North Carolina HVAC: How to get licensed and certified in NC

Becoming an HVAC technician in North Carolina involves meeting specific work experience and education requirements. If you wish to operate an HVAC business, you will need to obtain the appropriate North Carolina HVAC license. 

This guide provides detailed information on getting started in the North Carolina HVAC field.

Do you need a license in North Carolina to become an HVAC technician?

Yes, a North Carolina HVAC license is required to perform HVAC work in the state. Additional licensing is necessary for those working with commercial refrigeration units.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Career flexibility in the HVAC field allows professionals to work across different areas and tackle a variety of challenges. Technicians play a crucial role in reducing environmental impacts by installing energy-efficient heat pumps and upgrading filters. The high demand for HVAC technicians continues to grow, driven by increased needs for indoor climate control and advancements in technology.

Average salary for HVAC technicians in North Carolina

The average salary for HVAC technicians in North Carolina is approximately $52,960 per year. HVAC supervisors earn around $79,340 annually.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

The Refrigeration Contractor License allows you to work on commercial HVAC or refrigeration units and costs $130. Heating and Cooling Licenses are categorized as H1, H2, and H3, each with specific scopes. The H1 License covers water-based heating systems in any building, the H2 License is for forced air heating and cooling units over 15 tons, and the H3 License is for units under 15 tons, with each contractor license costing $130. Technician Licenses are available in the H1, H2, and H3 categories, costing $65 per license.

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

The Technician License fee is $65, while the Contractor License fee is $130. Additionally, a surety bond is typically required, which usually costs around $2,000, though this amount may vary depending on the city.

Renewal and continuing education

Licenses must be renewed annually by December 31. Currently, there are no specific continuing education requirements for renewal.

How to Get an HVAC License in North Carolina

Schooling requirements

Whether you obtain a refrigeration license or a heating and cooling license, half of your on-the-job experience can be obtained through education. You can receive a certificate or associate’s degree to help you qualify for a North Carolina HVAC license. The best schools that offer HVAC programs include Central Piedmont Community College, Guilford Technical Community College, and Wake Tech. Each of these schools offer an Associate of Science degree. The average tuition is about $5,000-$8,000. Ask your school about financial aid options. Top-tier universities, like Duke University and N.C. State University, also offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. The tuition for these universities ranges from $20,000-$50,000 per year. No matter which school you attend, most coursework must be completed on campus.

On-the-job experience

To obtain a refrigeration license, you must have 4,000 hours of experience in commercial refrigeration. Half of this experience can be obtained through academic or technical training. The other half must be training working under the supervision of a refrigeration contractor or a professional engineer. To take the contractor exam for any type of heating and cooling license, you will need two years of on-site experience in the maintenance, service, repair, or installation of heating systems or plumbing. Two years of experience equates to 4,000 hours. Half of this experience can be sought through technical or academic training. For the standard HVAC technician exam, 3,000 hours of on-site experience is required.

Licensing Requirements

Here are the key steps and requirements to obtain the license:

1. Education and Experience:

• Education: Obtain a certificate or associate’s degree from institutions like Central Piedmont Community College, Guilford Technical Community College, or Wake Tech. Tuition ranges from $5,000-$8,000. For higher degrees, such as a bachelor’s or master’s in mechanical engineering from universities like Duke or N.C. State, tuition ranges from $20,000-$50,000 per year.
• Experience:
  • Refrigeration License: 4,000 hours of experience, with up to 2,000 hours of academic or technical training.
  • Heating and Cooling Licenses: 4,000 hours of experience, with up to 2,000 hours from academic or technical training.
  • Technician Exam: Requires 3,000 hours of on-site experience.

2.Examinations:

• Contractor Exam: Includes a four-hour technical exam and a 90-minute business and law exam, both requiring a score of 70% or higher.
• Refrigeration Contractor Exam: An open-book exam divided into four sections, with 100 questions in total.

3.Insurance and Bonding:

• Surety Bond: Required, typically around $2,000.
• Insurance: While not mandated, liability and workers’ compensation insurance are advisable if you have three or more employees.

4.Licensing Costs:

• Application Fees: $100 for the exam application, $150 for license activation.
• Renewal Fees: $150 annually for contractors, $75 for technicians.

Checklist for Obtaining an HVAC License in North Carolina

1. Meet Basic Requirements:
   • Be at least 18 years old.
   • Hold a high school diploma or GED.
2. Gain Work Experience:
   • Accumulate 4,000 hours of relevant HVAC work experience, with up to 2,000 hours from academic or technical training.
3. Submit Application:
   • Complete and submit the application form with the necessary fees and supporting documentation.
4. Pass Examinations:
   • Schedule and pass the contractor exam and the business and law exam, if applicable.
5. Obtain Insurance and Bond:
   • Secure a surety bond and consider obtaining liability insurance.
6. Maintain License:
   • Renew the license annually and stay informed about any changes to licensing requirements.

Want more information? 

Visit the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors website for more details on licensing and exam schedules.