{"id":50986,"date":"2024-10-18T18:24:04","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T18:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/?page_id=50986"},"modified":"2024-10-18T18:24:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T18:24:05","slug":"iowa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/licensing\/hvac\/iowa\/","title":{"rendered":"HVAC License Requirements in Iowa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold, snowy winters and hot summers mean that HVAC professionals in Iowa are consistently busy. Although the salaries for HVAC workers are lower than in other parts of the country, the low cost of living in Iowa more than makes up for it. HVAC jobs are plentiful, and the job outlook shows an upward trend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering a career in heating and cooling maintenance, our comprehensive guide to getting an Iowa HVAC license can provide you with the information you need. Keep reading to learn about the cost of a license and how to get one.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-list\"><li><a href='#what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses-in-iowa' class='toc-link'>What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Iowa?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#epa-license' class='toc-link'>EPA License<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#nate-certificate' class='toc-link'>NATE Certificate<\/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-earnings-for-hvac-professionals-in-iowa' class='toc-link'>Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Iowa<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-iowa' class='toc-link'>How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Iowa?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-iowa' class='toc-link'>How to get an HVAC license in Iowa<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#apprentice' class='toc-link'>Apprentice<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#journey-level-journeyman' class='toc-link'>Journey Level \/Journeyman<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#master-level' class='toc-link'>Master Level<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#contractor' class='toc-link'>Contractor<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#service-technician-hvac-specialty' class='toc-link'>Service Technician HVAC Specialty<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#exams-required-for-an-iowa-hvac-license' class='toc-link'>Exams required for an Iowa HVAC license<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#iowa-hvac-insurance-and-bonding-requirements' class='toc-link'>Iowa HVAC insurance and bonding requirements<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#iowa-hvac-licensing-and-renewal-requirements' class='toc-link'>Iowa HVAC licensing and renewal requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses-in-iowa\">What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Iowa?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Iowa, you cannot perform any kind of HVAC work, not even apprenticeship or training, without a license. The Iowa Department of Public Health, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dial.iowa.gov\/boards\/plumbing-mechanical\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (PMSB) issues all licenses, and there are four main licenses and a subtype, so five in total:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprentice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journey Level<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master Level<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contractor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Service Technician HVAC Specialty<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"epa-license\">EPA License<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An optional license, technically a certification, is a<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/section608\/section-608-technician-certification-requirements\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 608 Technician Certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. There are a few types of this certification, and each one permits you to work on certain types of refrigeration units or cooling equipment that uses refrigerants.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nate-certificate\">NATE Certificate<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/natex.org\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North American Technical Excellence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (NATE) is a nationwide non-profit HVAC certification organization. It offers several different types of HVAC certifications, starting with a \u201cready to work\u201d certificate for apprentices and students and niche HVAC specialties.<\/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;\">The primary benefit of getting an Iowa HVAC license is that you can legally perform HVAC work in the state. Even apprentices need a license, so it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll be hired even as a trainee\u2014most employers won&#8217;t want to risk having someone unlicensed do work for residential or commercial clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, obtaining specialty licenses and certifications demonstrates to potential employers or clients that you have mastered certain skills and can help you negotiate a higher salary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"average-earnings-for-hvac-professionals-in-iowa\">Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Iowa<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hourly HVAC maintenance techs, installers, and apprentices can expect to earn anywhere from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/hvac-technician\/salaries\/IA?from=top_sb\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$18.27 to $40.48 per hour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; the state median rate is $27.19 per hour. This is a broad range and includes apprentice wages. Most professionals earn close to the state average. However, if you get overtime pay or a night\/weekend pay differential, then you have the potential to make more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salaried HVAC professionals, such as service managers or field supervisors, may earn an average of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/hvac-supervisor\/salaries\/IA?from=top_sb\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$92,206 per year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Iowa; the range is $54,533 to $155,904 per year. This, too, is a large range.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few things that affect how much you\u2019ll get paid. One is the cost of living in your area; you may make a lot more in Des Moines than you would in Mason City, for example. If you have extensive education and training, or if you hold specific certifications and can perform niche work, then you can demand a higher wage than an apprentice or new journeyman.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-iowa\">How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Iowa?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dial.iowa.gov\/licenses\/building\/plumbing-mechanical\/plumbing-licensure\/fees\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cost for each Iowa HVAC license<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Apprentice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Application fee, $50, and the license is valid for 3 years. You must also take an exam; fees are $35 to the state, and $109 to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkwood.edu\/programs\/continuing-education\/state-disciplines\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kirkwood Community College<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which administers the exams.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Journeyman<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $180<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Master<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $240<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Contractor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $150 registration fee to the Iowa Workforce Development \u2013 Division of Labor; $250 to PMSB<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-iowa\">How to get an HVAC license in Iowa<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of the four main types of HVAC license in Iowa, and the sub-category, has different requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"apprentice\">Apprentice<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An apprentice may only work under the supervision of a licensed HVAC journeyman or contractor and for a licensed contractor.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must be at least 18 years old<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must have a high school diploma or a GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program approved by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/eta\/apprenticeship\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must have a license issued by the PMSB<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must pass a criminal background check<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit application and fees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"journey-level-journeyman\">Journey Level \/Journeyman<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must possess all the qualifications of an apprentice, PLUS<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is only permitted to work under the supervision of a Master HVACR professional, and may not work for an unlicensed contractor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May only supervise apprentices performing work for which the journeyman is licensed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must submit proof of at least 4 years of HVAC apprenticeship<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must pass the Iowa journeyman exam OR<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possess a Master-level license from another jurisdiction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File the exam and license approval applications, pass the applicable tests, and may all associated fee<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"master-level\">Master Level<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must possess all the qualifications of a Journeyman, PLUS<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May only supervise apprentices or journeymen in the discipline in which they are licensed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must pass the state of Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board master licensing examination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold 2 years of experience as a journeyman OR<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a master license in another jurisdiction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass all applicable exams and submit all necessary fees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"contractor\">Contractor<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must be licensed with the board AND registered with the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dial.iowa.gov\/licenses\/building\/contractors\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iowa Division of Labor<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must submit proof of surety bond and their registration number<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File the application and pay the necessary fees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"service-technician-hvac-specialty\">Service Technician HVAC Specialty<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a sublicense that permits you to perform work from the appliance shutoff valve to the appliance, as well as all parts and components of said appliance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must possess all qualifications of HVAC Master<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must hold at least one NATE certificate (or equivalent authority) OR<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold a Service Technician Associate degree (or equivalent education)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"exams-required-for-an-iowa-hvac-license\">Exams required for an Iowa HVAC license<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each HVAC license, including the Service Technician HVAC Specialty, has an exam that relates to the expected skills, experience, and knowledge. Exams are proctored at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkwood.edu\/programs\/continuing-education\/state-disciplines\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kirkwood Community College<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> campuses across the state. All exams are open-book, and you must pass each exam you sit for with a score of at least 75%.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"iowa-hvac-insurance-and-bonding-requirements\">Iowa HVAC insurance and bonding requirements<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General liability insurance is required<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the scope and price of the project (and sometimes a client\u2019s wishes) a surety bond may also be required<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"iowa-hvac-licensing-and-renewal-requirements\">Iowa HVAC licensing and renewal requirements<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">License must be renewed each year. You must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check, plus submit proof of at least 4 hours of continuing education each year.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cold, snowy winters and hot summers mean that HVAC professionals in Iowa are consistently busy. Although the salaries for HVAC workers are lower than in other parts of the country, the low cost of living in Iowa more than makes up for it. HVAC jobs are plentiful, and the job outlook shows an upward trend. [&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-50986","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\/50986","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=50986"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50986\/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=50986"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=50986"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=50986"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=50986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}