How to Get HVAC Technician & Contractors License in Texas

Do you want to open a HVAC business in Texas and need a HVAC contractor license? If YES, here is guide on how to get a HVAC technician license in Texas. It is mandatory for HVAC technicians that want to practice In the united states of America to acquire the needed license before they can be permitted to operate. There are steps to follow if you want to secure your HVAC business license in the state of Texas;

Getting Your HVAC Contractor License in Texas

Texas is also one of the states that makes it mandatory for anyone who wants to work as HVAC technician or run a HVAC company to apply and obtain a HVAC license. HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors Advisory Board.

Please note that there are two classes of license which determine the size of the units you can work with. Aside from meeting the basic requirements as stated above, in order to qualify to sit for the exam and obtain your license;

• You must have at least four years of practical experience in HVAC in the past six years, under the supervision of a licensed technician.
• Education can be substituted for some years of experience with a four-year degree in air conditioning or refrigeration engineering or technology or mechanical engineering substituting for two years of experience; a two-year degree or certification program substituting for one year of experience; and a one-year certification or training program substituting for six months of experience.
• You must pass an exam
• You must show proof of insurance

General HVAC Licensing Requirements in USA

In the united states of America, before you can practice as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technician, you are required by law to apply and obtain licensing, and it is mandatory in some states.

• Texas accepts a passing score on the North American Technician Excellence exam for HVAC technicians in addition to registration with the state government.
• Other states have a variety of licensing exams they administer or accept.
• The federal Environmental Protection Agency requires certification of HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants.
• Any HVAC technician who works with refrigerants must pass a written exam in one or more of three areas: small appliances, high-pressure systems and low-pressure systems.
• Employers often want to see professional credentials even when there is no state mandate. For this reason, it’s wise to obtain certification from a recognized industry or trade organization. Certification is awarded for passing a written exam.
• Eligibility to take these exams involves one to two years of work experience and might also include completing formal coursework.
• Certification is also available for those who take courses in specialized areas like handling refrigerants.

3 Ways You Can Become a Certified HVAC Technician in Texas

1. On-the-job Training

One of the routes that you can follow in the bid to qualify for a HVAC business license in the United States of America is on – the – job training. Once you are able to acquire the required training and experience in the industry, you can then go ahead to apply and obtain a HVAC license.

2. Attend Technical College

Another option that you can follow in order to qualify for a HVAC license is to complete a HVAC technician training program offered by an accredited technical college, trade school or community college. These programs take anywhere from six months to two years.

Depending on the program, graduates earn a certificate or an associate degree. Coursework includes safety procedures, the operation of HVAC equipment and related skills like blueprint reading and installation of electrical wiring and control devices.

3. Become an Apprentice

Apprenticeship programs take three to five years. Students work full time, putting in 2,000 hours a year. Apprentices also complete 144 hours of classwork per year.

Industry and union organizations sponsor apprenticeship programs, often in cooperation with local community colleges or technical schools. Prospective apprentices must be 18 and above and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. They also must pass a drug screening and basic math test and have a valid driver’s license.