Montana HVAC: How to get licensed and certified in MT

It’s clear that there is no shortage of demand for HVAC professionals in Montana in the winter, especially when the snow piles up. The job prospects here are strong, especially in the major metro areas or near popular tourist destinations like Big Sky or Flathead Lake. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that job growth in this sector will increase by about 6% over the next decade. Salaries are competitive, and there is plenty of potential in the HVAC industry for entrepreneurs to start their own HVAC business.

Our guide outlines the process for obtaining an HVAC license in Montana, including the cost, required exams, and helpful links to educational and training resources.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Montana?

The Montana Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors issues licenses to HVAC contractors, not necessarily to individual HVAC professionals themselves. If you are an HVAC technician, installer, mechanic, or otherwise work in an HVAC capacity, you must either work for a registered contractor or be a registered contractor.

Some cities, such as Great Falls, Billings, and Missoula, have municipal licensing requirements, including background checks for each employee. It’s important to check the licensing requirements of different cities that you may want to work in to ensure that you’re compliant.

HVAC business owners must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The state does not require HVAC professionals to pass an exam, as it does for plumbers or electricians, but if your role involves handling refrigerants, you must hold an EPA Certification.

Montana offers two designations for registered HVAC contractors, Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor.

Construction Contractor

This license is required for business owners who have incorporated their business or whose business is a construction Manager-Managed LLC.

Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate

The Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) is for a sole proprietorship HVAC business. These businesses are owner-operated, do not have employees, and may take contract work. And, while you are not required to have workers’ compensation insurance for this type of business, you must also opt out of workers’ comp for yourself.

EPA License

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC professionals working with refrigeration units or cooling units that use refrigerants to hold a Section 608 Technician Certification. There are a few types of these certifications, each of which permits you to work on specific refrigeration units. These certifications are valid in all 50 states and do not expire.

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) is the country’s largest non-profit HVAC certification organization. Every state recognizes a NATE Certification. There are multiple types of certifications available, from a ready-to-work certificate to those that certify your ability to perform specialty work. Professionals who have a NATE certification may earn about 10-20% more than those without one, but who have comparable training and experience.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Although Montana does not require an HVAC license to work on heating and cooling equipment, you must hold one if you want to own your own business. Additionally, if you’re pursuing work as an HVAC apprentice or journeyman, you must work for a licensed contractor.

The state urges people needing HVAC work to carefully scrutinize potential contractors’ qualifications and training. A license demonstrates that you possess the specific skills, education, and training to properly complete the installation of heating and cooling equipment, repairs, and maintenance.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Montana

The average wage for HVAC techs and mechanics in Montana is $32.98 per hour, although the range is wide, from a low starting wage of $21.82 to the top rate of $49.84. Some employers may offer a higher rate of pay if you work on the weekends or in the evenings (usually to respond to emergencies), or perhaps you may be permitted to work overtime, which can increase your average wage.

Salaried HVAC professionals in Montana can earn an average of $77,399 per year, but the range for salaried professionals is wide, too. The low end is just $60,720 per year, while the top salary is $98,658. You may make more if you own your own business, or if you work for an employer that pays bonuses.

Both hourly and salaried HVAC professionals generally earn more money the more education, experience, and training they have. Certain optional certifications, like those issued by NATE or additional EPA certifications, can also increase your earning potential.

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

The Construction Contractor Registration (CCR) costs $70, and the license is valid for two years. You must also submit proof of workers compensation insurance.

The Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) costs $125 and is valid for two years. You must submit a notarized application and proof that you are an independent business entity.

How to get an HVAC license in Montana

Each HVAC contractor license in Montana has different requirements:

CCR

HVAC professionals who plan to hire employees must have the Construction Contractor Registration and provide proof of their workers’ compensation policy, per the Montana Workers’ Compensation Act. Submit your completed application and the $70 fee to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

ICEC

The requirements for the ICEC are similar to those of the CCR. You must submit proof that you waive your Montana Workers’ Comp coverage, plus your application and the $125 application fee, to the Department of Labor and Industry.

Exams required for a Montana HVAC license

There are no licensing exams for the HVAC contractor’s license issued by the state. However, some municipalities may require you to pass an exam before getting a license to work in the city or county. Additionally, all EPA certifications and NATE certifications require you to pass an exam, typically with a 70% or 75% minimum score.

Montana HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

If you have a CCR license, you must submit proof of sufficient workers’ compensation coverage. For both the CCR and the ICEC, you may need to carry general liability insurance, a surety bond, or both, depending on the client’s requirements or the scope or cost of the project.

Montana HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

Both state-issued HVAC contractor licenses renew every two years. There is a renewal fee for each license, and you’ll need to submit proof of current insurance for the CCR or waiver of coverage for the ICEC.