Kentucky HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: HVAC Contractor License · Issued by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of HVAC.

❄️ HVACKY ✔ Verified 2026-06-26

In Kentucky, HVAC contractors must hold the HVAC Contractor License, issued by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of HVAC, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Kentucky

Follow these steps to earn your HVAC Contractor License. Every figure is verified against the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of HVAC; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: 2 years documented work experience (minimum 3,000 hours) under licensed master or journeyman contractor. Master: 2 additional years as licensed Kentucky journeyman.
Pass the Journeyman HVAC Mechanic Exam and Master HVAC Contractor Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($500,000 (master contractor only)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Not publicly disclosed
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of HVAC — Set on the DHBC fee schedule (application PDFs are access-restricted; amounts not published openly) application fee, plus a Included in the license fee license fee. Processing time: Not publicly specified.
Keep the license active. Renew annual, by last day of birth month, completing Required for renewal; specific hours not published in the DHBC materials reviewed.

License types

Apprentice — Work under supervision of licensed master or journeyman contractor
Journeyman HVAC Mechanic — Install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems under own license or supervision
Master HVAC Contractor — Full authority to design, install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems; supervise employees and apprentices

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: 2 years documented work experience (minimum 3,000 hours) under licensed master or journeyman contractor. Master: 2 additional years as licensed Kentucky journeyman.
Application fee	Set on the DHBC fee schedule (application PDFs are access-restricted; amounts not published openly)
License fee	Included in the license fee
Renewal fee	Set on the DHBC fee schedule; specific amounts not published openly
Renewal period	Annual, by last day of birth month
Continuing education	Required for renewal; specific hours not published in the DHBC materials reviewed.
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	$500,000 (master contractor only)
Property damage	$300,000 (master contractor only)
Workers' comp	Required if business has one or more employees
Background check	Not publicly disclosed
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	Not publicly specified

Exams

Journeyman HVAC Mechanic Exam	Provider: Kentucky DHBC (state-administered in-person exam) · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $50
Master HVAC Contractor Exam	Provider: Kentucky DHBC (state-administered in-person exam) · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $150

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

Local / municipal notes

Kentucky does not recognize reciprocity with other states, but journeymen and master contractors from other states may apply for Kentucky licensure with proof of current good standing and passage of Kentucky exams.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Kentucky hvac license cost?

Application: Set on the DHBC fee schedule (application PDFs are access-restricted; amounts not published openly). License: Included in the license fee. Renewal: Set on the DHBC fee schedule; specific amounts not published openly.

Do hvacs in Kentucky need a surety bond?

None required

What experience is required for a Kentucky hvac license?

Journeyman: 2 years documented work experience (minimum 3,000 hours) under licensed master or journeyman contractor. Master: 2 additional years as licensed Kentucky journeyman.

Is insurance required for hvacs in Kentucky?

Liability: $500,000 (master contractor only) Workers' compensation: Required if business has one or more employees

How often must a Kentucky hvac license be renewed?

Annual, by last day of birth month. Continuing education: Required for renewal; specific hours not published in the DHBC materials reviewed.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-26 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of HVAC before applying. This is not legal advice.