Licensing Guides
Kansas HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Kansas
HVAC, KS
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Kansas?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Kansas
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 Kansas employs 4,100 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 Kansas, that growth rate is also projected to be 8%, 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 Kansas in July 2025 totaled 71,700, an increase of 100 (0.1%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,100 (11%) 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 workers and technicians vary widely from state to state, and in Kansas, from locality to locality.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Kansas
Is a state license required to perform HVAC work in Kansas? No, Kansas has no state board and doesn’t require licenses for apprentices, technicians or HVAC contractors at the state level.
However, some jurisdictions, including Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City, require local HVAC licenses or HVAC certifications to work on HVAC systems.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Kansas
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Kansas?
Typically, Kansas cities license HVAC apprentices, journeyman, and master HVAC techs. Those who wish to own their own HVAC business need to obtain an HVAC contractor license, but there is no statewide contractors licensing board.
Outlined below are the types of HVAC licenses in Wichita and Topeka.
Wichita
Types of trade certificates include:
Journeyman Mechanical license: Allows you to work independently under a contractor's supervision.
Master Mechanical license: Allows you to pull permits, design and manage projects, and oversee other technicians.
Trade Contractor: Required to operate your own business.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Journeyman Mechanical
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Meet experience requirements: one year of work experience and one year of HVAC trade school, or two years of experience.
Score 75% or better on an approved International Code Council or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) exam.
Apply for license and pay applicable fee.
Pass required exam.
Master Mechanical
Meet experience requirement: Two years of verifiable work experience as a licensed mechanical journeyman, or four years of experience and score 75% or better on an approved International Code Council or IAPMO Exam.
Apply for license and pay applicable fee.
Pass required exam.
Trade Contractor
Must fill out an application and pay a fee.
Must be a Mechanical Master or employ one.
Requires at least $300,000 in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Must have a driver's license and valid auto insurance.
Requires a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State of Kansas.
Topeka
License types include:
Apprentice: Must fill out an application and pay a $33 fee.
Mechanical Journeyman: Requires two years of practical experience and a minimum of 930 hours of classroom training, passing an exam, filling out an application, and paying all applicable fees.
Mechanical Master: Requires holding a valid journeyman license for a minimum of two years, or providing proof of four years of work experience under a licensed mechanical master, passing an exam, filling out an application, and paying all applicable fees.
HVAC Contractor: Must hold a master mechanical license or employ at least one master, and pass a contractor exam.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Kansas
While steps may vary based on locality, they generally include:
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Enroll in an apprentice program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
Complete your apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master.
Apply for, take, and pass exam for journey level license.
Gain two years of work experience as a licensed journeyperson working under the supervision of a licensed master.
Apply for, take, and pass an exam for master level license.
Work indefinitely for a licensed contractor; OR
If you want to own your own business and become a contractor, apply for a contractor license and meet all requirements, including obtaining general liability insurance, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance, and paying applicable fees.
Receive contractor license.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Kansas
There are many benefits to achieving local licensure in Kansas:
Most importantly, it is required by law to be licensed in many localities 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 Kansas?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Kansas is $57,210, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, 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 Kansas, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,100
Senior (4-7 years): $74,000
Supervisor (>7 years): $87,100
The meaning of a “mean” and “median” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median 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 Kansas?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. If you start by getting some kind of college degree or certificate you’ll have tuition expenses. For instance, the tuition and fees at North Central Kansas Technical College are $226 per credit for technical courses, and the Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning program is 44 credit hours, so it will cost about $9,944.
Johnson County Community College is the only program in Kansas to be accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). The Associate of Applied Science degree is 63 credits, and the HVAC Certificate is 33 credits. If you live in Johnson County, the tuition is $94 per credit hour. For other Kansas residents, it is $112 per credit hour.
In both Wichita and Topeka, you become eligible to take the required examination to earn your journeyman license after completing the required training. For Wichita, that exam is offered through the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and costs $125. After passing the exam you’ll need to apply for your license and pay a $35 license fee. You’ll pay the same fees to test and be licensed as a master. The license fee for trade contractors in Wichita is $360. Topeka’s testing fee is $50, and the license application fee for journeymen is $53. Master candidates pay a $103 license fee.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Kansas
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Kansas, the path to becoming an HVAC/mechanical professional depends on the locality, but generally includes:
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. Most localities require everyone who wants to join this profession to become an apprentice and complete an apprenticeship that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. To get that recognition from the Department of Labor, the apprenticeship must include 2,000 hours of hands-on training and 144 hours of classroom instruction each year.
Registered apprenticeship programs range from one year to five years in length, but for HVAC/mechanical apprentices they are usually four to five years long.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: At each of the following levels of licensure — journeyperson or master — you must submit an application and take an exam.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If after earning your master license you choose to apply to be a contractor, you will need to meet several additional requirements. The application process requires an application and fee.
Applicants typically need to obtain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation 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 Kansas?
The length of required training in Kansas varies by the type of license and municipality, but it typically takes two years of apprentice training to become a journeyman, and an additional two years to become a master.
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. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license. 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.
Kansas HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since most Kansas jurisdictions require 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 base before beginning as an apprentice, there are several schools to choose from.
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). Johnson County Community College is accredited by PAHRA.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Kansas:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Kansas
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average community college tuition in Kansas is approximately $3,402 per year for in-state students and $4,296 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Kansas. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered throughLocal Union 441 out of Wichita.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Kansas. 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 Kansas, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Kansas.
Kansas HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Exams differ based on locality. In Topeka, exams are issued by Prometric. Wichita uses ICC or IAPMO exams. A score of 75% or above is required to pass each exam.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Kansas?
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 Wichita exams, it’s helpful to be familiar with International Code Council (ICC) standards, local ordinances, and OSHA requirements.
The Prometric HVAC exam includes questions on the following topics:
General Knowledge
Low Pressure Boilers and Solar
Warm Air Heating
Refrigeration
Ventilation
Fuel Gas Systems
Controls
Piping
Load Calculations
Insulation
The ICC exam includes questions on the following topics:
Administration General Regulations
Appliances & Mechanical Equipment
Exhaust and Ventilation Systems
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Gas Piping and Fuel Supply Systems
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Kansas?
HVAC licenses are issued locally in Kansas. The City of Topeka Development Services Division (DSD) is responsible for issuing mechanical licenses, including apprentice licenses. The Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) is the licensing board responsible for issuing journeyman and master licenses, as well as HVAC contractor licenses, in Wichita.
Does My Kansas 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 Kansas?
Since there is no HVAC license required in the state of Kansas, there are no reciprocity requirements for out-of-state license holders. They would just have to meet any local regulations in the jurisdiction in which they plan to work.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Kansas, 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. 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 Kansas
Wichita journeyman and master licenses must be renewed every two years. There’s a $35 renewal fee. In Topeka, licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal fees are $33 for apprentice, $53 for journeyman, and $103 for master.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Kansas?
Yes, there are several HVAC or trade school scholarships in Kansas. The Kansas Promise Act Scholarship assists students in specific types of two-year degree and certificate programs, which includes several HVAC programs.
Other HVAC scholarships include:
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 Kansas.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Kansas?
Licenses must be verified with the issuing authority in each municipality, such as:
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Kansas?
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 Kansas HVAC license regulations you can refer to each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Kansas?
Since there’s no statewide HVAC license, penalties will be up to each jurisdiction. These penalties can include fines, misdemeanor charges, and civil liabilities.
Continuing Education
Continuing education requirements depend on each locality. Wichita license holders must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years. Topeka license holders must complete six hours of continuing education annually.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news, including HVAC installation techniques and HVAC technology, in 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.
