New Hampshire HVAC: How to get licensed and certified in NH

Snowy New Hampshire winters have meant that the HVAC business is booming in the colder months, although there is still a strong demand for heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigerant professionals in the Granite State. Careers in this industry are expected to show modest yet steady growth over the next decade, with competitive salaries in the major metro areas.

If you’re looking for an HVAC job in New Hampshire, follow our comprehensive guide to getting a license for HVAC work. We include information about how to get a license, costs, testing requirements, and links to helpful sources, like educational opportunities. Keep reading to learn about the cost of a license and how to get one.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, certain HVAC professionals must obtain a license from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). A license is required for gas fitters and oil heating technicians and contractors, although it’s not required for general heating and cooling work. However, many New Hampshire homes utilize gas and oil heating, so if you want to work on oil heating equipment, then you must have a license. If you plan to own your own HVAC business, then you must have a state mechanical business license.

Some municipalities may also require a license, such as in Manchester and Nashua, both of which require a license for commercial and residential HVAC repairs, installation, and renovations. Check with your local city government to determine what kind of, if any, license you require for which types of HVAC work.

EPA License

If you plan to work with refrigerants, you should hold an EPA Section 608 Certification. This permits you to legally work on units that contain refrigerants or refrigeration equipment. Once you obtain a Section 608 Certification, it does not expire and is valid in all 50 states.

NATE Certificate

NATE, or North American Technical Excellence, is the nation’s largest non-profit organization certifying the skills of HVAC professionals across the country. It issues several certifications, indicating your expertise and skills, even for niche work or indicating that you’re ready for an HVAC apprenticeship. NATE certifications set you apart from others in your field and may help you negotiate a higher salary.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The initial benefit of getting an HVAC license is that you can legally perform certain kinds of HVAC work or get a job. Having a license means that customers and employers alike know that you have a certain degree of knowledge and experience and that any work you perform will be according to the governing building codes.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in New Hampshire

The average hourly wage for HVAC installers, techs, and mechanics in New Hampshire is $33.26, although the range is wide, from $21.25 to $51.06. Some employers may pay overtime if you work more than 40 hours per week or offer a higher rate for handling emergency calls on nights and weekends. However, your experience, training, and ability to complete certain specialty work can influence how much you make, as can the cost of living in your area.

Salaried HVAC professionals in New Hampshire can expect to earn an average of $92,311 per year; the salary range is broad, though, from $67,862 to $125,569. Like hourly HVAC workers, your skills, training, education, and experience all factor into your salary. Your employer may pay bonuses or have other incentives. And, if you own your own HVAC business, you can usually make more than you could working for someone else.

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

The licensing fees vary depending on where you’re getting the license from. In general, though, you can expect to pay the following:

• Application Fees: Approximately $75 for the initial application.
• Exam Fees: Around $120 for each exam.
• License Fees: Annual fees vary by license type

 The only mandatory license in New Hampshire is the fuel gasfitter’s license, which is issued by the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board under the purview of the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Gasfitters must have this license. The Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board also issues voluntary licenses for oil heating equipment technicians.

How to get an HVAC license in New Hampshire

Each license, both optional and mandatory, has different requirements and fees associated with it.

Fuel Gasfitter License

Any HVAC tech working on fuel gas equipment or systems must hold a Fuel Gas License. Securing this license requires the following steps:

• Provide a current New Hampshire fuel gas trainee card or the equivalent license from another state
• Pass the state licensing exam
• Obtain a signed letter from a licensed gasfitter responsible for supervising, sponsoring, and directing your fuel gas fitting training. The letter must state that you meet the minimum competency requirements for the licensing endorsement.
• Affidavit from your licensing sponsor attesting you completed the required number of hours of field experience
• Proof of education from a board-approved institution

There is also a trainee license for fuel fitters, which requires a trainee endorsement letter signed by your licensing sponsor, required before you apply for your fuel fitters’ license.

Fuel Gas Installation Technicians

The licensing for technicians differs slightly from that required for a fuel gasfitter license:

• 100 hours of educational training from a board-approved institution
• At least 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience in the HVAC trade, or equivalent in a board-approved educational setting

Fuel Gas Service Technicians

• Minimum of 140 hours of education
• Minimum of 2,000 hours of job experience or an equivalent of educational experience
• All fuel gas license holders must show proof of at least three hours of code update continuing education.

Oil Heating Technicians

Oil heating technicians may apply for a voluntary certification issued by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office. Licensing requirements include:

• At least 4,000 hours of field experience, certified by a signed affidavit from your employer
• Valid silver or gold certificate from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) or NATE in the oil heating installation module or oil heating service technician module

Exams required for a New Hampshire HVAC license

Depending on the license you want to hold, you may be required to fulfill the following:

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

New Hampshire HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

You may be required to show proof of the following, depending on the type of license you have and the type of work you’re doing:

• Insurance: General liability insurance is required.
• Bonding: A surety bond may be required depending on the municipality

New Hampshire HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

Each license has its own licensing and renewal requirements. However, most require proof of a certain number of continuing education hours, as the requirement stipulated by the fuel oil fitter license. It’s best to check your license for renewal fees and associated educational requirements.