Wisconsin HVAC : How to get certified and licensed in Wisconsin

Wisconsin poses plenty of challenges for heating and cooling professionals, from cold, snowy winters to warm, muggy summers. If you’re looking for a challenging career with plenty of opportunities for growth and potential, working as an HVAC professional may be right up your alley. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in the HVAC industry is expected to grow about 6% over the next decade. In Wisconsin, the prospects are even brighter; the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that HVAC job growth in Wisconsin will be at about 8%.

As you start your journey as an HVAC professional, you probably need to know how to get a license, how much it costs, and the requirements. Our guide provides all this information and more, with helpful links to government websites and information about educational and testing requirements.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Wisconsin?

Unlike many other states, Wisconsin does not require a specific certification or license for HVAC professionals. However, an optional HVAC Qualifier Certification issued at the state level can satisfy licensing requirements for municipalities that require a license. Some cities and counties do require an HVAC license or a license for HVAC contractor work. If you do not have the state certificate, you may be required to meet the licensing requirements for the municipality in which you’re working.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) — Trades Credentialing Division issues the state-level HVAC Qualifier Certification. To obtain this certification, you must prove that you have sufficient experience, demonstrate competency in the HVAC industry, and pass an exam. The DSPS also issues HVAC Contractor Registrations required for any HVAC business.

EPA License

The Wisconsin DSPS HVAC Qualifier Certification isn’t the only optional certification that can benefit an HVAC professional. If you plan to work on refrigeration equipment, or if you must work on cooling units that use refrigerant, then, per the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act, you must have an EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. This legally permits you to work with refrigerants. You must pass an exam to obtain your certification. Once you have the certificate, though, it does not expire and is valid in all 50 states.

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) is the largest non-profit HVAC professional certification agency in the country. It offers several types of certifications that prove your capabilities and ability to perform specialty HVAC and refrigeration work. These certificates are recognized in all 50 states.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The primary benefit of getting the Wisconsin HVAC Qualifier Certification is that it demonstrates to potential employers and customers across the state that you have a certain level of training and knowledge in the heating and cooling industry.

A secondary benefit of obtaining this certification is that it is accepted in lieu of a local HVAC license. This means that instead of applying for licenses in every city or county you want to work in, you simply need to secure the state-level certification.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Wisconsin

Hourly HVAC workers, including maintenance techs, service techs, and installers, can earn between $17.70 and $46.49 per hour; the state average hourly wage is $28.69. A few things can affect your pay rate, such as whether you work overtime or whether you are paid more to work nights or weekends to handle emergencies.

Salaried HVAC professionals, such as field supervisors and service managers, can earn between $83,630 and $158,543 per year; the state average salary is $115,147 per year. Although salaried professionals do not get overtime, you may be fortunate enough to work for an employer that pays a bonus. And, if you are a business owner, you have a much higher potential for earning.

Both hourly and salaried HVAC workers can negotiate higher rates of pay if they can demonstrate that they are capable of niche work or if they have extensive experience and education.

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

The state-level HVAC Qualifier Certificate costs are as follows:

• Application fee: $15
• Exam fee: $25
• Initial credential fee: $60
• The HVAC Contractor license application fee is $15, and the initial credential fee is $160.

How to get an HVAC license in Wisconsin

You will need some training, education, or field experience to be in a good place to successfully pass the state-level certification exam. The specific requirements for the Wisconsin HVAC Qualifier Certification are as follows:

Provide proof of at least 4 years of education, experience, or a combination of the two.

• For example, you may go to a two-year community college and get an associate degree in the HVAC trade, like at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, which is HVAC Excellence-accredited, then work two years as an apprentice, OR
• Provide proof of at least 1,000 hours worked per year for at least 4 years in supervising or performing work on HVAC systems and equipment (including performing installation or designing HVAC systems), OR
• Have at least 4 years of attendance in an accredited college, trade school, vocational school, or apprenticeship in an HVAC-related program OR have at least 4 years of attendance in a mechanical engineering program.

You must list the hours you worked on the application and have your employer(s) verify them. And, if you attended school for HVAC, then you must attach a copy of your transcript. Send all items to:

Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Division of Professional Credential Processing
P.O. Box 78780
Milwaukee, WI 53293-0780

Once your application is approved, you must take a licensing exam.

If you want to obtain a Wisconsin HVAC Contractor license, you must register with the state to legally operate your business. You must submit your application to the DSPS and mail it to the address above. You can find more information about becoming a contractor here.

Exams required for a Wisconsin HVAC license

The only exam required for the state-level HVAC Qualifier Certification is a state exam administered by the DSPS. It has 100 questions, and you must pass with a score of 70% or higher. The exam takes 4 hours and is open-book. You can find more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, here. It costs $25.

Wisconsin HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

General liability insurance is required of all HVAC contractors. In addition, if you have employees, you may be required to submit proof of Wisconsin workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

A surety bond may be required for HVAC contractors.

Depending on the scope of the project or the client’s requirements, you may also be required to have a higher level of liability insurance or bond.

Wisconsin HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

Wisconsin HVAC Qualifier Certificates and contractor licenses expire every four years. Renewing the Qualifier Certificate costs $60, and renewing the Contractor license costs $160. There is no continuing education requirement to renew either license. However, it’s advisable to complete several hours of continuing education each year to remain current on changes to code.