Oregon HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in OR

HVAC professionals in Oregon have a wide variety of climates to contend with, from balmy weather close to the coast to more drastic temperature shifts in the east and the mountains. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that overall job growth for HVAC professionals to increase at a rate of about 6% over the next decade. Skilled tradesmen, like HVAC installers, technicians, and managers, should be in high demand in all parts of the state.

In this guide, you’ll find more information about obtaining an HVAC license in Oregon, including the cost, requirements, and any exams you may need to take. We also include valuable resources for training, education, and certification. Read on to learn the steps to take to secure an HVAC license in Oregon.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Oregon?

Every HVAC professional in Oregon, including apprentices, must hold a Limited Energy Technician license issued by the Oregon Building Codes Division Office. In addition, if you plan on becoming an HVAC contractor, you must have a license issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). These licenses are good state-wide, although certain municipalities may have their own licensing requirements in addition to requiring you to have the appropriate state license.

The requirements for the two types of Oregon HVAC licenses are as follows:

Class A Limited Energy Technician

• Must complete an approved apprenticeship for HVAC in Oregon, OR
• Must provide transcripts of at least 432 hours of classroom training in heating and cooling PLUS proof of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training (broken down into the number of hours worked in specific categories), OR
• Verify at least 12,000 hours of HVAC fieldwork experience outside of Oregon (broken down into the number of hours worked in specific categories).

You must also have trade-specific experience in protective signalling, including burglar alarms, nurse calls, fire alarms, and other fire or life-safety systems.

Class B Limited Energy Technician

• Must complete a board-approved apprenticeship program, OR
• Provide proof of at least 4,000 hours of work experience (equal to that provided in the board-approved apprenticeship program), broken down by specific types of work performed and number of hours for each type of work, PLUS complete a board-approved 32-hour training program, OR
• Provide proof of at least 8,000 hours of work experience (broken down into types of work performed and number of hours of work in each category)

Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R

This license permits a company to service, maintain, repair, or replace industrial and commercial products and systems that use fuel or other forms of energy to produce air conditioning, refrigeration, power, or heat.

You must also either employ a Class A or Class B licensed Limited Energy Technician, or have held the license yourself.

If your goal is to own your own HVAC business, then you must have the Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R license. In addition, having at least one Class A or Class B, Limited Energy Technician license may benefit you just in case you run into staffing difficulties later on.

These aren’t the only types of licenses and certifications for Oregon HVAC professionals.

EPA Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC professionals who work with refrigerants or who operate on units that use refrigerants to hold a Section 608 Technician Certification. The EPA issues a few different types of this certification, each one permitting you to work on different types of cooling or refrigeration equipment.

NATE Certificate

While not required for HVAC work, you may benefit from holding a certification from the North American Technical Excellence Organization (NATE). This is the largest HVAC certification provider in the country. HVAC professionals who hold NATE certifications distinguish themselves as the best of the best in the trade. In addition, you may have certifications for niche or specialty work or secure a “ready to work” certification that could benefit you as you complete your apprenticeship or education.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The primary benefit of having an Oregon HVAC license is that you can legally perform work on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment. Without a license, you would be unable to get a job. In addition, if a contractor completes work without a license, they could be in danger of the work not being considered to code because it was performed by someone without the appropriate license.

If you want to own an HVAC business, you cannot operate it without the appropriate license, advertise your services, pass inspections for your work, pull building permits, or obtain commercial insurance. Operating your business may be almost impossible without this. Also, only licensed contractors can bid on government and other public works projects.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Iowa

Hourly HVAC positions, which include technicians, installers, mechanics, and service personnel, can make between $21.02 and $47.52 per hour; the average hourly wage for HVAC workers in Oregon is $31.60 per hour. A few things affect your pay rate. First, some employers may permit a certain number of hours of overtime, which can boost your annual earnings. Employers may also pay a little more per hour if you work nights or weekends, handling those unexpected and sometimes trucky emergency calls.

Salaried HVAC professionals, like a manager or field supervisor, may make an average of $125,784 per year, although the salary range is broad, with a low of $83,982 and a high of $188,393. Although salaried workers don’t get overtime, your employer may offer bonuses or other incentives that may boost your yearly earnings.

Booth hourly and salaried HVAC professionals will likely make more the more experience they have, especially with specialty jobs, and the more education and training they have. You may also command a higher wage if you have additional EPA or NATE certifications compared to someone with comparable training and expertise who does not have these certifications.

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

The costs for each license available in Oregon are as follows:

• Class A Limited Energy Technician: $50 license fee
• Class B Limited Energy Technician: $50 license fee
• Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R: $250 license fee
• EPA Section 608 Certification: $25, although the cost of other EPA certifications may be higher
• NATE Certification: Varies depending on the type of certification   

How to get an HVAC license in Oregon

There are several paths to getting an HVAC license in Oregon. If you choose to attend a community college or trade school, like Portland Community College in Portland or Lane Community College in Eugene, you can earn an Associate’s Degree or get an HVC diploma. You could also attend a local trade school.

You may opt to go straight into an apprenticeship instead. Many community colleges offer HVAC apprenticeships, like Portland’s Northwest College of Construction, which offers an apprenticeship sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors Pacific Northwest Chapter (ABC PNW), or at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, which offers an apprenticeship program through the Mid-Valley HVAC/R Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. You can also check out the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries, as it maintains a current list of HVAC apprenticeship programs in the state. You must be at least 18 to start the program and submit proof of your high school diploma or GED.

Once you have the necessary education and experience requirements met, you can apply for your Class A or Class B Limited Energy Technician license. From there, you can start working under a licensed contractor and progress toward securing your contractor license, if you wish.

Exams required for an Oregon HVAC license

To obtain your Limited Energy Technician Class A or Class B license, you must pass a state exam with a passing score of 75%. The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) will send you instructions for taking the exam once your application is approved. There are testing locations throughout the state.

All licensing exams are open-book, including resource materials such as the National Electrical Code (NEC). You can also find study guides and practice tests here and here.

The CCB Contractor licensing exam is proctored by PSI Services and contains 80 questions about business practices and Oregon laws regarding HVAC service. You can find a study guide and other materials on the PSI website, and the exam is open book. You must score at least 70% to pass.

Oregon HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

For your contractor license, you may be required to provide proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. In addition, depending on the cost and scope of the project, some clients may require a surety bond and a certain amount of liability insurance coverage.

Oregon HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

All Oregon HVAC licenses, including limited and general journeyman licenses and contractor licenses, must be renewed every three years. Class A and Class B Limited Energy Technician licenses require proof of a certain number of continuing education credits.