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HVAC Technician
HVAC licensing varies widely across the United States. Some states require state-level licensing with apprenticeship, exams, and EPA 608 certification, while others defer to local jurisdictions. Most states offer apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor license tiers.
51
Total States
39
State-Level Licensing
39
Require State Exam
5,421
Avg Apprentice Hours
Not sure which license is right for you?
Take the 2-Minute Career Quiz →HVAC licensing typically follows a progression from apprentice to journeyman to master to contractor, with increasing experience and exam requirements at each level.
Most states require a combination of technical school training and on-the-job apprenticeship hours. Programs typically cover refrigeration, electrical systems, ductwork, and building codes. EPA Section 608 certification is federally required for anyone handling refrigerants.
Many states require passing a state or ICC (International Code Council) exam covering mechanical codes, HVAC theory, and safety. NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is voluntary but widely recognized by employers and can expedite licensing.
Some states issue HVAC licenses at the state level, while others defer to cities, counties, or local jurisdictions. A few states have no state-level HVAC licensing requirement at all. Contractor licenses often have additional insurance and bonding requirements.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
Check ReciprocityBrowse approved programs by state — compare costs, requirements, and timelines.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | State Licensed? | Apprentice Hours | State Exam | Fees | CE Hours | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $350 | 16 | April 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $440 | No state-mandated continuing education required for renewal | April 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | 6,000 | Yes | $175 | 8 | April 2026 |
| California(CA) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $630 | No mandatory continuing education (CE) hours required by CSLB for license renewal | April 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | 8 | Yes | $290 | No continuing education required | April 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $213 | — | April 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $325 | 8 | April 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $384 | 14 | April 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $190 | 3 | April 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $425 | — | April 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $125 | 8 | April 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $155 | 6 | April 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $160 | 6 | April 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $340 | — | April 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | Yes | — | Yes | $41–$221 depending on license type (license fee + $21 background check) | 8 | April 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $325 | 16 | April 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $175 | 6 | April 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | 6 | Yes | $175 | 6 | April 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $155 | 16 | April 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $215 | — | April 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | Yes | 6,000 | Yes | $150 | 8 | April 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $475 | No continuing education required | April 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $135 | 8 | April 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $355 | 12 | April 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | 6,000 | Yes | $235 | 8 | April 2026 |
| New York(NY) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $235 | 8 | April 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $125 | 4 | April 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $275 | 10 | April 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Yes | 6,000 | Yes | $190 | 8 | April 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $300 | 16 | April 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $240 | 5 | April 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $265 | — | April 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $290 | No CE required for CMC-C HVAC contractor license renewal | April 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $210 | 8 | April 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $215 | 6 | April 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | 4,000 | Yes | $285 | — | April 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $285 | 8 | April 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | 6,000 | Yes | $125 | 6 | April 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | 8,000 | Yes | $137 | 4 | April 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | — | No | — | — | April 2026 |
HVAC technicians often work alongside other licensed professionals in construction and trades. Explore related licensing requirements.
Study guides for the EPA 608 certification and HVAC licensing exams.
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See the full comparison table above for all 51 states.
In-depth articles to help you get licensed
Moving to a new state?
See which states have reciprocity for HVAC licenses and what's required to transfer.
Explore similar licensing requirements
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