Licensing Guides
Illinois HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Technician in Illinois
HVAC, ILTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Illinois?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Illinois
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Illinois?
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 Illinois employs 8,510 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 Illinois, that growth rate is 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 HVAC installers or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Illinois in July 2025 totaled 239,500, an increase of 3,100 (1.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 11,600 (5%) 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 comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for the HVAC field vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Illinois does not require statewide licensing, and leaves licensing up to each jurisdiction.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Illinois
Is a license required for HVAC Contractors in Illinois? No.
Unlike plumbers in the state of Illinois, there is no license requirement for entry and mid-level HVAC professionals at the state level. There are some contractors license restrictions in certain municipalities, but even in Chicago, the state’s biggest city, there is no license required to perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work. However, you’ll need a general contractor license to pull permits in Chicago.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Illinois
To recap, there are no statewide HVAC licenses in Illinois, and limited local HVAC licenses as well. In Chicago, you need a general contractor license to pull permits. There are five types of general contractor licenses, each with a different maximum project value:
Class A | Maximum project value: unlimited
Class B | Maximum project value: $10 million
Class C | Maximum project value: $5 million
Class D | Maximum project value: $2 million
Class E | Maximum project value: $500,000
The requirements to qualify for a general contractor license include:
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must complete City of Chicago general contractor license application.
Requires liability insurance.
Must submit a statement of financial solvency.
Must pay license fee.
Other cities and counties may require licensing for HVAC workers. For instance, Peoria has a Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor license. The requirements for this license include:
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must complete application.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Must pass the examination.
Must pay license fee.
The City of Springfield issues both Residential and Commercial Mechanical licenses. Requirements include:
Must meet experience requirements: five years for residential and seven years for commercial
Must complete application.
Must pass the exam.
Must pay license fee.
It’s important to check with the jurisdiction where you plan to work to ensure you meet all local licensing requirements.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Illinois
Follow these steps to obtain a Chicago general contractor license:
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Complete a City of Chicago general contractor license application.
Obtain general liability insurance in the amount the corresponds to your license type:
Class A: $5 million per occurrence (primary or umbrella)
Class B: $3 million per occurrence (primary or umbrella)
Class C: $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate
Class D: $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate
Class E: $1 million per occurrence
Submit a statement of financial solvency as described in the application.
Pay the license fee that corresponds to your desired license class:
Class A: $2,000
Class B: $1,000
Class C: $750
Class D: $500
Class E: $300
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Illinois
While there’s no statewide HVAC license requirement, there are benefits to obtaining local licensure:
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
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 Illinois?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois is $72,860, 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 Illinois, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,100
Senior (4-7 years): $78,800
Supervisor (>7 years): $92,700
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 Illinois?
How you get started in HVAC will determine your upfront costs. If you start by getting some kind of college degree or certificate, you’ll have tuition expenses. Those costs vary widely—from a couple of thousand dollars at some trade schools to $15,000 for longer, more comprehensive programs. The cost to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam. If you start with a program, that may be included. There may be a fee from your locality. Some jurisdictions require a contractor license for any type of work, while others may only require a contractor license for work above a certain dollar amount.
In Chicago, the general contractor license fees are:
Class A: $2,000
Class B: $1,000
Class C: $750
Class D: $500
Class E: $300
Union apprenticeships, like the one with UA Local 101 in Belleville, are five years long, and you’ll earn a wage as you learn.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Illinois
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. Since there’s no statewide HVAC license in Illinois, that path can look different for everyone.
In general, it includes:
APPRENTICESHIP/EDUCATION: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. To gain experience, consider a formal apprenticeship or find an entry-level position as a helper.
Or, you could pursue schooling to learn more about the trade and be more desirable to hiring committees.
CHECK LOCAL REQUIREMENTS: While there’s no state-level HVAC license, there may be local requirements, such as applying for a general contractor license in Chicago.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Apply for any required local licensing, following all applications instructions and paying any applicable fees.
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 Illinois?
Since there is no HVAC license in Illinois, there are no prerequisites to meet before becoming an HVAC contractor. The time it takes will depend on how long it takes you to gain experience and get your business started.
If you decide to become 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. Once you gain experience, 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!
Illinois HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Illinois, and they are located all over the state, in major cities and smaller communities. There are also many more options for online training.
Most HVAC technicians hold some kind of postsecondary 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 Illinois:
Midwest Technical Institute, Springfield.
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove.
PAHRA has accredited the following colleges in Illinois:
College of Lake County, Grayslake.
Elgin Community College, Elgin.
Illinois Central College, East Peoria.
John A. Logan College, Carterville.
Oakton Community College, Des Plaines.
Moraine Valley Community College, in Palos Hill, appears on a Top 10 Ranking nationwide.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Illinois
You’ll see that many of the same colleges or programs appear on these lists.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Illinois community colleges is approximately $7,875 per year for in-state students and $10,847 for out-of-state students
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will allow you to gain HVAC on-the-job training experience in Illinois. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101 in Belleville or Chicago Pipefitters Local 597.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Illinois. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an HVAC company 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 Illinois, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Illinois.
Illinois HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Since there’s no statewide license in Illinois, there’s no HVAC exam. There isn’t a Chicago General Contractor exam either. There is an exam in Peoria. Springfield uses the ICC National Standards Test W29 for commercial mechanical and W32 for residential mechanical.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Illinois?
Many states do require licensing. Consider preparing for exams like the HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certification or studying for neighboring states' exams to expand your opportunities.
For the Peoria exam, it’s helpful to be familiar with International Code Council (ICC) standards and local ordinances.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Illinois?
There’s no required HVAC license in Illinois. Chicago General Contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Buildings. In Peoria, trade licenses are issued by the City of Peoria Building Safety Department. The Office of Public Works oversees licensing in Springfield.
Does My Illinois HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, since there’s no statewide license, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Illinois?
Since there is no HVAC license required in the state of Illinois, there are no reciprocity requirements for out-of-state license holders. They would just have to meet any local regulations in their jurisdiction.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Illinois, federal-level Environmental Protection Agency (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 or refrigeration systems. 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
Additional certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. 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. Certification requirements vary, but generally have a years of work experience threshold.
Other Requirements Unique to Illinois
Illinois is one of the few states that doesn’t require HVAC/mechanical contractors to be licensed. The state does license other trades, like roofing and plumbing.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Illinois?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships in Illinois. Options include:
Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Scholarship: Scholarship for tuition, fees, books, or equipment awarded to eligible students enrolled in HVAC, construction management, engineering, or other energy-focused degree or certificate programs
ComEd Future of Energy Scholarship: Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available for students who are pursuing a future career in energy, either through a trades training program or a STEM-related college major.
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 Illinois.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Illinois?
Licenses must be verified with the issuing authority in each municipality, such as:
Chicago Department of Buildings
Peoria Building Safety Department
Springfield Office of Public Works
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Illinois?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that local HVACR 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 Illinois HVAC license regulations you can refer to each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Illinois?
Since there’s no statewide HVAC license, penalties will be up to each jurisdiction. The City of Chicago can issue fines from $200 to $1,000 per day for each offense of operating without the required business license.
Continuing Education
Though Illinois does not require continuing education, 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 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 online courses, 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.
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