HVAC License Requirements by State

Figuring out how to get licensed as an HVAC technician can feel overwhelming at first, especially when every state seems to have its own rules and guidelines. Unlike some trades that follow a national standard, HVAC licensing is usually determined at the state level, and sometimes even at the city or county level. This means that the requirements you follow in Texas or Georgia might look completely different from the needs and requirements in Colorado or Illinois. Every state sets its own expectations for training, experience, exams, and contractor requirements. This is because it’s all based on local building codes, climate needs, and safety regulations.

In this guide, you’ll learn about each U.S. state’s HVAC licensing requirements—what licenses exist, what experience or training you’ll need, and whether statewide, local, or hybrid rules apply. You’ll also learn how federal requirements like EPA 608 fit into the picture and what you’ll need to consider if you relocate.

Key Takeaways:

• HVAC licensing varies dramatically across states—there is no universal license.
• Some states require statewide HVAC or mechanical licenses, while others rely on city or county licensing.
• EPA Section 608 certification is federally required in all states for anyone handling refrigerants.
• Contractor-level licensing often requires experience, exams, insurance, and the ability to pull permits.

Understanding HVAC Licenses: Types and Terminology

Before reviewing each state’s requirements, it may help you to understand the types of licenses and terms that are the same nationwide. While HVAC regulations aren’t identical in every state, many states rely on a few common categories.

HVAC Technician License vs Contractor License

An HVAC technician license generally covers hands-on work under supervision, such as installation, maintenance, and basic repairs. A contractor license allows you to run a business, pull permits, supervise crews, and assume legal responsibility for projects.

Mechanical Contractor License

Several U.S. states don’t use the term “HVAC license” at all. Instead, they issue mechanical licenses that cover heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas piping, and sometimes hydronics. Mechanical contractor licensing typically includes tiered levels for technicians, journeymen, and contractors.

Journeyman vs Master Level

Journeyman licenses usually require apprenticeship hours or equivalent experience plus an exam. A master-level or contractor-level license often requires additional years of supervised experience and may include business, trade, and code exams.

EPA Section 608 Certification

This is a federally required credential in the HVAC field. Anyone who handles refrigerants—including installation, service, or disposal—must hold an EPA Section 608 certification.¹ States will assume you have this certification before issuing HVAC or mechanical licenses.

Bonding, Insurance, and Permits

Contractor-level licenses nearly always require liability insurance, bonding, or both. Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally apply to major HVAC installations or replacements.

National Framework and Federal Requirements

Even though HVAC licensing is regulated at the state or local level, a few national rules apply everywhere. The most important is the EPA Section 608 certification, which is federally required in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Anyone who handles refrigerants—including installation, recovery, charging, or disposal—must hold this certification before performing any work legally.

The EPA issues four certification types:

• Type I: Servicing small appliances
• Type II: Servicing or disposing of high-pressure appliances
• Type III: Servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances
• Universal: Covers all three categories

EPA certifications do not expire, and technicians must maintain proof of certification. Note that the EPA 609 certification, which applies to motor vehicle A/C systems, does not qualify a technician to work on residential or commercial HVAC equipment.²

Beyond federal requirements, states use several different HVAC or mechanical licensing models. Understanding these categories helps explain the wide variation in rules across the country.

Full Statewide HVAC or Mechanical Licensing

Some states regulate HVAC or mechanical contractors through a statewide licensing board. These states generally require exams, documented experience, insurance, and sometimes bonding. Examples include:

• Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina

However, in many of these states, the state license applies only at the contractor level. Technicians or journeymen often work under a licensed contractor rather than holding their own state-issued credential. For example:

• Texas issues a statewide HVAC contractor license only—technicians are not licensed at the state level.
• Georgia licenses Conditioned Air Contractors (Class I and II), but there is no statewide technician or journeyman license.
• Mississippi requires a state HVAC contractor license for certain project values, but does not license technicians statewide.

State Mechanical Licensing

Other states regulate HVAC work through broader mechanical classifications that cover heating, cooling, refrigeration, hydronics, or gas piping. Examples include:

• Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio

These states typically issue mechanical contractor licenses and may also issue mechanical journeyman licenses, depending on the scope.

Important clarification:

• North Carolina regulates HVAC work through its own H1/H2/H3 heating group licenses and a separate refrigeration contractor license, not through a statewide “mechanical” license. Functionally, these categories operate like mechanical licensing, but the terminology differs.

Local-Only Licensing

Several states have no statewide HVAC or mechanical license, leaving licensing entirely to cities or counties. Requirements can vary widely between jurisdictions. Examples include:

• Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri

In these states, each city or county may set its own experience requirements, exams, insurance minimums, and permit rules. Some areas—such as St. Louis County in Missouri—have robust mechanical licensing systems, while others have more flexible requirements.

Hybrid State/Local Systems

Hybrid states maintain both statewide and local authority. Common structures include:

• A state contractor license is required for certain project values, while cities or counties regulate smaller-scope HVAC work.
• Local jurisdictions may require additional trade exams or issue their own journeyman/technician licenses.

Examples:

• Oklahoma requires statewide mechanical contractor and journeyman licensing, though some cities add their own requirements.
• Tennessee requires a state mechanical/HVAC contractor license for projects over $25,000, while local licensing or permitting may apply for smaller jobs.

Electrical / HVAC Crossover Requirements

In several states, HVAC professionals need to hold both an HVAC-related license and an electrical credential for certain tasks, such as wiring high-voltage equipment or installing hard-wired systems. Some states allow HVAC technicians to perform limited low-voltage electrical work, while others require fully licensed electricians.

Common crossover states include:

• Washington, Montana, Idaho, North Carolina, and Texas

Understanding these national and state-level models provides context for the state-by-state rules that follow. While the specifics vary significantly, many states share similar goals: ensuring HVAC technicians can safely install, service, and repair systems while protecting environmental and public safety standards.

State-by-State Breakdown of HVAC License Requirements

Alabama

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVAC Apprentice, HVAC Technician, HVAC Contractor
• Requirements:
  • Must register as an apprentice for supervised experience.
  • HVAC Technician license requires verified work experience or board-approved education plus an exam.
  • Contractor license requires at least 3,000 hours of experience, passing a trade exam, and holding liability insurance.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Local permits required for installations or major system changes.

Alaska

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: State mechanical/electrical licensing applies depending on scope.
• License types: Mechanical Administrator (HVAC specialties), Mechanical Journeyman, various trade endorsements.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman requires documented hours through apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
  • Mechanical Administrator requires years of experience plus exams in the chosen HVAC or refrigeration category.
  • Business licenses are required for contracting.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Additional city permitting (Anchorage, Fairbanks) may apply.

Arizona

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, contractor-level only.
• License types: C-39 (Air Conditioning), C-49 (Refrigeration), K-39/K-49 dual licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show four years of experience, pass business and trade exams, and carry insurance/bonding.
  • No statewide technician license; techs work under licensed contractors.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Local permits required, but no local HVAC licensing.

Arkansas

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVACR Class A, B, C, D, and E (various scopes).
• Requirements:
  • Class A (unlimited) requires four years of experience and an exam.
  • Lower classes (B–E) cover restricted work, with varying requirements.
  • Insurance is required for contractors.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities may issue permits but not separate HVAC licenses.

California

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, contractor-level only.
• License types: C-20 (HVAC), C-38 (Refrigeration).
• Requirements:
  • To become a contractor, you’ll need four years of journeyman-level experience, and you must pass trade + business exams.
  • No statewide technician license; techs work under a licensed contractor.
  • Bond and insurance required.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Local building permits required.

Colorado

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—local only.
• License types: Determined by cities/counties (e.g., Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora).
• Requirements:
  • Some cities require mechanical contractor licensing with exams or verified experience.
  • Others issue supervisor/mechanical licenses based on testing and experience.
• Renewal: Varies by jurisdiction.

Connecticut

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: S-1 (Unlimited Contractor), S-2 (Unlimited Journeyperson), D-1/D-2 (Limited Contractor/Journey for heating and cooling).
• Requirements:
  • Journeyperson licenses require apprenticeship completion or equivalent hours plus a state exam.
  • Contractors need additional experience as journeypersons.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Local permits required, but no additional local licenses.

Delaware

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: Master HVACR, Master HVACR Restricted, Journeyman HVACR, Apprentice.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman requires apprenticeship completion or hours + exam.
  • Masters require years of verified experience beyond the journeyman level.
  • Contractors must show insurance.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Some counties require contractor registration.

Florida

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, contractor-level.
• License types: Class A (unlimited), Class B (limited).
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must demonstrate at least four years of experience (or a mix of college + experience), pass business and trade exams, and carry insurance.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Local jurisdictions may require additional registration.

Georgia

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes (under Conditioned Air Contractor licensing).
• License types: Conditioned Air Class I (restricted) and Class II (unrestricted).
• Requirements:
  • Experience requirements vary (generally four years for Class II).
  • Must pass a trade exam and show insurance.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Permit requirements vary by county.

Hawaii

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, through mechanical contractor licensing.
• License types: C-52 (Ventilating & Air Conditioning), C-40 (Refrigeration).
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must document at least four years of experience, pass trade and business exams, and hold liability insurance.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Counties may require additional permitting for major installations.

Idaho

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, through the Idaho Division of Building Safety.
• License types: HVAC Apprentice, HVAC Journeyman, HVAC Contractor, and Specialty HVAC Licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman: Completion of apprenticeship or 8,000 hours of experience plus a state exam.
  • Contractor: Journeyman license + insurance + business registration + exam.
• Renewal: Every three years.
• Local notes: Cities enforce permitting but not additional licensing.

Illinois

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—Illinois uses local licensing.
• License types: Vary by municipality.
• Requirements:
  • Chicago and other large municipalities may require mechanical contractor licensing, refrigeration licensing, or proof of experience.
  • Many smaller cities require only contractor registration.
• Renewal: Varies by municipality.

Indiana

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—mostly local.
• License types: City/county mechanical or HVAC contractor licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Requirements differ by city; Indianapolis and Fort Wayne have mechanical licensing with exams.
• Renewal: Local.
• Local notes: Contractors should verify each jurisdiction individually.

Iowa

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, through mechanical licensing.
• License types: Mechanical Apprentice, Journeyperson, and Contractor; plus specialty refrigeration and hydronics categories.
• Requirements:
  • A journeyperson requires an apprenticeship or four years of experience plus an exam.
  • Contractor requires licensing as a journeyperson and business registration plus insurance.
• Renewal: Every three years.
• Local notes: Local permits still required.

Kansas

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—local only.
• License types: Set by counties and cities.
• Requirements:
  • Wichita, Johnson County, Topeka, and others require mechanical contractor licensing with experience and ICC exams.
  • Smaller jurisdictions may require contractor registration only.
• Renewal: Local.

Kentucky

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVAC Apprentice, Journeyman Mechanic, and Master HVAC Contractor.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman requires two years of experience or apprenticeship plus an exam.
  • Master Contractor requires additional years of journeyman-level experience, plus an exam and insurance.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities may add permitting requirements.

Louisiana

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, for contractors.
• License types: Mechanical Contractor license for HVAC work.
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must pass exams, show experience, and maintain liability insurance.
  • No statewide technician license; techs work under licensed contractors.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: New Orleans and Baton Rouge may require additional registration.

Maine

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Some categories are licensed; others are not.
• License types: Oil and solid-fuel licenses, propane/natural gas technician licenses; no unified statewide HVAC license.
• Requirements:
  • Fuel-handling licenses require training, hours, and exams.
  • Refrigeration technicians may require additional credentials.
• Renewal: Varies by license type.
• Local notes: Local HVAC permitting applies.

Maryland

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVACR Apprentice, Journeyman, Limited Contractor, Master HVACR Contractor.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman requires three years of experience and a trade exam.
  • Master contractor requires additional experience and insurance.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Some counties require separate local registration.

Massachusetts

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, under Refrigeration Technician licensing.
• License types: Refrigeration Apprentice, Technician, and Contractor (Refrigeration Contractor).
• Requirements:
  • Technician: Requires documented hours (usually 6,000+), apprenticeship completion, and a state exam.
  • Contractor: Additional years of experience plus business/insurance requirements.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Local permits required for installations and replacements.

Michigan

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, through Mechanical Contractor licensing.
• License types: Mechanical Contractor with classifications such as HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics, and ductwork.
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show three or more years of experience in the classification and pass trade exams.
  • No statewide technician license; techs work under contractors.
• Renewal: Every three years.
• Local notes: Municipal building departments issue permits only, not licenses.

Minnesota

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Partially; the state licenses mechanical contractors, not individual techs.
• License types: Mechanical Contractor license; gas-fitting licenses through state agencies.
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show bonding, insurance, and responsible-person documentation.
  • No statewide technician or journeyman HVAC license.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have their own journeyman/master mechanical licensing systems.

Mississippi

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, contractor-level.
• License types: Mechanical Contractor (may include HVAC, refrigeration, and sheet metal work).
• Requirements:
  • Requires passing exams, showing experience, and obtaining insurance/bonding.
  • Projects under $10,000 may not require a state license.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Local business registration may apply.

Missouri

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—local only.
• License types: City or county mechanical/HVAC contractor licenses.
• Requirements:
  • St. Louis and Kansas City require mechanical contractor or supervisor licensing with exams.
  • Smaller areas may require only registration.
• Renewal: Local.

Montana

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No direct HVAC license; contractors registered at the state level.
• License types: State Contractor Registration; gas-fitting licenses through separate boards.
• Requirements:
  • HVAC workers do not need a specific state-issued HVAC license.
  • Contractors must register with the state and carry insurance.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Cities may require mechanical permits or additional registration.

Nebraska

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—primarily local.
• License types: Local mechanical/HVAC contractor licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Omaha and Lincoln require mechanical contractor licensing and ICC exams.
• Renewal: Local.
• Local notes: Requirements vary widely by jurisdiction.

Nevada

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, for contractors.
• License types: C-21 (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning), C-21b (Air Conditioning), C-21c (Sheet Metal).
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show at least four years of relevant experience, pass exams, and carry bonding.
  • No statewide HVAC technician license.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Separate licensing for Clark County (Las Vegas) for some mechanical categories.

New Hampshire

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No unified HVAC license.
• License types: Gas-fitting and oil-burning equipment licenses; refrigeration technician licensing for certain systems.
• Requirements:
  • Gas and oil licenses require training hours and exams.
  • Refrigeration licensure applies mainly to commercial systems.
• Renewal: Varies by license type.
• Local notes: Cities may require permits or additional verification.

New Jersey

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, under the Master HVACR Contractor license.
• License types: Master HVACR Contractor.
• Requirements:
  • Requires documented experience, education (such as tech school or apprenticeship), and passing of state exams.
  • Only master contractors may advertise or contract HVAC work.
  • Technicians work under licensed contractors.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Municipalities handle permits, not licensing.

New Mexico

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: Mechanical Journeyman (various classifications), Mechanical Contractor.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman classifications (MM-1, MM-2, MM-3, etc.) require 4 years of experience and a trade exam.
  • Contractor licenses require a qualifying party exam, business registration, and bonding.
• Renewal: Every three years.
• Local notes: Cities issue permits only.

New York

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—licensing is local.
• License types: Vary significantly by city/county.
• Requirements:
  • New York City licenses refrigeration operators and engineers for certain systems.
  • Many municipalities require mechanical or refrigeration contractor licensing.
• Renewal: Local.

North Carolina

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: H1, H2, and H3 Mechanical Contractor licenses (covering different system types).
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show experience, pass exams, and carry liability insurance.
  • No statewide technician license; techs work under contractors.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities require permits.

North Dakota

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Partially; state licenses mechanical contractors and gas fitters.
• License types: Mechanical Contractor, Boiler Operator, Gasfitter licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Mechanical contractors need experience, bonding, and possibly exams depending on classification.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities may impose extra licensing.

Ohio

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, for contractors.
• License types: HVAC Contractor (through the state Construction Industry Licensing Board).
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show 5 years of experience, pass exams, carry insurance, and pass a background check.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities may require contractor registration.

Oklahoma

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVAC Apprentice, Journeyman, and Contractor (various classifications).
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman requires three years of experience and a state exam.
  • Contractor requires journeyman-level experience, business registration, and insurance.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Cities may require separate registration.

Oregon

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, but split between mechanical and electrical boards.
• License types: Limited Maintenance HVAC Specialty, HVAC/R licenses, mechanical contractor licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Some HVAC work requires electrical licensing.
  • Contractor licenses require business registration, insurance, and exams.
• Renewal: Varies by license type.
• Local notes: Local permits required.

Pennsylvania

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—local only.
• License types: Local HVAC/mechanical contractor licensing.
• Requirements:
  • Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other major cities have formal mechanical licensing.
  • Smaller towns may require only registration.
• Renewal: Local.
• Local notes: Requirements vary widely.

Rhode Island

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: Refrigeration/Journeyperson I and II, Master Refrigeration licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyperson requires thousands of hours of documented experience plus exams.
  • Master requires additional years and business insurance.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Local permits required.

South Carolina

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: Mechanical Contractor (HVAC), Specialty Contractor classifications.
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show experience, pass exams, and carry insurance.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Cities may require business licensing.

South Dakota

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—largely local.
• License types: Local mechanical/HVAC contractor licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Requirements vary by jurisdiction; Sioux Falls and Rapid City have mechanical licensing with exams.
• Renewal: Local.
• Local notes: Technicians and contractors must confirm rules in each jurisdiction.

Tennessee

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, at the contractor level.
• License types: Mechanical/HVAC Contractor License (CMC-C).
• Requirements:
  • Contractors must show at least three years of experience, pass trade and business exams, and provide financial statements and insurance.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Cities may require separate local registration.

Texas

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: Class A and Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor licenses, with environmental endorsements.
• Requirements:
  • 48 months of practical experience required (or equivalent), plus a trade exam.
  • Contractors must carry liability insurance.
  • No statewide technician license; technicians register but do not test.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Local jurisdictions require permits for most installations.

Utah

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, contractor-level.
• License types: S350 (HVAC Contractor), plus related mechanical classifications.
• Requirements:
  • Contractors need experience, pass exams, and hold insurance.
  • No statewide technician license.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Municipal permits required.

Vermont

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No unified HVAC license.
• License types: Gas, oil, and boiler licenses; some refrigeration credentials.
• Requirements:
  • Fuel-handling licenses require training and exams.
• Renewal: Varies by license.
• Local notes: Cities may enforce mechanical permits.

Virginia

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVAC Tradesman (Journeyman, Master) and HVAC Contractor.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman requires apprenticeship completion or equivalent experience plus an exam.
  • Master requires additional years of experience.
  • Contractors require business registration, insurance, and exams.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: Local permitting required.

Washington

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes, for electrical and contractor scopes, though HVAC-specific licenses vary.
• License types: Electrical training certificates and electrical licenses for HVAC equipment requiring wiring; contractor registration required.
• Requirements:
  • Many HVAC tasks require electrical licensing (EL06A/EL06B).
• Renewal: Varies by license type.
• Local notes: Local mechanical permits required.

West Virginia

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes.
• License types: HVAC Technician and HVAC Contractor.
• Requirements:
  • HVAC Technician license requires a trade exam.
  • Contractor requires experience, financial documentation, exams, and insurance.
• Renewal: Annually.
• Local notes: Local permits required.

Wisconsin

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Partially—state credentials for HVAC qualifiers/contractors.
• License types: HVAC Qualifier certification, HVAC Contractor registration.
• Requirements:
  • Qualifier certification requires experience and exams.
  • Contractors must register and carry insurance.
• Renewal: Every four years.
• Local notes: Cities may require additional registration.

Wyoming

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: No—local only.
• License types: Local mechanical/HVAC licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Cheyenne, Casper, and others issue mechanical contractor and journeyman licenses requiring exams and experience.
• Renewal: Local.

Washington, D.C.

• Statewide HVAC licensing required: Yes (citywide, since D.C. functions as a single jurisdiction).
• License types: HVAC Technician, Journeyman, Master, and Contractor licenses.
• Requirements:
  • Journeyman and Master levels require documented experience and exams.
  • Contractors require business registration, bonding, and insurance.
• Renewal: Every two years.
• Local notes: D.C. has some of the stricter permitting rules for HVAC work.

How Licensing Requirements May Affect Your Career Path

Because HVAC licensing varies so widely across the United States, your career path can look very different depending on where you live—or where you plan to move. In states with strict statewide licensing, like Texas, Alabama, or North Carolina, you’ll follow a more defined path from apprentice to journeyman to contractor. These systems often provide clearer expectations but require documented hours, verified supervisors, and formal exams. In more decentralized states, such as Colorado or Illinois, your licensing path is shaped by local jurisdictions instead, which can help you start working sooner but creates different rules from one city to the next.

Licensing can also influence your earning potential and job responsibilities. Technicians without a contractor license usually cannot pull permits or run an independent business. Contractor-level credentials often lead to supervisor roles or may help you gain the ability to work on complex commercial systems. Experience and licensing also determine whether you can legally perform electrical connections, handle large refrigeration equipment, or take on full system replacements.

If you plan to relocate, it’s important to know that HVAC licenses generally do not transfer automatically. You may need to apply for a new license, show experience documentation, or retest under your new state’s rules. Planning ahead can help you avoid delays and keep your career moving forward.

Tips for Navigating HVAC Licensing in Your State

Getting licensed can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the HVAC field, but breaking the process into steps makes it more manageable. Start by identifying which agency regulates HVAC or mechanical licensing in your state—this may be a construction board, a professional licensing board, or a mechanical division. Make sure you’re reviewing the most recent guidelines, as licensing rules can change.

Before applying, gather documentation like apprenticeship records, employment history, EPA 608 certification, and any related trade certificates. If your state requires tracked hours, keep detailed logs of your supervised experience. This makes your application smoother and reduces the chance of delays.

If you’re working toward a contractor license, check whether your state requires business registrations, liability insurance, or financial statements. Many states also require trade exams, so give yourself time to prepare using state-approved study guides or practice tests. For technician or journeyman licenses, verify whether you need to apply separately for exam eligibility.

Finally, avoid common mistakes by double-checking your paperwork, ensuring names and dates match across documents, and submitting all required fees. Missing items can delay your license by weeks or months.

Next Steps

As you’ve read, HVAC licensing can vary widely depending on what state you’re located in—with some jurisdictions requiring formal experience, journeyman or master credentials, and contractor-level licensing, while others rely on local rules. Regardless of where you live, you’ll need EPA 608 certification if you work with refrigerants, and you’ll likely need to follow specific permitting rules whenever you install or modify HVAC systems.

If you’re planning a career in HVAC or considering relocation, this guide is intended to help you understand your preferred state’s requirements and prepare for the steps ahead. Check your state licensing board, verify local regulations, and make sure your training and experience meet the standards for the license you want. Taking these steps now can help you move confidently toward becoming a licensed HVAC professional.

HVAC License Requirements by State FAQs

Do all states require an HVAC license?
No. Some states require statewide mechanical contractor licenses, while others rely on local, city, or countywide rules.

What’s the difference between an HVAC certification and an HVAC license?
A certification (like EPA 608) shows you’ve met a training standard, while a license is a legal requirement that allows you to perform certain types of HVAC work.

Does EPA 608 count as a license?
No. EPA 608 is mandatory for refrigerant handling but does not replace state or local licensing.

Can I get licensed faster if I already have experience?
It’s possible. Some states allow experienced workers to bypass apprenticeships and go straight to testing once they document their hours.

What happens if I perform HVAC work without a license?
You could face fines, legal penalties, or loss of contracting privileges, depending on your state or city. Always confirm specific licensing requirements and penalties with your state or local licensing board.

Does my license transfer if I move to another state?
Generally no. Most states require you to apply for a new license and may require testing or verification of experience.

Sources:

1 https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements

2 https://www.epa.gov/mvac/section-609-technician-training-and-certification-programs