Licensing Guides
Indiana HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Indiana
HVAC, INTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Indiana?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Indiana
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 Indiana employs 7,620 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 Indiana, that growth rate is also projected at 8%, 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 Indiana in July 2025 totaled 167,900, a decrease of 1,300 (-0.8%) from July 2024 and an increase of 17,800 (12%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have options 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 comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. In the state of Indiana, licensure is handled at the local level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Indiana
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Indiana? The answer is not a simple yes or no.
Indiana does not issue HVAC licenses at the state level, unlike plumbing contractors and electrical contractors. However, many cities and counties set their own licensing or certification requirements for HVAC contractors. You need to determine the size of your service area and meet the rules of every municipality where you plan to work.
If you’re just starting out as an apprentice, you usually don’t need a license in many parts of the state as long as you work under a licensed contractor. This gives you the opportunity to gain the experience you need to eventually qualify for your own license.
Many licensing boards across the state issue HVAC licenses at the journeyman, master, and contractor level. But because licensing differs by local municipality, variations apply.
You typically need to acquire four to five years of work experience and pass an examination to qualify for a journeyman license. For contractor licenses, you usually need to register your business with the Secretary of State, obtain bonding and insurance, and meet additional qualifications.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Indiana
What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Indiana?
For HVAC Contractors, the licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality. Most jurisdictions don’t require an apprentice in the field to be licensed, but do require they be supervised by a licensed HVAC contractor.
Here are the license types for two of the biggest cities in Indiana: Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis only issues HVACR licenses at the contractor level. You can begin working as an apprentice/trainee without a license as long as you work for a licensed contractor. Indianapolis offers an HVACR license with five classifications:
Air Conditioning “A” – Unrestricted
Air Conditioning “B” – 25 tons cooling/500,000 BTUs heating, boiler pressures not exceeding 15 psig steam and 30 psig water
Air Conditioning “D” – 5 tons cooling/ 300,000 BTUs heating
Refrigeration
High Pressure Steam
The Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners of Indianapolis issues licenses for the city and surrounding Marion County. Licensing requirements are the same for each classification.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
HVACR Contractor
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must provide verification of employment documenting at least five years of experience in the HVACR trade by current and former employers. It must be verified on original letterhead stationery, including dates of employment, and a description of job responsibilities. The five years of experience can also be met with a combination of industry-related education and practical work experience.
Must submit three letters of reference.
Must submit a copy of your EPA certification card.
Must pass a licensing exam.
Must register your business and provide proof of business registration with the Secretary of State.
Must obtain liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance if you have any workers, and a $5,000 surety bond.
Must submit a license application and pay all fees.
Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne issues the following HVAC licenses:
Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Duct Systems Journeyman license
Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Duct Systems Supervisor/Master license (2 classifications)
Air Conditioning A – Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and duct systems, together with refrigerant and fuel lines required, without regard to any BTU limitations. See Restrictions.
Air Conditioning B – Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and duct systems having a heating capacity of 500,000 BTUs or less, and a cooling capacity of 25 tons or less, including fuel and refrigerant lines required (for electric, gas, or oil-fired furnaces).
Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Duct Systems Contractor License
The Allen County Building Department issues HVAC licenses in Fort Wayne and Allen County, similar to those in Indianapolis.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Journeyman:
Must obtain four years and at least 7,000 hours of work experience, either in a formal apprentice program or working for an HVAC contractor. Approved education may account for 1,000 hours.
Must pass a licensing exam.
Must submit a license application and pay all fees.
Supervisor/Master:
Must obtain four years and at least 7,000 hours of work experience as a licensed journeyman.
Must pass a licensing exam based on your classification: Air Conditioning - A, Air Conditioning - B.
Must submit a license application and pay all fees.
Contractor
Must have an HVAC supervisor license or employ someone who does.
Must register your business with the Secretary of State.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Indiana
To recap, licensing requirements in Indiana vary by municipality, but they generally include the following:
You must be at least 18 years of age (Although some high school students can get started younger through their school program).
You must have a high school diploma or GED.
Enroll in an HVAC program or work as an entry-level employee/apprentice for a licensed contractor.
You must obtain four to five years of experience to qualify for a journeyman license.
You must pass a journeyman licensing exam and pay an exam fee.
After gaining additional experience, you can apply for a master license.
You must pass the master licensing exam and pay the exam fee.
If you want to own your business, you need to apply for a contractor license in your local jurisdiction.
Contractors face additional requirements, including registering their business, and obtaining liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and bonding.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Indiana
There are many benefits to getting your Indiana HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is usually required to be licensed to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level, and in some cases 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 Indiana?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Indiana is $62,530, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase 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 Indiana, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,100
Senior (4-7 years): $74,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $87,200
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 Indiana?
The cost to get started is fairly low, as most Indiana jurisdictions don’t require apprentices to be licensed. In most cases, you just need to join an apprenticeship or gain employment with an HVAC contractor.
The Indiana chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association offers an HVAC apprenticeship program in Fort Wayne that costs $1,725 per year.
Once you have met the work experience requirements in Indianapolis, you must pay a license fee of $189 and business registration fee of $124. You’ll also incur fees for taking the licensing exam, as well as obtaining insurance and bonding.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Indiana
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Indiana, becoming an HVAC professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Licensing requirements vary across the state, but in most cases you will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. You typically don’t need to be licensed to start obtaining hands-on experience. You only need to join an apprenticeship program or work for an HVAC service. The good news is you will earn a salary while you sharpen your skills.
In many localities, such as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, you will need to obtain four to five years of work experience before qualifying for initial licensure. Make sure to check the local requirements where you intend to work.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Again, requirements vary across the state. But in most cases, you will need to pass an exam at every stage of the licensing process. In Fort Wayne, you need to pass a licensing exam at the journeyman and master level via Prov Exams and pay a $25 exam fee.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you will need to apply for your license with the professional licensing agency in your area. You will incur an application fee and in some cases additional processing fees.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to pass a background check, detail any criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you want to own an HVAC business, you will likely need to obtain a contractor license. Contractors typically need to meet additional requirements, such as registering the business with the Secretary of State and obtaining insurance and bonding.
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 Indiana?
Requirements vary, but it typically takes around four to five years to qualify for initial licensure. However, you can begin working almost immediately if you join an apprenticeship or gain employment with an HVAC business. After working as a journeyman for two to four years, you can move on to the master or contractor level.
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. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Indiana HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Whether you decide to pursue educational training will ultimately depend on the local regulations where you intend to work. Some areas, such as Indianapolis, allow you to supplement classroom training for a portion of the hands-on work experience.
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). HVAC Excellence has accredited Ivy Tech Community College in 12 locations across the state, including South Bend, Evansville, Terre Haute, and Muncie. There are multiple training programs, including a 60-credit-hour associate of applied science degree.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Indiana
Tuition: Tuition at Indiana Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. For example, the tuition for the AAS degree at Ivy Tech Community College is $10,703 for four semesters.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Indiana. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Plumbers, Pipefitters, and HVAC Service Technicians Local 440 out of Indianapolis or Local 166 serving Northern Indiana.
You can also choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like the Indiana chapter of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
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 Indiana, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Indiana.
Indiana HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Exam details will vary depending where you seek licensure. In most cases, you will take the exam via a testing company like Prometric or Prov Exams. You usually need to meet work experience before applying to take your exam. You’ll also incur an exam fee. Make sure to check local regulations where you plan to work.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Indiana?
The licensing agency where you apply for your license should provide information on exam details. In many cases, you can download a candidate bulletin that provides more details for taking the exam.
The exams often cover the details of the trade like:
General Knowledge
Systems & Sizing
Equipment
Piping
Refrigeration Systems
Electrical
Maintenance
Plan Reading, Estimating & Math
Exams also frequently cover the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Indiana?
There is no statewide agency in the state of Indiana that issues licenses to HVAC contractors. Rather, the state defers to local jurisdictions to handle the licensing to ensure the safety of the public. However, Indiana does issue electrical and plumbing licenses at the state level.
Does My Indiana HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Because there is no statewide licensing for HVAC professionals in Indiana, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states. However, some states will waive exam requirements if your license requirements are greater to or equal to those in the state. That’s why it’s important to check local licensing regulations.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Indiana?
Licensing in Indiana occurs at the local level, not the state level. You may find, however, that some Indiana counties have reciprocal agreements with other counties. You’ll need to be diligent in checking what the local jurisdictions require to practice your craft legally.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Indiana, 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 Indiana
As with licensing requirements, renewal requirements for HVAC professionals are mandated at the local level. To keep your locally issued license current, many cities and counties require you to renew it yearly or every two years. Often there is a renewal fee associated with renewing your license.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Indiana?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Indiana. Options include:
Indiana Career Scholarship Account (CSA): Provides $5,000 annually in career-based scholarship funding to high school students in grades 10-12 for apprenticeship programs, including HVAC.
Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant: Pays the tuition and mandatory fees for eligible high-value certificate programs at Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, Indiana Institute of Technology, or other approved providers.
EGIA Foundation HVAC HERO Scholarship: Awards $2,500 annually to support HVAC-related tuition at accredited institutions.
There are several apprentice scholarships offered through trade organizations. The Indiana Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association lists several on its website.
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry, too. The application period runs from January until May 1, and then the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Indiana?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Indiana by visiting the local licensing agency’s website. Most include an online license lookup tool that makes the process quick and easy. In Indianapolis, the city publishes a list of HVACR contractors who are currently licensed.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Indiana?
A suspended HVACR license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Indiana HVACR 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 Indiana HVAC license regulations, visit your local licensing agency.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Indiana?
Because licensing is left to the local level, penalties vary across the state.
In Indianapolis, performing unlicensed HVAC work can result in steep penalties or even misdemeanor criminal charges. A first violation results in a minimum penalty of $250, and fines increase for each subsequent violation. The city can also order that work stop until proper licensing or permits are obtained.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Indiana HVAC license regulations, visit your local licensing agency.
Continuing Education
Some jurisdictions require continuing education to renew a license. Check with your local government agency to ensure you know what requirements you must satisfy to renew your license.
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.
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