Licensing Guides
Maryland HVAC License: How to Become an HVACR Contractor in Maryland
HVAC, MD
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Maryland?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Maryland
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Maryland?
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 Maryland employs 6,380 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 Maryland, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 10% — 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 Maryland in July 2025 totaled 159,100, a decrease of 4,100 (-2.5%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 8,200 (-5%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should be able to find employment 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 HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Maryland licensure is uniform statewide, beginning at the apprentice level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Maryland
Is a license required to work as an HVAC contractor in Maryland? Yes, and it is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of Maryland, to legally perform heating, air conditioning and refrigeration work of any kind you must be licensed. The state licenses every level of this workforce, including apprentices.
The Maryland Department of Labor — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, located in Baltimore, oversees 21 licensing boards, commissions, and programs. Among them is The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, which issues every level of HVACR license. The licensing requirements are posted on its website, and include obtaining work experience, passing a licensing exam, and paying a license fee.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Maryland
What are the types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Maryland?
There are six main HVAC licenses in Maryland. They include:
Apprentice: Anyone who is entering the trade of HVACR work must obtain an apprentice license and work under the direction and control of a licensed contractor as he/she trains to become a journeyman. There are no prerequisites for an apprentice license.
Journeyman Restricted: A journeyman restricted license entitles an individual to perform one or more specialized HVACR services while under the direction and control of a licensed contractor. The categories of HVACR work are: air conditioning, full heating, forced air, heating, hydronic heating, refrigeration, and ventilation.
Journeyman: A journeyman license entitles the licensee to perform HVACR services while under the direction and control of a licensed contractor.
Limited Contractor: A limited contractor license entitles the licensee to exclusively maintain and repair one or more HVACR systems. Again, the categories of HVACR work are: air conditioning, full heating, forced air heating, hydronic heating, refrigeration, and ventilation.
Master Restricted: A master restricted license entitles the licensee to provide installation and maintenance work in one or more areas of HVACR work. The categories of HVACR work are: air conditioning, full heating, forced air, heating, hydronic heating, refrigeration, and ventilation.
Master: A master license entitles the licensee to provide installation and maintenance services in all areas of HVACR work.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
HVACR Apprentice
Submit HVACR Apprenticeship License application.
Pay a $10 fee.
Journeyman Restricted
Must obtain at least three years of work experience as an apprentice. If the apprenticeship is approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, you can skip the licensing exam.
Otherwise, you must pass the journeyman restricted exam.
Submit the license application and pay all fees.
Journeyman
Must obtain at least four years of work experience as an apprentice. If the apprenticeship is approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, you can skip the licensing exam.
Otherwise, you must pass the HVACR journeyman exam.
Submit the license application and pay all fees.
Limited Contractor
Must have been licensed as a journeyman and regularly employed in providing HVACR services under the direction and control of licensed HVACR Master for at least two years, and you must have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours in the year prior to application.
You must pass the limited contractor exam.
Must obtain general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 and property damage liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
Submit the license application and pay all fees.
Master Restricted
Must have been licensed as a journeyman and regularly employed in providing HVACR services under the direction and control of licensed HVACR Master for at least three years, and you must have worked a minimum of 1,875 hours in the year prior to application.
You must pass the master restricted exam.
Must obtain general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 and property damage liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
Submit the license application and pay all fees.
Master
Must have been licensed as a journeyman and regularly and principally employed to provide all areas of HVACR services for at least three years of active experience under the direction and control of a HVACR master, and you must have worked a minimum of 1,875 hours in the year prior to application.
You must pass the master HVACR contractor exam.
Must obtain general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 and property damage liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
Submit the license application and pay all fees.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Maryland
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Apply for an HVACR Apprenticeship license.
Obtain three years of experience to qualify for a journeyman restricted license or four years for a journeyman license.
Submit the journeyman license application.
Pass licensing exam for one of the journeyman classifications.
To qualify for a limited contractor, master restricted, or master license, you will need to work an additional two to three years as a licensed journeyman.
Pass the licensing exam for your desired classification.
Limited contractor, master restricted, or master license holders must also obtain general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 and property damage liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
Submit the license application and pay all fees.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Maryland
There are many benefits to getting your Maryland HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Maryland 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 Maryland?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Maryland is $68,890, 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 Maryland, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,500
Senior (4-7 years): $79,200
Supervisor (>7 years): $93,200
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 Maryland?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Maryland is fairly low, as the registration fee is only $10.
While not required, some candidates attend community college or trade school to gain experience. In Maryland, you can expect to pay $5,633 per year for in-state students and $7,892 for out-of-state students.
Once you have met the work experience requirements for your desired license classification, you’ll also face additional licensing and exam fees, including:
Journeyman: License Fee: $20 | Exam Fee: $150
Journeyman Restricted: License Fee: $20 | Exam Fee: $50
Limited Contractor: License Fee: $75 | Exam Fee: $150
Master Restricted: License Fee: $75 | Exam Fee: $50
Master: License Fee: $75 | Exam Fee: $150
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How to Get an HVAC License in Maryland
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Maryland, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical 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 equivalent. The state requires everyone who wants to work in the HVAC industry to join an apprenticeship program. If the apprenticeship is approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, you can skip the journeyman licensing exam.
You need to obtain a minimum of three years of work experience to qualify for a journeyman restricted license, or four years to qualify for a journeyman license.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: All Maryland HVAC license classifications require examination. PSI Examination Services provides all testing for the HVACR Board. PSI has testing centers in Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Lanham, and Salisbury. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam.
Check out the Candidate Information Bulletin for more details on Maryland HVAC exams. Click here to create an account and register for an exam with PSI.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you will need to apply for your license. You can find links to all license applications on the DLLR’s website. The license fee is $75 for the limited contractor, master restricted, and master license, and $20 for the restricted journeyman and full journeyman license.
ATTEST TO CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS: The license application asks you to list any criminal convictions. You must detail the nature of the conviction and explain the resolution. A conviction will not automatically disqualify you from licensure.
OBTAIN INSURANCE: Limited contractors, master restricted and master licensees must obtain general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000 and property damage liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000.
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 Maryland?
It will take a minimum of three years of work experience as an apprentice before you can qualify for a restricted journeyman license or four years for a full journeyman license.
To qualify for a limited contractor license, you must work an additional two years as a licensed journeyman, or three years to qualify for a restricted master or full master license.
Maryland HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Maryland requires HVAC professionals to begin 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 is one school in Maryland that has received accreditation.
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 University of Maryland - Baltimore County as well as Loyola University.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Maryland:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Maryland
Tuition: Tuition at Maryland Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. In Maryland, you can expect to pay $5,633 per year for in-state students and $7,892 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing process in Maryland. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through UA Local 486 in Baltimore and Hagerstown or UA Local 602 in Landover.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Maryland. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you. 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 Maryland, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Maryland.
Maryland HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
PSI Examination Services administers all HVACR Board exams in Maryland. Testing centers are available in Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Lanham, and Salisbury. A passing score of 70% is required, and you must complete the exam in a specified time limit.
For complete details about exam content and procedures, review the Candidate Information Bulletin. When you’re ready to take the next step, create an account and register for your exam through PSI.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Maryland?
The Candidate Information Bulletin provides more information on each of the HVAC exams. You must score 70% to pass each exam.
The Master exam is made up of 100 questions. You are given four hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
Piping
Refrigeration Systems and Air Conditioning
Heating Systems
Air Distribution Systems
Safety
The Master Restricted exam is made up of 50 questions. You are given two hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
Piping
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Safety
The Limited Contractor exam is made up of 50 questions. You are given two hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
Piping
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Heating Systems
Air Distribution Systems
Safety
The Journeyman exam is made up of 100 questions. You are given four hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
Piping
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Heating Systems
Air Distribution Systems
Safety
The Journeyman Restricted exam is made up of 50 questions. You are given two hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
Piping
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Safety
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Maryland?
All HVACR licenses are issued by the The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, which is part of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Does My Maryland HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Virginia and Delaware. You can apply for a reciprocal license in either state if you hold a valid Maryland license.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Maryland?
To recap, Maryland has reciprocal agreements with Delaware and Virginia. Reciprocal licensing is permissible if the individual:
Meets the qualifications of Maryland's HVACR law.
Holds an active license in good standing in the other state.
Holds a license that is equivalent to the Maryland HVACR license; and
Became licensed in the other state after meeting that state's requirements for licensure, which must be at least equivalent to the licensing requirements of this state, including the number of years of work experience required by the Maryland law.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Maryland, 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 Maryland
To keep your state-issued license current, Maryland requires you to renew it every two years. The renewal fee is $20.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Maryland?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Maryland. Options include:
Hillside Heating & Cooling Scholarship: Provides $1,800 per year for students enrolled in an HVAC program at Cecil College.
Johnson Controls HVAC Scholarship: Provides annual scholarships for students enrolled in an HVAC program at Montgomery College.
Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship: Provides up to $2,000 per year for high school students pursuing a career in the HVAC field.
The Maryland Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) offers scholarships through national programs like the PHCC Educational Foundation and the PHCC National Auxiliary, rather than a state-specific one.
Additionally, the Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland contributes to the college funding of students through the Chapter’s Memorial Scholarship Fund. Click here to apply.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Maryland?
Maryland’s Department of Labor operates an online database where you can verify an HVAC license. Simply navigate to the website, and then search by name, location, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Maryland?
A suspended HVACR license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Maryland 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
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 a detailed explanation of this process refer to the official Maryland Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Maryland?
Performing HVACR/Mechanical work in Maryland without a license is illegal. According to Maryland Statues, working without a license is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail for a first offense. For a second offense, you can face fines up to $5,000 and up to two years in jail. You can also be barred from obtaining a license in the future for performing HVAC work without a license.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation of this process refer to the official Maryland Statutes.
Continuing Education
There is no continuing education requirement for licensed HVAC Contractors in Maryland at this time.
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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