Rhode Island HVAC: How to get licensed and certified in RI

Although Rhode Island is one of the smallest states in the union, the demand for qualified HVAC technicians, installers, mechanics, and field supervisors is high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nationwide, the demand for qualified HVAC professionals will grow about 6% over the next decade, while in Rhode Island, the job growth for HVAC workers may be as high as 13%! Securing your Rhode Island HVAC license is the first step in your journey to a lucrative, challenging career.

Read on to learn how to secure your own Rhode Island HVAC license. Our guide includes all the information you need to secure your license, including application and fee information, plus helpful links for practice exams and education and training programs.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires all heating and air conditioning technicians, mechanics, installers, and supervisors—all HVAC professionals, in fact, to have a license to perform HVAC work. This also includes people who work in refrigeration units or on cooling equipment that uses refrigerants. Licenses are issued through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation. 

If you are an HVAC contractor performing basic HVAC work, though, you simply need to register with the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (CLRB). Rhode Island also requires sheet metal techs and pipefitters to have a license, so if you plan to perform specific tasks, you may also require these licenses.

The specific HVAC licenses available in Rhode Island are as follows:

• Sheet Metal Technician: Apprentice, Journeyperson Class I, and Journeyperson Class II
• Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technician: Apprentice, Journeyperson Class I, and Journeyperson Class II
• Pipefitter: Apprentice, Journeyperson Class I, and Journeyperson Class II
• Sheet Metal Master Contractor: Sheet Metal Master Contractor Class I, Sheet Metal Master Contractor II
• Pipefitter Master Contractor: Pipefitter Master Contractor Class I, Pipefitter Master Contractor Class II
• Refrigeration Master Contractor: Refrigeration Master Contractor Class I, Refrigeration Master Contractor Class II
• Contractor Master: Pipefitting, Refrigeration, Sheet Metal
• Master Mechanical Contractor

EPA Certifications

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC professionals who work on refrigeration units or cooling units that use refrigerants to have a Section 608 Technician Certification. This certification is valid in all 50 states and does not expire once you have it. The EPA also issues other options for certifications, which may demonstrate to employers that you have the ability to perform certain niche work.

NATE Certificate

A certificate from the North American Technical Excellence (NATE) organization demonstrates that you are the best for HVAC work. These optional certifications include a Ready to Work certificate, an HVAC Support Technician Certificate, and a Senior Level HVAC Efficiency Certification. Holding one or more NATE certifications may enable you to command a higher rate of pay than someone who has similar qualifications but no certifications.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The primary benefit of having an HVAC license is that you can legally perform work on heating, cooling, refrigeration, and ventilation equipment. In addition, having an HVAC license demonstrates to potential employers that you have a certain level of skill and expertise.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Rhode Island

Hourly HVAC workers in Rhode Island can earn anywhere from $20.33 to $55.79 per hour, with a state average wage of $33.68 per hour. You may earn more money if your employer offers overtime or a higher rate of pay for working evenings or weekends.

Salaried HVC professionals, like field supervisors or managers, may earn an average of $95,674 per year, although the range is wide, from a low of $71,200 to a high of $128,560. Although salaried professionals may not get overtime, your employer may offer bonuses or other incentives.

Both hourly and salaried workers can command a higher wage if they have extensive experience, training, and education. In addition, holding EPA certifications and/ or NATE certifications may enable you to earn more than you otherwise would.

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

The costs of the Rhode Island licenses are as follows:

• Sheet Metal Technician: Journeyperson Class I: $72; Journeyperson Class II: $30
• Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technician: Journeyperson Class I: $72; Journeyperson Class II: $60
• Pipefitter: Journeyperson Class I: $72; Journeyperson Class II: $60
• Sheet Metal Master Contractor: Sheet Metal Master Contractor Class I: $240; Sheet Metal Master Contractor II: $ 240
• Pipefitter Master Contractor: Pipefitter Master Contractor Class I: $240; Pipefitter Master Contractor Class II: $96
• Refrigeration Master Contractor: Refrigeration Master Contractor Class I: $240;  Refrigeration Master Contractor Class II: $96
• Contractor Master: Pipefitting: $240; Refrigeration: $240; Sheet Metal: $240
• Master Mechanical Contractor: $480

There is no fee for apprentice licenses in Rhode Island, no matter which type you apply for.

How to get an HVAC license in Rhode Island

Rhode Island issues many types of HVAC licenses, each of which has separate requirements:

Sheet Metal Technician

A sheet metal technician license allows you to service, maintain, and install the sheet metal systems used in VHAC systems.

Apprentice:

• Register with the state
• Enroll in a board-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed sheet metal tech

Journeyperson Class I:

• Complete a 4-year apprenticeship
• Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam

Journeyperson Class II (Limited):

• Complete at least 4,000 hours, including 288 in the classroom, of a state-approved apprenticeship program

Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Technician

This license allows you to perform work on refrigeration and heating/ air conditioning systems

Apprentice:

• Register with the state
• Enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed refrigeration/ air conditioning technician

Journeyperson Class I: 

• Complete 5 years or 10,000 hours of the apprenticeship, including 144 classroom hours
• Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam

Journeyperson Class II (Limited):

• Complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom training in your apprenticeship program
• Pass the Journeyperson Class II exam

Pipefitter

This license allows you to assemble, install, and service pipe systems, supports, and pneumatic and hydraulic equipment for steam, heating, and industrial processing and production systems.

Apprentice:

• Register with the state
• Enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed pipefitter

Journeyperson Class I (Unlimited):

• Complete 10,000 hours or 5 years of practical training and 144 hours of classroom training
• Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam

Journeyperson Class II (Limited License):

• Complete 288 hours of classroom training and 4,000 hours of practical experience in your apprenticeship program
• Pass the Journeyperson Class II exam

Sheet Metal Master Contractor

Sheet metal techs play a valuable role in installing and maintaining HVAC systems. If you can work on the sheet metal components of HVAC equipment as well as other aspects of it, you may be a more well-rounded professional.

Sheet Metal Master Contractor Class I:

• Hold your Sheet Metal Journeyperson I license for at least a year
• Pass the contractor exam

Sheet Metal Master Contractor Class II:

• Hold your Sheet Metal Journeyperson II license for at least 3 years
• Pass the contractor exam

Pipefitter Master Contractor

Pipefitting is an integral part of installing HVAC systems that use natural gas and propane. As a contractor, you can own your own pipefitting business and hire pipefitting techs.

Pipefitter Master Contractor Class I:

• Hold your Pipefitter Journeyperson I or Pipefitter Master II license for at least a year
• Pass the contractor exam

Pipefitter Master Contractor Class II:

• Hold your Pipefitter Journeyperson II license for at least 3 years
• Pass the contractor exam

Refrigeration Master Contractor

As a refrigeration contractor, you can run your own business servicing refrigeration units and operate on VHAC units that use refrigerants.

Refrigeration Master Contractor Class I:

• Hold your Refrigeration Journeyperson I license OR your Refrigeration Master II license for at least one year

Refrigeration Master Contractor Class II:

• Hold your Refrigeration Journeyperson Class II license for at least 3 years
• Pass the Refrigeration Journeyperson Class II license exam

Contractor Master

If you have entrepreneurial dreams, then becoming an independent master contractor can set you on the way. Holding this license indicates to potential employees, clients, and those who award bids on public and government projects that you have extensive work and educational experience. Rhode Island offers three types of Master Contractor licenses:

Pipefitting:

• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree, AND
• At least 4 years of experience in pipefitting, OR
• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, AND
• At least 4 years of experience in pipefitting

Refrigeration:

• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, AND
• At least 4 years of experience in air conditioning and refrigeration work, OR
• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, AND
• At least 4 years of experience in air conditioning and refrigeration work

Sheet Metal:

• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, AND
• At least 4 years of experience in sheet metal work, OR
• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, AND
• At least 4 years of experience in sheet metal work

Master Mechanical Contractor

This license demonstrates that you are an elite HVAC professional. To secure your Master Mechanical Contractor, you must have at least 10 years as a licensed Refrigeration Master I AND 10 years as a licensed Pipefitter Master I. This is 10 years of holding EACH license, not 10 combined years of holding both licenses.

Exams required for a Rhode Island HVAC license

Each Rhode Island HVAC license has its own specific exam, but in general, you may be required to take:

• Trade Exam: Required for both journeyman and master licenses, covering HVAC principles and practices
• Business and Law Exam: Additional exam on business practices and state regulations

Rhode Island HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

Some customers may require a specific amount of general liability insurance, as well as a surety bond in a certain amount, especially for high-dollar value projects. In general, however, you may be required to provide:

• Insurance: General liability insurance is required
• Bonding: A surety bond is required for all HVAC contractors

Rhode Island HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

Each license has its own renewal fee but for all Rhode Island licenses:

• Renewal: Licenses must be renewed biannually.

Continuing Education: Four hours of continuing education required annually