Licensing Guides
Oregon HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Oregon
HVAC, ORTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Oregon?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Oregon
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become 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 Oregon employs 3,690 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 Oregon, that growth rate is projected at 19%, 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 Oregon in July 2025 totaled 116,400, a decrease of 700 (-0.6%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,100 or 4% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Oregon licensure is uniform statewide.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Oregon
Is a license required to perform HVAC work in the state of Oregon? Yes.
The Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) issues non-contracting specialty electrical licenses for Limited Energy Technicians, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues specialty contracting licenses for HVAC work.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Oregon
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Oregon?
In Oregon, there are individual and business licenses for HVAC work, though they fall under electrical licensing. An owner/operator only has to obtain a business license (Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R) to become a qualifying party for their business. Otherwise, an individual working under a licensed company can obtain a Class A Limited Energy Technician or Class B Limited Energy Technician license.
To recap, the license types are:
Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR) — Allows a company to maintain, service, repair, or replace commercial and industrial electrical products that use fuel or other forms of energy to produce heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning.
Class A Limited Energy Technician (LEA) — Allows an individual to install, alter, and repair all limited energy systems. An LEA must be licensed as an electrical contractor or must work for an electrical contractor, limited energy contractor, or for one employer in an industrial plant.
Class B Limited Energy Technician (LEB) — Allows an individual to perform limited energy electrical activity that does not include protective signaling. An LEB must be licensed as an electrical contractor, or must work for an electrical contractor, limited energy contractor, or for one employer in an industrial plant.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR)
Register your business with the Secretary of State in Salem.
Fill out a license application.
Designate a signing supervisor or meet the experience requirements to be a qualifying party.
Submit a list of employees.
Pay license fee.
Class A Limited Energy Technician
Meet one of the following experience requirements:
Complete of an approved apprenticeship in Oregon.
Official transcripts verifying 432 hours of required classroom training, and verification of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training broken into specific work categories.
Verification of 12,000 hours of work experience obtained outside of Oregon, broken into specific work categories. Requires trade-specific installation experience in protective signaling that includes fire alarm, nurse call, burglar alarm, and other systems that are part of a fire or life safety system.
Fill out the application.
Pay applicable fee.
Pass exam.
Class B Limited Energy Technician
Meet one of the following experience requirements:
Complete of a board-approved apprenticeship program.
Provide verification of 4,000 hours of work experience equivalent to a board-approved apprenticeship program broken into specific work categories and completion of a board-approved 32-hour training program (may be taken after application is approved).
Verification of 8,000 hours of work experience broken into specific work categories.
Fill out the application.
Pay applicable fee.
Pass exam.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Oregon
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Complete a board-approved HVAC apprenticeship program meeting all experience and classroom instruction requirements.
Apply to take a licensing exam and pay required fees.
Pass the exam and obtain your license.
Consider becoming an independent specialty contractor. Specialty electrical contractors own and operate their own businesses and can hire other licensed employees to work for them.
To obtain a CCB license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete no fewer than 16 hours of pre-license training on law and business practices, and pass the necessary exam. Potential electrical contractors must also provide the CCB with surety bonds and proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Oregon
There are many benefits to getting your Oregon HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Oregon to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
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 Oregon?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Oregon is $67,380, 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 Oregon, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,800
Senior (4-7 years): $78,400
Supervisor (>7 years): $92,200
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 Oregon?
The cost to obtain an HVAC license in Oregon depends on how you get started. For an apprenticeship, costs are usually covered by the sponsor. For Oregon community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,172 per year for in-state students and $6,738 for out-of-state students.
You’ll also pay licensing fees:
LEA: $50
LEB: $50
LHR: $75
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How to Get an HVAC License in Oregon
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Oregon, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You begin your career in the HVAC field in Oregon with an apprenticeship. That can be a formal apprenticeship through a local union or trade organization or through a community or technical college apprenticeship program. If you complete an approved apprenticeship, you will satisfy the licensing experience requirement. The Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries maintains a list of apprenticeship programs.
Alternatively, you can find an informal apprenticeship as an entry-level employee through a job board like Indeed or ZipRecruiter and work for a licensed contractor while gaining the minimum years of experience and related classroom training.
APPLY FOR LICENSE AND PASS EXAM: Once you meet the necessary experience requirements, you are eligible to apply to test for your Limited Energy Technician Class A (LEA) or Class B (LEB) License. You must include an electrical experience verification form with the application. A checklist is available to assist with the application process.
Limited electricians can work only within the scope of their specialty areas, while general journeyman electricians can work in all areas under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or supervising electrician.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: Contractors own and operate their own businesses and can hire other licensed employees to work for them. Contractor licenses are issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). The CCB has detailed instructions on its website and also publishes a guide to becoming a licensed contractor that outlines all of the requirements.
To obtain a CCB license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete no fewer than 16 hours of pre-license training on law and business practices, and pass the necessary exam. Potential specialty electrical contractors like those applying to get an LHR must also provide the CCB with surety bonds and proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Business names must be registered with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Oregon offers several electrical contractor licenses, including those for residential contractors, commercial contractors, and dual contractors.
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 Oregon?
It will take a minimum of two years to qualify to take the licensing exam for a Class B Limited Energy Technician license (LEB) in Oregon. A Class A license will take at least three years. However, a board-approved apprentice program typically takes four years to complete.
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. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Oregon HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many community colleges, trade schools, technical and vocational schools to provide the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Oregon.
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). Oregon doesn’t have any accredited programs.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Oregon.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Oregon community colleges is approximately $4,172 per year for in-state students and $6,738 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Oregon. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through UA Local 290 in Tualatin and Area 1 Plumbers JATC.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Oregon. 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 to have 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 Oregon, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Oregon.
Oregon HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Once your application is approved, the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) will mail a letter of authorization with exam instructions. Oregon offers testing locations throughout the state, and you'll receive your exam results in the mail within two weeks of taking the exam. You must score at least 75% to pass.
Licensing exams are open book, and applicants can use a variety of resource materials, including the National Electrical Code (NEC). Exam prep materials, study guides, and practice tests are available.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Oregon?
The LEA exam consists of 52 questions and has a three-hour limit. The LEB exam consists of 28 questions and has a two-hour limit. The questions are based on the following:
National Electrical Code/NFPA-70 with Oregon amendments
National Electrical Code Handbook
Oregon Revised Statutes chapter 479
Oregon Administrative Rules division 918
The CCB contractor exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions on business practices and law. The test is administered by PSI Services. Study guides are available, although the exam is open book. A passing score is at least 70%.
According to the CCB, the test is based on the Oregon version of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Oregon?
The Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) issues non-contracting specialty electrical licenses for Limited Energy Technicians, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues specialty contracting licenses for HVAC work.
Does My Oregon HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, Oregon does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC licenses.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Oregon?
While Oregon has reciprocity agreements for certain electrician licenses, there aren’t any for the LHR, LEA, or LEB licenses.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Oregon, 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 Oregon
All Oregon HVAC licenses must be renewed every three years. A renewal notice will be mailed to the licensee approximately six weeks prior to the expiration of their license. Continuing Education (if necessary) and fees will be explained on the renewal form.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Oregon?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Oregon. Options include:
Bill Harvey – C.J. Hansen Scholarship (ORPHCC): Offered by the Oregon PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association), this scholarship supports apprentices in plumbing, heating, and cooling programs.
ASHRAE: The local chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers offers its own academic scholarships in addition to national opportunities.
In addition to these scholarships, HVAC students in Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Oregon via the Building Codes Division license search or the Construction Contractors Board license search. Users can search by business name, individual name, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Oregon?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Oregon 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 Oregon HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Oregon Administrative Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Oregon?
Performing HVAC work in Oregon without a license can incur stiff financial penalties. If you perform unlicensed work, you face a $2,000 penalty for the first offense, $2,500 for a second offense, and $5,000 for a third offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Oregon HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Oregon Administrative Rules.
Continuing Education
Eight hours of continuing education is required to renew LEA and LEB licenses. A portion of continuing education credits must be from code change (CC) courses. A chart online outlines the requirements.
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.
