HVAC LICENSING

Ohio HVAC license:
Everything you need to know

Are you ready to offer HVAC services? You can be a vital resource for homeowners and businesses. Whether you become an HVAC technician or even start your own HVAC business, you need an Ohio HVAC license.

In this guide, you will learn about the education and job requirements for earning your license.

Do you need a license in Ohio to become an HVAC technician?

You don’t need to have an Ohio HVAC license to work on residential properties. However, you do need a license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board to work on commercial buildings.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

Several types of Ohio HVAC licenses are available. Learn more about each type:

EPA certification is required to work with coolants. You can choose a certification in small appliances, low-pressure coolant, high-pressure coolants, or all three. Because most HVAC contractors will work with coolants, this certification is a must. The average rate of pay is about $22.00 per hour.

NATE certification shows the depth of your knowledge. Being NATE certified could earn you $30 an hour.

Journeyman working under a Master HVAC technician, and you earn about $19 an hour.

Master HVAC technicians can own a business and hire employees. You can earn $22 an hour unless you gain more certifications.

An HVAC engineer will possess the certifications above in addition to a bachelor’s degree. An engineer can design and build HVAC systems and will earn more than $30 an hour.

The difference between HVAC and refrigeration is the location of the coolants, the coolant circulation, and the mechanisms causing the gases to vaporize.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Higher pay. If you are licensed, you will make more per hour.

More jobs. With a license, customers are more likely to hire you.

Ability to hire contractors. In Ohio, you cannot hire other contractors to work for you without a HVAC license.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Ohio?

The application fee to sit for the Ohio HVAC license examination is currently $69 plus a $25 application fee.

How to get an HVAC license in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Commerce sets the requirements for those wishing to obtain an Ohio HVAC license.

Is schooling required?

Schooling is only required if you want to be an HVAC engineer.

What are the best HVAC schools in Ohio?

The Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County has a 71% passing rate and will cost a little over $6,000 to complete. The Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development will cost around $7,000 and boasts a passing rate of 83%. The Polaris Career Center has a passing rate of 95% and costs nearly $8,000.

While many of the tools you need are included in these prices, you may need to purchase additional items as noted in the coursework for each school. They may require a high school diploma or GED to attend, so check the institution’s requirements.

Most training programs will require classroom attendance. Online schools from other states offer classes to Ohio residents. Financing may be available. Some schools accept grants while others will provide loans or other payment options. Check with the school’s financial aid department for more information.

On-the-job experience

You will need to work as an HVAC technician for at least 5 years immediately before you sit for the exam. However, you will only need 3 years of work experience if you’ve already become an HVAC engineer. While there are no hours specified to complete, it is assumed that you have worked an average number of hours with no gaps in employment for the full time period. All work experience must be on jobs in which a permit was required.

Who issues the licenses?

The Ohio Department of Commerce issues the Ohio HVAC license.

Are there examinations?

You must pass a written examination to receive your license. You can purchase books to study as well as attend seminars and short study courses.The test is timed, but it’s an open-book examination. You can use the following books:

  • 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2017 Ohio Mechanical Code
  • Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 20th

You also may use tabs to permanently mark specific sections of your books for easier access during the exam.

Does the Ohio HVAC license need to be renewed?

You must take continuing education credits to renew your license either on a yearly or a three-year basis. For a one-year renewal, you will need 4 hours of online credit. If you choose to renew for a three-year period, you will need 12 hours of online continuing education.

How long does it take to get an HVAC license?

It will take five years before you can sit for your license exam. If you wish to have formal training, technical schools and colleges offer 6-month and two-year programs, but you are still required to complete the five-year apprenticeship.