Do you want to become a technician in the Missouri HVAC industry? Not only do HVAC companies pay fair wages, but they also value their employees’ contributions to their organizations.

Read this Missouri HVAC license guide to learn everything you need to know. You’ll get information about HVAC exams, programs and license requirements.

Missouri does not have state requirements for HVAC licensing. HVAC technicians are required to apply for certifications and licenses with their local licensing boards.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

Missouri HVAC license requirements depend on the type of work you perform and the city in which you perform the work. Different certifications include HVAC contractor, HVAC journeyman contractor, and EPA-certified contractors. HVAC contractors install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment for commercial and residential properties. Applicants for the HVAC contract certification must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have at least two years of work experience repairing, installing, and maintaining HVAC equipment
• Complete an HVAC apprenticeship or accredited training program
• Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license/identification card and social security card
• Pass an HVAC contractor certification exam

HVAC journeyman contractors supervise HVAC apprentices. They install and repair heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units in residential and commercial properties. Applicants for the journeyman HVAC contractor certification must:

• Have at least two years of experience working on HVAC systems
• Complete an HVAC training program
• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
• Pass an HVAC journeyman examination

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification is an optional certification that indicates a higher level of training and standards of job performance. NATE is a non-profit, nationwide certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians. A NATE-Certified HVAC Professional may be able to command a higher salary than a non-certified tech with equal training and experience. The certification consists of five exams:

•  HVAC Fundamentals
•  Electrical and Controls
•  Comfort and Airflow
•  Installation
•  Service

EPA HVAC contractors are authorized to handle and dispose of refrigerants. They maintain and install HVAC/refrigeration systems for residential and commercial properties. Applicants for the EPA HVAC contractor certification must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a minimum of two years of HVAC experience
• Take the EPA Type I and Type II examinations
• Enroll in an HVAC training program
• Be at least 18 years old

Licenses and certifications in Missouri are issued at the local level. Each municipality in Missouri has different certification requirements. Contact your local HVAC licensing board to determine how to qualify to perform HVAC work in your area.

Average salaries for HVAC professionals in Missouri

The hourly rate for HVAC techs in the Show-Me State ranges from $17.61 to $45.48, with an average of $28.30. The wide range may account for many things, such as holding a specialty license or working overtime. In addition, some employers may offer higher ages for tehs and HVAC mechanics who work weekends or overtime to handle emergency calls. 

An HVAC supervisor in Missouri may make up to $127,971, although most make around the state average of $102,985. Supervisors may be eligible for bonuses, although many may not make overtime pay if they are paid a salary instead of hourly. 

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Missouri HVAC and refrigeration training takes less than a year to complete. Employment in this industry offers job security and advancement opportunities. Universities, corporations, small businesses, public schools, hospitals, prisons, and sports arenas hire HVAC and refrigeration technicians. HVAC and refrigeration technicians receive competitive pay.

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

Missouri HVAC certification and license requirements vary. Each municipality in Missouri charges different fees for their licenses. St. Louis and Kansas City, the two largest cities in the state, both issue HVAC licenses for contractors. You can obtain a St. Louis license through the St. Louis County Department of Public Works and a Kansas City (Missouri – you may need a separate license for Kansas City, KS) through the Kansas City Department of Planning & Development.

How to get an HVAC license in Missouri

Before you enroll in an HVAC program, contact your local trade licensing board in Missouri to determine the certification and license requirements. Enroll in an HVAC/refrigeration apprenticeship program. After you complete the program, apply for the appropriate license or certification. Many HVAC technicians get on-the-job experience from apprentice programs.

Missouri HVAC training programs and schools

• MTI HVAC School
• Metropolitan Community College
• Metropolitan Community College

Types of HVAC classes

• Fundamentals of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Electrical Fundamentals I and II
• Residential and Commercial Heating and Cooling I and II
• Air Conditioning Control Principles
• Sheet Metal Fabrication
• Mechanical Codes
• English Composition
• HVAC Best Practices
• Commercial Refrigeration Systems
• HVAC Systems Design
• College Algebra
• Energy Management and Green Building Design

Program Tuition Costs: Tuition for Missouri residents is approximately $200 per credit hour. Students are required to pay laboratory, parking, and student activity fees. Technical schools and community colleges offer financial aid packages for students. Classes are generally offered in a classroom setting.

HVAC program prerequisites

• Possess a Missouri driver’s license/identification card and social security card.
• Have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be physically capable of performing HVAC work.

On-the-job experience

• Learn Missouri HVAC codes.
• Service, replace, and install heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units.
• Read blueprints.
• Perform math calculations on a variety of HVAC and refrigeration jobs.
• Work under the direction of a licensed HVAC technician supervisor.
• Work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

HVAC Certification and Licensing Exams Details

• Submit applications to take required examinations
• Passing score for HVAC exams is typically 70%, although some specialties may require a higher passing score
• Exams are administered by local Missouri licensing boards

How to prepare for HVAC exams: Study for your exam at least 6 weeks prior to the exam date. Get a study partner. Review HVAC and refrigeration service, installation, and maintenance videos. Attend HVAC tutoring sessions at your school. Ask a licensed HVAC/refrigeration technician to help you. Read Missouri HVAC exam books and study guides.

Exam Resources

• EPA Certification Practice Test
• HVAC Exam Practice Tests
• ICC Journeyman Test

Missouri HVAC license renewal: Renewal fees and timelines are different for each municipality in Missouri. Contact the HVAC licensing board in your area to learn about renewal requirements.