{"id":13759,"date":"2022-09-29T20:58:32","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T20:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/?page_id=13759"},"modified":"2024-02-10T19:51:30","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T19:51:30","slug":"alabama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/licensing\/hvac\/alabama\/","title":{"rendered":"HVAC License Requirements in Alabama"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Are you thinking about starting a career in the HVAC industry? Or maybe you\u2019ve considered starting your own HVAC company? Now is the perfect time to go for it. With a shortage of skilled laborers in the United States, there are plenty of job opportunities for people who are willing to put in the work.<\/p>\n<p>The first step is to apply for an Alabama HVAC license. This guide will walk you through the licensing and education requirements.<\/p>\n<div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-list\"><li><a href='#do-you-need-a-license-in-alabama-to-become-an-hvac-technician' class='toc-link'>Do you need a license in Alabama to become an HVAC technician?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#benefits-of-getting-an-hvac-license' class='toc-link'>Benefits of getting an HVAC license<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#average-salary-for-hvac-techs-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>Average salary for HVAC techs in Alabama<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses' class='toc-link'>What are the different types of HVAC licenses?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#what-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>What does it cost to get an HVAC license in Alabama?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>How to get an HVAC license in Alabama<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#want-more-information' class='toc-link'>Want more information?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"do-you-need-a-license-in-alabama-to-become-an-hvac-technician\">Do you need a license in Alabama to become an HVAC technician?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. The state of Alabama requires all HVAC techs to be licensed to perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration services on residential and commercial properties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benefits-of-getting-an-hvac-license\">Benefits of getting an HVAC license<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several upsides to receiving an Alabama HVAC license. First off, it will mean you can legally perform HVAC and refrigeration services for customers throughout the state. (That\u2019s important!) Additionally, getting an HVAC license will allow you to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop new skills, learn the latest technologies and master repair techniques.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boost your credibility and expertise as an HVAC professional.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase your earning potential with a competitive edge in the job market.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have an active, on-the-go career.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"average-salary-for-hvac-techs-in-alabama\">Average salary for HVAC techs in Alabama<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/hvac-technician-salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average salary for an HVAC tech<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Alabama is around $49,380 per year, which equates to $23.74 per hour.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes499021.htm#st\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>\u00b9<\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To put that in perspective, the average salary for HVAC techs nationwide is $57,300 per year.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/installation-maintenance-and-repair\/heati\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Obviously, location within the state makes a difference. Expect a higher salary in Huntsville or Birmingham than Burnt Corn or Frog Eye.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses\">What are the different types of HVAC licenses?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two different types of licenses available in Alabama are HVAC contractor and refrigeration contractor. HVAC contractors are authorized to work on heating and air conditioning units. Refrigeration contractors are authorized to work on refrigeration systems. Applicants must take exams to get certified in each specialty area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC contractors install, repair, and service air conditioning and heating systems. They work with mechanical equipment controlling humidity and temperature. Applicants for the Alabama HVAC contractor license must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get approval from the Alabama licensing board to sit for the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be registered as an HVAC apprentice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of HVAC coursework.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graduate from an approved Alabama HVAC program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refrigeration contractors install and repair refrigeration systems and replace pipes. Applicants for the Alabama refrigeration contractor license must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass an Alabama refrigeration contractor examination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be at least 18 years old.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a high school diploma or GED.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graduate from an approved Alabama HVAC program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be registered as an HVAC apprentice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get approval to sit for the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of HVAC coursework.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contractor licenses are issued by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning &amp; Refrigeration Contractors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-alabama\">What does it cost to get an HVAC license in Alabama?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few expenses associated with obtaining a license.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hacr.alabama.gov\/how-to-get-licensed\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Licensing Costs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apprenticeship Registration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $25 per certificate ($50 for both)<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hacr.alabama.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/AA-1ApprenticeApplicationSept2019.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2074<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Examination Fee:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $150 per exam\u200b\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>License Fee:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $190 annually for active status, $95 for inactive status\u200b<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Renewal and Continuing Education<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Renewal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Licenses need to be renewed annually by December 31, with a renewal fee of $190.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Continuing Education:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> HVAC contractors must complete four hours of continuing education each year to renew their license.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-alabama\">How to get an HVAC license in Alabama<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best place to start is by enrolling in an Alabama HVAC apprentice program. After completing the program, you\u2019re eligible to sit for the HVAC contractor and refrigeration contractor exams.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Licensing Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To work as an HVAC contractor in Alabama, you must be licensed by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning &amp; Refrigeration Contractors. Here are the key steps and requirements to obtain the license:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Work Experience<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Apprenticeship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Complete at least two years of apprenticeship under a licensed contractor. You must register as an apprentice with the state, paying a $25 fee per certificate\u2014$50 for both heating and air conditioning, and refrigeration.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bluerecruit.us\/alabama-hvac-license\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2075<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Education:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Graduate from an approved HVAC program. Approved programs include those from in-state two-year or community colleges\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Work Experience Without Apprenticeship or Education: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without an apprenticeship or education, you\u2019d need at least 3,000 hours (18 months) of supervised work experience within the past five years\u200b\u200b.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Examination<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit an exam application with the required documentation and a $150 exam fee. The exams are administered by Prov Testing Services, and you need to score at least 70% to pass\u200b.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bluerecruit.us\/alabama-hvac-license\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2076<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Alabama HVAC contractor exam has 80 questions, and you\u2019re given four hours to complete it. For the HVAC refrigeration exam, you\u2019re given three hours to complete 60 questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to prepare! Here are a few Pro tips:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Study in groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take part in hands-on projects at your HVAC apprentice job.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time yourself as you practice taking the exams.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch HVAC installation and repair videos.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Licensure<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you pass the exam, you can apply for the license. Provide proof of a $15,000 performance bond, share your business information, and pay a $190 fee for active status (or $95 for inactive status if you don\u2019t perform any work).<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insureon.com\/blog\/hvac-contractor-licensing-requirements\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2077<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Alabama HVAC Training Programs and Schools<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bevill State Community College<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Central Alabama Community College<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">J.F. Drake State Technical College<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shelton State Community College<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Types of HVAC Classes<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic Electricity for HVAC<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas and Electric Heating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air Conditioning Control Principles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC Systems Design<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy Management and Green Building Design<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Volume<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical Heating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Power and Resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Program Tuition Costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tuition for HVAC trade schools varies. Expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 to complete your HVAC certification courses. Since HVAC is a hands-on profession, courses are offered in a classroom setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"want-more-information\">Want more information?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HVAC licenses are issued by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning &amp; Refrigeration Contractors. Visit their official <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hacr.alabama.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you thinking about starting a career in the HVAC industry? Or maybe you\u2019ve considered starting your own HVAC company? Now is the perfect time to go for it. With a shortage of skilled laborers in the United States, there are plenty of job opportunities for people who are willing to put in the work. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":39896,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-license.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"industry":[548],"resource_type":[562],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-13759","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","industry-hvac","resource_type-licensing"],"acf":{"page_partner":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13759"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13759\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=13759"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=13759"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=13759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}