Maine HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in ME

Cold, snowy Maine winters mean that HVAC professionals enjoy a busy winter season, although, in Maine, the job market for heating and cooling careers is robust. Salaries are competitive, especially in the larger cities like Bangor and Portland. HVAC professionals have a bright job outlook.

If you’re considering a career in HVAC, read our guide to obtaining an HVAC license in Maine, which includes costs, educational resources, and fees.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Maine?

In Maine, HVAC professionals must obtain specific licenses through the Maine Fuel Board. These licenses include Oil Burner, Propane and Natural Gas Technician, and Solid Fuel Technician certifications. Each of these certifications has different requirements and different steps (apprentice, journeyman, and Master) that indicate your skill level and experience.

It’s important to note that no specific HVAC licenses are required in Maine, but rather licenses that are required for certain aspects of HVAC work. Each Maine license details the scope of work license holders are permitted to complete. Each license also has separate requirements, including required exams, experience, and education.

In addition to the state-mandated licenses, you may also opt for certifications and licenses that permit you to perform niche work or demonstrate your specialty skills.

H3 EPA License

If you plan to work on refrigeration equipment or cooling equipment that uses refrigerant, you’ll benefit from holding the EPA Section 608 Certification, which legally permits you to work with refrigerant in all 50 states.

NATE Certificate

Another optional license, or rather, a series of certifications, is to become NATE-certified. The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) organization is a nationwide non-profit that certifies HVAC professionals. It offers several types of certifications, and a NATE certification is valid in all 50 states. Plus, it demonstrates to employers and clients alone that you possess exceptional skills and training.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Without an HVAC license in Maine, you cannot legally perform HVAC work. You may also not be able to perform specialty work if you don’t possess certain Maine licenses, like the Oil Burner certification.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Maine

As an hourly HVAC mechanic, service technician, or installer, you could make anywhere from $21.90 to $51.23 per hour; the state average is $33.50. Depending on where you live, you may make it closer to the higher range if you live in a high-cost-of-living city. Also, some employers permit overtime, which increases your average wage. Or, you may get paid extra to work on the weekends or overnight to handle emergencies.

Salaried HVAC professionals in Maine earn an average of $86,392 per year, although the range is pretty big, from a low of $57,576 to $129,631. If your employer offers bonuses, you may make a little more. If you choose to open your own HVAC service business, you have more control over what you make, and the sky is the limit.

Both salaried and hourly HVAC workers may earn more if they have multiple licenses or specialty certifications, like those issued by NATE or the EPA. The broader your skills are, the higher the wage you can often demand.

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

Each license may require the application fee, testing fees, and the fee for the license itself, as well as renewal fees. They are as follows:

• Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician: $40 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee
• Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician: $100 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee
• Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician: $200 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee
• Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician: $50 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee
• Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician: $50 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee
• Propane and Natural Gas Helper: $20 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee
• Propane and Natural Gas Technician: $100 license fee; $21 criminal background check fee

In addition, there are exam fees, which range from $65 to $90, depending on the exam.

How to get an HVAC license in Maine

Each of the main types of HVAC-related licenses in Maine has different requirements:

Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician

Complete the application and pay the associated fees. Then, you can perform work under the supervision of an appropriately licensed professional. Your license renews every two years and must be current as you work. You may also benefit from attending trade school to focus on HVAC or pursue an associate’s degree in heating and cooling, sch as that offered by Eastern Maine Community College. Or, you could secure an apprenticeship from your local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs.

Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician

You must hold the appropriate license and pay the requisite fees. In addition, there are educational/ experience requirements:

• One year as a licensed apprentice OR
• Complete a board-approved course of study, a minimum of 160 hours of study, 75 of which are lab-based work on oil burning systems, PLUS 6 months as a licensed apprentice OR
• Complete a one-year accredited heating course at a Maine community college with at least 320 hours of study, 150 of which are lab-based work on oil-burning equipment

You must submit your diploma, transcript, or student certificate from your program of study or an affidavit signed by a Master Oil Burner Technician to verify your work hours. You must also pass a state-mandated exam.

Licenses must be renewed every two years and must be current for you to complete your work or study.

Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician

• Master Oil Burner Technician: You must have at least 4 years of licensed experience in HVAC work, at least 2 of which as a licensed journeyman.
• Master Solid Fuel Technician: You must have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed Apprentice Solid Fuel Technician.

Then, you must submit an affidavit signed by either a Solid Fuel Technician or Master Oil Burner to verify that you completed the required hours. In addition, you must pass the state exam and pay associated fees. Licenses renew every two years, and you must have a valid license as you complete your work.

Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician

You must pass the Certified Building Analyst 1 certification exams, including both a test and a field exam. These are offered by the Building Performance Institute. OR, you may complete an equivalent training program approved by the Maine licensing board.

You’ll also have to pay the required licensing and background check fees. Licenses must be renewed every 2 years.

Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician

You must complete the Certified Building Analyst 1 certification, which consists of a practical field exam and a test, such as that offered by the Building Performance Institute, OR complete an equivalent training program approved by the Maine licensing board.  

You also have to pay the required fees. Licenses renew every two years and must be valid while you work.

Propane and Natural Gas Helper

Helpers require a completed license application, and you must pay the required licensing and background check fees. This license renews every 2 years.

Propane and Natural Gas Technician

Complete a licensing board-approved training program and pass the state exam. You must also be a licensed technician with an Appliance Connection and Service Technician endorsement and pass the Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician exam to secure the licenses issued by the Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician authority. Licenses renew every two years.

Exams required for Maine HVAC licenses

Each exam has its own requirements. Exams are proctored by PROV, and all fees are paid directly to that agency. The passing requirements may vary depending on the license you are testing for, but usually, you must have at least a 70% or 75% passing score.

Maine HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

Independent HVAC professionals in Maine aren’t required to carry their own liability insurance or provide a surety bond, although a client may request one or both, depending on the scope of the project and its cost.

However, if you own an HVAC business and have employees, you must provide unemployment insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage.

Maine HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

All Maine HVAC licenses renew every two years; the cost for renewal varies according to the type of license you have. Additionally, you must complete at least 8 hours of continuing education to renew your license.