The short version
- Four layers, four issuers. EPA Section 608 (federal), NATE (industry, voluntary), technician licenses (some states), and contractor licenses (almost every state or city). Most confusion comes from mixing them up.
- EPA 608 is the one national requirement. Anyone who could break into a refrigerant circuit needs it. Closed-book exams need 70%; Universal is 100 questions; the card never expires; and only certified techs (or their employers) can buy refrigerant.
- There is no separate federal A2L card. R-454B and R-32 are still covered by your existing 608 certification — A2L safety training is smart, not federally required.
- States split licenses by equipment size. Texas, Florida, Arkansas and Oklahoma all cap their limited HVAC license at 25 tons of cooling; Georgia’s Class I stops at 60,000 BTU; North Carolina’s line is 15 tons; Massachusetts licenses refrigeration work over 10 tons.
- The ladder takes years. Maryland requires 4 years as an apprentice before journeyman; Texas requires 48 months before contractor; Ohio requires 5 years.
- Pay: the median HVAC tech earned $61,010 in 2025; the top 10% earned more than $95,210.
On this page
- The four layers of HVAC credentials
- Which credential do you actually need?
- EPA Section 608: the complete rules
- A2L refrigerants: do you need a new card?
- NATE certification, level by level
- Apprentice, journeyman, master: the technician ladder
- Class A vs Class B: capacity limits compared
- State-by-state: license levels in 17 states
- From helper to contractor: a realistic timeline
- How to verify an HVAC license
- Pay by level and state
- What it means for running a shop
- FAQ
“Are you licensed?” is a harder question in HVAC than in almost any other trade. A single technician can hold a federal refrigerant certification, an industry credential, a state technician license, and work under a contractor license — four separate credentials from four different issuers, each with its own rules for who needs it, how long it lasts and what it lets you do.
This guide explains every layer, from the EPA exam to state master licenses, using the actual federal regulations, state statutes and licensing-board rules. Every number links to its official source. If you need one state’s complete rules, start with our HVAC license requirements by state.
The four layers of HVAC credentials
| Layer | Issued by | Required? | Expires? | What it lets you do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. EPA Section 608 | U.S. EPA, through approved testing organizations | Yes, to work on refrigerant circuits | No | Attach gauges, recover, charge and dispose of refrigerant equipment; buy refrigerant |
| 2. NATE | North American Technician Excellence (nonprofit) | No — voluntary | Every 2 years | Proves skill to customers, employers and manufacturer dealer programs |
| 3. Technician license | State board (only some states) | Depends on the state | Usually 1–3 years | Work in the trade, usually under a licensed contractor |
| 4. Contractor license | State board, county or city | Almost everywhere, to contract | Usually 1–2 years | Advertise, bid, sign contracts and pull permits |
Layers 1 and 2 follow you anywhere in the country. Layers 3 and 4 stop at the state line — and in some states, at the city limits.
Which credential do you actually need?
| If you are… | You need | Worth adding |
|---|---|---|
| A helper or apprentice | Nothing federal while closely and continually supervised by a certified tech; your state may require apprentice registration (Maryland, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Arkansas) | EPA 608 Type I or II as early as possible; NATE Ready-to-Work |
| A residential service or install tech | EPA 608 Type II (or Universal); a state technician license where required (Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut and others) | Universal 608; NATE core plus a specialty; A2L safety training |
| A commercial or refrigeration tech | EPA 608 Universal (Type III for chillers); state refrigeration licensing where it exists (e.g., Massachusetts over 10 tons) | NATE commercial refrigeration |
| The owner or qualifier | A state or local contractor license in the right class for the equipment size you install, plus insurance or bond | NATE-certified techs on staff for marketing and dealer programs |
EPA Section 608: the complete rules
Section 608 of the Clean Air Act is the only HVAC credential required nationwide. The rules live in 40 CFR 82.161 and its Appendix D, and they’re more specific than most techs realize.
Who must be certified
The regulation covers “any person who could be reasonably expected to violate the integrity of the refrigerant circuit” while maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of equipment. In plain terms: anyone who attaches or removes gauges, adds or recovers refrigerant, or opens the system. Apprentices are exempt only while they are “closely and continually supervised by a certified technician” (§ 82.161(a)(2)).
The four certification types
| Type | EPA definition | Typical equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Small appliances | Window units, refrigerators, freezers, vending machines, dehumidifiers |
| Type II | High- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and vehicle A/C | Residential split systems, heat pumps, rooftop units, most commercial refrigeration |
| Type III | Low-pressure appliances | Low-pressure centrifugal chillers in large buildings |
| Universal | All of the above | The practical standard for anyone working across residential and commercial |
Source: EPA, Types of Technician Certification. Car air conditioning is not covered — that’s EPA Section 609, a separate certification that doesn’t let you buy refrigerant for stationary equipment.
How the exam works
The federal standards for certifying programs spell out the test itself (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Appendix D):
| Test | Questions | Format | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | 25 Core + 25 Type I | On-site, or mail-in where offered | 70% closed-book; 84% mail-in |
| Type II | 25 Core + 25 Type II | Closed-book, proctored | 70% |
| Type III | 25 Core + 25 Type III | Closed-book, proctored | 70% |
| Universal | 100 (25 Core + 25 each type) | Closed-book, proctored | 70% |
- Mail-in Type I doesn’t count toward Universal. If you plan to go Universal, take the Core section proctored (EPA).
- Proctors must check photo ID, with at least one proctor per 50 test-takers.
- Results and your wallet card must be issued within 30 days. The card shows your name, certification type and a unique number that can’t be your Social Security number.
Rules that apply after you pass
- It never expires. EPA states that Section 608 credentials do not expire, though the agency reserves the right to require recertification in the future (§ 82.161(a)(5)).
- Keep a copy at work. Certified technicians “must keep a copy of their certificate at their place of business” (§ 82.161(a)(4)(i)).
- It’s your ticket to buy refrigerant. Only Section 608 certified technicians can purchase refrigerant for stationary equipment — or an employer that gives the wholesaler written proof it employs at least one certified tech. Section 609 certification doesn’t qualify (EPA sales restriction).
- Violations are expensive. Clean Air Act civil penalties are adjusted for inflation; for penalties assessed on or after January 8, 2025, the judicial maximum is $124,426 per day per violation (40 CFR 19.4).
Lost your card? The organization that tested you is required to keep records of the cards it issues, so it’s your first call for a replacement. If it has closed and you have proof of passing, ESCO Institute or Ferris State University can reissue it; with no proof at all, you’ll have to retest (EPA). Photograph your card today.
A2L refrigerants: do you need a new card?
No. The industry’s shift to mildly flammable A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32 did not create a separate federal certification. A2Ls are still covered by Section 608 — they must be recovered, and you still need your certification to buy them through a distributor (ACHR News).
What did change is the equipment and the installation details. A2L units are designed to the safety standard UL 60335-2-40, and installers are told to follow the manufacturer’s installation guide and the local authority having jurisdiction. Industry groups such as ESCO Group and HVAC Excellence offer A2L safety training, and it’s worth taking even though no federal rule requires it — some states and localities may add their own requirements.
NATE certification, level by level
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the best-known industry certification in HVAC. No law requires it, but many employers, manufacturer dealer programs and customers look for it. It’s built as a ladder (NATE Guide to Success):
| Level | Who it’s for | Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-Work | Little or no formal training | Entry certificate (the only NATE exam that doesn’t require a proctor) |
| HVAC Support Technician | 6–12 months of experience | Entry certificate |
| NATE Certified | Professional techs, about 2 years of experience recommended | Core exam (50 questions) + one specialty exam (100 questions), or the CHP-5 pathway (five 30-question exams) |
| Senior Level Efficiency Analyst | Already-certified, experienced techs | Additional senior-level specialty |
Specialties include air conditioning, air distribution, air-to-air heat pump, gas heating (air), oil heating (air), hydronics gas, hydronics oil, light commercial refrigeration and commercial refrigeration — each earned as an installation or service specialty depending on the exam.
Renewal: NATE certifications must be renewed every two years, either with 16 continuing education hours or by retaking the specialty exam before it expires (NATE policies). Recommended experience levels come from NATE’s exam overview.
Apprentice, journeyman, master: the technician ladder
Many states license only the HVAC contractor. Others also license individual technicians, and they don’t agree on what to call each rung. Here’s how the same ladder looks in practice:
| State | Entry level | Mid level | Top individual level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Apprentice (licensed) | Journeyman: 4 years as apprentice + 6,000 hours of training | Master: 3 years as a journeyman under a master |
| Virginia | Apprentice | Journeyman: 4 years + 240 hours of training (up to 8 years with none) | Master: 1 year as a journeyman |
| New Jersey | DOL apprentice | Journeyperson experience (no separate license) | Master HVACR: 4-year apprenticeship + 1 year as journeyperson |
| Kentucky | — | Journeyman HVAC mechanic | Master HVAC contractor |
| Oklahoma | Registered apprentice | Journeyman: 3 years in the category | Contractor: journeyman requirements + 1 year |
| Connecticut | Apprentice | Journeyperson (S-2, D-2, B-2…) | Contractor (S-1, D-1, B-1…) |
| Texas | Registered technician | Certified technician: 24 months or a 2,000-hour program | ACR contractor (Class A or B) |
| Massachusetts | Refrigeration apprentice | — | Refrigeration technician (work over 10 tons) |
Details and sources for each state are in the state-by-state section below. The BLS notes that HVAC techs typically complete a postsecondary program lasting 6 months to 2 years, and that apprenticeships usually last several years (BLS).
Class A vs Class B: capacity limits compared
HVAC is unusual in how often states split licenses by equipment size instead of by job value. A limited license covers residential and light commercial equipment; an unlimited one covers anything. The thresholds below come straight from each state’s statute or rules.
| State | Limited license | Cooling limit | Heating limit | Unlimited license |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | ACR Contractor Class B | 25 tons | 1.5 million BTU/hr | Class A |
| Florida | Air-Conditioning Class B | 25 tons per system | 500,000 BTU per system | Class A / Mechanical |
| Arkansas | HVACR Class B | 25 tons per unit (refrigeration 15 hp) | 1,000,000 BTUH per unit | Class A |
| Oklahoma | Mechanical HVAC Limited (limited residential journeyman: homes only) | 25 tons (residential journeyman: 5 tons) | 500,000 Btu/h per appliance (residential journeyman: 150,000 Btu/h) | HVAC Unlimited |
| North Carolina | Heating Group 3 (H-3) | 15 tons, ducted (single-family homes any size) | — | Heating Group 2 (H-2) |
| Georgia | Conditioned Air Class I | 60,000 BTU | 175,000 BTU | Class II |
| Connecticut | S-9 / S-10 | 35 tons per system | 500,000 BTU (3 stories max) | S-1 / S-2 |
| Massachusetts | No license needed below | 10 tons aggregate (refrigeration) | — | Refrigeration technician |
The 25-ton line isn’t universal. Georgia’s limited license stops at 60,000 BTU of cooling — five tons — and North Carolina draws its line at 15 tons. A Class B shop that moves across a state line can suddenly be out of scope on jobs it used to win.
State-by-state: HVAC license levels in 17 states
These are the states with the most distinctive license ladders. Each summary comes from the state’s own statute, regulations or licensing board. Several large states — including Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado — have no statewide HVAC contractor license and leave it to cities and counties; see our 50-state guide for every state.
Alabama
The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors issues separate heating and air conditioning and refrigeration contractor certifications, each requiring a prelicensure exam and a person in responsible charge. New applicants post a $20,000 performance bond. The board also runs a separate Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractor registration (Ala. Admin. Code 440-X-3).
Arkansas
Arkansas has one of the most detailed ladders. Class A is unlimited; Class B covers air conditioning up to 25 tons and heating up to 1,000,000 BTUH per unit, and refrigeration up to 15 hp; Class D covers sheet-metal ductwork; Class E covers refrigeration. Applicants need at least two years of HVACR experience (or approved training), and licensees carry at least $250,000 in liability insurance. Technicians working for a licensee register as registrants, and a lifetime Class L service license exists for licensees 65 and older with 10 consecutive years licensed (17 CAR pt. 261).
California
California’s CSLB issues a single C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning contractor classification with no tonnage split. The qualifier needs 4 years of journey-level experience within the past 10 years and must pass a law exam and a trade exam unless a waiver applies (CSLB, C-20 scope). The state doesn’t license individual HVAC technicians. See our California contractor laws for 2027 for what changes next year.
Connecticut
Connecticut licenses every level as a contractor and journeyperson pair. S-1/S-2 covers all heating, piping and cooling work; D-1/D-2 covers warm air, air conditioning and refrigeration; S-9/S-10 covers heating up to 500,000 BTU and cooling up to 35 tons per system in buildings up to three stories; and B-1/B-2 covers gas and oil burners up to 500,000 BTU. Journeypersons generally work for a licensed contractor (CT DCP).
Florida
Florida’s Construction Industry Licensing Board issues Class A (unlimited) and Class B air-conditioning contractor licenses; Class B is limited to 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating in any one system. The service-only Class C has been closed to new applicants since October 1, 1988, and the separate mechanical contractor license covers HVAC plus boilers, ductwork and related piping (Fla. Stat. § 489.105). Certification requires 4 years of active experience, at least 1 as a foreman, or a college-and-experience combination (§ 489.111).
Georgia
Georgia licenses conditioned air contractors in two classes. Class I (restricted) covers systems up to 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling and requires 4 years of experience, including 2 as a lead installer, 1 as an EPA-certified service tech, and 1 in residential supervision. Class II (unrestricted) requires 5 years with commercial experience. Both require a board-approved heat loss/gain and duct design course, a 70% exam score and three references (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 121-3-.04).
Kentucky
Kentucky licenses master HVAC contractors and journeyman HVAC mechanics. One year of experience means 1,500 hours of HVAC work in a continuous 12-month period. Both exams require 70%, a passing score stays valid for three years, and the exam fees are $150 (master) and $50 (journeyman). Masters must show proof of insurance at licensing and renewal (815 KAR 8:010).
Maryland
Maryland runs a full four-rung ladder. A journeyman needs at least 4 years as a licensed apprentice and 6,000 hours of training. A master needs at least 3 years as a journeyman under a master, including 1,875 hours in the prior year. A limited contractor needs 2 years as a journeyman. Every exam requires 70%, and a restricted master option exists for narrower scopes (Maryland HVACR Board).
Massachusetts
Massachusetts licenses refrigeration and air-conditioning work with a capacity over 10 tons in the aggregate. A refrigeration technician license requires a Bureau-approved exam; the in-state path lists 6,000 hours as a licensed refrigeration apprentice and 450 hours of study at an approved school. Apprentices must be licensed with the Office of Public Safety and Inspections and registered with the Division of Apprentice Standards (Mass.gov).
Michigan
Michigan issues a state mechanical contractor license by work classification, including HVAC equipment, ductwork, refrigeration, limited and unlimited heating service, and limited and unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service. Applicants need 3 years of experience in each classification and must pass an exam for each one (Michigan LARA).
New Jersey
New Jersey licenses the Master HVACR Contractor. The standard path is a 4-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved HVACR apprenticeship followed by 1 year as a journeyperson under a licensed master; degree-based alternatives exist. There is no separate journeyman license (NJ Board of Examiners of Master HVACR Contractors).
North Carolina
North Carolina splits heating licenses into three groups: H-1 for steam and hot-water systems, H-2 for systems over 15 tons, and H-3 for ducted systems of 15 tons or less (single-family homes fall under H-3 at any size). Each comes in Class I (all structures) or Class II (single-family detached homes only). The board may require up to 2 years of experience, half of which can be coursework (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 87-21).
Ohio
Ohio’s Construction Industry Licensing Board licenses HVAC and refrigeration contractors as separate trades. Applicants need 5 years of experience in the trade immediately before applying (or qualify as a registered engineer or long-time inspector), must pass a background check, and must carry $500,000 in contractor liability insurance once licensed (OCILB).
Oklahoma
Oklahoma licenses mechanical apprentices, journeymen and contractors by category. A journeyman needs 3 years of verifiable experience in the category (2,000 hours per year), or less with an approved training program; a contractor needs the journeyman requirements plus 1 more year. HVAC limited covers up to 25 tons and 500,000 Btu/h per appliance, and a limited residential journeyman covers up to 5 tons and 150,000 Btu/h (OAC 158:50). Journeymen and contractors need 6 hours of continuing education every 36 months (CIB).
Texas
Every air conditioning and refrigeration technician working for a Texas contractor must be a registered technician or a certified technician. Certification is the voluntary higher step: 24 months of supervised experience or a 2,000-hour approved program, plus an exam (TDLR). Contractors need 48 months of experience in the past 72 (or 12 months as a certified tech plus 36 months of experience) and an exam. Class A covers any size; Class B covers cooling up to 25 tons and heating up to 1.5 million BTU/hr. Insurance minimums are $300,000 per occurrence for Class A and $100,000 for Class B, and endorsements cover environmental air conditioning, commercial refrigeration and process cooling or heating (TDLR).
Virginia
Virginia licenses HVAC tradesmen. A journeyman needs 4 years of experience plus 240 hours of formal training — or 5 years with 160 hours, 6 with 80, 7 with 40, or 8 with none; degrees shorten the clock. A master needs at least 1 year as a journeyman, 3 years as a residential HVAC tradesman, or 9 years of experience (18VAC50-30-39).
Washington
Washington has no HVAC contractor license of its own, but the electrical side of HVAC work requires a Labor & Industries specialty electrician certificate. The 06A HVAC/refrigeration specialty isn’t limited by voltage, phase or amperage; the restricted 06B is limited to equipment whose primary connection is 250 volts single-phase or 120 amps or less (WAC 296-46B-920).
Licensed in one state isn’t licensed in the next. Capacity limits, insurance minimums and reciprocity rules all differ, and local governments can add their own. Confirm with the board before you send a crew across a state or county line.
From helper to contractor: a realistic timeline
| When | Milestone | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Month 0–6 | Start as a supervised helper; pass EPA 608 Type I or II | Apprentice exemption, 40 CFR 82.161(a)(2) |
| Month 6–12 | NATE Ready-to-Work or HVAC Support Technician; register as an apprentice or technician where required | NATE; TX, MD, OK, AR, MA rules |
| Year 1–2 | Upgrade to Universal 608 (proctored Core) | EPA |
| Year 2+ | NATE core + specialty; Texas certified technician (24 months) | NATE; TDLR |
| Year 3–4 | Journeyman: OK 3 years; VA 4 years + 240 hours; MD 4 years as apprentice | OAC 158:50; 18VAC50-30-39; Maryland HVACR Board |
| Year 4–5 | Contractor: TX 48 months; FL 4 years (1 as foreman); CA 4 years; GA Class I 4 years; OK 4 years; OH 5 years | TDLR; Fla. Stat. 489.111; CSLB; Ga. Rule 121-3-.04; OCILB |
| Year 5–7 | Master: MD 3 years as a journeyman; NJ master after 4-year apprenticeship + 1 year; GA Class II 5 years | Maryland HVACR Board; NJ HVACR Board; Ga. Rule 121-3-.04 |
How to verify an HVAC license
Before you hire a sub, buy a business or partner on a job, check the license yourself. Every state board offers a free online lookup, for example:
- California: CSLB license check
- Florida: DBPR license search
- Georgia: Secretary of State license verification
- Texas: TDLR license search
Check three things: the license is active, the class covers the equipment size on the job, and the name on the license matches the business on the contract.
Pay by level and state
The BLS reports a median pay of $61,010 a year ($29.33 an hour) for HVAC mechanics and installers in 2025. Employment is projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035 — much faster than average — with about 40,600 openings a year (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook).
| Pay level (May 2025) | Annual wage | Typical credential stage |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Under $40,050 | Helpers and new apprentices |
| 25th percentile | $48,360 | Early-career techs with 608 |
| Median | $61,010 | Experienced service and install techs |
| 75th percentile | $77,060 | Journeymen, NATE-certified and lead techs |
| Top 10% | Over $95,210 | Masters, commercial and refrigeration specialists |
The highest-paying states by median were the District of Columbia ($84,390), Alaska ($77,430), Illinois ($77,410), Massachusetts ($77,300) and Connecticut ($76,610) (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics). The “typical credential stage” column is our guide to where each pay band usually falls, not a BLS figure. Contractor owners aren’t in these numbers at all — their income depends on how many technicians they can bill out.
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What it means for running a shop
- Keep a credential file for every tech. A copy of each 608 card is required at your place of business, and suppliers ask for it before selling refrigerant. Add NATE expiration dates and state license numbers.
- Route by license, not just distance. A Class B shop can’t take a 40-ton rooftop job, an unsupervised helper can’t open a circuit, and in Washington the electrical work needs an 06A or 06B certificate.
- Calendar every renewal. NATE renews every two years; state licenses, Texas technician registrations and Oklahoma continuing education run on their own cycles.
- Know your capacity ceiling before you bid. Check the tonnage and BTU limits in the table above against the equipment on every commercial job.
- Train for A2L now. It isn’t a federal requirement, but a growing share of new equipment uses A2L refrigerants, and the manufacturer’s instructions now drive the install.
- Document the work. Photos of the nameplate, charge readings and the finished install protect you at inspection and on warranty claims.
The bottom line
EPA 608 is the only HVAC credential every refrigerant-handling technician needs in every state, and it’s for life. NATE is optional but valuable. Everything else — technician registration, journeyman and master licenses, and Class A and B contractor limits — is set by your state or city, and neighbors disagree sharply on where the lines fall. Confirm the current rules with your state board before you hire, bid or expand.
FAQ
What are the levels of HVAC certification?
HVAC credentials come in four layers: EPA Section 608 certification (federal, required to handle refrigerant), NATE certification (voluntary industry credential), state technician licenses such as apprentice, journeyman and master in states that license individuals, and state or local contractor licenses that let a business contract for HVAC work.
Do you need EPA 608 certification to work in HVAC?
Yes, if you could open a refrigerant circuit. Federal rules require certification for anyone who attaches or removes gauges, adds or recovers refrigerant, or otherwise breaks the integrity of the circuit. Apprentices are exempt only while closely and continually supervised by a certified technician.
What are the four types of EPA 608 certification?
Type I covers small appliances, Type II covers high- and very high-pressure equipment such as residential split systems and heat pumps, Type III covers low-pressure equipment such as chillers, and Universal covers all three.
What score do you need to pass the EPA 608 exam?
Closed-book Type I, II, III and Universal tests require 70 percent. Type I tests taken in a mail-in format require 84 percent. Each type is a 25-question Core section plus a 25-question type section, and Universal is 100 questions.
Does EPA 608 certification expire?
No. EPA states that Section 608 technician certifications do not expire, although the agency reserves the right to require recertification in the future. Technicians must keep a copy of their certificate at their place of business.
Can you buy refrigerant without EPA 608 certification?
Not for stationary equipment. Only Section 608 certified technicians, or employers who give the wholesaler written proof they employ a certified technician, can buy refrigerant for stationary systems. Section 609 vehicle certification does not qualify.
Do HVAC technicians need a separate A2L certification?
No federal A2L certification exists. A2L refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32 are covered by existing Section 608 certification. A2L safety training from industry groups is recommended, and installers must follow the manufacturer's instructions and local codes.
Is NATE certification required, and how long does it last?
NATE is voluntary, not a government license, though many employers and manufacturer programs prefer it. It must be renewed every two years with 16 continuing education hours or by retaking the specialty exam.
What is the difference between a journeyman and a master HVAC license?
A journeyman is a fully trained technician who usually works under a licensed master or contractor; a master has more experience and can qualify a business. In Maryland, a journeyman needs 4 years as a licensed apprentice and a master needs 3 more years as a journeyman. In Virginia, a master needs at least 1 year as a journeyman.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B HVAC license?
Class A is unlimited and Class B is limited by equipment size. In Texas, Class B covers cooling up to 25 tons and heating up to 1.5 million BTU per hour. In Florida, Class B covers 25 tons of cooling and 500,000 BTU of heating per system. In Arkansas, Class B covers 25 tons and 1,000,000 BTUH per unit.
How long does it take to become an HVAC contractor?
Usually four to five years of experience. Texas requires 48 months, Florida 4 years with at least 1 as a foreman, California 4 years of journey-level experience, Oklahoma 4 years, and Ohio 5 years before the contractor exam.
How much do HVAC technicians make?
The median HVAC mechanic and installer earned $61,010 a year in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent earned under $40,050 and the top 10 percent more than $95,210, and employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Sources: 40 CFR 82.161 and Appendix D to Subpart F; EPA, Types of Technician Certification; EPA, Refrigerant Sales Restriction; 40 CFR 19.4; NATE Guide to Success and policies; ACHR News, FAQs about A2Ls; state statutes, rules and board pages linked in each state section; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and OEWS, May 2025. Requirements change — confirm with your state board before applying.
