Licensing Guides
HVAC License California: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in California
HVAC, CA
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in California?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in California
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in California?
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 construction industry 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 California employs 34,020 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 California, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 11% — 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 California in July 2025 totaled 895,800, a decrease of 18,200 (-2.0%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 14,400 (-2%) 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 HVAC 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 professionals vary from state to state and in some cases from locality to locality, but the need for proper training is universal.
Licensing Requirements for California HVAC Contractors
Is a California Contractors License required in HVAC? Yes, but not right away.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work valuing more than $500 in labor and materials in the state of California, you must be a licensed contractor or be working under a licensed contractor.
The California Contractors State License Board issues the licenses.
Types of HVAC Licenses in California
What are the different types of HVAC licenses in California?
An HVAC License is a classification of an Original Contractors License in California. There are two license classifications related to HVAC work:
Class C Specialty Contractor License: C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor — Defined as, “a person who fabricates, installs, maintains, services, and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity, and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This classification shall include warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems which utilize solar energy.”
Class C Specialty Contractor License: C-38 - Refrigeration Contractor — Defined as, “a person who constructs, fabricates, erects, installs, maintains, services and repairs refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, and insulated refrigerated spaces, temperature insulation, air-conditioning units, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity and thermostatic controls for the control of air, liquid, and/or gas temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit (50 ), or ten degrees Celsius (10).”
Since these are both classifications of a Contractor license, the license requirements are the same.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED.
Must obtain four years of documented work experience. Up to three years of college or vocational training can apply to this requirement.
Submit application and pay application fee.
Pass business and law and trade exams.
Must submit to background check and fingerprinting.
Must file proof of workers’ compensation insurance or exemption.
Must submit a bond of $25,000.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in California
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must have either a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.
Get work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor or four years documented journeyman experience on jobs valuing $500 or less.
Apply for a license.
Provide documentation of four years journeyman-level experience or equivalent college or vocational training program.
Take and pass all parts of the licensing exam.
Pay all fees.
Pass criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
File evidence of workers' compensation insurance or an exemption from the requirements.
Secure contractor’s surety bond.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in California
There are many benefits to getting your California HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in California to be licensed through the state or work under someone who is licensed to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work above $500.
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 California?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in California is $74,470, 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 California, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $72,000
Senior (4-7 years): $84,500
Supervisor (>7 years): $99,400
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 California?
The cost to get started as an HVAC technician in California is fairly low. You can get an entry-level job and work under a licensed contractor to gain the required experience. If you choose to pursue a formal apprenticeship, there are some fees for tuition and books, but the cost is usually absorbed by an employer.
Three years of advanced education can count toward the experience requirement. According to Community College Review, the average tuition for California community college is approximately $1,516 per year for in-state students and $6,779 for out-of-state students.
The application fee for an initial license with one classification is $450. For an additional classification, you must fill out an Application for Additional Classification, which incurs an additional fee of $230. The license fee is $200 for a sole owner, or $350 for a non-sole owner.
The fingerprinting fee is $32, and the background check fee is $17.
How to Get an HVAC License in California
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In California, the licensing process for becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: California requires anyone applying to take the state HVAC Contractor exam to demonstrate four years of journeyman-level experience in the field prior to the exam date. That experience can be entirely hands-on, or up to three years of it can be in an approved college or vocational training program, but at least one year must be in the field. The CLSB explains:
A journeyman is a person who is a fully qualified, experienced worker (as opposed to a trainee, helper, laborer, assistant, apprentice, etc.) and is able to perform the trade without supervision, or a person who has completed an apprenticeship program.
All experience claims must be verified by a qualified and responsible person, such as an employer, contractor, foreman/supervisor, fellow employee, other journeyman, union representative, building inspector, architect, engineer, or homeowner. The person verifying your claim must have firsthand knowledge of your experience—that is, they must have observed the work that you have done—and must complete the experience certification portion of the application.
One way to get the experience you need is through an apprenticeship program. California’s Department of Industrial Relations has resources online to help you find an apprenticeship program near you through a local union or Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JACT).
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, HVAC technicians may apply for a Contractor license. You are essentially applying to sit for the exam. There are currently three ways to complete this form:
Easy-Fill: Fill out the form online, then print and mail it to CSLB with the $450 fee.
PDF: Print a blank form, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $450 fee.
Order: Receive a blank form by mail, then fill it out and mail it to CSLB with the $450 fee.
PAY APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE: The fee for the Original Application (exam for one classification) is $450. You must submit this payment and all required documents along with your application, mailed to CLSB Headquarters in Sacramento. You can find the step-by-step guide here, along with the mailing address for where to send all of the forms.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The test will consist of both a trade examination and a law and business examination. The examination and verification form must be completed and submitted to the CSLB prior to licensure.
COMPLETE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: All applicants must complete a criminal background check and disclose any criminal pleas or convictions. You must also submit to fingerprinting in accordance with California law. If you have ever been convicted of a crime, including DUI or other Vehicle Code violations, the CSLB will be informed. This does not mean you’ll automatically be denied licensure—the CSLB reviews each application and considers factors such as the nature and severity of the crimes, the amount of time that has passed since the convictions, and any evidence of rehabilitation submitted by the applicant.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: All applicants must file evidence of workers' compensation insurance or exemption from the requirements. The Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance is provided by the workers' compensation insurer.
PROVIDE PROOF OF CONTRACTOR BOND: A contractor's bond of $25,000 is required for a license to be issued or renewed. The bond is filed for the benefit of consumers who may have sustained 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. The bond must be written on a form approved by CSLB, by a surety company licensed and authorized to write surety bonds through the California Department of Insurance. Only authorized surety companies may order the approved Contractor's Bond form.
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.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in California?
It will take a minimum of four years to qualify to take the license exam in California. However, you will be working and accumulating the necessary journeyman-level experience—and can be earning money—the whole time. 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!
California HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Because HVAC technology is becoming more and more complex, getting some kind of formal training can be very helpful. There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in California, and they are located all over the state. A certificate program can take a matter of months or you can get a two-year or four-year degree. For example, California Community Colleges offers HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician degrees.
There are also many more options for online training.
Most HVAC technicians hold some kind of post-secondary degree or certificate. 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 the following programs in California:
Brownson Technical School, Anaheim
Mount San Antonio Community College, Walnut
North American Training Center, Redlands
PAHRA has accredited one college in California:
Mount San Antonio Community College, Walnut
HVACClasses.org breaks down the credit-hour requirements for all of the different programs at each of the above schools.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in California:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in California
You’ll see that many of the same colleges or programs appear on these lists.
Tuition: At California Community Colleges, in-state students taking at least 12 units would pay $552 per semester.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in California. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Local 364 in San Bernardino/Riverside Counties or Local 342 in Oakland.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of California. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. 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 California, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in California.
California HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Exams are administered by the CLSB. All applicants have to take the Law and Business exam. There are separate trade exams for the C-20 and C-38 licenses. The exams are closed book.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in California?
The CLSB offers study guides for each exam, which include study materials, exam outlines, and sample questions.
The Law and Business examination is divided into eight major sections:
Business Organization (10%)
Business Finances (15%)
Employment Requirements (12%)
Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)
Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)
Licensing Requirements (8%)
Safety (15%)
Public Works (7%)
The C-20 exam consists of multiple-choice questions divided into four sections:
Evaluation, Design, and Estimation (26%)
Fabrication, Installation, and Startup (27%)
Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance (22%)
Safety (25%)
The C-38 exam is broken into five sections:
Planning and Estimating (18%)
Refrigeration System Installation (26%)
Refrigeration System Repair (22%)
Refrigeration System Maintenance (18%)
Safety (16%)
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in California?
The Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board issues and renews all HVAC contractor licenses in the state. They offer a free workshop on the first Friday of every month on how to get your contractor license.
Does My California HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Yes! There are reciprocity agreements with Arizona and Nevada. This means you’ll have a streamlined path to licensure in those states, though there are often still requirements to meet.
What are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in California?
The reciprocity agreements in place allow out-of-state applicants to skip the trade exam, though they’ll still need to pass the law and business exam.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in California, 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 California
To keep your state-issued license current, California requires you to renew it before it expires every two years. The fee for an active timely renewal is $450 for a sole owner, or $750 for a non-sole owner.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in California?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available in California. Several organizations offer financial assistance to students pursuing careers in HVAC and related trades. Those scholarship opportunities include:
ABC NorCal Apprenticeship Tool Scholarship: This scholarship is available to graduates of a Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District High School (LVJUSD) who have been accepted into an Associated Building Contractors NorCal apprenticeship program. Recipients receive a $2,000 scholarship for required tools and equipment related to their studies.
Rod DeHart Scholarship: For DeHart Technical School students who demonstrate a high likelihood of success of completing the program and entering the HVAC/R or Facilities Maintenance field AND a justified need for tuition/program cost assistance.
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 California.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in California?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in California through the Contractors State License Board website. One of the online services on the website is a license search tool where anyone can verify the status of a license and review any complaint disclosures. Users can search by license number, business name, and personnel name.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in California?
Suspending a HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that California HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Not having the required bond or insurance
Not reporting or resolving civil judgments
Contractors License Law violations
Practicing on a lapsed license
While a suspended license can be renewed, you must clear your suspension before you can contract.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about California HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official California Code of Regulations.
What are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in California?
Performing HVAC work in California without a license is illegal. According to the CLSB, “Those who are caught contracting without a license likely will have to appear before a Superior Court judge to answer to misdemeanor charges that can carry a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, as well as an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000. If illegal contracting continues, the penalties become more severe. A second offense results in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000.
Felony charges are filed against anyone who illegally uses another person’s contractor license or who tries to mislead consumers into believing that he or she is a licensed contractor. Anyone who contracts for work in a state or federal natural disaster area without an active state contractor license also could face felony charges. If convicted of a felony, a person may have to serve time in state prison.”
Continuing Education
Though California does not require continuing education to renew your license, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the HVAC industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in HVAC and heating systems and appliances. Distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts.
HVAC manufacturers offer training too, including online. For example, according to HVACSchool.org, Carrier has something they call Carrier University, an elaborate training system that includes classroom and online courses and symposiums and seminars covering all aspects of the HVACR industry and all of the people involved in it.
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.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
