Licensing Guides
Washington HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Washington
HVAC, WA
April 10th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Washington?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Washington
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Washington?
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 Washington employs 7,090 of them. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding 34,500 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Washington, that growth rate is projected at 11%, 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 industry employment in Washington in July 2025 totaled 214,700, a decrease of 9,600 (-4%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 8,800 (-4%) 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 remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Washington has both statewide and local licensure requirements for those working in the HVAC field.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Washington
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical contractor in Washington? Yes. However, there is no statewide HVAC license. Instead, the state requires those working in HVAC to hold an electrical license, and offers a specialty electrical license specific to HVAC and refrigeration work. The state also requires HVAC contractors to hold a contractor license. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issues trade and contractor licenses.
In addition to a state license, those working in HVAC may need to obtain a local license. Whether you need a local license depends on the laws of the local jurisdiction and the type of work you perform. For instance, Seattle requires gas piping mechanics and journey refrigeration mechanics, refrigeration operating engineers, and refrigeration and air conditioning contractors to hold city licenses. Spokane requires commercial gas heating mechanics to hold a city license.
You’ll need to check with the jurisdictions where you plan to work to ensure you meet local licensing requirements.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Washington
What are the different types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in Washington? While there isn’t a statewide HVAC license, the state has three types of specialty electrician licenses and two types of electrical specialty classifications for those working in HVAC and refrigeration.
In addition, cities in Washington set their own requirements and may require those performing certain types of HVAC work to obtain a local license.
Specialty Electrician Certificates
Specialty Electrical Trainee Certificate — An electrical trainee is an individual learning the trade. They must be supervised by a certified specialty electrician or by a journey level electrician.
Specialty Electrician Certificate — An individual who meets the license requirements and is issued a specialty electrician license to perform the work within the specialty.
Specialty Master Electrician Certificate — An individual who meets the license requirements and is issued a specialty master electrician license to perform the work within the specialty. An electrical contractor may designate them to supervise electricians and electrical work.
The state of Washington has 14 specialty categories in the electrical construction trade. These are the two related to HVAC and refrigeration work.
HVAC/Refrigeration System (06A) — This specialty electrician license is for an individual to install, repair, replace, and maintain HVAC and refrigeration systems and related components.
HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted (6B) — This restricted specialty electrician license is for an individual to install, repair, replace, and maintain HVAC and refrigeration systems, but they may not perform electrical work where the primary electrical power connection to the system exceeds 250 volts single phase, or 120 amps.
Washington has 63 specialty contractor classifications. These are the three related to HVAC and refrigeration work.
Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractor License (specialty trade code SM) — The HVAC/R contractor license is for those who fabricate, install, service, and maintain equipment that heats and cools indoor air. Systems may include duct work, air filtering devices, water treatment devices; pneumatic controls, control piping, thermal and acoustical insulation, vibration isolation materials and devices, liquid fuel (propane) piping and tanks, gas piping from service connection to the equipment it serves, and stainless steel kitchen systems. This license also includes the testing and balancing of the air handling systems and systems using solar energy. This work may also require electrical licensing and plumber certification.
Boiler, Steam Fitting, and Process Piping Contractor License (specialty trade code AC) — This license is for contractors who install, service, and repair power boiler installations and hot water heating systems. This includes fire-tube and water-tube steel power boilers, hot water heating low pressure boilers, steam fitting and piping, fittings, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, convectors, hydraulics, fuel oil tanks, and fuel oil lines. This license also includes chimney connections, flues, refractories, burners, thermal insulation and accessories, fuel and nonpotable water lines from source of supply to boilers, process and specialty piping and related equipment, pneumatic and electrical control, sheet insulation, and solar heating equipment associated with these systems. This work may also require plumber certification and electrical licensing.
Commercial/Industrial Refrigeration Contractor License (specialty trade code AB) — This license is for contractors who install, alter, and repair refrigeration equipment and systems used for processing, storage, and display of food products and other perishable commodities for the control of air temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This license permits the construction, fabrication, erection, installation, service, maintenance and repairs of devices, machinery and units, including refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, air-conditioning units, and insulated spaces. This includes the installation of related insulation, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity controls, thermostatic controls for the control of air, liquid, and/or gas temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius. This work may also require an electrical license.
Specific requirements must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 16 years old.
Apply for a trainee certificate with the L&I. The application fee is $45.20 for the online application and $52.60 for those applying in person or by mail.
Work under the supervision of a specialty electrician or journeyman electrician. Those seeking the HVAC/refrigeration classification must be supervised a minimum of 75% of the time and those seeking the restricted HVAC/refrigeration classification must be supervised 100% of the time. For specialty electrical trainees, there are no apprenticeship completion requirements.
Take 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction before renewing your certificate every two years, until you pass the specialty electrician or journey level exam.
Be at least 18 years old.
For the HVAC/Refrigeration System (06A) classification, have at least 4,000 hours (two years) of work experience.
For the HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted (6B) classification, have at least 2,000 hours (one year) of work experience.
Apply to L&I for the specialty electrician examination. Pay the $107.60 application fee.
Once you receive approval to take the exam, pay the $65 exam fee to PSI for the HVAC/refrigeration exam or the $55 exam fee for the HVAC/refrigeration restricted exam.
Pass the exam.
Receive specialty electrician certificate.
Renew certificate every three years.
Have at least two years of experience as a certified specialty electrician.
Apply to L&I for the specialty master electrician examination. Pay the $192.10 application fee.
Once you receive approval to take the exam, pay the $75 exam fee to PSI for the HVAC/refrigeration exam or the $65 exam fee for the HVAC/refrigeration restriction exam.
Pass the exam.
Receive the specialty master electrician certificate.
Renew certificate every three years.
Obtain a business license and receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Washington Department of Revenue. Some business structures must also register with the Washington Secretary of State.
Obtain a $15,000 surety bond or an assignment of savings.
Obtain general liability insurance with coverage of $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
Assign an electrical administrator who has passed the electrical administrator exam in the appropriate specialty. An electrical administrator, who may also be a master electrician, is responsible for ensuring electrical or electrical specialty contractors abide by state electrical laws, rules, and regulations.
Submit a specialty contractor license application to the L&I. Pay the $141.10 application fee.
Receive contractor license.
Renew contractor license every two years.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Washington
Be at least 16 years old.
Apply for a trainee certificate with the L&I.
Work under the supervision of a specialty electrician or journeyman electrician. Supervision requirements vary depending on the certificate classification you seek.
Take 48 hours of classroom instruction before renewing your certificate every two years.
To become a specialty electrician under the HVAC/Refrigeration System (06A) classification, have at least 4,000 hours (two years) of work experience. For the HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted (6B) classification, have at least 2,000 hours (one year) of work experience.
Apply to L&I for the specialty electrician examination. Pay the $107.60 application fee.
Once you receive approval, take and pass the exam administered by PSI. The exam fee for the 06A classification is $65 and $55 for the 6B classification.
Receive specialty electrician certificate.
Renew certificate every three years.
To become a specialty master electrician, you must have worked two years as a certified specialty electrician.
Apply to L&I for the specialty master electrician examination. Pay the $192.10 application fee.
Once you receive approval, take and pass the exam administered by PSI. The exam fee for the 06A classification is $75 and $65 for the 6B classification.
To become a specialty contractor, obtain a business license and receive a UBI number from the Washington Department of Revenue. Some business structures also need to register with the Washington Secretary of State.
Obtain a $15,000 surety bond or an assignment of savings.
Obtain general liability insurance with coverage of $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
Assign an electrical administrator who has passed the electrical administrator exam in the appropriate specialty.
Submit a specialty contractor license application to the L&I. Pay the $141.10 application fee.
Receive HVACR contractor license.
Renew the contractor license every two years.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Washington
There are many benefits to getting your Washington electrical license or contractor license for HVAC work.
Most importantly, Washington law requires contractors and anyone performing electrical work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to hold a state license.
A Washington contractor license is proof to homeowners of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVACR 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 Washington?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Washington is $74,000, 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 Washington, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $58,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,500
Senior (4-7 years): $82,700
Supervisor (>7 years): $97,300
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 Washington?
The cost to become a contractor in Washington 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.
An electrical trainee certificate costs $45.20 when you apply online. Specialty electricians pay a $107.60 application fee and a $65 or $55 exam fee depending on the classification. Master specialty electricians pay a $192.10 application fee and a $75 or $65 exam fee depending on the classification.
HVACR contractors pay a $141.10 application fee. They will also pay additional costs relating to obtaining a surety bond, liability insurance, and other business licensing requirements.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Washington
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In Washington, becoming an HVAC contractor isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: To become a specialty electrical trainee, apply for a trainee certificate online. You must work under the supervision of a specialty electrician or journeyman electrician. Those seeking the HVAC/refrigeration classification must be supervised a minimum of 75% of the time and those seeking the restricted HVAC/refrigeration classification must be supervised 100% of the time. There are no apprenticeship completion requirements for specialty electrical trainees. You’ll need to take 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction before renewing your certificate every two years.
APPLY FOR SPECIALTY ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: To be eligible to take the specialty electrician exam, complete your work experience requirements for your classification — 4,000 hours for HVAC/Refrigeration System (06A) and 2,000 hours for the HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted (6B) classification. For in-state applicants seeking the 06A classification, apply online or download and complete the in-state electrical exam application. Submit it in person at a local L&I office or by mail to:
Electrical Licensing and Certification PO Box 44460 Olympia, WA 98504-4460
For the restricted classification, download and complete the 2,000 hour specialty certificate application. Mail to the “Electrical Program” at the same address listed above.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once you receive approval, take and pass the specialty electrician exam administered by PSI. Cost is $65 for the 06A classification or the $55 for the 6B restricted classification. The L&I provides exam information on its electrical examination page. PSI also provides detailed information in its candidate information bulletin.
APPLY FOR SPECIALTY MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: Once you’ve worked two years as a certified specialty electrician, you can apply online to take the specialty master electrician exam.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once you receive approval, take and pass the specialty master electrician exam. Cost is $75 for the 06A classification or $65 for the 6B restricted classification. The L&I provides exam information on its electrical examination page. PSI also provides detailed information in its candidate information bulletin.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To become a specialty contractor for HVACR work, you must:
Obtain a business license and receive a UBI number from the Washington Department of Revenue. Some business structures must register with the Washington Secretary of State.
Assign an electrical administrator who has passed the electrical administrator exam in the appropriate specialty.
Obtain a $15,000 surety bond or an assignment of savings. This FAQ download answers commonly asked questions about the contractor bond.
Obtain general liability insurance with coverage of $200,000 in public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
Submit an application in person or by mail. The application fee is $141.10.
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 Washington?
It will take a minimum of one year (2,000 hours) to obtain the required work experience to become a specialty electrician for the HVAC/Refrigeration Restricted 6B classification. It will take two years (4,000 hours) to become a specialty electrician for the HVAC/Refrigeration System 06A classification. To become a specialty master electrician, you’ll need to work as a certified specialty electrician for a minimum of two years.
The great news is that if you start as an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you become a certified specialty electrician for HVAC work. Your wages increase again when you obtain your specialty master license. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Washington HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Washington requires HVAC techs to obtain work experience, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. The state requires all electrical trainees for HVACR work to take 48 hours of approved basic classroom instruction every two years before renewing their trainee certificate.
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). There is one PAHRA accredited program in the state, Bates Technical College in Tacoma. HVAC Excellence does not have an accredited program.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Washington.
Tuition: Tuition at Washington Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. In-state tuition is $127.59 to $247.61 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition is $328.13 to $695.59 per credit hour.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship program opportunities for HVACR work exist in Washington. Apprenticeship opportunities include:
Apprentice positions on job listing sites such as Indeed or ZipRecruiter
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 Washington, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Washington.
Washington HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
In Washington, specialty electricians and master specialty electricians working in the HVAC field must submit an application to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to obtain approval to take an exam. The L&I provides exam information on its electrical examination page.
Electrical exams are administered by PSI. It costs $75 for the Electrician 06A HVACR exam and $65 for the Electrician 06B HVACR Restricted exam. The master exam costs $75 for the 06A classification or $65 for the 6B classification.
The exams are open book with approved references. A passing score is 70% or greater. Those who do not pass the first time may retest after 14 days. The exam may be taken at other PSI sites. Washington PSI exam site locations include:
Arlington
Bremerton
Everett
Kent
Olympia
Puyallup
Richland
Seattle (Bellevue)
Snohomish
Spokane
Tacoma
Vancouver
Yakima
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Washington?
PSI provides detailed exam information in its Washington electrical certificate candidate information bulletin. This includes approved references for each exam.
The Electrician 06A HVACR exam consists of two parts. The National Electrical Code and theory exam has 34 questions and a 120-minute time limit. The Washington laws and rules exam has 17 questions and a 60-minute time limit. The master exam has 50 questions and a 180-minute time limit for the first portion. The second portion has 20 questions and a 60-minute time limit. The first portion of the electrical administrator exam has 40 questions and a 120-minute time limit. The second portion has 17 questions and a 60-minute time limit.
The Electrician 6B HVACR Restricted exam also consists of two parts. The National Electrical Code and theory exam has 20 questions and the Washington laws and rules exam has 17 questions. Both have a 60-minute time limit. The master exam has 34 questions and a 120-minute time limit for the first portion and 20 questions and a 60-minute time limit for the second portion. The first portion of the electrical administrator exam has 30 questions and a 120-minute time limit. The second portion has 17 questions and a 60-minute time limit.
Subject areas for all these exams include:
General requirements
Wiring and protection (not the restricted classification)
Overcurrent protection
Grounding and bonding
Wiring methods
Electrical equipment
Motors, HVAC, generators and transformers
Equipment more than 600 volts
Hazardous locations
Special equipment (not the restricted classification)
Special conditions
General trade knowledge and theory
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Washington?
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries issues trade and contractor licenses. It issues licenses for several trades, including specialty electrician licenses for those who perform electrical work on HVAC and refrigeration systems. It also issues HVACR contractor licenses.
The phone number for the electrical licensing and certification division is (360) 902-5269 and email is ElectricalProgram@Lni.wa.gov. The mailing address for the electrical division is PO Box 44460, Olympia WA 98504-4460. The L&I also has several local offices throughout the state.
Does My Washington HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Washington does not have reciprocity with other states for specialty electrician licenses for HVACR work. Washington has a reciprocal agreement with Oregon only for journey level electrician (01) licenses. You’ll need to apply for the appropriate HVAC license in the state where you plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Washington?
The state of Washington does not have reciprocity with other states for specialty electrician licenses for HVACR work. Those with an out-of-state license will need to meet experience requirements and proof of completing 48 hours of basic classroom training on the National Electrical Code and/or electrical theory. Once they meet licensing requirements, they may complete the out-of-state application for a Washington state electrical examination.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Washington, 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 Washington
The L&I provides detailed information about specialty electrical licensing for HVAC and refrigeration work on its specialty electrician page and contractor licensing on its contractor page.
Electrical laws and rules may be found in the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 19.28 and Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-46B. Contractor laws and rules may be found in Washington Administrative Code Chapter 296-200A and the Revised Code of Washington Chapter 18.27.
The state also requires contracting companies to designate an electrical administrator or master electrician who is responsible for ensuring electrical or electrical specialty contractors abide by state electrical laws, rules, and regulations.
Administrators certified in a specific specialty must pass an exam administered by PSI, apply for an administrator certificate with L&I, and may only work with an electrical contractor with the same specialty. They are not certified to perform electrical work unless they are a certified electrician.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Washington?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Washington. HVACR or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) Scholarship
Washington State Fair Foundation — Ren Martin Trade School/Career Training Endowment Scholarship
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 Washington?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Washington contractor, tradesperson, or business license through the L&I license verification page. Search by:
Name
License
Workers’ compensation account
Washington Unified Business Identifier number
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Washington?
A suspended certificate or license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. An electrical license for HVACR work may be suspended or revoked in Washington for many reasons, including:
Obtaining a license, certificate, or permit through error or fraud.
The certificate or license holder is judged to be incompetent to work in the electrical trade.
Falsely, incompletely, or inaccurately reporting work experience.
Incompletely or inaccurately reporting continuing or basic trainee class education units on a renewal application.
Causing or failing to correct a serious violation.
Willful, intentional, or continuous noncompliance of electrical law, rules, or regulations.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Washington license regulations, refer to Washington Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Washington?
Performing electrical work on HVACR equipment in Washington without a certificate or license is illegal. Those who do face serious civil penalties.
Unlicensed electrical contractors who offer to perform or advertise electrical work face the following fines:
First offense: $1,000
Second offense: $2,000
Third offense: $3,000
Subsequent offenses: $10,000
Those who perform electrical work without a valid certificate face a $250 fine for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense. Those who possess a valid certificate but fail to visibly display it face a $50 fine for the first offense and $100 for each subsequent offense.
Contractors who employ an individual who does not possess a valid certificate face a $250 fine for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense.
In addition, serious noncompliance acts will result in the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity being referred to the county prosecutor for criminal prosecution.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Washington license regulations, refer to Washington Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Those with electrical licenses, including specialty licenses for HVACR work, must complete continuing education before renewing.
Electrians, master electricians, and electrical administrators must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education courses every three years. This includes eight hours of code update and four hours of Washington law and code review. Electrical trainees must complete 48 hours of approved electrical basic trainee classes every two years and submit affidavits of experience for hours worked.
Electrician, master electrician, and electrical administrator certificates expire every three years on the certificate holder’s birthdate. Renew online or download and complete the administrator/electrician/master electrician certificate renewal form and submit it by mail or in person at a local office. Trainee certificates expire every two years. They may renew online or in person at a local office.
Renewal fees are as follows:
Trainee certificate: $55.60 online; $63.80 by mail or in person
Specialty electrician/journey level certificate: $87 online; $99.90 by mail or in person
Master or administrator certificate: $165 online; $189.90 by mail or in person
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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