Alabama HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor Certification · Issued by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR).

❄️ HVACAL ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Alabama, HVAC contractors must hold the Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor Certification, issued by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR), and a $20,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Alabama

Follow these steps to earn your Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor Certification. Every figure is verified against the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Minimum 3,000 hours (18 months) of work experience gained under supervision of a HACR licensee, documented via W-2s and employer affidavit; OR completion of a board-approved HVAC/refrigeration curriculum; OR two years as a registered apprentice. The responsible individual must be a W-2 employee working 30+ hours per week (not an independent contractor).
Pass the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Written Exam (110 questions, 5-hour open-book exam) and Refrigeration Contractor Written Exam (90 questions, 4-hour open-book exam) and Practical Exam (available upon written exam failure; must be requested within 6 months) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Alabama requires $20,000 performance bond (business name; Board listed as obligee; form BF-1) required for Active status; no bond for Inactive status.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not publicly mandated by HACR Board; workers' compensation required per Alabama law if 5 or more employees), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Not publicly specified by HACR
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR) — $150 examination processing fee (non-refundable) application fee, plus a $220/year (Active) per license type; $110/year (Inactive) per license type license fee. Processing time: Application must be received 10 full working days before the next Board meeting; exam application approved within one calendar year.
Keep the license active. Renew annual (expires December 31; if not renewed within one year of lapsing, must reapply and re-examine), completing 4 hours annually required for all active licensees; up to 8 hours may be completed in one year with 4 hours carrying forward to the next year; hours beyond 8 in a year are not credited.

License types

HVAC Contractor — Active Status — Statewide certification to install, service, and repair heating and air conditioning systems; all HVAC work regardless of project value requires certification
Refrigeration Contractor — Active Status — Statewide certification to install, service, and repair refrigeration systems; separate exam and license from HVAC
HACR Contractor — Inactive Status — Holds certification without performing active contracting work; no bond required; reduced annual fee

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 3,000 hours (18 months) of work experience gained under supervision of a HACR licensee, documented via W-2s and employer affidavit; OR completion of a board-approved HVAC/refrigeration curriculum; OR two years as a registered apprentice. The responsible individual must be a W-2 employee working 30+ hours per week (not an independent contractor).
Application fee	$150 examination processing fee (non-refundable)
License fee	$220/year (Active) per license type; $110/year (Inactive) per license type
Renewal fee	$220/year (Active) / $110/year (Inactive); late renewal $250; licenses lapse if not renewed by December 31 annually
Renewal period	Annual (expires December 31; if not renewed within one year of lapsing, must reapply and re-examine)
Continuing education	4 hours annually required for all active licensees; up to 8 hours may be completed in one year with 4 hours carrying forward to the next year; hours beyond 8 in a year are not credited.
Bond required	$20,000 performance bond (business name; Board listed as obligee; form BF-1) required for Active status; no bond for Inactive status
Liability insurance	Not publicly mandated by HACR Board; workers' compensation required per Alabama law if 5 or more employees
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required by Alabama law for employers with 5+ employees; not a stated HACR Board prerequisite
Background check	Not publicly specified by HACR
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	South Carolina (must hold SC license for 5+ years); Tennessee (must hold TN license for 3+ years); Mississippi (must hold MS license for 1+ year); Louisiana (no waiting period); West Virginia (no waiting period); Ohio
Processing time	Application must be received 10 full working days before the next Board meeting; exam application approved within one calendar year

Exams

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Written Exam (110 questions, 5-hour open-book exam)	Provider: Prov Testing Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: $175
Refrigeration Contractor Written Exam (90 questions, 4-hour open-book exam)	Provider: Prov Testing Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: $175
Practical Exam (available upon written exam failure; must be requested within 6 months)	Provider: HACR Board · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by HACR · Fee: Not publicly disclosed by HACR

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Local / municipal notes

Certification is also required for air duct cleaning, filter changing, and HVAC equipment cleaning services. Realty management companies performing HVAC work on managed properties must be certified. Certification numbers must appear on all vehicles, advertising, invoices, and estimates.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Alabama hvac license cost?

Application: $150 examination processing fee (non-refundable). License: $220/year (Active) per license type; $110/year (Inactive) per license type. Renewal: $220/year (Active) / $110/year (Inactive); late renewal $250; licenses lapse if not renewed by December 31 annually.

Do hvacs in Alabama need a surety bond?

$20,000 performance bond (business name; Board listed as obligee; form BF-1) required for Active status; no bond for Inactive status

What experience is required for a Alabama hvac license?

Minimum 3,000 hours (18 months) of work experience gained under supervision of a HACR licensee, documented via W-2s and employer affidavit; OR completion of a board-approved HVAC/refrigeration curriculum; OR two years as a registered apprentice. The responsible individual must be a W-2 employee working 30+ hours per week (not an independent contractor).

Is insurance required for hvacs in Alabama?

Liability: Not publicly mandated by HACR Board; workers' compensation required per Alabama law if 5 or more employees Workers' compensation: Required by Alabama law for employers with 5+ employees; not a stated HACR Board prerequisite

How often must a Alabama hvac license be renewed?

Annual (expires December 31; if not renewed within one year of lapsing, must reapply and re-examine). Continuing education: 4 hours annually required for all active licensees; up to 8 hours may be completed in one year with 4 hours carrying forward to the next year; hours beyond 8 in a year are not credited.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR) before applying. This is not legal advice.