Key Takeaways

Maryland requires a state HVAC / heating and air conditioning license (HVAC Journeyman License), plus federal EPA Section 608 for refrigerant handling. Expect about 4 years of documented experience before the primary exam. Regulated by Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors.

  • State HVAC license: Required
  • EPA 608 certification: Required (federal)
  • 2 license types: HVAC Journeyman License, HVAC Master License
  • Experience typically required: ~4 years
  • Continuing education: 16 hours
  • Regulator: Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors
Quick facts for heating and air conditioning licensing in Maryland
FactDetail
State HVAC licenseRequired
EPA 608Required (federal)
Primary credentialHVAC Journeyman License
Experience (typical)~4 years
Continuing education16 hours
RegulatorMaryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors
How to Get a Heating and Air Conditioning License in Maryland
Follow these steps in order. Always confirm final fees and forms with Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors before you apply.
01
Get EPA Section 608 certification
Complete federal EPA Section 608 (Universal preferred) before or during your Maryland heating and air conditioning training. It is required to purchase and handle refrigerants.
02
Build ~4 years of documented experience
Maryland typically expects about 4 years of documented HVAC / mechanical experience (or an approved apprenticeship equivalent) before the primary heating and air conditioning license exam.
Complete an approved apprenticeship or equivalent experience
Pass the state journeyman exam
Hold a valid journeyman license for at least 2 years
Pass the state master HVAC exam
03
Pass the HVAC Journeyman License exam
Apply through Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors, schedule the exam, and pass the written (and any trade) exam required for HVAC Journeyman License.
HVAC Journeyman License: exam required
HVAC Master License: exam required
04
Submit your heating and air conditioning license application
File with Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors, provide proof of experience/training, insurance/bonding if required, and pay application fees. Confirm current forms on the official site.
05
Complete continuing education to renew
Maryland requires 16 hours of continuing education to keep your HVAC license current.
Maryland HVAC Licenses
Maryland offers 2 license types for HVAC professionals.
HVAC Journeyman License
Required for HVAC technicians performing installations and repairs.
Experience: 4 yearsExam required: Yes
Complete an approved apprenticeship or equivalent experience
Pass the state journeyman exam
HVAC Master License
Required to operate an HVAC business and supervise journeymen.
Experience: 6 yearsExam required: Yes
Hold a valid journeyman license for at least 2 years
Pass the state master HVAC exam
Where to Apply
Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors
State-specific notes
Maryland requires HVAC journeyman and master licenses. The Board of HVACR Contractors oversees licensing and continuing education.
Visit official Maryland licensing site →
Heating & air conditioning license questions in Maryland
Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.
Do you need a license to do HVAC in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires a state HVAC / heating and air conditioning (mechanical) license (HVAC Journeyman License). Federal EPA Section 608 certification is also required to handle refrigerants.
How do I get a heating and air conditioning license in Maryland?
Earn EPA 608, complete the required training or experience (typically ~4 years), pass the state exam through Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors, and submit your application with any bonding/insurance paperwork.
How much does an HVAC license cost in Maryland?
State filing and exam fees vary by license class. Budget for application/exam fees plus EPA 608 testing and any required training. Confirm current amounts with Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors.
Is EPA 608 required in Maryland?
Yes. EPA Section 608 is a federal requirement in every state, including Maryland. Most employers expect Universal certification for heating and air conditioning refrigerant work.
What HVAC license types does Maryland offer?
Maryland offers HVAC Journeyman License and HVAC Master License. Maryland requires HVAC journeyman and master licenses. The Board of HVACR Contractors oversees licensing and continuing education.
How many continuing education hours does Maryland require?
Maryland requires 16 hours of continuing education to renew an HVAC license.
Can I get a heating and air conditioning license through an apprenticeship in Maryland?
Yes. Registered apprenticeships in Maryland commonly satisfy the experience requirement toward licensure while you earn wages. Confirm hour documentation with Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors.
Data source: Licensing requirements sourced from official state regulatory body publications and verified against ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) state licensing guides. EPA Section 608 requirements per 40 CFR Part 82. Fee bands are typical published ranges — confirm current amounts with Maryland Department of Labor – Board of HVACR Contractors before applying. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Train for your
Maryland license.
Find an accredited HVAC program that includes EPA 608 and prepares you for Maryland licensing exams.