Licensing Guides
Wisconsin HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Wisconsin
HVAC, WI
March 10th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Wisconsin?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Wisconsin
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin employs 5,930 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 Wisconsin, that growth rate is projected at 13%, 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 Wisconsin in July 2025 totaled 143,600, an increase of 3,100 (2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 16,400 (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. Wisconsin has statewide licensure requirements for HVAC contractors.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Wisconsin
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical professional in Wisconsin? Yes.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues licenses for HVAC contractors and individual HVAC qualifiers for a contracting business. It does not issue licenses for HVAC technicians.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Wisconsin
What are the different types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in Wisconsin? There are two types of certifications or registrations related to HVAC contracting.
HVAC Qualifier Certification — HVAC contracting businesses must employ an HVAC qualifier. This certification is for individuals qualifying the business, who meet state experience requirements, and have passed an exam.
HVAC Contractor Registration — An HVAC contractor is a person, entity, or business that engages or offers to engage in installing or servicing heating, ventilating, or air conditioning equipment.
Specific requirements must be met.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Meet one of the following experience requirements to qualify for the exam:
Have 1,000 hours of experience per year for at least four years in supervising, designing, installing, servicing, or maintaining HVAC systems or equipment.
Attended a minimum of four years in a school of mechanical engineering or in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or apprenticeship school in an HVAC-related program.
Any combination of four years of experience and education from the list above.
Submit an application to the DSPS. Pay the $15 application fee.
Once your application is approved, schedule, take, and pass the HVAC qualifier exam. The exam fee is $25 with DSPS or $95 with Pearson Vue.
Pay the $60 certification fee. Renew certification every four years.
Be the contracting business owner, partner, or the chairman of the board or chief executive officer.
Identify an HVAC qualifier for the business (certification requirements are above).
Submit an HVAC contractor application to the DSPS. Pay the $15 application fee.
Pay the $160 HVAC contractor registration fee. Renew your registration every four years.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Wisconsin
To obtain an HVAC contractor license in Wisconsin, you must be the contracting business owner, or a partner if the business is a partnership, or the chairman of the board or chief executive officer if the business is a corporation.
Identify an HVAC qualifier for the business.
The qualifier must have 1,000 hours of experience each year for at least four years in supervising, designing, installing, servicing, or maintaining HVAC systems or equipment. Or, they must have attended at least four years in a school of mechanical engineering or in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or apprenticeship school in an HVAC-related program. The state also accepts a combination of years of experience and education.
The qualifier submits an application to the DSPS and pays the $15 application fee.
Once the qualifier application is approved, they must schedule, take, and pass the HVAC qualifier exam. The exam fee is $25 with DSPS or $95 with Pearson Vue.
Pay the $60 HVAC qualifier certification fee.
Submit an HVAC contractor application to the DSPS. Pay the $15 application fee.
Pay the $160 HVAC contractor registration fee. Renew the HVAC contractor registration and HVAC qualifier certification every four years.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Wisconsin
There are many benefits to getting your Wisconsin HVAC contractor license.
Most importantly, Wisconsin law requires HVAC contractors and qualifiers to obtain a license to perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work.
A Wisconsin HVAC 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 Wisconsin?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Wisconsin is $66,360, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, 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 Wisconsin, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,100
Senior (4-7 years): $75,200
Supervisor (>7 years): $88,500
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 Wisconsin?
The cost to become an HVAC technician or contractor in Wisconsin is fairly low. If you start as an apprentice, programs have different tuition costs, books fees, and tool fees, but much of the costs are absorbed by your employer or union.
The application fee for both HVAC contractors and qualifiers is $15. The qualifier must take an exam and may choose to take it from DSPS for $25 or from Pearson Vue for $95 (this option offers more locations and allows applicants to receive test results more quickly).
The HVAC contractor registration fee costs $160 and the HVAC qualifier certification costs $60. These must be renewed every four years at the same cost.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Wisconsin
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In Wisconsin, becoming an HVAC contractor isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: An HVAC qualifier for an HVAC contracting business must have four years of work and/or education experience. This includes either completing 1,000 hours of experience each year for at least four years in supervising, designing, installing, servicing, or maintaining HVAC systems or equipment. Or, the qualifier must have attended at least four years in a school of mechanical engineering or in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or apprenticeship school in an HVAC-related program. The state also accepts a combination of experience and education.
APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION: The DSPS provides application information for HVAC qualifiers. Apply for the certification through the LicensE online portal. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Complete the application and pay the $15 application fee.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once you receive approval, schedule, take, and pass the HVAC qualifier exam. You may take it with DSPS for $25 or with Pearson Vue for $95. DSPS provides exam information on its HVAC qualifier exam information page and its trades credentialing examination page. The state provides the Pearson Vue option because it offers more testing locations and applicants receive exam scores more quickly. Once you’ve passed, pay the $60 HVAC qualifier certification fee to receive your certification.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: An HVAC contractor must be the contracting business owner, partner, or the chairman of the board or chief executive officer. HVAC contracting businesses must employ a certified HVAC qualifier. Submit an HVAC contractor application to the DSPS. Pay the $15 application fee. Pay the $160 HVAC contractor registration fee.
DSPS provides a trades LicensE information document and a LicensE applicant user guide for more information about the application process and using the online portal.
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 Wisconsin?
If you start as an HVAC apprentice, it typically takes four to five years to complete an apprenticeship. It also takes four years to obtain the required work experience to become an HVAC qualifier for a contracting business.
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. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
Wisconsin HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Wisconsin does not have HVAC tech requirements, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. HVAC qualifiers must have four years of work experience or four years of training from a mechanical engineering school, or from an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or apprenticeship school in an HVAC-related program.
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 three accredited programs in Wisconsin:
Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire
Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay
PAHRA has four accredited programs:
Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville
Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire
Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac
Western Technical College in La Crosse
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Wisconsin.
Tuition: Tuition at Wisconsin 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 $152.85 to $171.05 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition ranges from $229.28 to $247.48 per credit hour.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship program opportunities for HVACR work exist in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
In Wisconsin, HVAC qualifiers for an HVAC contractor certification must submit an application before taking an exam. The exams are administered by DSPS for $25 and Pearson Vue for $95. Applicants may choose which testing option they prefer when they apply. The state offers Pearson Vue as an option because it provides more testing locations and applicants receive their results more quickly. Those who select Pearson Vue as their choice may not revert to a DSPS exam location after submitting the application.
The HVAC qualifier exam is open book. A passing score is 70% or greater. DSPS notes on its website new changes were implemented to the HVAC code on Oct. 1, 2025.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Wisconsin?
The DSPS provides detailed exam information, including a list of approved references, on its HVAC qualifier exam information page and its trades credentialing examination page. Pearson Vue also provides a trades program candidate handbook with additional information.
The HVAC qualifier exam has 100 questions and a four-hour time limit.
The following testing materials are permitted during testing:
Wisconsin Admin. Code § SPS 320-325; § SPS 341; and § SPS 345 in one binder
2020 Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) HVAC Duct Construction Standards Manual-Metal and Flexible
2013 The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Fundamentals
021 NFPA 54 (only gas piping and gas piping installations)
2021 International Model Code
International Building Code (IBC)
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
International Mechanical Code (IMC)
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
International Existing Buildings Code (IEBC) and the amendments to those codes in Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 361-366
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Wisconsin?
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues licenses for HVAC contractors and individual HVAC qualifiers for a contracting business.
DSPS may be contacted by phone at (608) 266-2112 or (877) 617-1565. Additional office contact information may be found on its DSPS offices page.
The address for DSPS is:
4822 Madison Yards Way Madison, WI 53705
Does My Wisconsin HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Wisconsin does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC contractors. You’ll need to meet licensing requirements and follow the licensing process in the state where you plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC contractors. If you have an HVAC contractor license in another state, you’ll need to follow Wisconsin's HVAC contractor licensing process.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin
The DSPS provides information on how to apply for an HVAC qualifier certification or an HVAC contractor on its HVAC qualifier page and HVAC contractor page.
Wisconsin licensing, certification, and registration rules may be found in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305. Regulations pertaining to HVACR work may be found in the state’s administrative code, including Chapter SPS 323, Chapter SPS 345, and Chapter SPS 364, and in Wisconsin statutes.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Wisconsin. HVAC or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin apprenticeship scholarship
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Milwaukee Foundation
Wisconsin Technical College System scholarships and promise programs
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 Wisconsin?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Wisconsin credentials by using the DSPS LicensE Wisconsin credential/license search page. Search by:
Credential/license number
Name
Organization name
License type
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Wisconsin?
A suspended HVAC license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. An HVAC qualifier certification or contractor registration may be suspended or revoked in Wisconsin for many reasons, including:
Failing to meet the qualifications for the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Obtaining the license, certification, registration, or enrollment through fraud or deceit.
Demonstrating negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in fulfilling the responsibilities or obligations of the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Having a conflict of interest in fulfilling the responsibilities or obligations under the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Violating state, federal, or local laws or regulations relating to the conduct of the activities under the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Wisconsin HVAC license regulations, refer to Wisconsin Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Wisconsin?
Performing work as an HVAC contractor in Wisconsin without a license is illegal. Penalties for violations may be assessed depending on the license, certification, registration, enrollment, or activity, according to state administrative code.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Wisconsin HVAC license regulations, refer to Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for HVAC qualifiers or HVAC contractors.
HVAC qualifier certifications and HVAC contractor registrations expire every four years from the date of issuance. Qualifiers and contractors renew online. DSPS provides a renewal instruction document.
The HVAC qualifier certification renewal fee is $60 and the HVAC contractor registration renewal fee is $160.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast..
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