HVAC License Requirements by State

HVAC contractor licensing is not universal at the state level. States that do license HVAC contractors typically require trade experience, a state exam covering business and law, and a contractor bond, while other states leave licensing to cities and counties. All HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants must hold an EPA Section 608 certification. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.

Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.

National exam basics

EPA Section 608 certification is the federal requirement; state HVAC licenses add exams and experience on top.

HVAC License requirements by state

AlabamaRequirements & fees →AlaskaRequirements & fees →ArizonaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…ArkansasState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…CaliforniaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…ColoradoRequirements & fees →ConnecticutRequirements & fees →DelawareRequirements & fees →District of ColumbiaRequirements & fees →FloridaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…GeorgiaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…HawaiiRequirements & fees →IdahoRequirements & fees →IllinoisRequirements & fees →IndianaRequirements & fees →IowaRequirements & fees →KansasRequirements & fees →KentuckyRequirements & fees →LouisianaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…MaineRequirements & fees →MarylandState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…MassachusettsState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…MichiganRequirements & fees →MinnesotaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…MississippiRequirements & fees →MissouriState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…MontanaRequirements & fees →NebraskaRequirements & fees →NevadaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…New HampshireRequirements & fees →New JerseyState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…New MexicoRequirements & fees →New YorkRequirements & fees →North CarolinaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…North DakotaRequirements & fees →OhioRequirements & fees →OklahomaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…OregonRequirements & fees →PennsylvaniaRequirements & fees →Rhode IslandRequirements & fees →South CarolinaRequirements & fees →South DakotaRequirements & fees →TennesseeRequirements & fees →TexasState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…UtahState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…VermontRequirements & fees →VirginiaState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…WashingtonState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…West VirginiaRequirements & fees →WisconsinState-approved HVAC training or apprenticeship…WyomingRequirements & fees →

FAQ

Is EPA Section 608 certification required everywhere?

Yes. Anyone who works on equipment containing refrigerants must pass the EPA Section 608 exam, offered through approved testing organizations like Esco Institute or Mainstream Engineering.

Do all states license HVAC contractors?

No. Many states leave HVAC contractor licensing to cities and counties, so check with your local jurisdiction even when no state license exists.

What does the state contractor exam cover?

Licensed states typically test on trade knowledge, business practices, and law; passing often requires a few years of prior licensed or verifiable work experience.

Can I transfer an HVAC contractor license between states?

Reciprocity is limited. Most states require passing their own exam even if you hold a license in another state.