Licensing Guides
Kentucky HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Kentucky
HVAC, KY
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Kentucky?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Kentucky
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky employs 6,230 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 Kentucky, that growth rate is expected to be lower — projected at 5% — 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 Kentucky in July 2025 totaled 100,200, an increase of 6,000 (6.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 18,900 or 23% 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 board requirements for these skilled professionals vary from state to state. In Kentucky, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing licenses are issued at the state level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Kentucky
Is a license required for HVAC contractors in Kentucky? Yes.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, you must be a licensed master HVAC contractor, licensed journeyman HVAC mechanic, or a registered apprentice working under a licensed contractor.
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) - Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning issues the licenses. Its website states, “The mission of the Division of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky through regulation and licensing of the industry and to ensure the skills and knowledge of HVAC contractors and journeymen by means of continuing education.”
Types of HVAC Licenses in Kentucky
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Kentucky?
There are three main registration/license types in Kentucky:
Apprentice — Can perform HVAC work only under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master HVAC professional.
Journey Level — Can install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, but cannot operate their own contracting business.
Master Level — Can pull permits, bid on jobs, advertise services, and hire other mechanics and apprentices.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
May perform work only under the supervision of a licensed master or journeyperson. An apprentice must not knowingly perform work for an unlicensed contractor.
Must submit an application with your supervising employer’s signature.
Journeyman
Must obtain two years of experience under licensed supervision.
Must provide documentation of any criminal convictions.
Must pass an exam and pay an exam fee.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Master
Must obtain two years of experience as a licensed journeyman.
Must pass an exam and pay an exam fee.
Must obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 total, and $300,000 for property damage.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Kentucky
You must be at least 18 years of age.
Register for a certificate of apprenticeship.
Complete and document two years of experience or a training program and one year of on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman HVAC mechanic and general supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
Take and pass the journeyman examination and pay a testing fee of $80.
Apply for Journeyman HVAC license and pay licensing fee.
If you wish to own your own business you must then work for two years as a licensed journeyman under the supervision of a Master HVAC Contractor before applying for a Master HVAC Contractor License.
Take and pass the Master HVAC Contractor License examination, which includes a section on business and law, and pay an $80 testing fee.
Pay Master HVAC Contractor license fee.
Provide proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 and $300,000 property damage insurance as required by law.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Kentucky
There are many benefits to getting your Kentucky HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Kentucky to be licensed through the state 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 Kentucky?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Kentucky is $58,450, 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 Kentucky, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,100
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,000
Senior (4-7 years): $72,800
Supervisor (>7 years): $85,700
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.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Kentucky?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Kentucky is relatively low. There’s no registration fee. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
Once you have met the work experience requirements, you’ll pay $80 for the journeyman exam, and a license application fee between $29.17 and $75, depending on your birth month and application month. There’s a chart on the application that breaks down the prorated fees.
For the master exam, you’ll pay $80. For the license, you’ll pay between $145.83 and $375, depending on your birth month and when you apply.
How to Get an HVAC License in Kentucky
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Kentucky, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: The HVAC Certificate of Apprenticeship authorizes you to work in the HVAC trade in Kentucky under:
The direct supervision of at least one journeyman HVAC mechanic; and
The general supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
To apply for your certificate of apprenticeship, you must have a Master HVAC contractor sign your application. You can begin the process by finding a program sponsor yourself as an apprentice/entry level worker or through a vocational school or community college. Sponsors of both full-length traditional programs and shorter programs for applicants who’ve already taken some HVAC classes can be found on the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet’s Apprenticeship page.
Certification tests are rigorous and thorough, so additional formal education at a college or trade school may be a more helpful first step in your training to be an HVAC technician. Employers often state a preference for HVAC technicians who have graduated from a relevant trade school or technical college because they have been educated in key skills needed for the job.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM AND PAY EXAM FEE: After getting the documented work experience you need, you can register to take the Journeyman HVAC Mechanic examination. The Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction has contracted with Prov to develop and administer their licensing examination program. To register and schedule for testing, go to https://www.provexam.com/register. The exam fee is $80. You can take your test at any of the company's testing centers.
APPLY FOR JOURNEYMAN HVAC MECHANIC LICENSE: Once you’ve passed your exam and have all the other documentation demonstrating you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, HVAC apprentices may apply for the Journeyman HVAC Mechanic License using this form. At the bottom of the application you will find a chart to help you determine the correct application fee. The annual fee for a Journeyman Mechanic license is $50. However, the initial licensing fee is prorated for no less than seven months or up to as much as 18 months based on what month you apply for it and what month it will expire. All licenses expire at the end of the license holder’s birth month. You can work as a journeyman indefinitely. You simply need to renew your license every year and work under the supervision of a Master HVAC Contractor.
ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR MASTER LICENSE: If you would like to own your own business, you will need to get a Master HVAC Contractor License. You will need to document an additional two more years of experience as a journeyman to qualify to register to sit for the Master exam.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM AND PAY EXAM FEE: As stated above the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction has contracted with Prov to develop and administer their licensing examination program. To register and schedule for testing, go to https://www.provexam.com/register. The exam fee is $80.
APPLY FOR MASTER HVAC CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Once you’ve passed the exam and have all the other documentation demonstrating you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, Journeyman mechanics can apply for the Master HVAC Contractor license using this form. At the bottom of the application you will find a chart to help you determine the correct application fee. The annual fee for a Master license is $250. However, the initial licensing fee is prorated for no less than seven months or up to as much as 18 months based on what month you apply for it and what month it will expire. All licenses expire at the end of the license holder’s birth month. You will need to renew your license every year.
PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE: Master Contractors must provide proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 and $300,000 property damage 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 Kentucky?
It will take a minimum of two years to qualify to take the Journeyman HVAC Mechanic License Exam in Kentucky. However, while you’re working, accumulating the necessary journeyman-level experience, you are also earning money.
If you choose to go on to apply for the Master HVAC Contractor License, you will need an additional two years’ experience as a licensed journeyman before you can take the master level exam. 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!
Kentucky HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Kentucky 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 base before beginning as an apprentice, there are several options for schooling in Kentucky.
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 South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College, in Bowling Green, which offers certificates and degree programs in HVAC.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Kentucky:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Kentucky
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Kentucky community colleges is approximately $3,629 per year for in-state students and $12,449 for out-of-state students
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Kentucky. You can apply for a union training program like those offered through Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 452 out of Lexington or Local 502 out of Louisville.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Kentucky. 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 Kentucky, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Kentucky.
Kentucky HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The Journeyman and Master exams are administered by Prov at testing locations throughout the state. Click this link to learn more about registration, exam fees, testing centers, the reference material for each exam, and rescheduling your appointment. A score of 70% or above is required to pass each exam, and all exams are open book.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Journeyman HVAC exam is made up of 60 questions and must be completed within three hours. The subject areas covered are:
General Knowledge
Systems and Sizing
Equipment
Piping
Refrigeration Systems
Electrical
Maintenance
Plan Reading, Estimating, and Math
The Master exam is made up of 100 questions and must be completed within four hours. It covers the same topics as the Journeyman exam, with the addition of law and administration questions.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction - Division of HVAC, located in Frankfort, issues and renews all HVAC licenses in the Commonwealth.
Does My Kentucky HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, a Kentucky HVAC license does not automatically work in other states. However, some states may offer reciprocity agreements, which could streamline the process of obtaining a license in another state. You'll need to contact the HVAC licensing authority in the specific state where you wish to work to determine if they offer reciprocity with Kentucky or have alternative requirements for out-of-state professionals.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers license reciprocity for HVAC professionals from other states, allowing you to use your out-of-state license to meet some requirements and potentially avoid a trade exam. To qualify, you must provide proof of experience, potentially through a W-2, an affidavit, or a copy of your current license from another state. You also need a letter of good standing from the state you are licensed in.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky
To keep your state-issued license current, Kentucky requires you to renew it before it expires at the end of your birth month every year. The fee for license renewal is $50 for a journeyman and $250 for a master.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Kentucky?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships in Kentucky. Options include:
Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical offers a $5,000 trade scholarship for students pursuing HVAC or plumbing education.
The Kentucky Work Ready Scholarship Program supports students pursuing certificates, diplomas, or associate's degrees in high-demand fields, including HVAC, at participating Kentucky postsecondary institutions.
In addition to these scholarships, HVAC students in Kentucky can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Kentucky community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Kentucky?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Kentucky through the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction’s online verification tool. Users can use the online portal to search by a permit number, license number, address, or name.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Kentucky?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license temporarily prohibits the license holder from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Kentucky HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Kentucky HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS).
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Kentucky?
Operating without a license in Kentucky is illegal. Anyone who violates a provision of state code faces fines of at least $10 and up to $1,000 for each offense. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Kentucky HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Kentucky Revised Statutes.
Continuing Education
To make sure HVAC professionals in Kentucky stay current on all laws, codes, and regulations and that they are up to date on emerging technology in the HVAC field, Kentucky requires continuing education to renew your license. You must complete six hours of continuing education from an approved provider. A calendar of upcoming continuing education opportunities is on the website, as is a list of approved online providers.
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.
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