Arizona HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in AZ

Arizona’s triple-digit summer heat and chilly winter nights pose unique challenges in the heating and cooling industry. Skilled, licensed HVAC professionals are in high demand in this desert state. Salaries are competitive, and the job prospects in the area are stable.

This guide contains all the information you need to obtain an HVAC license in Arizona and start your exciting career as a heating, cooling, and ventilation professional.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Arizona?

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues Heating, Air Conditioning, and Landscaping (HVACR) licenses in the state. Only HVAC contractors are required to have a license—technicians and journeyman HVAC mechanics and techs aren’t required to have a state license.

Many Arizona cities and counties issue journeyman licenses, so check local requirements in the cities you plan to work in. Phoenix, for example, issues journeyman and apprentice licenses per the city building code.

There are also a couple of options for certifications and licenses that can round out your capabilities and help you command a higher salary.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues three types of statewide HVAC contractor licenses:

• Specialty Residential R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, including Solar
• Specialty Commercial C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Specialty Dual CR-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

For each license, you must have at least 4 years of experience and pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the Trade Exam relating to the specific trade license you seek (commercial exam, residential exam, or both).

You are required to have at least four years of experience for each of these licenses and you must take and pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the applicable Trade Exam. The type of work you intend to do will determine the license you seek.

EPA License

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a Section 608 Technician Certification permitting HVAC techs to work on refrigeration units. This federal license is valid in all 50 states.

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) is the largest nationwide non-profit organization issuing various certifications for HVAC professionals and those who wish to become one. NATE-Certified HVAC professionals may earn 10-20% more than someone with equivalent education and experience but who doesn’t have certifications. NATE certifications are also acknowledged in all 50 states.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

You’ll likely be able to secure a good HVAC job without the Arizona HVAC license and be unable to work in the trade, period, in many cities, like Phoenix, without the city HVAC license. Most customers prefer licensed professionals to complete work in their home or office rather than unlicensed. In addition, if an unlicensed HVAC tech performs work, it may not be compliant with state or local building codes.

If you’re worried about passing the licensing exams or other aspects of getting an HVAC license in Arizona, the state’s Registrar of Contractors offers monthly free Applicant Education Seminars.

Average Salary For HVAC Professionals in Arizona

Hourly HVAC professionals in Arizona may earn anywhere from $18.19 to $45.25 per hour, although most earn close to the state median of $28.69 per hour. Workers in higher-cost-of-living cities may have a higher wage, as will those with extensive education and experience. Your EPA and NATE certifications may also earn you a few extra dollars per hour. Hourly workers may also get overtime pay or a higher rate on weekends or nights.

Salaried HVAC contractors in Arizona, including field supervisors and managers, may earn an average of $87,887 per year, although the range is wide, from a low of $58,771 to $131,426. If you own your own business, the sky could be the limit for your annual wage.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Arizona?

The license fees for an Arizona HVAC license are as follows:

• Application fee: $80 for residential license, $100 for commercial specialty license and dual license
• Exam fee: Each exam is $66. If you take two portions, the cost is $116; if you include the Solar portion, the cost is $156.
• License fee: $270 for residential, $480 for commercial, and $380 for dual licensure. In addition, those seeking residential and dual licensing have “recovery fund assessment” fees, which brings the total cost for residential licenses to $720 and dual licenses to $850.

The cost of municipal licenses varies by city or county.

How to get an HVAC license in Arizona

There are a few steps for getting your Arizona HVAC contractor license:

Work experience and education

A formal degree isn’t mandatory for an HVAC license, although most professionals benefit from obtaining an associate’s degree in HVAC from a local community college, like Arizona Automotive Institute or Arizona Western College, or attending a trade school for HVAC at an establishment like The Refrigeration School.

In addition, you must have at least 4 years of related work experience for each type of license you’re pursuing. So, if you want a residential license, you need at least 4 years of residential HVAC experience, and if you want a commercial license, you must have at least 4 years of commercial HVAC experience. A two-year apprenticeship can be counted toward this requirement.

You’ll also have to undergo a background check.

Examinations and testing

You must pass two exams to obtain your HVAC license in Arizona:

Trade Exam: The R-39/C-79 trade exam is required for both commercial and residential licenses. It covers the principles of HVAC and installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC units. You must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

Business and Law Exam: This covers the Arizona statutes and rules for HVAC contractors.

Both exams are administered by PSI, and the exam fees are paid directly to PSI.

Insurance and bonding

You must have general liability insurance, as well as a workers’ compensation policy, if you have a certain number of employees.

A surety bond is also required. The amount varies depending on your license type and the scope of work to be performed.

Arizona HVAC Licensing and Renewal Requirements

All Arizona HVAC licenses must be renewed every two years. The fees are as follows:

• Residential: $540
• Commercial: $480
• Dual: $650

Although continuing education isn’t required for Arizona HVAC license holders to renew their licenses, it’s recommended. In addition, the laws can change, so keep yourself abreast of changes made by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.