential indicating that a technician has acquired specific skills or knowledge, helping you acquire more HVAC leads. A certification involves specialized training and mastery of particular technologies or methodologies.

Unlike licensing, certifications are often optional and can provide a competitive edge in job markets or customer trust. Moreover, certifications usually come from industry organizations and vendors, not governmental bodies.

While both are indicators of a technician’s capability, a license is a must-have permit for legal operation. In contrast, certifications are value-added credentials that speak to a technician’s specialized skills and commitment to ongoing education.

Types of HVAC Certifications

A license can get your foot in the door, but the advanced certifications truly elevate your standing as an HVAC technician. Key HVAC certifications such as the EPA Section 608 and NATE testify to your expansive skill set and knowledge base, ensuring you’re always a cut above the rest.

• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification: An HVAC EPA certification is mandatory for technicians who work with refrigerants. It encompasses:
  • Type I: For small appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.
  • Type II: Tailored for high-pressure appliances, including residential air conditioners and refrigeration units.
  • Type III: Aimed at low-pressure appliances such as chillers.
  • Type IV: The universal certification covering all equipment types.
• NATE Certification: Championed by North American Technical Excellence, this certification demonstrates your proficiency in areas like installation, servicing, refrigerants, and core units.
• HVAC Excellence: This organization provides program accreditation and offers employment-ready certifications in air conditioning, light commercial air conditioning, and basic refrigeration and charging procedures.
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES): In partnership with NATE, RSES provides additional certifications for commercial air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration, and HVAC-R electrical systems.
• Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA): RETA offers specialized certifications for technicians in industrial refrigeration. These include the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) certification for entry-level technicians and the Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator (CIRO) certification.

According to the New England Institute of Technology, the costs for EPA, NATE, HVAC Excellence, RSES, or RETA certifications range from $25 to $250 per test​.

HVAC Certification Process and Requirements

Journeying toward an HVAC certification?

Here’s your roadmap:

1. Choose Your Certification Path: Identify which certification aligns best with your aspirations.
2. Meet the Eligibility Standards: This could mean having the right educational background; typically, a high-school diploma focusing on mathematics and physics is a big help to build a robust foundation.
3. Get Trained: Enroll in an accredited HVAC program that community colleges or vocational schools offer.
4. Undergo an Apprenticeship: Associations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America offer apprenticeships that span three to five years, ensuring hands-on experience.
5. Accumulate Practical Experience: Before you get certified, at least 12 months of on-ground experience is recommended before pursuing certifications like EPA or NATE.
6. Get Ready for the Exam: Preparation is key, as the exams rigorously test your understanding of HVAC knowledge and pertinent regulations.

What Are the Benefits of HVAC Certifications?

Diving into HVAC certifications opens the door to opportunities and career growth. Here’s what you stand to gain:

1. Proof of Proficiency: Rather than merely asserting your capabilities, certification serves as concrete evidence that you meet the industry standards set by seasoned professionals in the HVAC field.
2. Enhanced Expertise: Through HVAC certification, you’ll gain invaluable insights and hands-on skills that empower you to confidently address air quality complexities and excel in temperature control techniques.
3. A Competitive Edge: In a market teeming with HVAC technicians, your certification can give you a noticeable edge, enhancing your prospects even for high-profile projects.
4. Enhanced Earnings: Certifications are synonymous with expertise, which commands a premium. Certified technicians often enjoy better pay packages. For instance, on average, technicians with an NATE certification earn 12.2% more than non-certified technicians. In addition, employers are often willing to pay higher salaries for NATE-certified technicians, valuing the certification at over $10,000 a year.

FAQ

Navigating the world of HVAC licensing and certifications can be intricate. To help clarify common queries, we’ve compiled a set of frequently asked questions.

Can You Do HVAC Work Without a License?

Operating an HVAC business without a license is generally illegal and can lead to severe penalties. In most states, taking on minor HVAC tasks for profit without a license could result in fines or even criminal charges.

The activities that might be legally permitted without a license are generally restricted to personal, non-commercial tasks. Therefore, for those looking to provide a broad spectrum of HVAC services as a business, obtaining a license is strongly recommended to comply with state and local laws.

How Long Does It Take to Get an HVAC Certification?

Becoming HVAC-certified isn’t an overnight journey. When factoring in enrolling in an HVAC training program, understanding the intricacies of the profession, and gaining hands-on experience, aspiring technicians can expect a timeline of two to three years to meet all requirements. The duration might vary slightly based on specific certifications.

What States Do Not Require an HVAC License?

Wyoming, Vermont, Illinois, Arizona, New York, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana do not require an HVAC license.

Even if your state doesn’t require an HVAC license, local governments might. Check your local building department’s website or contact them directly for requirements. Industry forums and associations can also offer insights – double-check your information.

What States Require an HVAC License?

The majority of states uphold rigorous HVAC licensing requirements. Such stipulations are in place to guarantee the safety and proficiency of the services provided. Here’s a list of states that require an HVAC license:

Prospective HVAC technicians and contractors should thoroughly research their state’s specific criteria, as each can have its unique set of guidelines and procedures to secure a license.

Start by checking your state’s official website or contacting the State Licensing Board for Contractors for licensing criteria.

Online forums, trade schools, and HVAC organizations can also provide valuable info.

What License Do I Need to Start an HVAC Business?

A contractor license is usually your best bet to start an HVAC business, as it showcases your skills and helps gain client trust. It’s tailored for those planning to run their own HVAC company. For specifics on license types and requirements, see our earlier section on ‘Types of HVAC Licenses.’ Make sure to comply with both state and local rules to ensure your business thrives.

Sum up

Embarking on an HVAC career involves crossing t’s and dotting i’s regarding licenses and certifications. Not only do they make you more appealing to customers, but they can also serve as your ladder to career progression. Start your journey today; it’s challenging but definitely rewarding.