{"id":15003,"date":"2022-10-12T20:16:21","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T20:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/?page_id=15003"},"modified":"2024-02-10T19:54:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T19:54:53","slug":"texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/licensing\/hvac\/texas\/","title":{"rendered":"HVAC License Requirements in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"1728370125.265399\" class=\"c-virtual_list__item\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"listitem\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-qa=\"virtual-list-item\" data-item-key=\"1728370125.265399\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__background p-message_pane_message__message c-message_kit__message\" role=\"presentation\" data-qa=\"message_container\" data-qa-unprocessed=\"false\" data-qa-placeholder=\"false\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__hover\" role=\"document\" aria-roledescription=\"message\" data-qa-hover=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__actions c-message_kit__actions--default\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__gutter\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__gutter__right\" role=\"presentation\" data-qa=\"message_content\">\n<div class=\"c-message_kit__blocks c-message_kit__blocks--rich_text\">\n<div class=\"c-message__message_blocks c-message__message_blocks--rich_text\" data-qa=\"message-text\">\n<div class=\"p-block_kit_renderer\" data-qa=\"block-kit-renderer\">\n<div class=\"p-block_kit_renderer__block_wrapper p-block_kit_renderer__block_wrapper--first\">\n<div class=\"p-rich_text_block\" dir=\"auto\">\n<p>Texas temperatures can soar to extreme highs and drop to chilly lows, so the HVAC industry does very well in this state. Knowledgeable HVAC professionals can find jobs in various fields, from maintaining customer accounts to installation.<br \/>\nInterested in getting an HVAC job? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting a Texas HVAC license. Continue reading to discover the licensing requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p-rich_text_section\" class=\"p-rich_text_section\" id=\"do-you-need-a-license-in-texas-to-become-an-hvac-technician\">Do you need a license in Texas to become an HVAC technician?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will need a license to work as an independent HVAC contractor in Texas, or if you\u2019re working as a registered or certified HVAC tech, under the supervision of a licensed contractor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses\">What are the different types of HVAC licenses?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few different types of licenses you can obtain in Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"class-a-licenses\">Class A licenses<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This license lets you work on any unit of any size, so it\u2019s a good choice for technicians who want to work on commercial or industrial units.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"class-b-licenses\">Class B licenses<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class B licenses are similar to Class A, but they limit technicians to only working on cooling systems that weigh less than 25 tons or heating systems of no more than 1.5 million BTUs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nate-and-epa-licenses\">NATE and EPA licenses<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/natex.org\/shop\/certified-hvac-professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NATE certificate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a certification from the North American Technician Excellence organization. It is not legally required, but it proves you are a knowledgeable and experienced HVAC professional. Texas licenses include EPA refrigeration, which lets you work with equipment containing refrigerants. Therefore, this license does not require extra work or change your pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"average-wages-for-hvac-careers-in-texas\">Average wages for HVAC careers in Texas<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC professionals in the Lone Star State may earn anywhere from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/hvac-technician\/salaries\/TX?=&amp;aceid=&amp;kw=adwords_c_9099621460_15516767951_0_0_pmax&amp;sid=us_googconthajpmax-_c__g_1026607_gclid%24_CjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImD1IUxayEM2AncORfy-n02R8-vKgBmPS-9MYVYXVYerx0B007kkkORoC0eIQAvD_BwE&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImD1IUxayEM2AncORfy-n02R8-vKgBmPS-9MYVYXVYerx0B007kkkORoC0eIQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;from=top_sb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$16.74 to $44.16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although these rates may be affected by overtime pay, night\/weekend differential, where you live, and how much experience you have. If you have specialty certifications, you may also be able to command a higher wage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, holding a NATE certification may earn you $10,000 to $20,000 extra in salary. The average salary for Texas HVAC mechanics and installers is<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes499021.htm#st\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$54,650 per year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although technicians with a Class B license may earn slightly less than those with a Class A license.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benefits-of-getting-an-hvac-license\">Benefits of getting an HVAC license<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over the next decade, HVAC jobs in Texas are projected to grow by 15%. Texas HVAC technicians also make slightly more than the national average salary. You can work while you train for the license, so you make money while learning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a Texas HVAC license informs customers about your proficient skill level. They can feel confident when hiring you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-texas\">How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Texas?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a Texas HVAC license is affordable. You can opt to pay for test prep, but it\u2019s not required. The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tdlr.texas.gov\/acr\/acrexam.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">licensing and registration fees<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New license application fees: $115<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam fees: Can vary, and are paid directly to PSI<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration for new technician: $20<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration for technician certification: $50<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licenses must be renewed annually. You must submit proof of at least 4 hours of continuing education each year, with one hour of consisting of Texas laws and rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-texas\">How to get an HVAC license in Texas<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Texas has a few different HVAC licensing requirements. Applicants must register as an ACR technician. There&#8217;s no exam to become an ACR technician. This registration gives you the credentials to work under the supervision of a licensed HVAC technician. Then, you will gain at least four years of work experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, you can take the contractor&#8217;s examination. The exam is open to those with a criminal conviction, but the licensing department may choose to deny your application. Also, you must be at least 18 years old to sit for the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no educational requirements for the exam, but you can take a course at Texas State Technical College, Southwest Texas Junior College, or another local trade school if you want to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tdlr.texas.gov\/acr\/acrexam.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> administers the exam. You can apply online and then TDLR will contact you with the location and time of the exam. You need a passing score of at least 70% to obtain your license. If you do not pass, you can reschedule within 24 hours to retry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your license is valid for one year. To renew it, you must take four hours of continuing education training.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"checklist-for-obtaining-an-hvac-license-in-texas\">Checklist for Obtaining an HVAC License in Texas<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming an HVAC tech, mechanic, installer, or contractor in Texas requires more than just taking exams. You must also complete education requirements and training. Our handy checklist covers the basics of your path to HVAC career success:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Basic Requirements<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be at least 18 years old<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold a high school diploma or GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a valid driver\u2019s license<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be able to pass a criminal background check<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Work Experience and Education<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">48 months of practical HVAC training under the supervision of a licensed Texas contractor<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enroll in an HVAC training program or trade school<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Application and Testing<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tdlr.texas.gov\/acr\/Forms\/ACR002%20Contractor%20License%20Application.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass both the Trade Exam and the Texas Business and Law Exam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the type of work and the approximate value of the work to be performed, you may also have to submit proof of insurance or a surety bond.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas temperatures can soar to extreme highs and drop to chilly lows, so the HVAC industry does very well in this state. Knowledgeable HVAC professionals can find jobs in various fields, from maintaining customer accounts to installation. Interested in getting an HVAC job? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":39896,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-license.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"industry":[548],"resource_type":[562],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-15003","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","industry-hvac","resource_type-licensing"],"acf":{"page_partner":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15003","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15003"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15003\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=15003"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=15003"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=15003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}