Pennsylvania HVAC: How to get licensed and certified in PA

The HVAC industry in Pennsylvania has a growing job market. In fact, skilled HVAC technicians command competitive salaries and advance quickly in their careers. If you’re ready to take on new career challenges, consider applying for a job in the HVAC industry.
Read this Pennsylvania HVAC license guide to learn everything you need to know. You’ll learn about apprenticeships and examination requirements.

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

Pennsylvania does not have state requirements for HVAC licensing. However, HVAC and refrigeration technicians are required to apply for local certifications to perform specific jobs.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

The scope of the HVAC job determines the type of certifications HVAC and refrigeration technicians are required to possess. Different types of local certifications include home improvement contractor certification, Grade B refrigeration engineer certification, and an HVAC contractor certification. The state of Pennsylvania administers a Home Improvement Contractor Registration, in which home contractors receive a unique Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor number (PAHIC#). The registration fee is $50, payable with the completed application. 

Some examples of licensing and certifications that different Pennsylvania cities or counties may offer or require include: 

Home improvement contractors ensure that home improvement projects meet Pennsylvania code requirements, obtain necessary local permits, and manage HVAC installation/repair/maintenance job sites. Applicants for the home improvement certification must

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least two years of work experience with home improvements.
• Complete an HVAC/refrigeration training program or have a 2-year/4-year college degree.
• Possess a valid Pennsylvania identification card or driver’s license.

Grade B refrigeration engineers maintain, install, and repair refrigerated storage units, ice machines, and HVAC units. Applicants for the Grade B refrigeration engineer certification must:

• Have at least 2,000 hours of experience in refrigeration.
• Complete a minimum of 100 classroom hours of course training.
• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass the International Code examination.

HVAC contractors maintain, install, and repair heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units for residential and commercial properties. Applicants for the HVAC contractor certification must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess at least four years of HVAC experience.
• Possess general liability insurance.
• Receive a passing grade on the International Code Council Certification examination.
• Be at least 18 years old.

HVAC and refrigeration certifications are issued at the local level. Contact your local licensing board for specific HVAC and refrigeration job requirements.

The average salary for HVAC professionals in Pennsylvania

The average HVAC tech salary in Pennsylvania is $57,300 or $27.55 per hour. However, other things can influence your salary. Apprentices make less than other positions because they’re still learning. An HVAC mechanic can make an average of $29.10 per hour, while an HVAC Supervisor may earn anywhere from $54,000 to $127,000 per year, although many earn around the average annual salary of $83,695. In addition to the regular rate, many HVAC hourly workers may be eligible for overtime pay or may receive a pay differential for working on evenings or weekends to handle emergency calls. 

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

HVAC and refrigeration technicians perform different jobs every day. If you are a person who likes variety, a job as an HVAC or refrigeration technician may be a good fit for you. Sitting behind a desk all day is boring for some people. When you work as an HVAC technician, you have the opportunity to move around at job sites. HVAC and refrigeration training is not a lengthy process. In many instances, technicians earn their certifications in less than a year. 

As an HVAC apprentice, you get paid while you are learning the HVAC and refrigeration trade. Many HVAC apprentice jobs offer vacation pay, sick pay, and health insurance. HVAC and refrigeration technicians work in different settings. These workplaces include colleges, restaurants, large corporations, public schools, hospitals, and entertainment venues.

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

Pennsylvania HVAC license requirements vary. Each municipality and city in Pennsylvania has different license fees. Many HVAC licensee applicants must pass a technical exam and a business or law exam, such as those administered by the International Code Council (ICC). You may also find more information about the specific municipality or municipalities that you’ll be working in from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. 

Below are examples of general licensing requirements for two of the largest cities in the state, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh:

Licensing Costs

• Application fees: Average is $50
• Exam fees: Average is $106
• License fee: Average is $80/ year, although these fees vary by municipality

Once an HVAC contractor is licensed, they must renew their license every one to two years, depending on the municipality.

License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

• Renewal: Depends on the issuing municipality; check whether you must renew your license yearly or every two years
• Continuing Education: Pittsburg requires continuing education for HVAC licensing, although specifics for continuing education vary by municipality

Insurance Coverage Required

Most municipalities require contractors to carry a minimum insurance policy. For example, Philadelphia requires:

• General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $50,000.

City of Philadelphia Requirements: $500,000 general liability, $300,000 automobile liability, and worker’s compensation insurance

How to get an HVAC license in Pennsylvania

Contact your local licensing board in Pennsylvania to determine the certifications and licenses. HVAC and refrigeration technicians are generally required to have on-the-job experience and classroom training. It is a good idea to enroll in a Pennsylvania HVAC apprenticeship program or apply for an entry-level HVAC/refrigeration technician job to gain experience.

Pennsylvania HVAC training programs and schools

• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• HVAC School
• Harrisburg Area Community College

Types of HVAC classes

• State, federal and local laws
• Basic electricity for HVAC
• Natural gas piping
• Air conditioning control principles
• Ergonomics
• Mechanical codes
• Gas and electric heating
• HVAC best practices
• Water volume
• HVAC systems design
• Power and resistance
• Energy management and green building design

Program tuition costs: Tuition for Pennsylvania HVAC/refrigeration trade school and community college programs vary. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for your HVAC and refrigeration coursework. Classroom and online course options are available. Accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools offer financial aid for students.

HVAC program prerequisites

• Possess a Pennsylvania driver’s license/identification card and social security card.
• Pass a general aptitude test.
• 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

• Repair, install, and replace heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units.
• Learn and apply Pennsylvania HVAC codes.
• Read blueprints.
• Perform math calculations on a variety of HVAC and refrigeration jobs.
• Perform HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance work under the direction of an HVAC supervisor.
• Work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

HVAC Certification and licensing exam details

• Complete an application to take the International Code Council exam.
• The fee is $150 per exam.
• Passing score for the exam is 70%.
• Exams are administered by ICC

How to prepare for HVAC exams: Begin your examination preparation process at least 6 weeks before the examination date. Study with a partner. View HVAC and refrigeration installation and maintenance videos. Hire a private tutor or attend tutoring sessions at your school. Get help from an HVAC or refrigeration technician. Read examination books and study guides.

Exam resources

• ICC online study guides
• Study the codes
• HVAC practice test – Tests.com

Pennsylvania HVAC license renewal: Renewal fees and timelines may vary. Contact the HVAC licensing board in your area to learn about renewal requirements.