
Do you know your state’s HVAC license requirements?
HVAC licenses can vary wildly from state to state, with many states having different rules and procedures. Some states may reciprocate licenses from other specific states, meanwhile, other states may not require a license at all — or they may require a license locally.
To ease the confusion, we’ve compiled a full list of HVAC license requirements by state.
Why Become HVAC Certified
Some states may not have requirements for HVAC licenses. For example, Colorado doesn’t require a state license although it’s possible to become certified through a recognized industry or trade organization.
However, it’s generally a good idea to obtain a professional certification even if your state doesn’t require it. Becoming certified gives HVAC businesses a number of competitive advantages, like helping increase sales. When potential clients are choosing a company, certifications can assure them your company has the most qualified technicians to complete a job. This can give clients the final push they need to choose you over a competitor.
HVAC License Requirements by State
Below we’ve collected links to the HVAC licensing authority responsible for each state while working as an HVAC contractor. The information is subject to change.
State |
CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY |
Alabama |
Alabama State Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors |
Alaska |
Regulation of Mechanical Administrators |
Arizona |
Arizona Registrar of Contractors |
Arkansas |
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licensing Board |
California |
Contractors State License Board |
Colorado |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Connecticut |
Department of Consumer Protection |
Delaware |
Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
District of Columbia |
Board of Industrial Trades |
Florida |
Construction Industry Licensing Board |
Georgia |
State Construction Industry Licensing Board |
Hawaii |
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing |
Idaho |
Division of Building Safety |
Illinois |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Indiana |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Iowa |
Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board |
Kansas |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Kentucky |
Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction |
Louisiana |
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors |
Maine |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Maryland |
Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors |
Massachusetts |
Massachusetts Department of Public Safety |
Michigan |
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs |
Minnesota |
Department of Labor & Industry |
Mississippi |
Mississippi State Board of Contractors |
Missouri |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Montana |
Montana Department of Labor & Industry |
Nebraska |
Department of Labor |
Nevada |
State Contractors Board |
New Hampshire |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
New Jersey |
Division of Consumer Affairs |
New Mexico |
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department |
New York |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
North Carolina |
State Board of Refrigeration Examiners |
North Dakota |
Secretary of State |
Ohio |
Department of Commerce |
Oklahoma |
Oklahoma Construction Industries Board |
Oregon |
Oregon Construction Contractors Board |
Pennsylvania |
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry |
Rhode Island |
Department of Labor and Training, Workforce Regulation and Safety |
South Carolina |
Residential Builders Commission |
South Carolina |
Contractor’s Licensing Board |
South Dakota |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Tennessee |
Board for Licensing Contractors |
Texas |
Department of Licensing and Regulation |
Utah |
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing |
Vermont |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Virginia |
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors |
Washington |
Department of Labor & Industries |
West Virginia |
Division of Labor Contractor Licensing |
Wisconsin |
License, Permit and Registration Services |
Wyoming |
State licensing not required. Local licensing may be. |
Source: http://www.hvacclasses.org/certification
Additional HVAC Certification Requirements
In addition to state requirements, the EPA requires all HVAC technicians to take an exam for handling refrigerant. The test covers topics like compliance and leak repair requirements in order to protect the environment. Technicians will then receive a Section 608 Technician Certification that lasts for life and doesn’t require renewal.