Georgia HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: Conditioned Air Contractor License (Class I or Class II) · Issued by the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB).

❄️ HVACGA ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Georgia, HVAC contractors must hold the Conditioned Air Contractor License (Class I or Class II), issued by the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB), and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Georgia

Follow these steps to earn your Conditioned Air Contractor License (Class I or Class II). Every figure is verified against the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Class I: 4 years proven experience (2 years residential installation as lead mechanic, 1 year as service technician with EPA certification, 1 year residential supervisory). Class II: 5 years proven experience (2 years as lead mechanic with at least 1 year commercial, 1 year as service technician with EPA certification, 2 years commercial supervisory). Diploma programs substitute up to 2 years; certificate programs up to 1 year. Board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course required for both classes. Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED required.
Pass the Conditioned Air Contractor Trade Examination (120 questions including 20 pretest, 7 hours, open-book; covers International Mechanical Code, system design, installation, maintenance) exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Georgia requires $10,000 surety bond deposited with the probate court judge in the county where the contractor primarily conducts business.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a specific dollar minimum for Conditioned Air contractors; industry standard is $500,000 per occurrence.), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Required; criminal convictions require written explanation submitted with application. Three notarized references from a registered architect, professional engineer, city/county inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor required.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) — $110 (submitted via GOALS online portal) application fee, plus a Included in application process license fee. Processing time: Applications generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, in order of receipt.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (November 30 of odd-numbered years), completing 4 hours per year (must be obtained prior to each renewal cycle).

License types

Class I (Restricted) — Conditioned air systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling
Class II (Non-Restricted) — Conditioned air systems of any BTU capacity, residential or commercial, without restriction

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Class I: 4 years proven experience (2 years residential installation as lead mechanic, 1 year as service technician with EPA certification, 1 year residential supervisory). Class II: 5 years proven experience (2 years as lead mechanic with at least 1 year commercial, 1 year as service technician with EPA certification, 2 years commercial supervisory). Diploma programs substitute up to 2 years; certificate programs up to 1 year. Board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course required for both classes. Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED required.
Application fee	$110 (submitted via GOALS online portal)
License fee	Included in application process
Renewal fee	$100 (biennial); $300 reinstatement fee for lapsed licenses
Renewal period	Every 2 years (November 30 of odd-numbered years)
Continuing education	4 hours per year (must be obtained prior to each renewal cycle)
Bond required	$10,000 surety bond deposited with the probate court judge in the county where the contractor primarily conducts business
Liability insurance	Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a specific dollar minimum for Conditioned Air contractors; industry standard is $500,000 per occurrence.
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-2 for any business with 3 or more employees.
Background check	Required; criminal convictions require written explanation submitted with application. Three notarized references from a registered architect, professional engineer, city/county inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor required.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Louisiana (Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors — trade exam waived; currently the only active reciprocity agreement)
Processing time	Applications generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, in order of receipt

Exams

Conditioned Air Contractor Trade Examination (120 questions including 20 pretest, 7 hours, open-book; covers International Mechanical Code, system design, installation, maintenance)	Provider: PSI Exams · Passing: 70% · Fee: $267 (paid to PSI)

Preparing for the HVAC exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Reciprocity with South Carolina and Texas suspended as of April 15, 2022, pending review and update of those agreements; check sos.ga.gov for current status. EPA Section 608 certification (Type II or higher) is a prerequisite and is separate from the state license. Reciprocity applicants receive a $40 reciprocity license fee.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Georgia hvac license cost?

Application: $110 (submitted via GOALS online portal). License: Included in application process. Renewal: $100 (biennial); $300 reinstatement fee for lapsed licenses.

Do hvacs in Georgia need a surety bond?

$10,000 surety bond deposited with the probate court judge in the county where the contractor primarily conducts business

What experience is required for a Georgia hvac license?

Class I: 4 years proven experience (2 years residential installation as lead mechanic, 1 year as service technician with EPA certification, 1 year residential supervisory). Class II: 5 years proven experience (2 years as lead mechanic with at least 1 year commercial, 1 year as service technician with EPA certification, 2 years commercial supervisory). Diploma programs substitute up to 2 years; certificate programs up to 1 year. Board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course required for both classes. Minimum age 18; high school diploma or GED required.

Is insurance required for hvacs in Georgia?

Liability: Not publicly disclosed by GCILB as a specific dollar minimum for Conditioned Air contractors; industry standard is $500,000 per occurrence. Workers' compensation: Required under O.C.G.A. §34-9-2 for any business with 3 or more employees.

How often must a Georgia hvac license be renewed?

Every 2 years (November 30 of odd-numbered years). Continuing education: 4 hours per year (must be obtained prior to each renewal cycle)

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, Division of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (GCILB) before applying. This is not legal advice.