Licensing Guides
Colorado HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Colorado
HVAC, COTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Colorado?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Colorado
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Colorado?
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 Colorado employs 8,870 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 Colorado, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 16% — 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 Colorado in July 2025 totaled 186,700, a decrease of 700 (-0.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,300 or 4% 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 comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state. In Colorado, requirements vary by municipality.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Colorado
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Colorado? Yes, but licensing for HVAC professionals occurs at the local level, not the state level.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations, oversees plumbing licenses for journeyman and master plumbers, as well as master electricians, and contractor licenses. If you perform these trades in addition to HVAC work, you may need a state-issued license from DORA.
To get started in the HVAC field in the state of Colorado, you just need to meet employer expectations and eventually become licensed in the local jurisdiction where you will be working. There are federal certification requirements to consider as well. If you want to become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to have a certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to legally handle refrigerants.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Colorado
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Colorado? To recap, licensing is done at the local level. In Denver, for example, Denver Community Planning and Development licenses HVAC professionals.
Denver offers four HVAC licenses:
Heating and Ventilating Journeyman: Allows for the installation of: Heating and Ventilating – warm air heating, ductwork, ventilation and evaporative cooling, exterior sheet metal, gas piping, burners, venting and controls, exhaust systems and appurtenances thereof, and low-voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway. Air Conditioning – refrigeration systems and appurtenant cooling towers, pipe insulation, and low-voltage wiring which does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway. The license holder must work for a Class A Supervisor.
Heating and Ventilating Class A Supervisor: The license holder can install, add to, alter, or repair warm air heating, venting, ventilation, evaporative cooling, exhaust systems and their appurtenances, ductwork, dust collection systems, domestic and commercial range hoods, gas piping; burners, controls and venting, trash and laundry chutes; exterior sheet metal, duct insulation, low voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway and maximum of 50 tons of refrigeration when it is utilized for comfort cooling and the refrigerating system is self-contained. This refrigeration shall not include systems with pre-charged lines or separate air-cooled condenser or chilled water systems.
Heating and Ventilating Class B Supervisor – Residential Only: The license holder can install, add to, alter or repair the following in single-family homes only: Heating and Ventilating – warm air heating systems and their appurtenances, ductwork, ventilation, evaporative cooling, duct insulation, exterior sheet metal, gas piping; burners, venting and controls, and low-voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway.
Heating and Ventilating, A/C – Residential Only: The license holder can install, add to, alter, or repair the following in single-family homes only: Heating and Ventilating – warm air heating systems and their appurtenances, ductwork, ventilation, evaporative cooling, duct insulation, exterior sheet metal, gas piping; burners, venting and controls, and low-voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway. Air Conditioning – refrigeration systems of 5 tons or less.
Each level requires passing an International Code Council (ICC) exam, acquiring a specific amount of work experience, submitting an application, and paying required fees. If you intend to open your own business, you’ll need to obtain a business license and workers’ compensation insurance.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must join an apprenticeship program or gain employment from a licensed HVAC contractor.
Must obtain EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.
Heating and Ventilating Journeyman
Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Must obtain four years heating and ventilating field installation experience in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program completing a minimum of 7,000 hours.
Must show proof of EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.
Must submit notarized letters verifying all practical experience.
Must pass the ICC Exam #F31 National Standard Journeyman Mechanical and pay the $115 exam fee.
Submit an online application.
Pay $40 license fee.
Heating and Ventilating Class A Supervisor
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must obtain eight years of work experience, with at least four years as a licensed journeyman.
Must show proof of EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.
Must submit notarized letters verifying all practical experience.
Must pass ICC Exam #F29 National Standard Master Mechanical and pay the $115 exam fee.
Submit an online application.
Pay $60 license fee.
Heating and Ventilating Class B Supervisor – Residential Only
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must obtain six years in residential heating and ventilating work consisting of the following: four years as a heating and ventilating journeyman mechanic and two years in one or more of these positions: designer, draftsman, or supervisor.
Must show proof of EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.
Must submit notarized letters verifying all practical experience.
Must pass ICC Exam #F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical and pay the $115 exam fee.
Submit an online application.
Pay $60 license fee.
Heating and Ventilating, A/C – Residential Only
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must obtain six years in residential heating and ventilating work consisting of the following: four years as a heating and ventilating journeyman mechanic and two years in one or more of these positions: designer, draftsman, or supervisor; OR obtain six years of experience consisting of four years field installation experience in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program completing a minimum of 7,000 hours and two years as a designer or supervisor.
Must show proof of EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.
Must submit notarized letters verifying all practical experience.
Must pass ICC Exam #F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical and pay the $115 exam fee.
Submit an online application.
Pay $60 license fee.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Colorado
Follow these steps to become an HVAC professional in Denver.
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Enroll in an apprentice program, attend a trade school, or gain employment from a licensed contractor.
Obtain your EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.
Obtain the experience requirements for your desired Colorado license classification.
Submit notarized letters varying all practical experience.
Register for and pass the certification exam via Pearson Vue.
Pay the $115 exam fee.
Submit the license application.
Pay the license fee.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Colorado
There are many benefits to getting your Colorado HVAC license:
Most important, it is required by law in Colorado to be licensed through local jurisdictions to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level, beginning as an apprentice.
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 Colorado?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Colorado is $68,100, 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 Colorado, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,500
Senior (4-7 years): $78,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $91,900
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean 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 Colorado?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Colorado is fairly low. In Denver, there is no apprentice registration fee. You simply need to gain employment from an HVAC contractor.
Union apprenticeships, like the one with Pipefitters Local 208 in Denver, cover all training costs for HVAC apprentices accepted into the program.
Once you have met the work experience requirements, you’ll also pay a $115 fee to Pearson Vue to take the required exam for your classification. You’ll also pay a license fee of $40 for a journeyman license, or $60 for the other classifications.
If you own a contracting business, you will face additional expenses for purchasing workers’ compensation insurance and registering your business.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Colorado
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Denver, becoming an HVAC professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. Denver requires everyone who wants to join this profession to become employed by an HVAC company or join a formal apprenticeship. You need to obtain at least four years HVAC field installation experience to qualify for a journeyman license. During this time, you will also obtain your EPA certification.
You will need to work an additional two to four years to move on to a different licensing classification.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: All exams are administered via Pearson Vue, and you can find testing centers across the state of Colorado. All exams incur a $115 exam fee. Visit the Candidate Bulletin for more information about scheduling your exam. The following exams apply in Denver:
Heating and Ventilating Journeyman: ICC Exam #F31 National Standard Journeyman Mechanical
Heating and Ventilating Class A Supervisor: ICC Exam #F29 National Standard Master Mechanical
Heating and Ventilating Class B Supervisor - Residential Only: ICC Exam #F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical
Heating and Ventilating, A/C – Residential Only: ICC Exam #F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical
All exams are open book, and you must score 70% to pass.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing the licensing exam, you can submit the license application and your notarized experience verification form. You can apply for licensure online after creating an account via Denver's online permitting and licensing center. The license fee is $40 for journeyman and $60 for all other classifications.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Colorado after you’ve accumulated significant experience and local licensing and certifications, you’ll need a state-issued business license, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance.
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 Colorado?
It will take a minimum of four years or 7,000 hours to become licensed at the journey level in Colorado. You need to work an additional four years to qualify for a Class A license, or an additional two years for a Class B license or Heating and Ventilating, A/C – Residential Only license.
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 at the journeyperson level. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Colorado HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Colorado requires HVAC professionals to begin their career journey in a registered apprenticeship, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are several options.
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). PAHRA has an accredited program at Front Range Community College in Boulder.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Colorado
Tuition: Tuition at Colorado Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. According to Community College Review, tuition averages $3,735 per year for in-state students and $10,403 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Colorado. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Pipefitters Local 208 in Denver or UA Local 145 in Grand Junction.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Colorado. 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 Colorado, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Colorado.
Colorado HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Examination requirements, including registration/scheduling, dates, locations, fees, and references are subject to local regulations, as HVAC licensing varies by jurisdiction in Colorado.
However, all municipalities contract with Pearson Vue to administer examinations at testing centers located across the state. The Exam Catalog allows you to search for exams in your jurisdiction and find more information on exam questions, registration fees, approved references, and more. To schedule an exam, visit this link.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Colorado?
You can find full exam testing details, including study preparation materials in the Pearson Vue Exam Catalog. Here are the exam details for HVAC licensing in Denver.
The Heating and Ventilating Journeyman exam—F31 National Standard Journeyman Mechanical—is made up of 50 questions and you have three hours to complete it. You must earn a passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $155. The subjects covered include:
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Fuel Supply Systems
Special Requirements
Electrical
The Heating and Ventilating Class A Supervisor exam—F29 National Standard Master Mechanical—is made up of 100 questions, and you have four hours to complete it. You must earn a passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $155. The subjects covered include:
General Requirements and Plan Reading
Appliances and Equipment
Exhaust and Ventilation Systems
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Fuel Supply Systems
Special Requirements
Electrical
Water
The Heating and Ventilating Class B Supervisor – Residential Only exam—F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical—is made up of 70 questions, and you have three hours to complete it. You must earn a passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $155. The subjects covered include:
General Requirements
Appliances and Equipment
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Fuel Supply Systems
The Heating and Ventilating, A/C – Residential Only exam—F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical—is made up of 70 questions, and you have three hours to complete it. You must earn a passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $155. The subjects covered include:
General Requirements
Appliances and Equipment
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Fuel Supply Systems
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Colorado?
There is no state-issued HVAC license in Colorado. Instead, licensing is done at the local level. In Denver, for instance, the Denver Community Planning and Development commission licenses HVAC professionals.
If you seek a state-issued plumber’s license, contractor license, or electrician license, you must apply through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
Does My Colorado HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, because Colorado licenses HVAC workers at the local level, your license will not work in other states. However, your EPA certification is a national requirement and will transfer with you if you move to a different state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Colorado?
Colorado doesn’t hold reciprocal agreements with other states for HVAC workers. Other trades with a state-issued license may reciprocate with other states.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Colorado, 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 Colorado
In Denver, you must renew your HVAC license every three years. You can renew online via the city’s online permitting and licensing center. The renewal fee is the same as your initial license fee.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Colorado?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Colorado. Some options include:
Pikes Peak State College – Frank Macon Trust “Careers in Trade Industries” scholarship: Offers up to $3,000 per year for students in a trades program, including HVAC.
Emily Griffith Technical College: Offers scholarships of varying amounts for students enrolled in an HVAC program.
Northwest Colorado Trade Scholarship: Offers scholarships for Routt and Moffat County residents seeking career education, training, and certification in the skilled trades. The minimum scholarship is $1,000 per year.
There are several apprentice scholarships offered through trade organizations. The Colorado Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association lists several on its website.
Additionally, the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges offers many scholarship opportunities for students attending or planning to attend any of the 13 Colorado Community College System colleges. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Colorado?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees by visiting the licensing agency in your city or town. In Denver, for example, the Permitting and Licensing Center online database allows you to search for HVAC license holders.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Colorado?
A suspended HVAC license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Colorado HVAC 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 HVACR professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Colorado HVAC license regulations, check with local regulations where you plan to work.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Colorado?
Penalties will vary by jurisdiction since Colorado licenses HVAC workers at the local level.
In Denver, working without a license can incur a fee of up to $999. The city can also impose stop work orders. Some trades, like plumbing and electrical, are regulated by state license under the Colorado Revised Statutes. Doing that kind of work without a valid state license can result in penalties including misdemeanors, fines, and possible jail time.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Colorado HVAC license regulations, check with local regulations where you plan to work.
Continuing Education
Colorado does not require continuing education for HVAC workers at the state level, but some municipalities do. Check with the local licensing authority where you plan to work to make sure you keep your license current. Stay on top of emerging HVAC technology as well. You can keep your skills sharp by learning about the latest systems and appliances. Many distributors host training sessions on new equipment and parts to keep contractors up to date.
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.
