In Texas, HVAC work is regulated at the state level, and contractors must hold the appropriate license to legally install, repair, or maintain air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Whether you’re working on residential systems or larger commercial projects, operating without the proper license can lead to fines, enforcement action, and the inability to legally collect payment.
This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining, managing, and renewing a Texas HVAC license, including:
- License types
- Requirements
- Costs
- Exam
- Reciprocity considerations
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Types of HVAC licenses in Texas
Texas issues HVAC licenses under the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor classification. The license type you’ll need depends on the scope of work and the systems you service.
The primary Texas HVAC license types include:
- Class A Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
Allows work on any size or capacity of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. - Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
Limits work to cooling systems no larger than 25 tons and heating systems no larger than 1.5 million BTUs per hour.
Both license classes may be issued with endorsements, such as:
- Environmental Air Conditioning
Covers systems designed to condition indoor air for occupant comfort, including temperature control, humidity regulation, ventilation, air movement, and indoor air quality - Commercial Refrigeration
Applies to refrigeration systems used to maintain a specific temperature or humidity conditions for commercial spaces. - Process Cooling or Heating
Involves systems that regulate temperature, humidity, or cleanliness as part of an industrial or manufacturing process, or to support the proper functioning of specialized equipment rather than human comfort.
License classifications and endorsements are defined by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Keep in mind that throughout this guide, we are focusing on the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license. But the state offers a few other related types of licenses, including:
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Certification
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Registration
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certified Technician Training Program
HVAC licensing requirements in Texas
To qualify for a Texas HVAC license, applicants must meet education, experience, and examination requirements set by the TDLR. These requirements are designed to ensure you have the technical experience, regulatory knowledge, and insurance coverage needed to perform HVAC work safely and compliantly.
Texas HVAC license requirements include:
- Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old - Experience or education eligibility
Applicants must qualify through one of two approved pathways:- You have a minimum of 48 months of practical experience in related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor (completed within the past 72 months)
- You have held a technician certification for the past year and you have at least 36 months of practical work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor (completed within the past 48 months).
- Licensing exam
Applicants must pass the Texas HVAC licensing exam after their application is approved. Exam eligibility is granted only after TDLR reviews and accepts the application. - Insurance coverage
Before you can get a license, you must provide proof of general liability insurance that meets TDLR minimum coverage requirements, which vary by license class. Current insurance standards are as follows:
- Application approval
A complete application, supporting documentation, exam results, and required fees must be submitted to TDLR. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of licensing delays.
Keep in mind there are a few exceptions to the education requirements.
You may qualify for an exception if you:
- Have a degree, diploma, or certification in AC and refrigeration
- Are a licensed engineer or have a degree in mechanical engineering
- Have military training in HVAC work
- Process cooling or heating work as an employee of an industrial operation
Who issues HVAC licenses in TX?
HVAC licenses in Texas are issued and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees licensing, exams, renewals, and enforcement for air conditioning and refrigeration contractors.
Contractors can verify credentials using the official Texas HVAC license lookup provided by TDLR.
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PermitFlow helps growing contractors stay ahead of renewals, filings, and regulatory obligations.
How to get a Texas HVAC license
Getting your Texas HVAC license is a structured process managed by the TDLR. For most applicants, the process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on eligibility pathway and exam scheduling.
Step 1: Meet experience or education requirements
Before you even consider applying for a Texas HVAC license, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate experience per the TDLR’s guidelines. That means you’ll need to have at least four years of applicable work experience, or have held a Texas ACR technician certificate for the last year.
Step 2: Apply for the HVAC contractor license
Once you’ve confirmed you meet eligibility requirements, you’ll need to complete and submit an application through the TDLR and pay the required application fee (find a list of fees below). Be sure to attach all supporting documents and answer every question completely. Applications are reviewed for completeness before you’ll be allowed to take the exam.
Step 3: Pass the Texas HVAC licensing exam
Once your application is approved, you’ll be required to take and pass the state’s HVAC licensing exam, which tests both technical knowledge and regulatory compliance. Exam details are covered in more depth below.
Step 4: Secure required insurance coverage
Congrats, you passed the exam! Before you receive your license, you’ll need to obtain the proper insurance coverage and provide proof that it meets TDLR minimums (outlined above).
How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Texas?
For most applicants, the process of applying for and receiving a Texas HVAC license takes approximately 1–3 months. Timelines depend on application accuracy, eligibility pathway, and exam availability. Delays are most often caused by incomplete submissions or missing documentation.
Cost of getting a Texas HVAC license
The cost of obtaining a Texas HVAC license is $115 for the application, plus a $60 exam fee (paid to the third-party test provider).
Remember, you’ll also have to pay a $65 annual renewal fee each year to keep your license active.
In addition to application and exam fees, contractors must carry general liability insurance that meets TDLR minimum coverage requirements, which vary by license class.
Average salary for HVAC technicians in Texas
HVAC professionals in the state earn a mean annual wage of $62,690, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for HVAC mechanics and installers in Texas.
The mean hourly wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Texas is $30.14/hour.
Compensation varies based on experience, certifications, geographic market, and whether you operate independently or as part of a larger contracting firm.
What does the Texas HVAC licensing exam entail?
The Texas HVAC licensing exam is administered as part of the application process for both Class A and Class B licenses.
Exam format and length vary by license class:
- Class A HVAC license exam
Includes 120 questions with a 240-minute (4-hour) time limit. - Class B HVAC license exam
Includes 100 questions with a 180-minute (3-hour) time limit.
Both exams require a minimum passing score of 70%.
While each exam includes questions specific to the scope of the license class, both Class A and Class B exams cover a similar set of core subject areas, including:
- Boiler systems
- Business and law
- HVAC systems and components
- Heating and cooling principles
- Ventilation systems
- Equipment requirements
- Refrigeration systems and refrigeration theory
- Pressure relief and safety considerations
Does a Texas HVAC license work in other states?
Yes, your Texas HVAC license works in South Carolina and Georgia. These are currently the only two states with a reciprocal licensing agreement with Texas.
What’s the penalty for operating without an HVAC license in Texas?
The primary penalty for operating without an HVAC license in Texas is a fine. Fine amounts vary based on the class of the violation, which TDLR defines as:
- Class A: $500 - $1000 fine
- Examples include performing work without notifying the city of your license and failing to include your license number in any advertisement that requires your license number.
- Class B: $1000 - $3500 fine and/or up to 1-year suspension
- Examples include failing to obtain a permit, performing work not authorized by the license classification, and allowing someone else to use your license (not an employee or subcontractor)
- Class C: $2,000 - $5,000 fine plus 1-year probated suspension up to revocation
- Examples include altering a license in any way, failing to maintain insurance, and failing to provide proper installation, service, or mechanical integrity
- Class D: $5,000 fine and/or license revocation
- Examples include failing to comply with a previous order of Commission/Executive Director, cheating on an exam, or obtaining a license by fraud or false representation
Find more details on the TDLR’s Penalties and Sanctions page.
How to renew an HVAC license in Texas
Texas HVAC contractor licenses must be renewed annually through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to remain active. HVAC contractors are responsible for renewing on time—TDLR doesn’t waive penalties for missed deadlines.
Here’s how to renew your license:
Step 1: Confirm your license status and expiration date
HVAC licenses expire one year from the date of issuance. You should confirm your expiration date in advance using the TDLR licensing portal to avoid late fees or lapses in license status.
Step 2: Ensure insurance coverage is current
Before renewing, you’ll need to maintain active general liability insurance that meets TDLR’s minimum coverage requirements for your license class (Class A or Class B). If insurance has lapsed or is not on file, the renewal may be delayed or denied.
Step 3: Complete required continuing education
TDLR requires HVAC contractors to complete approved continuing education (CE) before renewing their license.
Contractors must:
- Complete the required number of CE hours for their license type
- Ensure courses are taken from TDLR-approved providers
Step 4: Submit the renewal application and fee
Renewals are submitted online through TDLR’s licensing system along with the required renewal fee of $65. Renewing before the expiration date helps avoid late fees and interruptions to licensed work.
If your license expires, you may still renew within a limited window, but additional fees may apply and the license may be considered inactive during that period.
Step 5: Maintain compliance after renewal
Once renewed, contractors must continue to:
- Keep insurance coverage active
- Complete required continuing education annually
- Update TDLR with any changes to business information
How to manage your Texas HVAC license
Managing a Texas HVAC license requires more work than you might realize. Contractors must track renewals, insurance requirements, and compliance obligations—especially when operating across multiple cities, business entities, or states.
PermitFlow’s license registration management solution is the perfect way to streamline that work. Our solution helps HVAC contractors centralize license data, monitor renewal deadlines, and reduce the risk of missed filings or compliance gaps.
With PermitFlow, contractors can:
- Track their Texas HVAC contractor license status and renewal deadlines in one place
- Keep an eye on insurance requirements tied to active licenses
- Reduce the risk of missed renewals, penalties, or work stoppages
- Scale licensing operations as the business expands into new trades or jurisdictions
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