New Jersey HVAC License Requirements
Official classification: Master HVACR Contractor License · Issued by the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
❄️ HVACNJ ✔ Verified 2026-06-25
In New Jersey, HVAC contractors must hold the Master HVACR Contractor License, issued by the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, and a $3,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in New Jersey
Follow these steps to earn your Master HVACR Contractor License. Every figure is verified against the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. 5 years of HVACR contracting experience. Pathways: (1) 4-year DOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 year journeyperson experience; (2) 4-year HVACR degree plus 1 year journeyperson experience; (3) 4-year related degree plus 3 years journeyperson experience; (4) 2-year trade school plus 2 years apprenticeship plus 1 year journeyperson experience; or equivalent work experience as an HVACR journeyperson or licensed plumber.
- Pass the Master HVACR Exam and Business and Law Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. New Jersey requires $3,000 surety bond.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($500,000 for property damage and bodily injury).
- Clear the background check. Background check required; specific fingerprinting requirements not publicly detailed
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors — $100 application fee, plus a $160 biennial license fee. Processing time: Not publicly specified.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years), completing 5 hours per renewal cycle from Board-approved providers.
License types
- Master HVACR Contractor — Licensed HVACR contractors can perform all heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work independently; apprentices and journeypersons work under a licensed Master's supervision
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | 5 years of HVACR contracting experience. Pathways: (1) 4-year DOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 year journeyperson experience; (2) 4-year HVACR degree plus 1 year journeyperson experience; (3) 4-year related degree plus 3 years journeyperson experience; (4) 2-year trade school plus 2 years apprenticeship plus 1 year journeyperson experience; or equivalent work experience as an HVACR journeyperson or licensed plumber. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 |
| License fee | $160 biennial |
| Renewal fee | $160 every 2 years |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years) |
| Continuing education | 5 hours per renewal cycle from Board-approved providers |
| Bond required | $3,000 surety bond |
| Liability insurance | $500,000 for property damage and bodily injury |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | — |
| Background check | Background check required; specific fingerprinting requirements not publicly detailed |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Delaware; Maryland; New York; Pennsylvania |
| Processing time | Not publicly specified |
Exams
| Master HVACR Exam | Provider: State Board of HVACR Contractors · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in application |
|---|---|
| Business and Law Exam | Provider: State Board of HVACR Contractors · Passing: 70% · Fee: Included in application |
Local / municipal notes
New Jersey has a single Master HVACR Contractor license tier with no separate journeyman or apprentice independent licenses. Apprentices and journeypersons must work under a licensed Master's supervision.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a New Jersey hvac license cost?
Application: $100. License: $160 biennial. Renewal: $160 every 2 years.
Do hvacs in New Jersey need a surety bond?
$3,000 surety bond
What experience is required for a New Jersey hvac license?
5 years of HVACR contracting experience. Pathways: (1) 4-year DOL-approved apprenticeship plus 1 year journeyperson experience; (2) 4-year HVACR degree plus 1 year journeyperson experience; (3) 4-year related degree plus 3 years journeyperson experience; (4) 2-year trade school plus 2 years apprenticeship plus 1 year journeyperson experience; or equivalent work experience as an HVACR journeyperson or licensed plumber.
Is insurance required for hvacs in New Jersey?
Liability: $500,000 for property damage and bodily injury Workers' compensation: —
How often must a New Jersey hvac license be renewed?
Every 2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 5 hours per renewal cycle from Board-approved providers
Official sources
njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr
servicetitan.com/licensing/hvac/new-jersey
housecallpro.com/hvac/licensing/new-jersey
rocketcert.com/construction/new-jersey/hvacr-license
rocketcert.com/construction/new-jersey