Licensing Guides
West Virginia HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in West Virginia
HVAC, WV
March 9th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in West Virginia
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in West Virginia?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in West Virginia?
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in West Virginia?
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in West Virginia
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in West Virginia
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia employs 1,450 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 West Virginia, that growth rate is expected to be 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 industry employment in West Virginia in July 2025 totaled 37,300, an increase of 4,100 (12%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,200 (13%) 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. West Virginia has statewide licensure requirements beginning at the HVAC technician-in-training level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in West Virginia
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical professional in West Virginia? Yes.
The West Virginia Division of Labor issues HVAC technician-in-training, HVAC residential technician, and HVAC technician licenses. The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board issues heating, ventilating and cooling contractor licenses. It also issues contractor licenses for other trades, including electrician and plumber contractor licenses.
In addition, contractors will need to follow any local license requirements. For instance, in Charleston, contractors must obtain a business license from the city collector’s office. They will need to show proof of their State of West Virginia contractor’s license in order to obtain building permits.
Types of HVAC Licenses in West Virginia
What are the different types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in West Virginia? There are three types of HVAC technician licenses and one HVAC contractor license.
HVAC Technician-in-Training License — A technician-in-training is an individual with less than 2,000 hours of experience who is learning to install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilating, and cooling systems but is not capable or authorized to perform HVAC work unless directly supervised by an HVAC technician.
HVAC Residential Technician License — A residential technician is an individual licensed to install, test, maintain, and repair residential heating, ventilating, and cooling systems. This license permits work on up to four separate heating, ventilating, and cooling units each with a combined capacity of five tons/130,000 BTUs for either a single or dual-family structure or a commercial location of up to 5,000 square feet that does not require a fire damper.
HVAC Technician License — An HVAC technician is an individual with at least 2,000 hours of HVAC-related work, training, and experience and who is licensed to install, test, maintain, and repair residential and nonresidential heating, ventilating, and cooling systems.
Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Contractor License — An HVAC contractor is a person who submits a bid for or performs work on HVAC systems. Contractors or subcontractors working on a residential project costing $5,000 or more or a commercial project costing $25,000 or more must hold a contractor license with the HVAC work classification. These monetary amounts refer to the total project cost, not just the cost of the HVAC portion.
Specific requirements must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
HVAC Technician-in-Training License
Work under the direct supervision of a licensed HVAC technician or a residential technician. There is no minimum age requirement in state law, but many apprenticeship programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Submit an HVAC technician certification application to the West Virginia Division of Labor.
Pay the $25 license/application fee.
Renew the license annually.
HVAC Residential Technician License
There are no work experience requirements for this license.
Schedule, take, and pass the HVAC residential technician exam with Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95.
Once you pass the exam, submit an HVAC technician certification application to the West Virginia Division of Labor and your exam score report.
Pay the $60 license/application fee.
Renew the license annually.
Have at least 2,000 hours (one year) of HVAC work experience or training.
Schedule, take, and pass the HVAC technician exam with Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95.
Once you pass the exam, submit an HVAC technician certification application to the West Virginia Division of Labor and your exam score report.
Pay the $75 license/application fee.
Renew the license annually.
Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Contractor License
Contact the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board with your scope of work. The board will provide you information about required exams.
The qualifying individual for your business must schedule, take, and pass the business and law exam and HVAC contractor exam with Prov Exams. Exams cost $59.95 each.
Obtain a Business Registration Tax Number with the West Virginia State Tax Department. Most businesses must also register with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation.
If your business performs commercial work with employees, verify your wage bond status with the Division of Labor’s Wage and Hour Section. Submit a wage bond status affidavit with your application.
Apply for a contractor license with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board.
Pay the $90 application fee.
Renew the license annually.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in West Virginia
Work under the direct supervision of a licensed HVAC technician or a residential technician.
Submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Labor. Pay the $25 fee.
Renew the license annually.
To become an HVAC Residential Technician, schedule, take, and pass the HVAC residential technician exam with Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95.
Once you pass the exam, submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Labor and your exam score report. Pay the $60 fee.
Renew the license annually until you have the required years of experience to take the HVAC technician exam.
To become an HVAC technician, you must have at least 2,000 hours (one year) of HVAC work experience or training.
Schedule, take, and pass the HVAC technician exam with Prov Exams. The exam costs $59.95.
Once you pass the exam, submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Labor and your exam score report. Pay the $75 fee.
Renew the license annually.
To become an HVAC contractor, contact the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board with your scope of work. The board will provide you information about required exams.
The qualifying individual for your business must schedule, take, and pass the business and law exam and HVAC contractor exam with Prov Exams. Exams cost $59.95 each.
Obtain a Business Registration Tax Number with the West Virginia State Tax Department. Most businesses must also register with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation.
If your business performs commercial work with employees, verify your wage bond status with the Division of Labor’s Wage and Hour Section. Submit a wage bond status affidavit with your application.
Apply for a contractor license with the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board. Pay the $90 application fee.
Renew the license annually.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in West Virginia
There are many benefits to getting your West Virginia HVAC technician or contractor license.
Most importantly, West Virginia law requires technicians in training, technicians, residential technicians, and contractors to obtain a license to perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work.
A West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The annual mean salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in West Virginia is $48,040, 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 West Virginia, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $49,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $59,800
Senior (4-7 years): $70,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $82,500
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 West Virginia?
The cost to become an HVAC technician or contractor in West Virginia 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 HVAC technician-in-training license costs $25. An HVAC residential technician license costs $60, and an HVAC technician license costs $75. An HVAC contractor license costs $90.
Most of the licenses also require exams. The residential or technician exam administered by Prov Exams costs $59.95. The contractor license requires two exams, and costs a total of $119.90. Contractors also will pay additional costs relating to obtaining a wage bond and other business licensing requirements.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How to Get an HVAC License in West Virginia
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In West Virginia, becoming an HVAC contractor isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: There are no minimum apprenticeship or work experience requirements for HVAC technicians in training, but they must work under the direct supervision of a licensed HVAC technician or a residential technician. Technicians in training must submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Labor and pay the $25 fee. The license must be renewed annually.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: To become an HVAC residential technician, there are no minimum work experience requirements. Those seeking to become an HVAC technician must have 2,000 hours (one year) of HVAC work experience or training. Both types of applicants must schedule, take, and pass either the HVAC residential technician or HVAC technician exam administered by Prov Exams. The exams cost $59.95. Detailed exam information is in Prov’s HVAC technician candidate information bulletin.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Once you pass the exam, submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Labor. Include your exam score report with the application. Pay the $60 fee for the residential technician license and the $75 fee for the technician license. Licenses must be renewed annually.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: To become an HVAC contractor, contact the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board with your scope of work so they can provide information about the required exams. The following must take place before you submit a contractor application:
The qualifying individual for your business must schedule, take, and pass the business and law exam and HVAC contractor exam with Prov Exams. Exams cost $59.95 each. Prov’s contractor candidate information bulletin provides detailed information about contractor exams.
Obtain a Business Registration Tax Number with the West Virginia State Tax Department. Most businesses must also register with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation.
If your business performs commercial work with employees, verify your wage bond status with the Division of Labor’s Wage and Hour Section. Submit a wage bond status affidavit with your application.
Apply for a contractor license online or download and complete a paper application. Submit it to the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board with the $90 fee.
For more information, the Division of Labor provides a FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions about HVAC technician certification. The contractor licensing board provides a step-by-step guide to the contractor application process and application instructions. It also has a FAQ page for frequently asked questions about contractor licensing.
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 West Virginia?
If you start as an HVAC apprentice, it typically takes four to five years to complete an apprenticeship. However, the state does not have any minimum work experience requirements for an HVAC residential technician, as long as you pass the exam and receive your license. It will take a minimum of one year (2,000 hours) to obtain the required work experience and training to be eligible to take the HVAC technician license exam.
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 licensed HVAC technician. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
West Virginia HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of West Virginia requires HVAC technicians to obtain hands-on experience, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree.
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 one accredited program in West Virginia at West Virginia Northern Community College in Wheeling. PAHRA has two accredited programs. They are Ben Franklin Vocational Center in Dunbar and Carver Career Center in Charleston.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in West Virginia.
Tuition: Tuition at West Virginia Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. Costs vary based on the community college’s tuition schedule. In-state tuition ranges from $171 to $220 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition ranges from $302 to $523 per credit hour.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship program opportunities for HVACR work exist in West Virginia. Apprenticeship opportunities include:
West Virginia Sheet Metal Workers’ Joint Apprenticeship Trust Committee
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 West Virginia, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in West Virginia.
West Virginia HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
In West Virginia, HVAC technicians must take an exam before applying for the license. The qualifying individual for an HVAC contractor license must pass two exams. Prov Exams administers the examinations. All exams cost $59.95 each.
Technician and contractor exams are open book with authorized references. A passing score for all exams is 70% or greater. Those who do not pass may retake an exam as often as necessary with no waiting period between testing attempts.
Exams may be taken through a remote proctoring service or at the following West Virginia Prov Exam locations:
Charleston
Martinsburg
Morgantown
Wheeling
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in West Virginia?
Prov provides detailed exam prep information, including lists of authorized references and how to take practice exams, in its technician candidate information bulletin and its contractor candidate information bulletin.
The HVAC residential technician exam has 60 questions and a three-hour time limit. The HVAC technician exam has 80 questions and a three-hour time limit.
Subjects for both exams include:
General knowledge
Refrigerants and oils
Controls
Air distribution and venting
Piping
Equipment
Installation and maintenance practices
The qualifying individual for the HVAC contractor license must pass a business and law exam and an HVAC contractor exam. The business and law exam has 50 questions and a three-hour time limit. Subjects include:
Business organization
Contracts
Estimating and bidding
Financial management
Labor law
Licensing
Lien law
Project management
Risk management
Safety/Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Tax law
The HVAC contractor exam has 80 questions and a three-hour time limit. Subjects include:
General knowledge
Load calculations
Code requirements
Controls
Ducting and insulation
Piping
Safety/OSHA
Equipment
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Division of Labor issues HVAC technician-in-training, HVAC residential technician, and HVAC technician licenses. The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board issues heating, ventilating and cooling contractor licenses.
The licensing division may be contacted by phone at (304) 558-7890 or by email at Licensing@wv.gov. The contractor licensing board may be reached by phone at (304) 356-3928 or by email at CLBoard@wv.gov.
The mailing address is:
West Virginia Division of Labor 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East State Capitol Complex Building 3, Room 200 Charleston, WV 25305
Does My West Virginia HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. West Virginia does not have formal reciprocity agreements for HVAC technicians. However, the state has reciprocity agreements for HVAC contractors with Alabama, Ohio, and Tennessee. This means if you hold a West Virginia HVAC contractor license, you may be eligible for an exam waiver for an HVAC contractor license in those states. You’ll still need to follow the state’s contractor licensing process and meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not have reciprocity agreements for HVAC technician licenses. It has formal reciprocity agreements for HVAC contractor licenses with Alabama, Ohio, and Tennessee. If you hold an HVAC or mechanical contractor license in those states, you may be able to receive your West Virginia HVAC contractor license without taking an exam. You’ll need to complete and submit an Alabama, Ohio, or Tennessee HVAC reciprocity agreement application. Upon approval, you will be eligible to apply for a West Virginia HVAC contractor license.
In addition, the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board also accepts the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) exam scores and will review and may accept exam scores from national testing organizations.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia
The West Virginia Division of Labor provides a list of HVAC technician certification forms on its forms page. The board for contractors provides detailed information about how to apply on its contractor licensing page and has forms listed on a forms and resources page.
West Virginia HVAC technician and contractor licensing laws may be found in West Virginia Code Chapter 21, Article 16 and Title 42 Legislative Rule, Series 34. Contractor laws may be found in West Virginia Code Chapter 30, Article 42.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in West Virginia?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in West Virginia. The state provides a West Virginia Invests grant that pays toward the full costs of tuition and fees for select certificate and associate degree programs at public West Virginia institutions, including HVAC programs.
Other HVAC 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 West Virginia?
Potential clients or employees may verify your West Virginia HVAC technician license through the HVAC technician search page. Search by:
HVAC certification number
Name
City
County
The contractor license search page provides verification of West Virginia contractor licenses. Search by:
License number
Company or Doing Business As (DBA) name
City
County
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in West Virginia?
A suspended HVAC license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. An HVAC license may be suspended or revoked in West Virginia for many reasons, including:
Misstating qualifications or experience in a license application.
Incompetently or unsafely performing heating, ventilating, and cooling work.
Violating any state statute or rule, or local ordinance that protects the public against unfair, unsafe, unlawful, or improper business practices.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about West Virginia HVAC license regulations, refer to West Virginia Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in West Virginia?
Those who work without a license will be subject to a cease and desist order. Those who continue to work without a license are subject to the following fines:
First offense: $200 to $1,000
Second offense: $500 to $2,000
Third offense: $1,000 to $5,000
In addition, the Commissioner of Labor may institute proceedings in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County or the county where the alleged violation occurred.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about West Virginia HVAC license regulations, refer to West Virginia Code.
Continuing Education
HVAC technician and contractor licenses do not require continuing education before renewal. Licenses must be renewed each year.
Those with HVAC certifications will receive a renewal form in the mail 45 days before the expiration date. Annual renewal licensing fees are as follows:
HVAC technician in training: $25
HVAC residential technician: $60
HVAC technician: $75.
HVAC contractors renew online. The board mails renewal notices 45 days before the expiration date. The annual renewal fee is $90.
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.
