Licensing Guides
Alabama HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Alabama
HVAC, AL
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Alabama?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Alabama
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 Alabama employs 7,330 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Alabama, that growth rate is expected to be lower — projected 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 employment in Alabama in July 2025 totaled 108,800, an increase of 1,400 (1.3%) from August 2023 and an increase of 14,300 (15%) from February 2020.” So, 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, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Alabama has strict, statewide standards for working in the HVAC business beginning at the apprentice level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Alabama
Is a license required to perform HVAC work in Alabama? Yes. You must even register to get started as an apprentice.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in the state of Alabama, you must be a licensed Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor, Refrigeration Contractor, or both, unless you are a registered apprentice working under a licensed contractor.
The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors issues the licenses.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Alabama
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Alabama?
There are three license classifications for HVAC technicians in Alabama:
Apprentice — Can perform HVAC or refrigeration work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
HVAC Contractor — Performs installation, service, and/or repair on a heating and/or cooling apparatus.
Refrigeration Contractor — Performs installation, service, and/or repair on commercial refrigeration systems.
Each license has specific requirements:
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must provide proof of citizenship or lawful residence.
Find a contractor or association to hire you as an apprentice. The employer must fill out an affidavit as part of the application.
Submit application.
Pay fee: $25 for an HVAC apprentice registration, $25 for a refrigeration apprentice registration, or $50 for both.
HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor License
Must meet one of the following:
Two years experience as a registered apprentice
3,000 hours of coursework or experience
Graduate of an approved heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration curriculum
Submit exam application.
Pay examination fee for HVAC exam ($175), refrigeration exam ($175), or both ($350).
Pass exam.
Submit application, business information form, and license fee ($220 per license type).
Secure $20,000 performance bond.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Alabama
Find an apprenticeship and register with the Board or begin schooling.
Meet one of the following requirements:
Two years experience as an apprentice
3,000 hours of coursework or experience
Graduate of an approved heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration curriculum
Submit an exam application and pay a fee.
Take and pass the licensing exam.
Submit license application, business information form, and license fee.
Pass criminal background check.
Secure $20,000 contractor’s performance bond.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Alabama
There are many benefits to getting your Alabama HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Alabama to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, 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 Alabama?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Alabama is $52,440, 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 Alabama those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $50,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $61,900
Senior (4-7 years): $72,600
Supervisor (>7 years): $85,400
The meaning of a “mean wage” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage 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 Alabama?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Alabama is fairly low. The fee for the apprentice license application to the board is $25 for HVAC, $25 for refrigeration, or $50 for both. Apprenticing for two years makes you eligible for the contractor exam.
There’s a fee of $175 per exam, then $220 per license type.
Another path to licensure is through schooling. According to Community College Review, the average community college tuition in Alabama is approximately $4,077 per year for in-state students and $7,002 for out-of-state students.
How to Get an HVAC License in Alabama
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Alabama, the licensing process for becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional is relatively quick and straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Before you can apply for a contractor’s license, you must gain the necessary years of experience. There are three ways to do that.
You can register as an apprentice and work for two years. When you begin your apprenticeship, you will need to register with the state by submitting this Apprenticeship Application (Form AA-1) and paying a fee of $25 per certificate registration. You can register for a Heating & Air Conditioning Apprentice Certificate, a Refrigeration Apprentice Certificate, or both for $50.
You can attend and graduate from an approved Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Commercial Refrigeration curriculum. The approved curricula are listed on the examination application. They include all State of Alabama two-year or community colleges and several other programs in Alabama and three other states. You will need to provide copies of your transcripts showing completion of all the appropriate hours of coursework and graduation from the program.
If you do not have an Apprentice Certificate or have not graduated from an approved curriculum, you must submit proof of at least 3,000 hours of work experience (18 months) gained under the supervision of a HVACR licensee. You will need to use the affidavit form included on page four of the packet. W-2 tax forms and an affidavit of the employer or officer of the employing company serve as proof of experience. Acceptance of proof of experience is at the discretion of the board.
APPLY TO TAKE EXAMINATION: Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, you may apply to take the license exam. To be approved to sit for the examination you must submit to the licensing board:
The Examination Application (Forms EA-1-EA-4); and
Affidavits that are signed and notarized by the employer(s) swearing that the applicant has worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Commercial Refrigeration industry for at least two years within the past five years, and all corresponding W-2 forms from the employer(s); and/or
Copies of apprentice certificates showing that the applicant has attended at least 3,000 hours of Heating and Air Conditioning and/ or Commercial Refrigeration educational training; or
Proof of graduation from an approved Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Commercial Refrigeration curriculum. Candidates with a certificate from any public State of Alabama two-year or community college are approved; and
Examination fee of $175 per exam. If you apply for both the HVAC and Refrigeration exams at once, you will pay $350.
Once the application has been processed by the board and approved, you will receive information about scheduling the exam.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The state of Alabama has contracted with Prov Testing Services to administer the exam. Once you qualify to test, you will receive notice from the board with instructions for how to register with Prov. Because you will pay the state, you will not pay Prov directly. The Testing Candidate Bulletin provides all the information about the test.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: To assure consideration of your license application at the next board meeting, the board office must receive all of these items no later than 4:30 p.m. 10 full working days before the meeting date:
Completed, signed and notarized application forms, AL-1, AL-2, and BF-1, demonstrating proof of a contractor's bond of $20,000. A bond is required for a license to be issued or renewed. It is filed for the benefit of consumers who may incur damage as a result of defective construction or other license violations, and for the benefit of employees who have not been paid wages that are due to them.
Fee of $220 per license by check, credit card, or money order made payable to the State of Alabama.
All required supporting documentation. Applications that are not complete within 12 months of filing may be considered abandoned and discarded. The board office will attempt to notify you before discarding an abandoned application.
If your application is approved by the board, allow four to eight weeks to receive your license.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 key HVAC skills every technician should have. And, 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 Alabama?
It will take a minimum of two years to qualify to take the licensing exam in Alabama. The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed as a contractor. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
Alabama HVAC Training Programs and Schools
In Alabama, you can begin your journey to HVAC licensure as an apprentice or by attending college.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
HVAC Excellence has accredited four colleges in Alabama:
PAHRA has accredited one training facility and two colleges accredited by PAHRA:
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Alabama:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Alabama
Tuition: The average community college tuition in Alabama is approximately $4,077 per year for in-state students and $7,002 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Alabama. You can find a contractor or company with an opening for an apprentice using websites like the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship site or the Apprentice Finder, a site sponsored by the Department of Labor. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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 good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit, because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Alabama, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Alabama.
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Alabama HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The state of Alabama has contracted with Prov Testing Services to administer the exam. There are testing locations all throughout the state. The Candidate Information Bulletin provides information about registration, exam fees, testing centers, the reference material for each exam, and rescheduling your appointment.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Alabama?
The Heating and Air Conditioning (HAC) exam consists of 110 questions and has a five-hour time limit. Topics covered include:
General knowledge
Piping
Systems and sizing
Equipment
Maintenance
Plan reading
Business organization
Risk management
Project management
Estimating
Safety and environmental
Labor laws
Payroll and employment taxes
Financial management
Contracts
Lien laws
Licensing laws
While the exam is open book, it helps to study the reference material in advance and highlight or tab important sections, so you can locate them faster during the exam. Those references include:
International Residential Code, 2015
Laws, Rules and Regulations of the State of Alabama, 2009
Manual D: Residential Duct Systems, 3rd version
Residential Load Calculation - Manual J-Abridged, 8th.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, 7th edition
ACCA Duct Slide Rule
Basic Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - 12th edition
The Refrigeration exam is 90 questions and has a four-hour time limit. Topics include:
General knowledge
Piping
Systems and sizing
Maintenance/troubleshooting
Plan reading
Business organization
Contracts
Estimating
Financial management
Labor laws
Licensing laws
Lien laws
Payroll and employment taxes
Project management
Risk management
Safety and environmental
Reference materials include:
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1926, 2012
International Mechanical Code, 2015
Laws, Rules and Regulations of the State of Alabama, 2009
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, 7th edition
Basic Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 12th edition
Prov sells practice exams in its bookstore for $30 each.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Alabama?
The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors issues licenses for heating and air conditioning and refrigeration professionals.
Does My Alabama HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Alabama has reciprocity agreements with South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and West Virginia. Your license won’t immediately work in these states, but you’ll have a streamlined path to licensure.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Alabama?
Out-of-state contractors may apply by reciprocity if they hold a current and valid HVAC license with: the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission for at least five years; Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for at least three years; Mississippi Board of Contractors for at least one year; Louisiana or West Virginia, where there are no waiting periods.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including Alabama, 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 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 can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Alabama
To keep your state-issued license current, Alabama requires you to renew it before it expires every year by Dec. 31. The fee is $220 per license type.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Alabama?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available for Alabama residents, including opportunities through state-specific organizations like the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for building trade students and community colleges like Bevill State Community College and Snead State Community College, which offer financial aid and scholarships.
You can also apply for national scholarships through organizations such as the EGIA Foundation and Women in HVACR, which can be used at institutions in Alabama.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Alabama?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Alabama through the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors website. Users can search by license type, license number, contractor first and last name, and business name.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Alabama?
Suspending a HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Alabama HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVAC professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Alabama HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official State of Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors Laws, Rules, and Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Alabama?
Performing HVACR/Mechanical work in Alabama without a license is illegal. It is considered a misdemeanor and subject to a $2,000 penalty per violation.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Alabama HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official State of Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors Laws, Rules, and Regulations.
Continuing Education
Every contractor must complete four continuing education hours each year. A contractor may take as many as eight hours in a single year, and carry four hours over to the next renewal cycle. The Board posts a list of approved CE providers on its website.
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.
