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In Maine, there is no single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade. Instead, licensing is done by specific components of HVAC work, primarily through the Maine Fuel Board (for oil, propane, and natural gas heating) and the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (for electrical components and refrigeration). Additionally, all contractors must adhere to local business licensing and permitting requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant licenses:
Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician Licenses (from Maine Fuel Board): These licenses are crucial for anyone installing, servicing, or repairing oil-fired or solid fuel heating equipment. There are three main levels:
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Requirements: Must be registered with the state and work directly under a licensed Master Oil Burner Technician.
Fee: $40 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience/Education (Choose ONE):
One year of licensed experience as an apprentice.
Successfully complete a board-approved course (min. 160 hours study, 75 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment) AND six months as a licensed apprentice.
Successfully complete a minimum one-year accredited heating course at a Maine community college (min. 320 hours study, 150 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment).
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination. The exam has categories based on fuel type and flow rate (e.g., #1 and #2 fuel oils up to 15 GPH, over 15 GPH; #4, #5, #6 oils; Solid Fuel).
Fee: $100 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Oil Burner Technician:
Experience: At least four years of licensed experience, with at least two of those years as a licensed Journeyman Oil Burner Technician.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience: At least two years of licensed experience as an Apprentice Solid Fuel Technician. (A Master Oil Burner Technician can sit for the Master Solid Fuel exam without prior solid fuel practical experience.)
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Propane and Natural Gas Technician (from Maine Fuel Board): Required for those working with propane and natural gas systems. Different authorities exist:
Appliance Connection and Service: Install and service appliances up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Large Equipment Connection and Service: Install and service appliances over 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Delivery, Plant Operation, Tank Setting and Outside Piping.
Qualifications: Successful completion of a national propane gas association's certified employee training program (CETP) OR a board-approved propane/natural gas course from a Maine community college or comparable institution.
Examination: Pass a state-mandated examination for the specific authority.
Fee: Varies by license, e.g., $100 for some technician licenses.
Renewal: Every two years.
Electrical Licenses (from Maine Electricians' Examining Board): HVAC systems often involve electrical wiring. You may need an electrical license, especially for initial wiring or complex controls.
Apprentice Electrician:
Requirements: Registered with the state, enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years of training), and working under a Master Electrician.
Fee: $25 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Journeyman Electrician:
Experience/Education: 8,000 supervised work hours and 576 education hours (or approved combinations).
Examination: Pass the Journeyman examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Limited Electrician: Various specializations exist, including one for refrigeration.
Refrigeration Electrical (Limited Electrician): Requires a minimum of 270 hours of education in electricity and 6,000 hours of related work experience.
Examination: Pass the relevant limited electrician exam.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Master Electrician:
Experience: 4,000 hours of work experience as a Journeyman Electrician with 576 hours of coursework.
Examination: Pass the Master Electrician examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required by federal law for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This certification is transferable among all states and does not expire. Know more
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Age: Generally at least 18 years old for all licenses.
High School Diploma/GED: Typically required for Journeyman and Master level licenses.
Criminal Background Check: Required for most licenses.
Contractor Business Registration (Local Level)
No Statewide General Contractor License: Maine does not license general contractors at the state level.
Local Business Licenses: HVAC contractors must obtain a business license in the specific city or town where they plan to operate. Requirements vary by municipality (e.g., Portland, Bangor, Lewiston).
Example (Portland): Requires a business license from the City Business License Administrator and a $45 processing fee.
Example (Bangor): Requires a business license from the City Clerk.
Local Permits: Most cities and towns require permits for specific HVAC installations, major repairs, or remodeling work. These permits facilitate inspections.
General Liability Insurance: Highly recommended and often required by local municipalities for permits and business licensing.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees or use subcontractors.
Written Contracts: For residential construction projects or remodeling work valued over $3,000, a written contract with specific information (warranty, deposit limits, start/completion dates, change order provisions) is required.
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Maine Revenue Services.
Business Registration (for Corporations/LLCs): If your business is structured as an LLC or corporation, you must register it with the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations. Sole proprietors and general partnerships are generally not required to register their entity with the state.
Determine Your Scope: Decide which specific HVAC services you will offer (oil heating, gas heating, refrigeration, sheet metal, electrical wiring). This will guide your licensing path.
Gain Experience and Education: Complete the required apprenticeship hours and classroom education for each relevant individual license (Oil Burner, Propane/Natural Gas, Electrical).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the federal EPA exam. Know more
Apply for Individual Licenses:
Submit applications to the Maine Fuel Board for Oil Burner and/or Propane/Natural Gas Technician licenses.
Submit applications to the Maine Electricians' Examining Board for any necessary electrical licenses (especially Limited Electrician for refrigeration, or Journeyman/Master Electrician if doing broader electrical work).
Include all required documentation (affidavits of experience, education transcripts, previous licenses, background check fees).
Pay application and exam fees for each license.
Pass Exams: Schedule and pass the required state licensing examinations for each trade.
Form and Register Your Business:
Choose your business structure and register your business name with the Maine Secretary of State (if applicable).
Obtain a local business license in the city/town where you will operate.
Secure Insurance: Obtain general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Understand Local Permits: Familiarize yourself with the permitting requirements in the municipalities where you will work.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your individual trade licenses and local business registrations.
Multiple Licenses Often Needed: A comprehensive HVAC contractor in Maine will likely need multiple individual licenses (e.g., Master Oil Burner, a Propane/Natural Gas Technician authority, and a Limited Electrician - Refrigeration license).
Continuing Education: Most licenses require continuing education for renewal (e.g., Electrician licenses require 15 hours every two years). Check with each specific board.
License Renewal: Most licenses are renewed every two years.
Reciprocity: Maine has limited reciprocity agreements for electricians (with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level) and for other trades, it's generally evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
NATE Certification: While not state-mandated, NATE certification is a highly regarded industry credential that demonstrates competency.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2, 3, 4
In Maine, there is no single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade. Instead, licensing is done by specific components of HVAC work, primarily through the Maine Fuel Board (for oil, propane, and natural gas heating) and the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (for electrical components and refrigeration). Additionally, all contractors must adhere to local business licensing and permitting requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant licenses:
In Maine, there is no single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade. Instead, licensing is done by specific components of HVAC work, primarily through the Maine Fuel Board (for oil, propane, and natural gas heating) and the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (for electrical components and refrigeration). Additionally, all contractors must adhere to local business licensing and permitting requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant licenses:
Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician Licenses (from Maine Fuel Board): These licenses are crucial for anyone installing, servicing, or repairing oil-fired or solid fuel heating equipment. There are three main levels:
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Requirements: Must be registered with the state and work directly under a licensed Master Oil Burner Technician.
Fee: $40 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience/Education (Choose ONE):
One year of licensed experience as an apprentice.
Successfully complete a board-approved course (min. 160 hours study, 75 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment) AND six months as a licensed apprentice.
Successfully complete a minimum one-year accredited heating course at a Maine community college (min. 320 hours study, 150 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment).
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination. The exam has categories based on fuel type and flow rate (e.g., #1 and #2 fuel oils up to 15 GPH, over 15 GPH; #4, #5, #6 oils; Solid Fuel).
Fee: $100 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Oil Burner Technician:
Experience: At least four years of licensed experience, with at least two of those years as a licensed Journeyman Oil Burner Technician.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience: At least two years of licensed experience as an Apprentice Solid Fuel Technician. (A Master Oil Burner Technician can sit for the Master Solid Fuel exam without prior solid fuel practical experience.)
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Propane and Natural Gas Technician (from Maine Fuel Board): Required for those working with propane and natural gas systems. Different authorities exist:
Appliance Connection and Service: Install and service appliances up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Large Equipment Connection and Service: Install and service appliances over 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Delivery, Plant Operation, Tank Setting and Outside Piping.
Qualifications: Successful completion of a national propane gas association's certified employee training program (CETP) OR a board-approved propane/natural gas course from a Maine community college or comparable institution.
Examination: Pass a state-mandated examination for the specific authority.
Fee: Varies by license, e.g., $100 for some technician licenses.
Renewal: Every two years.
Electrical Licenses (from Maine Electricians' Examining Board): HVAC systems often involve electrical wiring. You may need an electrical license, especially for initial wiring or complex controls.
Apprentice Electrician:
Requirements: Registered with the state, enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years of training), and working under a Master Electrician.
Fee: $25 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Journeyman Electrician:
Experience/Education: 8,000 supervised work hours and 576 education hours (or approved combinations).
Examination: Pass the Journeyman examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Limited Electrician: Various specializations exist, including one for refrigeration.
Refrigeration Electrical (Limited Electrician): Requires a minimum of 270 hours of education in electricity and 6,000 hours of related work experience.
Examination: Pass the relevant limited electrician exam.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Master Electrician:
Experience: 4,000 hours of work experience as a Journeyman Electrician with 576 hours of coursework.
Examination: Pass the Master Electrician examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required by federal law for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This certification is transferable among all states and does not expire. Know more
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Age: Generally at least 18 years old for all licenses.
High School Diploma/GED: Typically required for Journeyman and Master level licenses.
Criminal Background Check: Required for most licenses.
Contractor Business Registration (Local Level)
No Statewide General Contractor License: Maine does not license general contractors at the state level.
Local Business Licenses: HVAC contractors must obtain a business license in the specific city or town where they plan to operate. Requirements vary by municipality (e.g., Portland, Bangor, Lewiston).
Example (Portland): Requires a business license from the City Business License Administrator and a $45 processing fee.
Example (Bangor): Requires a business license from the City Clerk.
Local Permits: Most cities and towns require permits for specific HVAC installations, major repairs, or remodeling work. These permits facilitate inspections.
General Liability Insurance: Highly recommended and often required by local municipalities for permits and business licensing.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees or use subcontractors.
Written Contracts: For residential construction projects or remodeling work valued over $3,000, a written contract with specific information (warranty, deposit limits, start/completion dates, change order provisions) is required.
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Maine Revenue Services.
Business Registration (for Corporations/LLCs): If your business is structured as an LLC or corporation, you must register it with the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations. Sole proprietors and general partnerships are generally not required to register their entity with the state.
Determine Your Scope: Decide which specific HVAC services you will offer (oil heating, gas heating, refrigeration, sheet metal, electrical wiring). This will guide your licensing path.
Gain Experience and Education: Complete the required apprenticeship hours and classroom education for each relevant individual license (Oil Burner, Propane/Natural Gas, Electrical).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the federal EPA exam. Know more
Apply for Individual Licenses:
Submit applications to the Maine Fuel Board for Oil Burner and/or Propane/Natural Gas Technician licenses.
Submit applications to the Maine Electricians' Examining Board for any necessary electrical licenses (especially Limited Electrician for refrigeration, or Journeyman/Master Electrician if doing broader electrical work).
Include all required documentation (affidavits of experience, education transcripts, previous licenses, background check fees).
Pay application and exam fees for each license.
Pass Exams: Schedule and pass the required state licensing examinations for each trade.
Form and Register Your Business:
Choose your business structure and register your business name with the Maine Secretary of State (if applicable).
Obtain a local business license in the city/town where you will operate.
Secure Insurance: Obtain general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Understand Local Permits: Familiarize yourself with the permitting requirements in the municipalities where you will work.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your individual trade licenses and local business registrations.
Multiple Licenses Often Needed: A comprehensive HVAC contractor in Maine will likely need multiple individual licenses (e.g., Master Oil Burner, a Propane/Natural Gas Technician authority, and a Limited Electrician - Refrigeration license).
Continuing Education: Most licenses require continuing education for renewal (e.g., Electrician licenses require 15 hours every two years). Check with each specific board.
License Renewal: Most licenses are renewed every two years.
Reciprocity: Maine has limited reciprocity agreements for electricians (with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level) and for other trades, it's generally evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
NATE Certification: While not state-mandated, NATE certification is a highly regarded industry credential that demonstrates competency.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2, 3, 4
In Maine, there is no single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade. Instead, licensing is done by specific components of HVAC work, primarily through the Maine Fuel Board (for oil, propane, and natural gas heating) and the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (for electrical components and refrigeration). Additionally, all contractors must adhere to local business licensing and permitting requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant licenses:
In Maine, there is no single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade. Instead, licensing is done by specific components of HVAC work, primarily through the Maine Fuel Board (for oil, propane, and natural gas heating) and the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (for electrical components and refrigeration). Additionally, all contractors must adhere to local business licensing and permitting requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant licenses:
Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician Licenses (from Maine Fuel Board): These licenses are crucial for anyone installing, servicing, or repairing oil-fired or solid fuel heating equipment. There are three main levels:
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Requirements: Must be registered with the state and work directly under a licensed Master Oil Burner Technician.
Fee: $40 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience/Education (Choose ONE):
One year of licensed experience as an apprentice.
Successfully complete a board-approved course (min. 160 hours study, 75 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment) AND six months as a licensed apprentice.
Successfully complete a minimum one-year accredited heating course at a Maine community college (min. 320 hours study, 150 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment).
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination. The exam has categories based on fuel type and flow rate (e.g., #1 and #2 fuel oils up to 15 GPH, over 15 GPH; #4, #5, #6 oils; Solid Fuel).
Fee: $100 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Oil Burner Technician:
Experience: At least four years of licensed experience, with at least two of those years as a licensed Journeyman Oil Burner Technician.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience: At least two years of licensed experience as an Apprentice Solid Fuel Technician. (A Master Oil Burner Technician can sit for the Master Solid Fuel exam without prior solid fuel practical experience.)
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Propane and Natural Gas Technician (from Maine Fuel Board): Required for those working with propane and natural gas systems. Different authorities exist:
Appliance Connection and Service: Install and service appliances up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Large Equipment Connection and Service: Install and service appliances over 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Delivery, Plant Operation, Tank Setting and Outside Piping.
Qualifications: Successful completion of a national propane gas association's certified employee training program (CETP) OR a board-approved propane/natural gas course from a Maine community college or comparable institution.
Examination: Pass a state-mandated examination for the specific authority.
Fee: Varies by license, e.g., $100 for some technician licenses.
Renewal: Every two years.
Electrical Licenses (from Maine Electricians' Examining Board): HVAC systems often involve electrical wiring. You may need an electrical license, especially for initial wiring or complex controls.
Apprentice Electrician:
Requirements: Registered with the state, enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years of training), and working under a Master Electrician.
Fee: $25 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Journeyman Electrician:
Experience/Education: 8,000 supervised work hours and 576 education hours (or approved combinations).
Examination: Pass the Journeyman examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Limited Electrician: Various specializations exist, including one for refrigeration.
Refrigeration Electrical (Limited Electrician): Requires a minimum of 270 hours of education in electricity and 6,000 hours of related work experience.
Examination: Pass the relevant limited electrician exam.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Master Electrician:
Experience: 4,000 hours of work experience as a Journeyman Electrician with 576 hours of coursework.
Examination: Pass the Master Electrician examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required by federal law for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This certification is transferable among all states and does not expire. Know more
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Age: Generally at least 18 years old for all licenses.
High School Diploma/GED: Typically required for Journeyman and Master level licenses.
Criminal Background Check: Required for most licenses.
Contractor Business Registration (Local Level)
No Statewide General Contractor License: Maine does not license general contractors at the state level.
Local Business Licenses: HVAC contractors must obtain a business license in the specific city or town where they plan to operate. Requirements vary by municipality (e.g., Portland, Bangor, Lewiston).
Example (Portland): Requires a business license from the City Business License Administrator and a $45 processing fee.
Example (Bangor): Requires a business license from the City Clerk.
Local Permits: Most cities and towns require permits for specific HVAC installations, major repairs, or remodeling work. These permits facilitate inspections.
General Liability Insurance: Highly recommended and often required by local municipalities for permits and business licensing.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees or use subcontractors.
Written Contracts: For residential construction projects or remodeling work valued over $3,000, a written contract with specific information (warranty, deposit limits, start/completion dates, change order provisions) is required.
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Maine Revenue Services.
Business Registration (for Corporations/LLCs): If your business is structured as an LLC or corporation, you must register it with the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations. Sole proprietors and general partnerships are generally not required to register their entity with the state.
Determine Your Scope: Decide which specific HVAC services you will offer (oil heating, gas heating, refrigeration, sheet metal, electrical wiring). This will guide your licensing path.
Gain Experience and Education: Complete the required apprenticeship hours and classroom education for each relevant individual license (Oil Burner, Propane/Natural Gas, Electrical).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the federal EPA exam. Know more
Apply for Individual Licenses:
Submit applications to the Maine Fuel Board for Oil Burner and/or Propane/Natural Gas Technician licenses.
Submit applications to the Maine Electricians' Examining Board for any necessary electrical licenses (especially Limited Electrician for refrigeration, or Journeyman/Master Electrician if doing broader electrical work).
Include all required documentation (affidavits of experience, education transcripts, previous licenses, background check fees).
Pay application and exam fees for each license.
Pass Exams: Schedule and pass the required state licensing examinations for each trade.
Form and Register Your Business:
Choose your business structure and register your business name with the Maine Secretary of State (if applicable).
Obtain a local business license in the city/town where you will operate.
Secure Insurance: Obtain general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Understand Local Permits: Familiarize yourself with the permitting requirements in the municipalities where you will work.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your individual trade licenses and local business registrations.
Multiple Licenses Often Needed: A comprehensive HVAC contractor in Maine will likely need multiple individual licenses (e.g., Master Oil Burner, a Propane/Natural Gas Technician authority, and a Limited Electrician - Refrigeration license).
Continuing Education: Most licenses require continuing education for renewal (e.g., Electrician licenses require 15 hours every two years). Check with each specific board.
License Renewal: Most licenses are renewed every two years.
Reciprocity: Maine has limited reciprocity agreements for electricians (with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level) and for other trades, it's generally evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
NATE Certification: While not state-mandated, NATE certification is a highly regarded industry credential that demonstrates competency.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2, 3, 4
In Maine, there is no single "HVAC Contractor License" that covers all aspects of the trade. Instead, licensing is done by specific components of HVAC work, primarily through the Maine Fuel Board (for oil, propane, and natural gas heating) and the Maine Electricians' Examining Board (for electrical components and refrigeration). Additionally, all contractors must adhere to local business licensing and permitting requirements.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant licenses:
Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician Licenses (from Maine Fuel Board): These licenses are crucial for anyone installing, servicing, or repairing oil-fired or solid fuel heating equipment. There are three main levels:
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Requirements: Must be registered with the state and work directly under a licensed Master Oil Burner Technician.
Fee: $40 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience/Education (Choose ONE):
One year of licensed experience as an apprentice.
Successfully complete a board-approved course (min. 160 hours study, 75 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment) AND six months as a licensed apprentice.
Successfully complete a minimum one-year accredited heating course at a Maine community college (min. 320 hours study, 150 hours lab work on oil-burning equipment).
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination. The exam has categories based on fuel type and flow rate (e.g., #1 and #2 fuel oils up to 15 GPH, over 15 GPH; #4, #5, #6 oils; Solid Fuel).
Fee: $100 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Oil Burner Technician:
Experience: At least four years of licensed experience, with at least two of those years as a licensed Journeyman Oil Burner Technician.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Master Solid Fuel Technician:
Experience: At least two years of licensed experience as an Apprentice Solid Fuel Technician. (A Master Oil Burner Technician can sit for the Master Solid Fuel exam without prior solid fuel practical experience.)
Examination: Pass the state-mandated examination.
Fee: $200 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Renewal: Every two years.
Propane and Natural Gas Technician (from Maine Fuel Board): Required for those working with propane and natural gas systems. Different authorities exist:
Appliance Connection and Service: Install and service appliances up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Large Equipment Connection and Service: Install and service appliances over 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Delivery, Plant Operation, Tank Setting and Outside Piping.
Qualifications: Successful completion of a national propane gas association's certified employee training program (CETP) OR a board-approved propane/natural gas course from a Maine community college or comparable institution.
Examination: Pass a state-mandated examination for the specific authority.
Fee: Varies by license, e.g., $100 for some technician licenses.
Renewal: Every two years.
Electrical Licenses (from Maine Electricians' Examining Board): HVAC systems often involve electrical wiring. You may need an electrical license, especially for initial wiring or complex controls.
Apprentice Electrician:
Requirements: Registered with the state, enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years of training), and working under a Master Electrician.
Fee: $25 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Journeyman Electrician:
Experience/Education: 8,000 supervised work hours and 576 education hours (or approved combinations).
Examination: Pass the Journeyman examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Limited Electrician: Various specializations exist, including one for refrigeration.
Refrigeration Electrical (Limited Electrician): Requires a minimum of 270 hours of education in electricity and 6,000 hours of related work experience.
Examination: Pass the relevant limited electrician exam.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
Master Electrician:
Experience: 4,000 hours of work experience as a Journeyman Electrician with 576 hours of coursework.
Examination: Pass the Master Electrician examination.
Fee: $150 license fee, $21 criminal background check fee.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required by federal law for all individuals who work with refrigerants. This certification is transferable among all states and does not expire. Know more
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Age: Generally at least 18 years old for all licenses.
High School Diploma/GED: Typically required for Journeyman and Master level licenses.
Criminal Background Check: Required for most licenses.
Contractor Business Registration (Local Level)
No Statewide General Contractor License: Maine does not license general contractors at the state level.
Local Business Licenses: HVAC contractors must obtain a business license in the specific city or town where they plan to operate. Requirements vary by municipality (e.g., Portland, Bangor, Lewiston).
Example (Portland): Requires a business license from the City Business License Administrator and a $45 processing fee.
Example (Bangor): Requires a business license from the City Clerk.
Local Permits: Most cities and towns require permits for specific HVAC installations, major repairs, or remodeling work. These permits facilitate inspections.
General Liability Insurance: Highly recommended and often required by local municipalities for permits and business licensing.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees or use subcontractors.
Written Contracts: For residential construction projects or remodeling work valued over $3,000, a written contract with specific information (warranty, deposit limits, start/completion dates, change order provisions) is required.
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Maine Revenue Services.
Business Registration (for Corporations/LLCs): If your business is structured as an LLC or corporation, you must register it with the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations. Sole proprietors and general partnerships are generally not required to register their entity with the state.
Determine Your Scope: Decide which specific HVAC services you will offer (oil heating, gas heating, refrigeration, sheet metal, electrical wiring). This will guide your licensing path.
Gain Experience and Education: Complete the required apprenticeship hours and classroom education for each relevant individual license (Oil Burner, Propane/Natural Gas, Electrical).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the federal EPA exam. Know more
Apply for Individual Licenses:
Submit applications to the Maine Fuel Board for Oil Burner and/or Propane/Natural Gas Technician licenses.
Submit applications to the Maine Electricians' Examining Board for any necessary electrical licenses (especially Limited Electrician for refrigeration, or Journeyman/Master Electrician if doing broader electrical work).
Include all required documentation (affidavits of experience, education transcripts, previous licenses, background check fees).
Pay application and exam fees for each license.
Pass Exams: Schedule and pass the required state licensing examinations for each trade.
Form and Register Your Business:
Choose your business structure and register your business name with the Maine Secretary of State (if applicable).
Obtain a local business license in the city/town where you will operate.
Secure Insurance: Obtain general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Understand Local Permits: Familiarize yourself with the permitting requirements in the municipalities where you will work.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your individual trade licenses and local business registrations.
Multiple Licenses Often Needed: A comprehensive HVAC contractor in Maine will likely need multiple individual licenses (e.g., Master Oil Burner, a Propane/Natural Gas Technician authority, and a Limited Electrician - Refrigeration license).
Continuing Education: Most licenses require continuing education for renewal (e.g., Electrician licenses require 15 hours every two years). Check with each specific board.
License Renewal: Most licenses are renewed every two years.
Reciprocity: Maine has limited reciprocity agreements for electricians (with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level) and for other trades, it's generally evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
NATE Certification: While not state-mandated, NATE certification is a highly regarded industry credential that demonstrates competency.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2, 3, 4
