Here’s a concise overview of HVAC license requirements by state, synthesized from the latest regulatory and industry sources. Requirements vary widely, so always confirm with local authorities. Key points include EPA 608 certification (mandatory nationwide) and state-specific exams, experience, and insurance .
1. Alabama
Licensing Authority: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors.
Requirements:
- Pass state exam.
- Proof of 3,000 hours of supervised work or apprenticeship certificate.
- $15,000 performance bond.
- Renewal: Annual .
2. Alaska
Licensing Authority: Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Requirements:
- Mechanical Administrator license (e.g., HCPP, Residential HVAC).
- Journeyman experience (2–6 years depending on license type).
- $10,000 surety bond.
- Renewal: Every 2 years .
3. Arizona
Licensing Authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Requirements:
- 4 years of HVAC experience (or 2 years + apprenticeship).
- Pass trade and business exams.
- Worker’s compensation insurance.
- Renewal: Every 2 years .
4. California
Licensing Authority: Contractors State License Board (C-20 license).
Requirements:
- 4 years of experience (within last 10 years).
- Pass trade, law, and asbestos exams.
- $15,000 bond.
- Renewal: Every 2 years .
5. Florida
- Licensing Authority: Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Licenses: Class A (unlimited), Class B (limited to 25 tons cooling/500k BTU heating).
- Requirements: 4 years of experience, exams.
- Renewal: Every 2 years
6. Texas
- Licensing Authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
- Licenses: Class A (unrestricted), Class B (residential).
- Requirements: Proof of insurance, experience, exams.
- Renewal: Annual .
7. New York
- State-wide License: No.
- Local Requirements: Check city/county (e.g., NYC requires HVAC licenses for large projects).
- EPA 608 certification required.
8. Colorado
- State-wide License: No.
- Local Licenses: Required in cities like Denver (D-11 HVAC license).
- EPA 608 certification required .
9. Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania
- State-wide License: No.
- Local Requirements: Vary by city (e.g., Chicago requires HVAC contractor licenses) .
10. Reciprocity Agreements
- Alabama ↔ Tennessee.
- Georgia ↔ South Carolina.
- Simplifies cross-state licensing without re-taking exams .
General Requirements Across States
- EPA 608 Certification: Mandatory for all technicians handling refrigerants .
- Education/Experience: Most states require a high school diploma, apprenticeship (3–5 years), or trade school program.
- Exams: Trade exams (e.g., NATE) and business law exams .
- Insurance/Bonds: General liability insurance and surety bonds (e.g., $10k–$15k) .
- Continuing Education: Required in states like Alabama (4 hours/year) and Alaska (8 hours/year) .
