Many residential and commercial property owners have realized the benefits of owning an HVAC unit in the current generation. Such a system helps to maintain the proper temperatures and air condition within and around the building.
This is why the number of HVAC installers, maintainers, and repairers has skyrocketed over the last few years. Nonetheless, you can’t work in this industry unless you possess the required license. One of the most confusing aspects of getting an HVAC license is the process to follow and the requirements you must fulfill. The information below will guide you better on how to get an HVAC license to help you get licensed with less hassle.
Research the Certification You Need
As an HVAC contractor, you must first know what your state laws are regarding getting certified, licensed, or both. There are varying licensing procedures in different states, but there are no specific nationwide HVAC license requirements in the United States. This essential document shows you qualify to run an HVAC business.
Most states require HVAC contractors to be licensed as they handle their tasks. Different bodies handle the licensing procedure, depending on the state. Such licensing bodies include the state’s contractors’ licensing board or any other department regulating contractors’ works.
On the other hand, a certificate shows you possess the necessary skills to handle different projects related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The different certificates you should have as an HVAC contractor include:
- Core for general refrigerant and regulation knowledge
- EPA type I when dealing with small units
- EPA type II for high-pressure appliances
- EPA type III for low-pressure units
A Universal certification means you have passed all four sections; it’s another way to say you are an EPA Type I, II, and III certified technician. The ESCO HVAC Excellence program offers some of the most popular HVAC certifications available to technicians.
Nonetheless, it’s advisable to get more certifications besides the mandatory federal certificate. The more certificates you possess, the better your reputation in the industry.
Acquire Training and Experience
The states that require HVAC contractors to be licensed will likely ask for your working experience and training before licensing your operations. The minimum education requirement you must meet in most states is a GED or a high school diploma. If you are currently in high school or college and would love to pursue a career as an HVAC contractor, it’s advisable to focus on math and physics. These are the two subjects you’ll find handy in your career.
Training
Most of the state laws will require you to go through specialized schooling, which encompasses HVAC training programs. Fortunately, various trade organizations have realized the benefit of collaborating with colleges to offer the necessary training to upcoming refrigeration and HVAC professionals.
The length of the training differs depending on several factors, the main one being the contractor level you want to pursue. For instance, focusing on all systems may take longer than getting trained on low-pressure units alone. Nonetheless, the training can take anywhere between six months and two years.
Working Experience
Finding the best apprenticeship program is the next step after completing your schooling and training. Apprenticeships, such as internships and industrial attachment programs, are the only way to access hands-on work experience and understand how the HVAC business goes. These programs allow you to work side-by-side with experienced contractors to get a clearer image of what you are expected to do in your profession.
You’ll be required to go through such a program for about three to five years before your state licenses you. This means working for approximately 2000 hours to gain appropriate practical experience. Most individuals who succeed as HVAC contractors have prior practical experience and training in mechanical engineering and electronics.
HVAC Technician performing an air conditioning installation
Complete and Pass the Necessary Exams
Examination completion falls among the critical requirements that many municipal, federal, and local authorities may need to license HVAC experts. Completing the exams is part of the process, but passing is the most essential part. Some license issuers may ask you to repeat the tests until they confirm you understand what you are getting into in terms of your career as an HVAC specialist.
Again, the exams you take differ from state to state. You may sit for just one generalized test in some regions while your colleagues deal with several exams in another state. Fortunately, some organizations, such as the ESCO Institute and ACCA, offer vocational training to help you prepare for these exams, especially when aiming to qualify for the EPA certification from the federal authorities.
You must understand that you must complete and pass a test for every proficiency level to get properly certified and licensed. The same applies when simultaneously handling several specialties, such as HVAC servicing, installation, and repairs. One thing not to forget is that most certifying and licensing bodies require working experience and prior training before giving you the exams to confirm your eligibility for a license.
Submit the Necessary Documents
The last step in the HVAC license-acquiring process is to prepare and submit all the necessary documents that the state, municipal, and federal authorities may request. One of the common mistakes amongst many HVAC license and certificate applicants is forgetting that there are extra documents they may be asked to present before being awarded the contractor license or certificate.
The extra documents you are required to submit vary from one state to the other, depending on the authorities’ specifications and laws for HVAC contractor licensing. Nevertheless, there are a few documents that you may be asked for in several states. Such include;
- Business Insurance Policy – This document proves your assets are safe if anything goes wrong.
- Personal details—The licensor has the right to know everything about your HVAC contracting company. This includes personal and detailed information about everyone involved in the business, such as the owners, managers, and employees.
- A valid certificate of good conduct – The authority responsible for licensing you must make sure the permit does not land in the hands of a criminal. It is necessary to continually update your certificate of good conduct.
Getting Your HVAC License: Conclusion
Becoming an HVAC contractor is not challenging as long as you are determined. However, it’s also recommended to understand the process of taking this career path and what to do to get certified, licensed, and permitted to work as such a professional.
The above points give you a detailed map of the route to follow regarding acquiring your HVAC contractor license so that you don’t get lost. Continue your training throughout your HVAC career by obtaining an HVAC journeyman license, master HVAC license, and more.
