36 states require HVAC contractors to hold a state license. EPA Section 608 certification is required in all 50 states (federal law). Select a state below to view detailed requirements.
36
License Required
14
No State License
50
States Tracked
EPA 608
Federal Req.
All States
Browse License Requirements
Click any state to see detailed licensing requirements, exam information, experience needed, and the application process.
Alabama
License Required
HVAC Licensing Requirements
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
License Types
HVAC Contractor License
Exam Required
Required for HVAC contractors performing installations and major repairs.
Experience: 4 years
Pass the Alabama HVAC contractor exam
Provide proof of general liability insurance
Submit a completed application to the State Licensing Board for General Contractors
Alabama requires HVAC contractors to be licensed. Journeyman-level technicians working under a licensed contractor do not need a separate state license.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
License Types
C-20 HVAC Contractor License
Exam Required
Required for contractors performing warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work.
Experience: 4 years
Pass the C-20 trade exam and law/business exam
Demonstrate at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience
Post a contractor bond and provide proof of insurance
California requires a C-20 license for HVAC contractors. Technicians working under a licensed contractor do not need an individual state license. Local permits are required for most installations.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Colorado does not require a state HVAC license. Some local jurisdictions such as Denver and Colorado Springs require mechanical permits and may require contractor registration.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
14 continuing education hours required per renewal period
License Types
Class A HVAC Contractor License
Exam Required
Unlimited scope for air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilation work.
Experience: 4 years
Pass the state trade knowledge and business exams
Demonstrate at least 4 years of experience
Provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility
Class B HVAC Contractor License
Exam Required
Limited to HVAC systems of 25 tons cooling or 500,000 BTU heating or less.
Experience: 3 years
Pass the state trade knowledge and business exams
Demonstrate at least 3 years of experience
Provide proof of insurance
Florida requires state HVAC contractor licensing with Class A (unlimited) and Class B (limited) tiers. Continuing education is required for each biennial renewal.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Illinois does not require a statewide HVAC license. However, Chicago and many other municipalities require local mechanical contractor licensing and permits.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Indiana does not require a statewide HVAC license. Local jurisdictions such as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne may require contractor registration or permits.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Kansas does not require a statewide HVAC license. Some cities such as Wichita and Kansas City require local mechanical permits and contractor registration.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
License Types
Mechanical Contractor License
Exam Required
Required for HVAC contracting work over $50,000.
Experience: 4 years
Pass the state trade and business exams
Provide proof of financial responsibility and insurance
Demonstrate relevant trade experience
Louisiana requires licensing for mechanical contractors on projects over $50,000. Local jurisdictions may require additional licensing for smaller projects.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Maine does not require a statewide HVAC license. Oil and solid-fuel technicians must be licensed. Local jurisdictions may require permits for mechanical work.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
15 continuing education hours required per renewal period
License Types
Refrigeration Technician License
Exam Required
Required for technicians working on refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Experience: 3 years
Complete an approved apprenticeship or equivalent training
Pass the state refrigeration technician exam
Massachusetts requires a refrigeration technician license for HVAC work involving refrigerant systems. Sheet metal and ductwork may fall under separate trade licenses.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Missouri does not require a statewide HVAC license. Many cities such as St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield require local mechanical contractor licenses and permits.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
New Hampshire does not require a statewide HVAC license. Gas fitters must be licensed. Local jurisdictions may require permits for mechanical installations.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
New York does not require a statewide HVAC license. New York City requires a Refrigerating System Operating Engineer license and an HVAC contractor license. Other municipalities may have their own requirements.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Ohio does not require a statewide HVAC license. Local jurisdictions including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati require mechanical contractor licenses and permits.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Pennsylvania does not require a statewide HVAC license. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and many other municipalities require local mechanical contractor licenses and permits.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
8 continuing education hours required per renewal period
License Types
HVAC Technician Registration
Required for all HVAC technicians performing installations or service work.
Experience: 0 years
Register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Complete required training hours
HVAC Contractor License (Class A or Class B)
Exam Required
Required for HVAC contractors. Class A is unlimited; Class B is limited to systems of 25 tons or less.
Experience: 4 years
Pass the state HVAC contractor exam
Demonstrate at least 48 months of practical experience
Provide proof of insurance
Texas requires all HVAC technicians to register with TDLR. Contractors must hold a Class A (unlimited) or Class B (25 tons or less) license. Continuing education is required for renewal.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Vermont does not require a statewide HVAC license. Plumbers and electricians must be licensed, but HVAC technicians are not separately regulated at the state level.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
8 continuing education hours required per renewal period
License Types
HVAC Specialty Electrician License (06A)
Exam Required
Required for technicians who perform electrical work as part of HVAC installations.
Experience: 2 years
Complete required training hours
Pass the state 06A specialty exam
General Contractor Registration
Required for all HVAC contractors operating in Washington.
Experience: 0 years
Register with the Department of Labor and Industries
Provide proof of bonding and insurance
Washington requires HVAC technicians who perform electrical connections to hold an 06A specialty electrician license. All contractors must register with L&I.
EPA 608 RequiredApprenticeship AvailableContinuing Ed Required
Wisconsin does not require a statewide HVAC license. HVAC contractors must register with DSPS and obtain credentials for certain types of work. Local jurisdictions may require mechanical permits.