Licensing Guides
Idaho HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Professional in Idaho
HVAC, IDTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Idaho?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Idaho
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Idaho employs 3,570 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Idaho, that growth rate is projected at 27%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Idaho in July 2025 totaled 78,000, an increase of 6,100 (8.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 22,900 (42%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Idaho licensure is uniform statewide, beginning at the apprentice level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Idaho
In Idaho, you must be licensed to legally perform heating, air conditioning and refrigeration work of any kind. The state registers or licenses every level of this workforce, including HVAC apprentices, journeymen, and contractors. The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) in Boise issues licenses for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors.
Licensing requirements include meeting work experience requirements, passing an exam, and paying all fees. Contractors must also obtain a compliance bond of at least $2,000.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Idaho
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Idaho?
There are three main types of HVAC licenses in Idaho:
HVAC Apprentice — Works under the direct supervision of a licensed HVAC journeyman or contractor to gain practical experience and complete required training hours.
HVAC Journeyman — Performs installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. They can work independently but under the general supervision of an HVAC contractor.
HVAC Contractor — Allows the contractor to own and operate an HVAC business, train apprentices, and supervise journeymen.
Idaho also has four Specialty HVAC license categories at the journeyman and contractor level. They include:
Hearth: Install hearth appliances and the associated gas lines.
Waste Oil: Install non-duct-connected waste oil heaters. Waste oil heating specialty journeymen are limited to the maintenance, installation, and repair of the equipment, controls, and piping directly associated with the waste oil heater, tank, and burner only. Any plumbing, electrical, ducting, venting, or associated equipment beyond the waste oil heater, tank, and burner must be installed by others.
Fuel Gas Piping: Install fuel gas piping only, not the final termination. Appliances and the associated gas piping, chimney, and vents must be installed by others.
LP Gas Limited Heating: Installs, maintains, services and repairs LP gas-fired appliances, LP fuel gas piping and related exhaust venting. This definition of specialty-limited heating excludes boilers, hydronic systems, ducted forced-air systems, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, systems with a BTU input rating over 300,000, solid fuel and electric fueled systems.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
HVAC Apprentice Registration
Be at least 18 years of age; or
Be at least 16 years of age and provide proof of registration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or be employed by an HVAC Contractor that is an approved STRAP (School to Registered Apprenticeship Program) provider and have completed the STRAP agreement with the Idaho Department of Labor.
Must have a Social Security number and driver ’s license.
Work under the supervision of a certified HVAC journeyman or contractor.
Submit the registration application and pay a $20 license registration fee.
HVAC Journeyman License
Successfully complete a board-approved four-year apprenticeship of at least 8,000 hours work experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction as a registered HVAC apprentice.
Any HVAC apprentice who successfully completes a board-approved, full-time, one academic-year HVAC training course may receive credit for up to one year of on-the-job work experience.
Must have a Social Security number and driver’s license.
Work under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor.
Pass the Idaho HVAC journeyman’s exam and pay the $75 exam fee.
Submit the license application and pay the $35 processing fee.
HVAC Contractor License
Must show proof of working as a licensed journeyman for at least 24 months.
Must have a Social Security number and driver’s license.
Pass the Idaho HVAC contractor’s exam and pay the $75 exam fee.
Submit the license application and pay the $35 processing fee and $225 license fee.
Submit proof of a compliance bond of $2,000 effective for the duration of the contractor licensing period.
HVAC Specialty Journeyman
Hearth
Must obtain a minimum of one year experience working in the trade or as a registered HVAC apprentice or registered HVAC specialty apprentice making installations under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or qualified HVAC specialty journeyman.
Successfully complete a board-approved training course(s), such as the National Fireplace Institute program and a minimum of 60 hours of education in fuel gas code and piping installation methods.
Waste Oil
Must obtain a minimum of one year of experience installing waste oil heating under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or HVAC Waste Oil Heating specialty journeyman.
Applicants for certification as HVAC waste oil specialty journeymen must successfully complete a waste oil burner manufacturers certification or examination as approved by the board.
Fuel Gas Piping
Must obtain a minimum of one year experience working in the trade or as a registered HVAC apprentice or registered HVAC specialty apprentice making installations under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or qualified HVAC specialty journeyman.
Successfully complete a board-approved training course(s) of at least 60 hours of education in fuel gas code and piping installation methods.
Successfully complete an examination designated by the board.
LP Limited Heating
Complete 120 hours of instruction approved by the board of professional-technical education in LP gas specialty education.
Complete two years of experience working in the trade or as a registered HVAC apprentice or registered HVAC specialty apprentice making HVAC installations under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or qualified HVAC specialty journeyman.
Successfully complete an examination designated by the board.
HVAC Specialty Contractor License
Must show proof of working as a licensed specialty journeyman for at least 24 months.
Must have a Social Security number and driver’s license.
Pass the Idaho HVAC contractor’s exam and pay the $75 exam fee.
Submit the license application and pay the $35 processing fee and $225 license fee.
Submit proof of a compliance bond of $2,000 effective for the duration of the contractor licensing period.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Idaho
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Register for an apprentice program or gain employment with an HVAC business.
Complete a four-year apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor. You must also acquire 576 hours of classroom instruction.
Pass the journeyman license exam.
Work indefinitely as a journeyman or, after working for two years, apply for a contractor license.
Pass the contractor license examination.
Obtain a compliance bond of at least $2,000.
Pay all application and exam fees.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Idaho
There are many benefits to getting your Idaho HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Idaho to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level, beginning as an apprentice.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Idaho?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Idaho is $58,150, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Idaho, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,300
Senior (4-7 years): $73,200
Supervisor (>7 years): $86,100
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Idaho?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Idaho is fairly low. The fee to register as an apprentice is only $20. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
If you intend to substitute some of your on-the-job training with formal education, expect to pay around $3,634 per year for in-state students and $7,627 for out-of-state students at an Idaho community college.
The College of Western Idaho offers an HVAC apprenticeship program to prepare students for a journeyman license. The program is $365 per quarter or $1,450 for the full series.
Once you’ve obtained the required experience for your license type, you’ll incur the following fees:
Journeyman: $35 license fee | $75 exam fee
Contractor: $35 processing | $225 license fee | $75 exam fee
Fees for specialty journeyman and contractor licenses are the same as the regular classifications.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Idaho
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In the state of Idaho, joining the HVAC industry isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: To register as an apprentice, you will need to be at least 18 years of age or at least 16 years of age and provide proof of registration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, or be employed by an HVAC Contractor that is an approved STRAP (School to Registered Apprenticeship Program) provider and have completed the STRAP agreement with the Idaho Department of Labor.
The working experience and training requirements for each license type include:
Journeyman: Must obtain 8,000 hours work experience and 576 hours of classroom instruction
Specialty Journeyman:
Hearth: Must obtain one year of experience as a registered apprentice and complete a 60-hour training course.
Waste Oil: One year of work experience installing waste oil heating under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or HVAC Waste Oil Heating specialty journeyman.
Fuel Gas Piping: Must obtain a minimum of one year experience working in the trade or as a registered HVAC apprentice or registered HVAC specialty apprentice making installations under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or qualified HVAC specialty journeyman. Must complete a 60-hour training course.
LP Limited Heating: Must obtain one year experience as a registered HVAC apprentice or registered HVAC specialty apprentice making installations under the supervision of a qualified HVAC journeyman or qualified HVAC specialty journeyman.
HVAC Contractor: Must obtain 24 months of work experience as a licensed journeyman.
HVAC Specialty Contractor: Must obtain 24 months of work experience as a licensed specialty journeyman.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS) administers all HVAC licensing exams. To schedule, call (800) 955-3044 at least two business days prior to the date you would like to test. There are limited seats for each test, and you may not receive your initial choice.
The exam for each type of license costs $75, and all of them are open-book.
SUBMIT APPLICATION AND PAY FEES: After passing the required examination you can apply for licensure. You have the option to apply online or print out the application and mail it to the DOPL.
DOPL contact information:
11341 W Chinden Blvd.
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0063
Phone number: (208) 334-3233
Website: dopl.idaho.gov
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If seeking a contractor license, you’ll need to obtain a compliance bond in the amount of at least $2,000.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Idaho?
It will take a minimum of four years to qualify for a journeyman license and an additional two years to qualify for a contractor license. Specialty journeyman licenses typically require less experience, as these license holders perform limited functions. Specialty contractors must obtain two years of experience after obtaining a journeyman license, totaling six years.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Idaho HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Idaho requires HVAC professionals to begin their career journey in a registered apprenticeship, you don’t need formal education. However, you can substitute one year of formal education for practical work experience. Additionally, you may decide to take educational training to build your knowledge base and make yourself more marketable.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). The College of Southern Idaho offers an HVAC Excellence-accredited program at its campus in Twin Falls. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston also offers an accredited program.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Idaho
Tuition: Tuition at Idaho Community Colleges averages $3,634 per year for in-state students and $7,627 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Idaho. For example, North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene offers a federally approved HVAC Apprenticeship program consisting of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a local HVAC company. You can find apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED. Or, you can begin at age 16 if you join STRAP (School to Registered Apprenticeship Program ) apprenticeship.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Idaho, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Idaho.
Idaho HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The Division of Building Safety administers all HVAC licensing exams. To schedule an exam, call (800) 955-3044 at least two business days before your preferred date. Seats are limited, so you may not get your first choice. Each exam costs $75, and all exams are open-book.
How Can I Prepare for The HVAC License Exam in Idaho?
The following is a list of approved reference materials. You will need to bring your own copies. The exams are available in the 2018 code books. You will need to let your scheduler know which exam you intend to take.
Current Idaho HVAC Statutes and Rules (available online or at a DBS office)
Division of Building Safety Contractor’s Business and Law Reference Manual (available online or at a DBS office)
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Fuel Gas Code
Exam locations include Blackfoot, Boise, and Coeur d’ Alene.
Time limits for each exam include:
Idaho HVAC Contractor’s Exam — 4 hours
Idaho HVAC Journeyman’s Exam — 4 hours
Idaho HVAC Hearth Specialty Journeyman’s Exam — 3 hours
Idaho HVAC Waste Oil Specialty Journeyman’s Exam — 2 hours
Idaho HVAC Fuel Gas Piping Specialty Journeyman’s Exam — 2 hours
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Idaho?
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) issues licenses for HVAC professionals.
Does My Idaho HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Idaho doesn’t have reciprocal agreements with other states. However, some states may allow you to skip the licensing exam if your training is equal to or greater than the training requirements in that state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Idaho?
There are no reciprocal agreements with other states for Idaho HVAC workers.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Idaho, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Idaho
HVAC licenses expire every year in Idaho and must be renewed. There are different fees associated with the different licenses.
HVAC Apprentice: $20
HVAC Journey/Specialty Journeyman: $75
HVAC Contractor/Specialty Contractor: $150
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Idaho?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Idaho. Options include:
Idaho LAUNCH: This state grant program covers 80% of tuition and fees (up to $8,000) for eligible training programs at approved Idaho institutions.
College of Western Idaho: Offers various scholarships to students in technical programs, including HVAC.
North Idaho College: Offers scholarships (up to $1,850 per year) for students enrolled in the school’s HVAC program.
Teens 2 Trades: In Partnership with College of Western Idaho, high school students can receive up to $5,000 that can be used for books, tools, supplies, or any other expenses to enhance their college experience.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Idaho?
The DOPL maintains an online database that makes it easy to search for an HVAC licensee. Once you navigate to the site, you can search by name, business name, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Idaho?
A suspended HVAC license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Idaho HVAC licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Idaho HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official DOPL Statues, Rules, and Guidance.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Idaho?
Performing HVACR/Mechanical work in Idaho without a license can result in a $1,000 fine per occurrence, misdemeanor charges, and up to six months in jail. The DOPL can also petition the courts to restrain by injunction any person found to be performing work without a license, meaning a court can order the person to stop performing that work temporarily or permanently.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Idaho HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official DOPL Statues, Rules, and Guidance.
Continuing Education
Idaho does not currently require continuing education to renew an HVAC journeyman or contractor license. However, HVAC apprentices with a registration expiring on or after 7/31/2021 must show proof that they completed one year of HVAC apprenticeship school during their registration cycle or proof of enrollment for the upcoming school year to renew for another year. If apprentices cannot provide proof of completion or enrollment, they may renew by submitting eight hours of HVAC continuing education credits.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
