Licensing Guides
Pennsylvania HVAC License: How to Become an Electrician in Pennsylvania
HVAC, PATable of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Pennsylvania?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Pennsylvania?
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Pennsylvania?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Pennsylvania
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania employs 16,930 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 Pennsylvania, that growth rate is projected at 6%, 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 employment in Pennsylvania in July 2025 totaled 260,200, an increase of 500 (0.2%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 6,500 or -2% 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, like in Pennsylvania, from locality to locality.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Pennsylvania
Is a state license required to perform HVAC work in the state of Pennsylvania? No, Pennsylvania doesn’t mandate licenses for apprentices, technicians, or HVAC contractors at the state level.
However, some local municipalities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, require local HVAC licenses or HVAC certifications to work on HVAC systems.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Pennsylvania
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Pennsylvania? While there’s no statewide HVAC license, there are local requirements. Here are the types of HVAC licenses in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia
Sheet Metal Apprentice — Permits an individual to install, maintain, and service sheet metal systems used in HVAC systems. The apprentice must register for an apprenticeship program and serve under the supervision of a registered sheet metal technician.
Sheet Metal Systems Technician — Required to install, maintain, and service sheet metal systems used in HVAC systems.
Home Improvement Contractor — Required for Philadelphia businesses that perform home improvement work on one- or two-family dwellings (excluding electricians and plumbers).
Engineer — Required for any tech who maintains steam or high temperature hot water boilers, steam engines, portable or stationary hoisting engines, or refrigeration machinery.
Philadelphia offers two classes of engineer licenses that apply to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professionals:
Engineer Grade A license: For steam boiler, stationary, refrigeration engineers, and fireman.
Engineer Grade B license: For refrigeration only.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Sheet Metal Apprentice
Must register for an apprenticeship program and serve under the supervision of a registered sheet metal technician.
Apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building.
Pay a $20 application fee, which applies toward the $75 license fee due upon application approval.
Sheet Metal Technician
Complete 8,000 hours of documented practical experience in the installation, maintenance, and other servicing of sheet metal systems, and at least 800 hours of classroom, shop, or related instruction in the installation, maintenance, and other servicing of sheet metal systems.
Pass the Sheet Metal Technician examination, administered by the International Code Council.
Apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building.
Pay an application filing fee of $20, which applies toward the $150 license fee due upon application approval.
Home Improvement Contractor
Register with the Office of the Attorney General.
Establish a Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT).
Apply for a Commercial Activity License.
Apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center (appointment required).
Provide a certificate of insurance that includes:
General Liability Insurance: $500,000 per occurrence.
Automobile Liability Insurance: $300,000.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance with limits of $100,000 per accident, $100,000 per employee, and a $500,000 policy limit.
Engineer
Complete two years of experience as an assistant engineer or helper.
Pass an examination administered by the International Code Council.
Apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building.
Pay a non-refundable application filing fee of $20, which applies toward the $50 license fee due upon application approval.
Pittsburgh
The City of Pittsburgh requires an HVAC contractor license, issued by the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, to install, erect, enlarge, repair, alter, remove, convert, or replace any mechanical system within the City of Pittsburgh. However, any work that doesn’t need a permit doesn’t require a licensed contractor, including:
Portable heating appliances, portable ventilation appliances, portable evaporative coolers, and portable cooling units.
Steam or hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant.
Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
To obtain HVAC contractor licensing, candidates need to:
Fill out the online application and pay the associated fees.
Take and submit proof of passing the City of Pittsburgh proctored Master Mechanical exam, administered by Pearson Vue.
Provide documentation showing four years or more of practical work experience, accompanied by a statement verification from an employer or licensed mechanical contractor.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Pennsylvania
The steps to get an HVAC license in Pennsylvania depend on the locality. For example, in Pittsburgh, they include:
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Complete a four-year apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Apply for, take, and pass the exam.
Fill out the online application and pay the associated fees.
To obtain permits, trade contractors must also provide a tax compliance letter from the City Finance Department, a certificate of general liability insurance, and evidence of workers’ comp insurance or an affidavit of exemption.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Pennsylvania
There are many benefits to getting a local license in Pennsylvania.
Most importantly, it is required by law in many Pennsylvania cities to be licensed to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
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 Pennsylvania?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Pennsylvania is $63,250, 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 Pennsylvania, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $53,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $65,500
Senior (4-7 years): $76,900
Supervisor (>7 years): $90,500
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 Pennsylvania?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. If you start by getting some kind of college degree or certificate, you’ll have tuition expenses. For instance, the HVAC with Related Plumbing and Electrical program through Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center costs about $15,000. The Bachelor of Science in Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology program through Pennsylvania College of Technology costs about $23,000 per year for in-state students.
The cost to take the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 Certification Examination can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam, but those costs may be covered by your program. Apprentice programs are often entirely paid for by your employer.
There are no statewide licensing fees, but some municipalities do require licensing. For example, as a Sheet Metal Apprentice in Philadelphia, you’ll pay an application filing fee of $20, which applies toward the $75 license fee due upon application approval. It will cost you $75 to renew that license every three years. A Sheet Metal Systems Technician pays an application filing fee of $20, which applies toward the $150 license fee, and again must renew every three years for a fee of $150. Be sure to check where you will be working to know exactly what the jurisdiction’s fees are.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Pennsylvania
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Pennsylvania, the steps to become an HVAC professional depend on the locality, but generally include the following.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED for an HVAC apprentice. Many localities require experience to become licensed.
Registered apprenticeship programs range from one year to five years, but are usually four to five years for HVAC/mechanical apprentices.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Most localities require passing an exam at each level of licensure. There is typically an exam fee.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you will need to submit a license application.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Some localities may require the applicant to provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
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 Pennsylvania?
Since Pennsylvania favors local licensing by jurisdiction, there’s no statewide uniformity on license types, such as a journeyman license, or how long it takes to complete training. In general, however, many training programs and apprenticeships, including Philadelphia's sheet metal apprentice license, require 8,000 hours of practical experience (four years) and 800 hours of coursework.
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.
Pennsylvania HVAC Training Programs and Schools
If you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are several school options in the state. 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 accredits four schools in the state:
Programs accredited by PAHRA include:
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Pennsylvania.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Pennsylvania community colleges is approximately $11,723 per year for in-state students and $15,818 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state. Air Conditioning Contractors Western Pennsylvania (ACCWPA) provides a four-year apprenticeship program that combines 3,200 hours of classroom and lab training with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Additionally, multiple employers across the Keystone State offer official apprenticeship programs. Click here for a full list of HVAC apprenticeship programs.
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 Pennsylvania, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Many localities require exams for licensure. For example, in Pittsburgh, you have to pass the ICC National Standard Master Mechanical - F29 exam. The exam is based on the 2015 International Mechanical Code®, the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code®, and the 2014 National Electrical Code®.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Pennsylvania?
The open-book F29 exam, which is required for HVAC contractors in Pittsburgh, consists of 100 questions that must be completed in a four-hour time limit. Question topics include:
General Requirements and Plan Reading
Appliances and Equipment
Exhaust and Ventilation Systems
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Fuel Supply Systems
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Pennsylvania?
Licenses are issued locally in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, licenses are issued by the City of Philadelphia Business Services Department. In Pittsburgh, licenses are issued by the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections.
Does My Pennsylvania HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Because Pennsylvania’s licensing board doesn’t oversee HVAC contractor registration, the state doesn’t allow reciprocity agreements with nearby states, such as New York, North Carolina, or Ohio. The state issues HVAC licenses (if needed) at the local level.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Pennsylvania?
There are no reciprocity agreements for HVAC licensing in Pennsylvania. Out-of-state contractors will need to meet local licensing requirements wherever they intend to work in the state.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Most municipalities require permits for HVAC installations and major repairs. Requirements vary by location, so contractors must check with each municipality where they work. Pennsylvania mandates workers' compensation insurance for any business with employees, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available in Pennsylvania. They include:
Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 5-Star Scholarship: Awards $500 to high school seniors who attend the Lehighton Area High School, Palmerton Area High School, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Carbon Career and Technical Institute (CCTI), or the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI), and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical college and major in HVAC or plumbing. Those participating in an apprenticeship program are also eligible to receive scholarship money to offset the cost of their tools.
Robert V. Boltz Scholarship: Provides tuition assistance for students entering the HVAC & Energy Professional Program at PPATEC.
In addition to this scholarship, HVAC students in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Licenses should be verified with each city. Philadelphia offers a license lookup tool on its website, and users can search by licensee name, company, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Pennsylvania?
A suspended HVAC professional’s license means that the technician is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Each city or town has different laws, but some of the common reasons that a Pennsylvania HVAC license 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 plumbing professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Pennsylvania HVAC license regulations, you can refer to each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Pennsylvania?
Penalties are determined by the local jurisdictions, but include fines, stop-work orders, and denial of future building permits. The severity of penalties often depends on factors such as the type of building involved, whether the work poses safety risks, and whether it's a repeat violation within a specified time period.
Continuing Education
Continuing education requirements vary by jurisdiction. In Pittsburgh, eight hours of continuing education are required for license renewal. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry provides a list of approved continuing education 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.
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.
