Licensing Guides
New Jersey HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in New Jersey
HVAC, NJ
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in New Jersey?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in New Jersey
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey employs 10,680 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 New Jersey, that growth rate is expected to be at 7%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
» Want to grow your HVAC business? Click here to get a demo.
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 industry employment in New Jersey in July 2025 totaled 156,300, a decrease of 8,000 (-4.9%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,700 (-5%) from February 2020. 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, HVAC 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. New Jersey has statewide licensure requirements for HVAC contractors.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in New Jersey
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical contractor in New Jersey? Yes.
In the state of New Jersey, contractors performing heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration work must be licensed. HVAC technicians do not hold state licenses, but must work for a licensed contractor. The State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors, within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, issues HVACR contractor licenses.
Types of HVAC Licenses in New Jersey
What are the types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in New Jersey? There is one type of HVACR contractor license in the state.
Master Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License — A contractor is defined as a person who undertakes or advertises to undertake for a fee the planning, laying out, installation, construction, maintenance, service, repair, alteration, or modification to any system portion, product, equipment, or appurtenances used for environmental needs or control of any heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration system.
Specific requirements must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Master Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
Be at least 21 years of age.
Obtain required work experience in one of the following four ways:
Complete a four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship in HVACR followed by one year of journeyperson experience working under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in HVACR from an accredited college or university followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in a degree related to HVACR from an accredited college or university followed by three years of journeyperson experience under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Earn a two-year degree from an accredited trade, technology, community, or county school/college and complete at least two years of a U.S. Department of Labor-approved HVACR apprenticeship, followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Register your business in New Jersey and obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number.
Submit an application to the State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors. Pay the $100 application fee.
Pass a background check.
Once the board approves your application, pass the HVACR contractor exam.
Obtain a $3,000 surety bond.
Obtain a certificate of general liability insurance for $500,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence, or proof of self-insurance approved by the Department of Banking and Insurance.
Pay the $160 biennial license fee. If you apply in the second year of the two-year license cycle, the fee is $80.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in New Jersey
Be at least 21 years old.
Register for a four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved HVACR apprenticeship. If you do not complete all four years, other options include completing two years of an apprenticeship and completing a two-year training program from an accredited trade, technology, community, or county school/college. Or, you can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in HVACR or a degree related to HVACR.
Work for at least one year as a journeyperson under a licensed master HVACR contractor. If you completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in a degree related to HVACR, you’ll need to work at least three years as a journeyperson.
Register your HVACR business in New Jersey and obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number.
Submit an application to the State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors. Pay the $100 application fee.
Pass a background check.
Once the board approves your application, pass the HVACR contractor exam.
Obtain a $3,000 surety bond.
Obtain a certificate of general liability insurance for $500,000.
Pay the $160 biennial license fee. If you apply in the second year of the two-year license cycle, the fee is $80.
Receive your Master HVACR Contractor License.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in New Jersey
There are many benefits to getting your New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor License:
Most importantly, New Jersey law requires contractors to obtain a master HVACR license to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
A contractor license is proof to homeowners of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can operate a business and advertise HVAC services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and 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 New Jersey?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in New Jersey is $71,490, 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 New Jersey, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $58,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,800
Senior (4-7 years): $83,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $97,800
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 New Jersey?
The cost to become a contractor in New Jersey is fairly low. If you start as an apprentice, programs have different tuition costs, books fees, and tool fees, but much of the costs are absorbed by your employer or union.
The contractor license application fee with the State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors costs $100. The two-part master HVACR contractor exam, administered by PSI, costs $131. The biennial license fee is $160. You will also pay expenses related to obtaining a surety bond, insurance, and other business requirements.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How to Get an HVAC License in New Jersey
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In New Jersey, becoming a master HVACR contractor isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
WORK EXPERIENCE: The state allows four options for obtaining the required work experience.
Option 1: Complete a four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship in HVACR followed by one year of journeyperson experience working under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Option 2: Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in HVACR from an accredited college or university followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Option 3: Earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in a degree related to HVACR from an accredited college or university followed by three years of journeyperson experience under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
Option 4: Earn a two-year degree from an accredited trade, technology, community, or county school/college and complete at least two years of a U.S. Department of Labor-approved HVACR apprenticeship, followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed master HVACR contractor.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Complete and submit an application online on the MyLicense Online Licensing for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Register a bona fide representative, if applicable. A bona fide representative is required for specific types of business structures, explained in the board’s FAQ page. Pay the $100 application fee.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once the board approves your application, schedule, take, and pass the HVACR contractor exam. PSI administers the exams, which include a trade exam and business and law exam. Exam cost is $131. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
OTHER CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: Master HVACR contractors will need to register their business in New Jersey and obtain a Federal Tax Identification Number. Before receiving the license, they’ll also need to obtain a $3,000 surety bond and a certificate of general liability insurance for $500,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence, or proof of self-insurance approved by the Department of Banking and Insurance. The biennial license fee is $160. If you apply in the second year of the two-year license cycle, the fee is $80.
The State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors provides a FAQ page with answers to frequently asked licensing questions. It also provides top tips for license applications.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. 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 New Jersey?
To meet the state’s eligibility requirements, you will need a minimum of five years of work experience before you can take the master HVACR contractor exam. You’ll need to work four years as an apprentice and one year as a journeyman under a licensed master HVACR contractor. The state allows other options to gain the required education, such as earning a four-year or two-year degree related to HVAC, but all the options still take a total of five years to complete.
As far as the application process, it takes anywhere from nine to 16 weeks to receive a master HVACR contractor license once the board receives your application, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs timeline.
The great news is that if you start as an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation can go up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
New Jersey HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of New Jersey requires master HVACR contractors to complete a four-year apprenticeship as one of the work experience options, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, the state allows applicants to count education toward the work experience requirement. Accepted options include a four-year bachelor’s degree in HVACR or related to HVACR, or a two-year degree from an accredited county school/community college, trade, or technical school and two years of an apprenticeship. All of the options also require journeyperson experience after completing the apprenticeship and/or schooling.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVACR programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has accredited two programs in New Jersey: Lincoln Technical Institute in Union and Mahwah. PAHRA has one accredited program: Monmouth County Vocational School in Freehold.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Nevada:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in New Jersey
Tuition: Tuition at New Jersey Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. Costs vary based on the community college’s tuition schedule. In-state tuition typically ranges from $167 to $231 per credit hour. Out-of-state tuition ranges from $296 to $414 per credit hour.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship opportunities exist in New Jersey. It’s important to ensure your apprenticeship program is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeship opportunities include:
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 to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in New Jersey, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in New Jersey.
New Jersey HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
New Jersey master HVACR contractors must pass an HVACR trade exam and business and law exam administered by PSI. The cost for both exams is $131. Exams are open book with approved references. A passing score is 70% or above. Those who do not pass the first time must wait six months before re-taking the exam.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in New Jersey?
The HVACR trade exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 130 minutes. Subjects include:
Electrical knowledge, motors, and controls
Piping — refrigeration, hydronic, steam, and process
Heating and cooling principles, theory, and equipment
Refrigerants and refrigeration
Fuel and LP gas
Combustion air, chimneys, flues, and vents
Ducts, ventilation, and exhaust
Load calculations
The business and law exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 130 minutes. Subjects include:
Business organization
Licensing
Estimating and bidding
Contract management
Project management
Risk management
Safety
Labor law
Financial management
Tax law
Lien law
PSI provides a candidate information bulletin which includes the approved references. Downloaded online references must be spiral bound or hole-punched and placed in a binder, or stapled in the left-hand corner.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in New Jersey?
The State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors, within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, issues HVACR contractor licenses.
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is located at 124 Halsey St., Newark, New Jersey 07102. The State Board of Examiners for HVACR Contractors may be reached by phone at (973) 504-6250 or by email at HVACR@dca.njoag.gov. The division also has a drop-down contact page on its website with phone numbers and email addresses.
Does My New Jersey HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you’re applying for an HVACR contractor license in a state that has similar licensing requirements as your New Jersey license, you may be eligible for an exam waiver in that state. You’ll still need to apply for the license with the appropriate state agency and meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in New Jersey?
The State Board of Examiners for HVACR Contractors may waive the examination requirement for applicants who hold a license in another state that has equal licensing requirements.
Applicants seeking a New Jersey license based on licensure in another state must submit an application to the State Board of Examiners for HVACR Contractors, proof they completed one of the New Jersey’s required educational requirements, proof of their current license, and proof that the licensee’s state allows New Jersey master HVACR contractors to obtain a license in that state based on their New Jersey licensure.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in New Jersey, 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, this is 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 add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to New Jersey
The State Board of Examiners for HVACR Contractors provides detailed information about licensing on its FAQ page. Its applications page lists instructions for applying online.
New Jersey laws may be found in New Jersey statutes, including HVACR contractor statutes Title 45:16A and the Uniform Enforcement Act, Title 45:1. Regulations may be found in New Jersey Administrative Code, including HVACR contracting regulations Title 13:32A and Uniform Regulations Title 13:45C.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in New Jersey?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in New Jersey. HVACR or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
In addition, the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry. The application period runs from January until May 1, after which the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in New Jersey?
Potential clients or employees may verify your master HVACR contractor license in New Jersey through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs license verification page. Choose a business or a person and search by:
Profession
License type
Business name or individual’s first or last name
License number
City
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in New Jersey?
A suspended HVACR license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. The licensing board may suspend a contractor license for many reasons, including:
Obtaining a license or authorization to sit for an examination through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation.
Engaging in dishonesty, fraud, deception, misrepresentation, false promise, or false pretense.
Engaging in gross negligence, gross malpractice, or gross incompetence which damaged or endangered the life, health, welfare, safety or property of any person.
Engaging in occupational misconduct.
Violating or failing to comply with the provisions of any act or regulation administered by the board.
Fraudulently advertising.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about New Jersey HVAC license regulations, refer to New Jersey statutes and New Jersey Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in New Jersey?
Performing HVACR work in New Jersey without a contractor license is against state law. Those who work without a contractor license in New Jersey face serious penalties.
Those who work as an HVACR contractor or use the title of master HVACR contractor without a license face charges of a crime of a fourth degree, which is a felony. Those convicted of a crime of the fourth degree face a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about New Jersey HVAC license regulations, refer to New Jersey statutes and New Jersey Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Master HVACR contractors must complete five credits of continuing education from a board-approved course every two years before license renewal. The board publishes a list of approved sponsors and instructors. Licensees are required to maintain verification of continuing education attendance for four years.
Master HVACR Contractor Licenses must be renewed every two years. Contractors renew online. Renewal fee is $160.
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.
