Licensing Guides
Virginia HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Virginia
HVAC, VA
March 5th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Virginia?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Virginia
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Virginia?
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 Virginia employs 13,640 of them. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding 34,500 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Virginia, that growth rate is expected to be at 6%, 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 industry employment in Virginia in July 2025 totaled 229,500, an increase of 10,100 (5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 22,200 (11%) from February 2020. 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, HVAC 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. Virginia has statewide licensure requirements beginning at the HVAC journeyman level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Virginia
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical contractor in Virginia? Yes.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, journeyman tradesmen, master tradesmen, and contractors working in the HVAC field must hold a state license. The Virginia Board for Contractors within the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues journeyman and master licenses for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; gas fitting; liquefied petroleum gas fitter; and natural gas fitter provider.
The board also issues licenses for contractors and other trade professionals, including electricians and plumbers.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Virginia
What are the different types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in Virginia? There are five types of HVAC-related tradesman licenses and three types of contractor licenses.
Journeyman and Master Licenses
Residential HVAC Tradesman License (HVAC) — For HVAC work in residences as defined in the Virginia Residential Code. This does not include work in commercial, industrial, institutional, or government-use structures. Note: This new license began on April 1, 2025 as an additional pathway for those seeking to work as HVAC mechanics.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning License (HVA) — For the installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of heating systems, ventilating systems, cooling systems, steam and hot water heating systems, boilers, process piping, backflow prevention devices, and mechanical refrigeration systems, including tanks incidental to the system.
Gas Fitting License (GFC) — For the installation, repair, improvement, or removal of industrial gas, fuel gas, gaseous hydrogen, liquefied petroleum or natural gas piping, tanks, chimneys and vents, direct vents, equipment, and appliances annexed to real property.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Fitter License (LPG) — For the installation, repair, improvement, alterations, or removal of piping, liquefied petroleum gas tanks and appliances annexed to real property. This license does not permit work relating to hot water heaters, boilers, and central heating systems that requires an HVA or plumbing license.
Natural Gas Fitter Provider License (NGF) — For the repair, testing, or removal of natural gas piping or fitting annexed to real property. This license does not permit the installation of gas piping for hot water heaters, boilers, central heating systems, or other natural gas equipment that requires an HVA or plumbing license.
Contractor Licenses
Contractor license classifications are based on the monetary value of contracts.
Class A Contractor License — A contractor is an individual who, for a fixed price, commission, fee, or percentage, bids, orders, or contracts to perform or manage work for the designated business classification, such as HVAC or gas fitting. A Class A License is for a single contract or project value of $150,000 or more, or a total value of $1 million or more within a 12-month period.
Class B Contractor License — A Class B License is for a single contract or project value of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, or a total value of $250,000 or more but less than $1 million within a 12-month period.
Class C Contractor License — A Class C License is for a single contract or project value of more than $1,000 but less than $30,000, or a total value of less than $250,000 within a 12-month period.
Specific requirements must be met.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Residential HVAC Tradesman License
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet one of the following training/work experience requirements to qualify for the exam:
Two years of practical experience and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Three years of practical experience and 120 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Four years of practical experience and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Five years of practical experience and 40 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Six or more years of practical experience in the trade.
Submit a residential HVAC tradesman application to the Board for Contractors. Pay the $150 application fee.
Once your application is approved, pass the residential HVAC tradesman exam. The PSI exam fee is $100.
Receive your Residential HVAC Tradesman License. Renew your license every three years.
The Virginia journeyman licensing requirements are similar for the HVAC-related classifications listed above.
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet one of the following training/work experience requirements to qualify for the exam:
Four years of practical experience and 240 hours of formal vocational training in the trade. (Liquefied petroleum gas fitters and natural gas fitter providers may have four years of practical experience and 80 hours of formal vocational training).
Five years of practical experience and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Six years of practical experience and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Seven or more years of practical experience and 40 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Eight years of practical experience in the trade.
Earn an associate’s degree or certificate of completion from at least a two-year program in a tradesman-related field from an accredited community college or technical school, and two years of practical trade experience.
Earn a Bachelor's degree or certificate of completion from an accredited college or university in an engineering curriculum related to the trade and one year of practical trade experience.
Submit an individual tradesman application to the Board for Contractors. Pay the $150 application fee.
Once your application is approved, pass the journeyman exam for your license designation. The PSI exam fee is $100.
Receive your journeyman license. Renew your license every three years.
Meet one of the following work experience requirements to qualify for the exam:
One year of practical experience as a licensed journeyman in the trade.
Three years of practical experience as a licensed residential HVAC tradesman.
Nine years of practical experience in the trade.
Submit a master tradesman application to the Board for Contractors. Pay the $150 application fee.
Once your application is approved, pass the master exam for your license designation. The PSI exam fee is $125.
Receive your master license. Renew your license every three years.
Obtain your master-level license.
The business must meet net worth requirements based on the license classification.
Class A: Document $45,000 in net worth/equity.
Class B: Document $15,000 in net worth/equity.
Class C: No net worth or equity requirements.
The designated employee or member of responsible management must complete a board-approved pre-licensure education course.
Identify a qualified individual who holds a license in the specific designation, such as HVAC or gas fitting. The individual’s minimum years of experience depends on the license classification.
Class A: Five years of experience.
Class B: Three years of experience.
Class C: One year of experience.
For Class A and B licenses, a designated employee must have passed the appropriate contractor exam. The Class A License requires passing the advanced, general, and Virginia exam. The PSI exam fee is $85 for the three portions. The Class B License requires the passing of the general and Virginia exam. The PSI exam fee is $72 for two portions.
For Class A and B licenses, complete a financial statement form, a review/audit by a certified public accountant, or a surety bond form showing the business has obtained a $50,000 surety bond.
Complete and submit a contractor license application, supporting documents, and initial license fee to the Board for Contractors. The initial license fee depends on the license classification.
Class A: $425
Class B: $405
Class C: $260
Receive your HVAC contractor license. Renew the license every two years.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Virginia
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet the minimum experience requirements for either a residential HVAC tradesman or a journeyman level license. There are several different combinations of years of practical experience and vocational training (listed above).
Submit a completed tradesman application to the Virginia Board for Contractors. Pay the $150 application fee.
Once the board approves your application, take and pass the Residential HVAC Tradesman exam or a journeyman exam in the appropriate license designation. The PSI exam fee is $100 for either exam.
Receive your license. Renew your license every three years.
To apply for a master level license, you must work at least one year as a licensed journeyman, work three years as a licensed residential HVAC tradesman, or have nine years of practical trade experience.
Submit a completed tradesman application to the Board for Contractors. Pay the $150 application fee.
Once the board approves your application, take and pass the master exam in the appropriate license designation. The PSI exam fee is $125.
Receive your master level license. Renew your license every three years.
To become a contractor, a designated employee or member of responsible management must complete a board-approved pre-licensure education course.
Identify a qualified individual who holds a license in the specific designation and meets work experience requirements, which range from one to five years, based on the license classification.
The designated employee must pass a contractor exam. PSI exam fees vary from $72 to $85 based on the license classification.
Complete a financial statement form, a review/audit by a certified public accountant, or a surety bond form showing the business has obtained a $50,000 surety bond.
Complete an application and submit it to the Virginia Board for Contractors with supporting documents and the initial license fee, which vary from $260 to $425 based on the license classification.
Receive contractor license. Renew the license every two years.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Virginia
There are many benefits to getting your Virginia HVAC journeyman, master, or contractor license.
Most importantly, Virginia law requires journeymen and master tradesmen and contractors to obtain a license to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
A Virginia contractor license is proof to homeowners of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can operate a business and advertise HVAC services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and 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 Virginia?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Virginia is $61,260, 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 Virginia, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,500
Senior (4-7 years): $78,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $91,900
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 Virginia?
The cost to become a contractor in Virginia is fairly low. If you start as an apprentice, programs have different tuition costs, books fees, and tool fees, but much of the costs are absorbed by your employer or union.
A residential HVAC tradesman, journeyman, or master license application to the Virginia Board for Contractors costs $150. The exams are administered by PSI. The residential HVAC tradesman journeyman exam costs $100, the journeyman exam costs $100, and the master exam costs $125.
For a contractor license, a designated employee or member of responsible management must complete a board-approved pre-licensure education course. Fees vary based on the provider.
In addition, Class A and B contractor license applicants must identify a qualified individual to pass a contractor exam administered by PSI. The exam costs $85 for the three-part exam for the Class A License and $72 for a two-part exam for the Class B License. The initial contractor license fee varies from $260 to $425 based on the license classification. Contractors also will pay additional costs relating to obtaining a surety bond and other business licensing requirements.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Virginia
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In Virginia, becoming an HVAC contractor isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Those starting out may choose to meet either the residential HVAC tradesman work experience requirements or the journeyman level work experience requirements. Residential HVAC tradesmen obtain eligibility to take the exam after completing a minimum of two years of years of practical experience and 160 hours of formal vocational training. Journeymen may have a minimum of four years of practical experience and 240 hours of vocational training (with the exception of journeyman liquefied petroleum gas fitters and natural gas fitter providers, who may have four years of experience and 80 hours vocational training). A full list of experience and training combinations is listed above in the license requirement section.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: If you’re applying for the Residential HVAC Tradesman License, download and complete the residential tradesman exam and license application. If you’re applying for the journeyman license, download and complete the tradesman exam and license application. For both types of licenses, mail the application, experience verification forms, and the $150 application fee to:
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400 Richmond, VA 23233-1485
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once the Board for Contractors approves your application, take and pass the residential HVAC tradesman exam or the journeyman level exam in your designated license classification with PSI. The cost for the residential HVAC tradesman exam or journeyman level exam is $100. The Board for Contractors provides more information on its “Education and Exams” tab on the Tradesman Program page. PSI also provides detailed exam information in its candidate information bulletin.
APPLY FOR MASTER LICENSE: Once you’ve worked one year as a licensed journeyman, three years as a licensed residential HVAC tradesman, or nine years in the trade, you can apply to take the master level exam. Download and complete the tradesman exam and license application. Mail the application, experience verification forms, and the $150 application fee to the address listed above.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once the Board for Contractors approves your application, take and pass the master level exam in your designated license classification with PSI. The cost for a master level exam is $125. The Board for Contractors provides more information on its “Education and Exams” tab on the Tradesman Program page. PSI also provides detailed exam information in its candidate information bulletin.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To obtain a contractor license, you must hold a master-level license. Complete the following before you submit your contractor application:
A designated employee or member of responsible management must complete a board-approved pre-licensure education course. The Board for Contractors provides detailed information on the “Education and Exams” tab on its contractor page.
For Class A and B license applicants, a qualified individual meeting work experience requirements must pass the appropriate contractor exam with PSI. The Class A License requires passing the advanced, general, and Virginia exam. The exam costs $85. The Class B License requires the passing of the general and Virginia exam. The exam costs $72. PSI provides detailed exam information in its candidate information bulletin.
For Class A and B license applicants, choose one option to show proof of financial responsibility. Download and complete a financial verification form, or include a review/audit by a certified public accountant, or complete a surety bond form. Class A applicants must document $45,000 in net worth/equity and Class B applicants must document $15,000 in net worth/equity.
Download and complete the contractor firm license application. Mail the application, contractor experience verification forms, required documentation, and initial license fee to the address listed above. Initial license fee is $425 for Class A, $405 for Class B, and $260 for Class C.
The Board for Contractors provides application instructions and answers to frequently asked questions on its tradesman page. The board provides a step-by-step guide to contractor licensure and answers to frequently asked questions on its contractor page.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. 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 Virginia?
It will take a minimum of two years to obtain the required work experience to become a residential HVAC tradesman in Virginia. To become a journeyman HVAC tradesman, it will take a minimum of four years. Both licenses require educational training in addition to work experience. The state also permits applicants to have more years of work experience and fewer hours of educational training (the complete requirements are listed above in the license requirement section).
The great news is that if you start as an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you become a licensed journeyman. Your wages increase again when you obtain 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.
Virginia HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Virginia requires journeymen to obtain work experience, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. The state also requires pre-license vocational training from board-approved schools or courses.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVACR programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has several accredited programs in Virginia. They include:
PAHRA does not have an accredited program in the state.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Virginia.
Tuition: Tuition at Virginia Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. In-state tuition is $168.30 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition is $385.40 per credit hour.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship program opportunities for HVACR work exist in Virginia. Apprenticeship opportunities include:
Apprentice positions on job listing sites such as Indeed or Zip Recruiter
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 to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Virginia, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Virginia.
Virginia HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
In Virginia, HVAC tradesmen must submit an application to the Board of Contractors to receive preapproval to take the exam. The qualifying party for a Class A or Class B contractor’s license must also take an exam, but they do not need preapproval and may take the exam before submitting the license application. Exams are administered by PSI.
Exam costs are as follows:
Residential HVAC tradesman exam: $100
Journeyman level exam: $100
Master level exam: $125
Class A contractor license exam: $85
Class B contractor license exam: $72
The exams are open book with approved references. Those who do not pass the first time may reschedule within two business days. PSI has 12 exam site locations throughout the state.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Virginia?
PSI provides detailed exam information in its Virginia individual license and certification candidate information bulletin and contractor examination candidate information bulletin. This includes approved references for each exam.
The residential HVAC tradesman exam consists of 55 questions and has a 120-minute time limit. A passing score is 39. The journeyman HVAC license exam and the master HVAC license exam consists of 85 questions and has a 210-minute time limit. The journeyman exam passing score is 60 and the master exam passing score is 64. Subjects for all three exams include:
Standards of practice
Standards of conduct
Renewal and reinstatement
Definitions
Qualification for licensure
Warm air heating
Ventilation systems
Air conditioning systems
Duct systems
Chimneys, flues, and vents
Hot water piping
Combustion air
Controls/low voltage
Fuel oil piping and storage
Insulation
Refrigerants
Refrigerant piping
Chilled and condenser water piping
Firestopping/penetration inspection
The journeyman and master HVAC exam include the additional subjects of revocation of licensure, boilers, and commercial kitchen venting.
The journeyman and master gasfitter exam, liquified petroleum gasfitter exam, and natural gas fitter exam have 50 questions and a 150-minute time limit. The journeyman exam passing score is 35 and the master exam passing score is 37. Subjects for these exams include:
Standards of practice
Standards of conduct
Renewal and reinstatement
Definitions
Qualification for licensure
Revocation of licensure
Natural and LP gas piping
Pipe sizing
Gas piping controls
Testing
The journeyman and master gasfitter exam and liquified petroleum gasfitter exam include the additional subject of liquified petroleum gas tanks.
The Class A contractor exam consists of three parts, the Virginia, general, and advanced portions. The Class B contractor exam covers the Virginia and general portions and does not include the advanced portion.
The Virginia portion consists of 24 questions and has a 48-minute time limit. A passing score is 18. The general portion consists of 50 questions and has a 100-minute time limit. A passing score is 35. The advanced portion consists of 24 questions and has a 60-minute time limit. A passing score is 17.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Virginia?
The Virginia Board for Contractors within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation issues tradesman and contractor licenses. The board office may be contacted by phone at (804) 367-2785, the licensing section at (804) 367-8511, or the education section at (804) 367-2224, or by email at tradesmen@dpor.virginia.gov.
The board’s mailing address is:
Board for Contractors Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation 9960 Mayland Drive Richmond, VA 23233
Does My Virginia HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, the state of Maryland has a reciprocity agreement with Virginia for journeyman and master HVAC tradesmen. This means HVAC tradesmen holding a Virginia license may submit a Maryland HVACR license reciprocity application and obtain a Maryland license without taking an exam if they meet the requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Virginia?
Virginia has reciprocity agreements with Maryland for journeyman and master HVAC tradesmen. The state also has a reciprocity agreement for gas fitters with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in Maryland.
This means if you hold a license from these jurisdictions, you may be eligible for an exam waiver in Virginia. You’ll still need to apply for the Virginia license, meet HVAC license requirements, and follow the licensing process. The reciprocity requirements are detailed in Virginia’s tradesman license application and include submitting a certifications of licensure/letter of good standing prepared by the out-of-state licensing board.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Virginia, 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, this is 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 add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Virginia
The Board for Contractors provides detailed information about licensing on its tradesman program page and contractor page. The board lists all the forms on these pages.
Virginia HVAC and licensing laws may be found in the Code of Virginia Chapter 11 of Title 54.1 and Virginia Administrative Code Title 18 Chapter 22 and Title 18 Chapter 30. Additional regulations may be found in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Virginia?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Virginia. HVACR or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute — Rees Scholarship Foundation
G3 Scholarship for air conditioning and refrigeration
Virginia Peninsula Community College Educational Foundation Scholarship
In addition, 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. The application period runs from January until May 1, after which the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Virginia?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Virginia license through the DPOR License Lookup page. Search by:
License type
License number
Name
Address
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Virginia?
A suspended HVAC license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. A license may be suspended or revoked in Virginia for many reasons, including:
Failing to comply with Virginia law or regulations.
Furnishing substantially inaccurate or incomplete information to the board in obtaining, renewing, reinstating, or maintaining a license.
Negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of the licensed profession.
Failing to complete contracted work or the retention or misapplication of funds.
Practicing in a classification or specialty for which the individual is not licensed or certified.
Failing to obtain a required building permit or inspection. Failing to comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Failing to perform a residential building energy analysis.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Virginia HVAC license regulations, refer to Virginia Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Virginia?
Performing HVAC work in Virginia without a license is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This charge carries a penalty of a $2,500 fine and/or up to one year in jail. In addition, contractors who work without a license or without the proper class of license will face fines up to $500 a day for each day of violation.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Virginia HVAC license regulations, refer to Virginia Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
All tradesmen in Virginia must complete board-approved continuing education before renewing their licenses. Licenses for HVAC tradesmen, gas fitters, liquefied petroleum gas fitters, and natural gas fitter providers expire every three years.
Those with HVAC licenses must complete three hours of continuing education before renewing their licenses. Those with gasfitting licenses must complete one hour of continuing education before renewing. The Board for Contractors lists approved continuing education courses and schools under its “Education and Exams” tab on the tradesman program page.
Tradesmen may renew licenses online. The board lists renewal information in its “Forms and Applications” section on the tradesman program page. License renewal fees are as follows:
Tradesman license: $160
Liquefied petroleum gas fitter license: $110
Natural gas fitter provider license: $110
Contractor licenses expire every two years. There are no continuing education requirements for contracting businesses, but those with individual tradesman licenses must complete continuing education requirements before renewing their licenses.
Contractors may renew online or by mail. The board lists renewal information in its “Forms and Applications” section on the contractor page. License renewal fees are as follows:
Class A: $270
Class B: $260
Class C: $220
Contractors must also pay a $30 recovery fund assessment with the contractor license renewal.
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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