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Becoming an HVAC Technician

How to become an HVAC technician

Skilled HVAC technicians are relied on nationwide to keep our homes and buildings running in a reliable and efficient manner. If you're interested in becoming an HVAC technician, with the right training and education, you'll find yourself entering an in-demand career path. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for HVAC technicians will increase 5 percent by 2031, which equates to an additional 40,100 job openings every year nationwide.

Read on for a look at an extensive list of HVAC licensing and certification requirements, how they vary by state, and to learn more about the field.

Check your local HVAC school listings.

What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC technicians work on these systems, in addition to refrigerants, that control temperature and air quality in both residential and commercial buildings. Some technicians may specialize in certain systems, some in residential homes, and some in buildings. There are a variety of paths to take as an HVAC technician, certain certifications and licenses can help you get to where you'd like to be in the long run.

Take one of our many HVAC practice tests

What Does an HVAC Tech Do?

HVAC technicians provide service to residential and commercial buildings' climate control systems: heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning units. An HVAC technician may be needed to repair, replace, or install the components that supply the heating and cooling to buildings. Technicians must be certified and follow regulations that are set in place by the government and the heating and cooling industry itself.

HVAC technicians are trained to use a variety of different work-related tools and equipment. They have a more traditional toolbox filled with the basics such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and hammers. More sophisticated tools that are part of the HVAC technician's work life are carbon monoxide testers, torches, combustion analyzers, and voltmeters. All of the tools and their workings will become second nature through training and experience.

Check out our interview with an industry expert here: Career Talk with Joey

HVAC Tech Skill Set

There are a few soft skills that can make an HVAC technician stand out in the job market. They are as follows:

  • Being a Techie: Technicians need to be able to decipher and understand blueprints, schematics, specs, and other technical data that goes along with repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC equipment. Being savvy with computers, mathematics, and software programs will give you an edge working in HVAC. The processes of water heating, steam heating, air conditioning, and water cooling should be second nature.
  • Being a Trouble Shooter: The job requires you to be a good troubleshooter and a strong problem solver. Whether it's with adjusting faulty equipment, or issues that occur during a call, a properly trained HVAC technician should be able to identify any issues and solve problems.
  • Being Personable: An HVAC technician should be a good communicator. While technicians themselves are mainly very knowledgeable, the ability to communicate issues with customers in a way they can understand will be invaluable. If you are a decent writer, you will also find that documenting service reports will be made much easier— and more helpful.
  • Being Dedicated: Depending on your state and requirements, HVAC technicians may be required to take continuing education courses. Remaining motivated to learn about industry advancements and expand your skill set will work to your advantage.

How to Become an HVAC Tech

Listed below are some general steps to take if you wish to become an HVAC technician.

  1. You must have your high school diploma or GED
  2. Pass a very basic math test
  3. Pass a drug screening
  4. Have a valid driver’s license
  5. Either attend a trade school or find a formal apprenticeship for HVAC
  6. Earn your license (each state has different requirements)
  7. Get your EPA certifications
  8. Get yourself a job as an HVAC technician

After you receive your high school diploma or GED, you have to either apply for an apprenticeship program or attend trade school. An apprenticeship program is a part paid, part training position that lasts between 3-5 years. You must have 2,000 experience/work hours plus 144 hours of coursework per apprenticeship year.

It’s a great way to start earning money and learn a trade, at the same time. The best bet for apprenticeships is to apply through your local chapter of a trade organization. Some examples would be:

Through these apprenticeship programs, you’ll be learning how to read and use blueprints, best job safety practices, the use and care of the tools, and ventilation and air-conditioning system designs.

Some technicians receive postsecondary education from a technical/trade school or a community college. These programs can last between 6 months to 2 years, leading to either a certificate or associate degree. Trade schools take around 6 months before you can get your certificate, while community colleges will take 2 years.

In both instances, you’ll take courses in classrooms, as well as be exposed to hands-on, practical learning. It’s a very well-rounded education where you’ll learn the fundamentals of electricity, the properties of gas, solid fuel and oil boilers, furnaces, ducts and piping, work-site safety practices, and control systems.

HVAC School Time and General Cost

Education

Length of Training

General Cost of School

Licensing Fee

Certification Fee

Apprenticeship

3-5 years

$500-$2,000/yr

$75-$300

$155-$205

Trade School

Minimum of 6 months

$1,200-$15,000

$75-$300

$155-$205

Community College

Up to 2 years

$15,000-$35,000

$75-$300

$155-$205

Some states will require you to have completed an apprenticeship or have 2-5 years worth of work experience before you can be licensed. There is also an additional certification that the Environmental Protection Agency requires if you’re handling refrigerants and that would be an additional $40-$240.

The reason for the price discrepancies between education, licensing, and certification costs is due to varying requirements and regulations for each state. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify, and options should be discussed with the financial aid department of the institution you’ll be attending.

Learn more about trade school financial aid here.

HVAC Training

There are a couple different options when it comes to getting your HVAC technician degree or certificate. Programs will provide a combination of classroom and hands-on experience. You may also be able to attend a hybrid program, which consists of classroom and online learning.

If you are still in high school and are considering HVAC for your future career, load up on math, physics, chemistry, shop, mechanical drawing, and any other courses your high school may offer that fit the industry.

Common HVAC Courses:

  • Principles of refrigeration: Students learn the basics and applications of refrigeration systems, along with the chemical and physical laws of refrigeration
  • Residential gas heating: This course teaches students about gas-fired appliances, along with troubleshooting and repairs of the systems
  • HVAC building systems: Here the students will learn to design and construct comfort control/climate control systems for commercial buildings
  • Load calculations for heating and cooling systems: Mathematics is a key principle when it comes to effectively heating and cooling a building of any size — this course will teach students how to apply sizing calculations to climate control
  • Other courses: Theory, design, electronics, and equipment construction, how to use and care for commonly used tools, on the job safety, how to read blueprints, and the theory and design behind all HVAC equipment are taught

Read: What's An HVAC Training Program Like?

Types of HVAC Certifications

Certification is extremely different than licensing. The license proves you’ve successfully completed your training and have the basic knowledge and skills to effectively do your job as an HVAC technician. Certifications, on the other hand, are a step above the licensing aspect. With certifications, you prove you have broadened your HVAC horizons and you can choose to specialize in a few areas.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires anyone handling refrigerants to be certified, meaning that at the very least, HVAC technicians need an EPA 608 Certification, as well as a NATE Certification.

There are 4 levels to an EPA 608 Certification:

  • Type 1 allows an HVAC tech to handle smaller appliances that contain less than 5 pounds of refrigerants (like a refrigerator)
  • Type 2 will allow the HVAC professional to deal with high pressure refrigerants
  • Type 3 allows the handling of low pressure refrigerants
  • Universal will include all three: Type 1, 2, and 3

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification: This is one of the highest achievements for HVAC professionals. The NATE Certification is not required, however, it’s nationally recognized and highly respected. The NATE Certification is obtained through an exam and can be earned in areas such as air-conditioning, air distribution, and gas furnaces. Click this link to take the NATE Certification practice test.

HVAC Excellence Certification: To be eligible to earn the Professional level HVAC Excellence Certification, you must have a minimum of 2 years on-the-job experience, and have passed the knowledge-based exam. You can also receive a Master level HVAC Excellence Certification. There is a minimum of 3 working years required before you can take portion of the knowledge-based exam.

The more certifications you have under your belt, the more desirable of an employee you make yourself! Certifications give you even more work credibility because it reinforces to employers and clients that, not only do you know your stuff, but you know it exceptionally well.

HVAC Tech Salary Info

HVAC is considered to be one of the best-paid skilled labor careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average pay for HVAC technicians in 2023 was $59,620. The top 10 percent of HVAC technicians earned $84,250 or more.

Wages vary by location and industry. HVAC apprentices earn about half of what their licensed counterparts make. But, the more the apprentice learns and gains in terms of experience, the more competitive they can become later in their careers.


Top Paying States for HVAC Technicians in 2023

State

Average Wage

Alaska


$75,660

Massachusetts

$75,190

Hawaii

$74,200

Washington


$72,340

HVAC Licensing Requirements

In order to become licensed, you must attend some sort of formal training, whether it’s through an apprenticeship, a trade school, or a community college. Once your formal education has been completed, you will take the knowledge-based licensing exam.

The test content and length varies by state, as well as testing location. The exam will test you on every aspect of HVAC installation and repairs. All HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants are required to take a licensing exam called the Section 608 Technician Certification. Also, if you choose to work as an HVAC contractor, there is another test you’ll need to take, as well.

The licensing exam is given through the International Code Council. Each state has its own location where the exam is given.

There are a few requirements necessary to be eligible to get your HVAC technician license once you’ve completed your training:

  • You must be a minimum of 18 years of age
  • You must be fluent in English
  • You must have four years of warm heating experience

State by State Licensing Requirements

License

Limitations

Fees

Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor License

-

An inactive license is $82.50 and testing fees range from $150.00 - $350.00.

General Contractor License

Must have license if job is over 20,000

$300 dollar application and license fee, $200 dollar Renewal Fee

Refrigeration License

-

An inactive license is $82.50 and testing fees range from $150.00 - $350.00

Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor License
How You Qualify
Alabama has two classes of licenses, Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Refrigeration. Both active licenses are $165.00 for an initial fee and $165.00 for annual renewal.

General Contractor License
How You Qualify
Submit an application, along with needed financial statements, and the CPA experience and inventory questionnaire. You will also need the proper insurance.

Refrigeration License
How You Qualify
Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Refrigeration. Both active licenses are $165.00 for the initial fee and $165.00 annual renewal.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractor License

Check with state for details

$30 application fee. $225 license fee.

Mechanical Contractor License
How You Qualify
Submit evidence of insurance, liability and workers comp, surety bond of $5,000 required

License

Limitations

Fees

General Contractor Commercial

Commercial Specialty Contractors License

4 years of practical experience (2 of which in the last ten years), submit a financial statement, must not have had a license refused or revoked within a year prior, pass exam on building, safety, health and lien laws of the state. Pass the trade exam. $400 annual license fee.

Residential Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Including Solar C-39

Residential Work

$200 annual fee, $300 recovery fee

General Contractor Commercial
How You Qualify
Categories - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration L-39, Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration L49, Comfort Heating Ventilation and Evaporative Cooling L-58, Air and Refrigeration with solar L-79

Residential Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Including Solar C-39
How You Qualify
4 years of practical experience (2 of which in the last ten years), submit financial statement must not have had a license refused or revoked within a year prior, pass exam on building, safety, health and lien laws of the state. Pass the trade exam.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractor License

License required to bid on jobs of $20,000 or more

$100 filing fee, $100 renewal fee

Mechanical Contractor License
How You Qualify
Must have 5 years of experience, must pass licensure exam, process a $10,000 surety bond, and have a business net worth of $20,000.

License

Limitations

Fees

Specialty Contractors Class C

40 different classifications, check with board for details

$150 initial fee, $200 renewal fee.

Specialty Contractors Class C
How You Qualify
Must have 4 years of experience, as a journeyman, foreman or supervisor. Must have $2,500 worth of operating capital. Must have insurance, a bond in the amount of five thousand, pass a law and business exam, and then pass exam for specific classification.

There are no State license requirements for Colorado.

License

Limitations

Fees

Unlimited Heating Cooling Contractors License S-1, Limited Journeyman's License, Unlimited Journeyman's License, Limited Heating Cooling License, Apprentice Permit.

Check for details

$70 application, $150 renewal fee

How You Qualify
Good character, must have an eighth grade education, must have 2 years of on the job experience, and pass a state exam.

License

Limitations

Fees

Contractors License

A license is required for Contractors or Subcontractors working in the construction industry

$50 license fee

Contractor License
How You Qualify
Proof of insurance, need to be bonded, must obtain a Delaware contractors business license. Out of state contractors must provide a statement of contracts or have an office or residence inside the state. Must have bond equal to 6 percent or more of jobs equaling 20,000 or more.

License

Limitations

Fees

State Certified Class A

Can work anywhere in the state.

$355 examination fee, $125 certification fee, $125 biennial renewal fee

State Registered Class A

Can only work in local areas where local requirements are met, can work on any size unit.

$100 registration fee, $100 renewal fee

State Certified Class B

Can work anywhere in the state Must have workers comp, must pass exam, must meet other educational or on the job requirements, class B is limited to 20 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating on any system.

$354 examination fee

State Registered Class B

Can only work in local areas where local requirements are met, class B is limited to 20 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating on any system.

$100 registration fee, $100 renewal fee

State Certified Class A
How You Qualify
Must have workers comp, must pass exam, must meet other educational or on the job requirements.

State Registered Class A
How You Qualify
Must contact local governments for details.

State Certified Class B
How You Qualify
Must be 18, meet one of the following criteria, (1) must have a 4 year accredited degree in appropriate field also have a year of experience or 2000 hours of service, OR (2) 4 years of active experience, pass a state exam.

State Registered Class B
How You Qualify
Must contact local government for details, some are different from others, after local requirements are met, a license may be applied for.

License

Limitations

Fees

Class ll Air Contractors License

System size is unlimited for this license

$29 app fee, $56 exam fee

Class l Air Contractors License

Restricted to 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling with this license

$29 dollar app fee, 56 dollar exam fee

Class ll Air Contractors License
How You Qualify
3 years experience is required. Pass Class ll exam

Class l Air Contractors License
How You Qualify
3 years experience is required, pass class ll exam

License

Limitations

Fees

Contractors License Class B

Classes, Refrigeration C-40, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning C-52

$50 business and law exam

$50 trade exam fee

Idaho

No state license required for Idaho Contractors.

No State License is required for Illinois contractors. Check local requirements.

License

Limitations

Fees

Specialty Contractors Class C

40 different classifications, check with board for details.

$150 initial fee

$200 renewal fee

Specialty Contractors Class CIowa

License

Limitations

Fees

General Contractor Registration

Any construction contractor in the state of Iowa, must be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor.

$25 registration fee

General Contractor Registration
How You Qualify
Have an Iowa employer account number, submit certificate of insurance listing the Division of Labor as the certificate holder for workers compensation coverage.

Contractors Must register with Dept. of Revenue Robert B. Docking State Bldg. - Topeka KS. 66625 - Phone: (877) 526-7738}

No State License is required for Kentucky Contractors.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractors License

License is required for jobs of $50,000 or more, no license is required for residential contractors. Class includes heating, air conditioning, ventilation, duct work and refrigeration.

$100 license fee, $95 additional classification fee, $400 non-resident surcharge

Mechanical Contractors License
How You Qualify
Submit references from licensed contractor, submit audited financial statement showing net worth of $10,000. Pass exam on basic construction, have insurance.

No state license required for Maine contractors.

License

Limitations

Fees

Master Contractor License

Can perform any HVAC services

-

Master Restricted Contractor License

Can perform only specific services in one area or category

-

Limited Contractor License

Able to maintain or repair all HVAC areas

-

Journeyman License

Able to maintain or repair all HVAC areas only under direction of a contractor

-

Apprentice License

Able to assist only under direction of a contractor

-

Master Contractor License
How You Qualify
Holders of Anne Arundel or Prince George's County license do not have to take exam. Contractors providing services for 5 or more years can get a license without an exam, and out of state HVAC license holders can become licensed without taking exam.

Master Restricted Contractor License
How You Qualify
Holders of Anne Arundel or Prince George's County license do not have to take an exam. Contractors providing services for 5 or more years can get a license without an exam, and out of state HVAC license holders can become licensed without taking exam.

Massachusetts

License

Limitations

Fees

Contractor License

Must obtain license for any unit 10 tons or over.

$150 exam fee

Refrigeration Technician

Must obtain license for any unit 10 tons or over.

$75 exam fee

Trainee License

Must obtain license for any unit 10 tons or over.

$20 fee - no exam required

Contractor License
How You Qualify
Must own a contracting business and have 4 years of experience.

Refrigeration Technician
How You Qualify
Have at least 3 years experience and pass exam.

Trainee License
How You Qualify
Must be 18 years of age and in an apprenticeship program.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractor License

Can work throughout the state.

$75 fee

Mechanical Contractor LicenseMinnesota

No state license required for Minnesota Contractors. Except for residential builders, City of Minneapolis requires licensing of HVAC installers.

License

Limitations

Fees

Certificate of Responsibility

Certificate Required for public jobs over 50,000, private projects over 100,000, under 7,500 square feet and one to two stories in height.

$100 application fee, $50 additional classification fee, $50 exam fee

Certificate of Responsibility
How You Qualify
A financial statement by a CPA must be submitted, assets must include a net worth of $20,000, out of state contractors must qualify with the secretary of state and pass a construction exam.

No state license required for Missouri Contractors

No state licensing for HVAC Contractors

License

Limitations

Fees

Air Conditioning Heating Contractor

Can work throughout the state.

$30 application fee

$20 registration fee

Air Conditioning Heating Contractor
How You Qualify
Must have 3 years of experience and pass the exam.

License

Limitations

Fees

Specialty Contractor License

Heating cooling and circulating air, subclass C1 of classification C-1: Plumbing and Heating.

$270 application fee

$40 management fee exam

Specialty Contractor License
How You Qualify
4 years of experience, post bond depending on job size, pass management exam.

No state license required

No state licensing for New Jersey Contractors. Check local jurisdiction.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractor License

Can work throughout state.

$30 application fee

$30 exam fee

Mechanical Contractor License
How You Qualify
Must be 18, complete 4 years of experience in last 10 years.

No state licensed is required

License

Limitations

Fees

Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor

Need license for jobs of $45,000 or more.

$100 exam fee,

$25 to $50 license fee

Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor
How You Qualify
Must be experienced, pass written exam or oral exam.

License

Limitations

Fees

Contractor License

License is needed for jobs exceeding $500.

-

Contractor License
How You Qualify
Provide experience and qualifications, must have insurance, $1,000 or $2,000 bond must be posted. Must pass an exam, bonding requirement.

No state license required.

License

Limitations

Fees

Contractor License

-

$25 exam fee

Contractor License
How You Qualify
Employee license required, 3 years of experience. Pass examination.

License

Limitations

Fees

Restricted Energy Contractor

Must have 2 years of experience in HVAC.

$125 license fee

Restricted Energy Contractor
How You Qualify
Contractors must maintain a list for the electrical board of all employees

No state license required.

License

Limitations

Fees

Residential Building Contractor/Subcontractor

Limited to Residential work

$60 license fee

Refrigeration Mechanic Master License

Employee license

-

Refrigeration Mechanic Journeyman's License

Employee license

-

Air Conditioning Mechanic Master License

Employee license

-

Air Conditioning Mechanic Journeyman's License

Employee license

-

Residential Building Contractor/Subcontractor
How You Qualify
Must know building codes and know proper trade practices, must carry adequate insurance coverage.

Refrigeration Mechanic Master License
How You Qualify
4 years of experience working as a registered apprentice for a licensed mechanic, pass exam.

Air Conditioning Mechanic Master License
How You Qualify
Hold journeyman's license for a year and complete 10,000 hours (471 days) of related experience. Pass written exam.

Air Conditioning Mechanic Journeyman's License
How You Qualify
4 years of experience working as an apprentice for a licensed mechanic. Pass written exam.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractor License Air Conditioning Class

Required for jobs of $17,500 or more.

$110 application fee

$120 annual license fee

Mechanical Contractor License Air Conditioning Class
How You Qualify
Submit financial statement, showing minimum net worth based on value of contracts bid on, if contract exceeds $250,000 meet bonding requirements.

No state license required.

License

Limitations

Fees

Mechanical Contractor

Check state for details.

$150 application, $45 exam fee, $100 renewal fee

Mechanical Contractor
How You Qualify
Must submit financial statement, proving that a job over $25,000 is not currently being undertaken. Pass exams.

License

Limitations

Fees

Class A license

Can install, repair, and alter equipment of any size.

$100 exam fee

$150 license fee

Class B license

Can install repair and alter equipment up to 25 tons cooling capacity, and no more than 1.5 million BTU per hours output heating capacity.

$100 exam fee

$150 license fee

Class A License
How You Qualify
3 years of experience, within last 5 years, or a degree in air conditioning/mechanical engineering. Pass exam.

Class B License
How You Qualify
3 years experience within last 5 years, or a degree in air conditioning/mechanical engineering. Pass exam.

License

Limitations

Fees

Specialty Contractors License

Statewide, commercial, and residential.

$200 license fee, $45 business exam, $50 trade exam fee

Specialty Contractors License
How You Qualify
Request monetary limit for work being carried out at any given time, carry minimum liability insurance, and pass open book exam on Utah business and law on specified trade.

No state license required.

License

Limitations

Fees

Contractors Class A HVAC

Class A for jobs of $70,000 or more.

$135 application fee

$50 exam fee

Contractor Class B HVAC

Class B for jobs $70,000 or more.

$115 application fee

$40 exam fee

References & More Reading: