How to become a licensed HVAC technician

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) jobs are the kinds that are likely to always be in high demand. People like to be comfortable, products need to be kept at certain temperatures, and air quality matters for health.

Learn what a licensed HVAC technician does and find out what steps you need to take to become one.

What does a licensed HVAC technician do?

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating systems, ventilation units, and air conditioning systems. They generally do not work behind a desk but travel between job sites for most of their hands-on work experience.

While the work can be challenging at times, as you may be working in hot or cold environments without functioning heat or air conditioning, the results can be rewarding.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC technicians earn an annual median salary of $57,300 as of May 2023.

Steps to become a licensed HVAC technician

The steps to becoming a licensed HVAC technician may vary depending on where you live and your goals.

However, here are some common steps that aspiring HVAC technicians follow to become professionals in the field:

Step 1: Ensure you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent

Becoming a licensed HVAC technician does not require a college degree. The only formal educational requirement for most HVAC technician programs is a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) equivalent.

Step 2: Enroll in a licensed HVAC technician program

With your prerequisites satisfied, enrolling in a licensed HVAC technician training program is next. These programs are where you'll learn the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Expect a healthy mix of in-class time and in-the-field practical exercises to help you fully grasp and master the concepts.

Just make sure that the program you choose is licensed and accredited.

Step 3: Complete an apprenticeship (optional)

Depending on your state, you may or may not be required to complete an apprenticeship working under a skilled HVAC technician. While not mandatory in some states, it may still be something worth doing, as the on-the-job experience you'll learn may help to set you up for a long and successful career.

If you choose to complete an apprenticeship (or are required to), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not require you to hold any refrigerant certifications during your apprenticeship. You will need to acquire these when you begin to work independently, but as long as you're working closely under a licensed HVAC technician, that step can wait.

Step 4: Acquire the necessary EPA certifications

Once you've completed your schooling, the EPA requires HVAC technicians to have certain certifications to work with refrigerants. Since a large part of HVAC work deals with air conditioning and refrigeration — and the potentially dangerous chemicals inherent to the industry — these certifications are necessary to advance in this career field. You'll need to take a Section 608 Technician Certification test administered by an EPA official to earn this certification.

There are four different types of certifications based on the type of refrigerant equipment on which you plan to work:

• Choose Type I if you want to service small appliances.
• Choose Type II if you want to service or dispose of high-pressure or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and MVACs.
• Choose Type III if you want to service or dispose of low-pressure appliances.
• Choose Universal if you want to service any and all types of equipment.

You do not need any of these certifications until you begin working independently, so if you complete an apprenticeship first, you can become certified afterward.

Step 5: Acquire any state-specific licensing requirements

Lastly, you'll want to research if your state has any specific licensing requirements for HVAC technicians that you'll need to acquire. The EPA certifications satisfy the federal requirements, but each state may have additional licensing requirements necessary.

An exception to keep in mind

Be aware that some states may allow you to skip parts of this process if you have a mechanical engineering degree. For example, Texas allows HVAC technicians seeking a contractor's license to bypass the apprenticeship and schooling steps if they hold this degree.

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