How to Get an HVAC License (Heating and Air Conditioning)
This guide is compiled from the 33 statewide pages on this site, covering the path to an HVAC license.
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) licensing varies more than most trades: some states license it directly, others handle it locally or fold it into a mechanical contractor license. Separately, EPA Section 608 certification is required nationwide to handle refrigerants. Where a state license exists, expect experience requirements, a trade exam, a bond and insurance. Select a state below for the specifics.
Which states license HVAC contractors?
Licensed statewide (33): Alabama · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Indiana · Iowa · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Nevada · New Jersey · New Mexico · North Carolina · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Virginia · Washington · Wisconsin
Licensed at the city level (2): Missouri · New York
Not yet covered on this site for HVAC: Alaska · Colorado · Illinois · Kansas · Maine · Montana · Nebraska · New Hampshire · North Dakota · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Dakota · Vermont · West Virginia · Wyoming
The path, step by step
- Get the required experience. Each state sets its own rule and words it differently: in years, in supervised hours or through a registered apprenticeship, and not every state sets a fixed minimum. Open your state below for the exact wording.
- Sit the trade exam. All 33 statewide pages list a state trade exam.
- Prepare for the surety bond, if one applies. Of the 33 statewide pages, 11 pages state one fixed amount ($2,000–$25,000), 3 pages describe a bond that depends on tier, contract volume, endorsement or financial standing (see each state page), 1 page says the board may require one, and 18 pages state that none is required.
- Check the insurance rules. 25 of 33 statewide programs mandate liability insurance.
- Submit the application and its fee. Where a single application fee is stated (26 of 33 states), it ranges from $15 to $450.
- Keep the license active. Renewal cycles: Annual (7), every 2 years (18), every 3 years (6), every 4 years (1), transitional or other (1). 18 of 33 states mandate continuing education to renew.
Primary figures at a glance — the full, source-cited figure is on each state page.
HVAC license pages, by state
19 states list reciprocity agreements for HVAC — compare them on the reciprocity hub →
Verified: 35 pages, between 2026-06-19 and 2026-09-21
Frequently asked questions
Is there a national HVAC license?
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) licensing varies more than most trades: some states license it directly, others handle it locally or fold it into a mechanical contractor license. Licensing is set state by state.
How much does an HVAC license cost?
Where a single application fee is stated (26 of 33 states), it ranges from $15 to $450.
Which states set a fixed bond amount?
Alabama, California, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Washington.