In Maryland, HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR), which is part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
Master HVACR Contractor License: Allows you to perform all types of HVACR services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, without supervision, and to operate your own business.
Limited HVACR Contractor License: Allows for the maintenance and repair of specific HVAC systems (heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, or hydronic systems), but not installation or retrofits.
Individual Licenses (Apprentice, Journeyman): Even if you work for a company, individuals performing HVAC work in Maryland must also hold an appropriate license:
Apprentice HVACR License: For individuals entering the trade, requiring supervision by a licensed contractor. No prerequisites.
Journeyman HVACR License: Allows you to work on all types of HVAC systems under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Journeyman Restricted HVACR License: Allows work on one or more specialized HVACR services under supervision.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience:
Journeyman License: Requires three years of work experience as an HVAC professional. This can be gained through:
Completion of a registered HVAC apprenticeship program.
An HVACR certificate program or an Associate of Applied Science degree from a technical or community college, combined with work experience under a licensed master HVACR technician or journeyman.
Three years of supervised work experience in the field.
Limited Contractor License: Requires at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,000 hours in the year prior to application.
Master Contractor License: Requires at least three years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,875 hours in the year prior to application.
Examination: You must pass the relevant examinations administered by PSI Services:
Journeyman Exam: Required for Journeyman and Master Contractor licenses.
Limited Contractor Exam: Required for the Limited Contractor license.
Master Contractor Exam: Required for the Master Contractor license.
Specialized Exams: For Journeyman Restricted or Master Restricted licenses (if applicable).Passing score is generally 70%.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for handling refrigerants.
Insurance (for Master/Limited Contractors):
General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $300,000.
Property Damage Insurance: Minimum coverage of $100,000.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants for all licenses are required to report any felony or misdemeanor convictions directly related to fitness for the profession.
Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the age and education/experience criteria for the license type you are pursuing.
Gain Work Experience/Education: Complete an approved apprenticeship program, an HVACR certificate/degree, or accumulate the required supervised work experience.
Obtain Apprentice License: (If starting out) Apply for and obtain an Apprentice HVACR License.
Obtain Journeyman License: After gaining sufficient experience as an apprentice, apply for and pass the Journeyman HVACR exam (or may be waived if graduated from an approved apprenticeship program within two years).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam.
Apply for Master/Limited Contractor License: After fulfilling the experience requirements for the Master or Limited Contractor license (working as a Journeyman under a Master), submit the application form to the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors. Include all necessary fees and supporting documentation (proof of education/experience, insurance certificates, etc.).
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once your application is processed and approved, schedule and pass the relevant contractor-level exams through PSI Services.
Secure Required Insurance: Provide proof of general liability and property damage insurance (and workers' compensation if applicable).
Receive Your License: Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors will issue your license.
License Fees: Fees vary by license type (e.g., Apprentice: $10; Journeyman: $20; Limited Contractor: $75; Master Contractor: $75). Exam fees are separate.
License Renewal: Maryland HVACR licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) on October 1st in odd-numbered years. Continuing education is required for renewal.
Reciprocity: Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware and Virginia. If you hold an active, equivalent license in good standing from one of these states, you may be eligible for a Maryland license without needing to take the exam, provided you meet Maryland's experience requirements.
Specialized Licenses: Maryland also offers "Restricted" licenses (Journeyman Restricted, Master Restricted) for working on specific types of HVACR systems (e.g., only air conditioning, only refrigeration, etc.).
Local Requirements: While the state license is comprehensive, always check with local county or municipal governments for any additional permits or registrations that may be required to operate in their specific jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following site 1, 2
In Maryland, HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR), which is part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
In Maryland, HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR), which is part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
Master HVACR Contractor License: Allows you to perform all types of HVACR services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, without supervision, and to operate your own business.
Limited HVACR Contractor License: Allows for the maintenance and repair of specific HVAC systems (heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, or hydronic systems), but not installation or retrofits.
Individual Licenses (Apprentice, Journeyman): Even if you work for a company, individuals performing HVAC work in Maryland must also hold an appropriate license:
Apprentice HVACR License: For individuals entering the trade, requiring supervision by a licensed contractor. No prerequisites.
Journeyman HVACR License: Allows you to work on all types of HVAC systems under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Journeyman Restricted HVACR License: Allows work on one or more specialized HVACR services under supervision.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience:
Journeyman License: Requires three years of work experience as an HVAC professional. This can be gained through:
Completion of a registered HVAC apprenticeship program.
An HVACR certificate program or an Associate of Applied Science degree from a technical or community college, combined with work experience under a licensed master HVACR technician or journeyman.
Three years of supervised work experience in the field.
Limited Contractor License: Requires at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,000 hours in the year prior to application.
Master Contractor License: Requires at least three years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,875 hours in the year prior to application.
Examination: You must pass the relevant examinations administered by PSI Services:
Journeyman Exam: Required for Journeyman and Master Contractor licenses.
Limited Contractor Exam: Required for the Limited Contractor license.
Master Contractor Exam: Required for the Master Contractor license.
Specialized Exams: For Journeyman Restricted or Master Restricted licenses (if applicable).Passing score is generally 70%.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for handling refrigerants.
Insurance (for Master/Limited Contractors):
General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $300,000.
Property Damage Insurance: Minimum coverage of $100,000.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants for all licenses are required to report any felony or misdemeanor convictions directly related to fitness for the profession.
Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the age and education/experience criteria for the license type you are pursuing.
Gain Work Experience/Education: Complete an approved apprenticeship program, an HVACR certificate/degree, or accumulate the required supervised work experience.
Obtain Apprentice License: (If starting out) Apply for and obtain an Apprentice HVACR License.
Obtain Journeyman License: After gaining sufficient experience as an apprentice, apply for and pass the Journeyman HVACR exam (or may be waived if graduated from an approved apprenticeship program within two years).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam.
Apply for Master/Limited Contractor License: After fulfilling the experience requirements for the Master or Limited Contractor license (working as a Journeyman under a Master), submit the application form to the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors. Include all necessary fees and supporting documentation (proof of education/experience, insurance certificates, etc.).
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once your application is processed and approved, schedule and pass the relevant contractor-level exams through PSI Services.
Secure Required Insurance: Provide proof of general liability and property damage insurance (and workers' compensation if applicable).
Receive Your License: Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors will issue your license.
License Fees: Fees vary by license type (e.g., Apprentice: $10; Journeyman: $20; Limited Contractor: $75; Master Contractor: $75). Exam fees are separate.
License Renewal: Maryland HVACR licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) on October 1st in odd-numbered years. Continuing education is required for renewal.
Reciprocity: Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware and Virginia. If you hold an active, equivalent license in good standing from one of these states, you may be eligible for a Maryland license without needing to take the exam, provided you meet Maryland's experience requirements.
Specialized Licenses: Maryland also offers "Restricted" licenses (Journeyman Restricted, Master Restricted) for working on specific types of HVACR systems (e.g., only air conditioning, only refrigeration, etc.).
Local Requirements: While the state license is comprehensive, always check with local county or municipal governments for any additional permits or registrations that may be required to operate in their specific jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following site 1, 2
In Maryland, HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR), which is part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
In Maryland, HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR), which is part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
Master HVACR Contractor License: Allows you to perform all types of HVACR services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, without supervision, and to operate your own business.
Limited HVACR Contractor License: Allows for the maintenance and repair of specific HVAC systems (heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, or hydronic systems), but not installation or retrofits.
Individual Licenses (Apprentice, Journeyman): Even if you work for a company, individuals performing HVAC work in Maryland must also hold an appropriate license:
Apprentice HVACR License: For individuals entering the trade, requiring supervision by a licensed contractor. No prerequisites.
Journeyman HVACR License: Allows you to work on all types of HVAC systems under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Journeyman Restricted HVACR License: Allows work on one or more specialized HVACR services under supervision.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience:
Journeyman License: Requires three years of work experience as an HVAC professional. This can be gained through:
Completion of a registered HVAC apprenticeship program.
An HVACR certificate program or an Associate of Applied Science degree from a technical or community college, combined with work experience under a licensed master HVACR technician or journeyman.
Three years of supervised work experience in the field.
Limited Contractor License: Requires at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,000 hours in the year prior to application.
Master Contractor License: Requires at least three years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,875 hours in the year prior to application.
Examination: You must pass the relevant examinations administered by PSI Services:
Journeyman Exam: Required for Journeyman and Master Contractor licenses.
Limited Contractor Exam: Required for the Limited Contractor license.
Master Contractor Exam: Required for the Master Contractor license.
Specialized Exams: For Journeyman Restricted or Master Restricted licenses (if applicable).Passing score is generally 70%.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for handling refrigerants.
Insurance (for Master/Limited Contractors):
General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $300,000.
Property Damage Insurance: Minimum coverage of $100,000.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants for all licenses are required to report any felony or misdemeanor convictions directly related to fitness for the profession.
Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the age and education/experience criteria for the license type you are pursuing.
Gain Work Experience/Education: Complete an approved apprenticeship program, an HVACR certificate/degree, or accumulate the required supervised work experience.
Obtain Apprentice License: (If starting out) Apply for and obtain an Apprentice HVACR License.
Obtain Journeyman License: After gaining sufficient experience as an apprentice, apply for and pass the Journeyman HVACR exam (or may be waived if graduated from an approved apprenticeship program within two years).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam.
Apply for Master/Limited Contractor License: After fulfilling the experience requirements for the Master or Limited Contractor license (working as a Journeyman under a Master), submit the application form to the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors. Include all necessary fees and supporting documentation (proof of education/experience, insurance certificates, etc.).
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once your application is processed and approved, schedule and pass the relevant contractor-level exams through PSI Services.
Secure Required Insurance: Provide proof of general liability and property damage insurance (and workers' compensation if applicable).
Receive Your License: Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors will issue your license.
License Fees: Fees vary by license type (e.g., Apprentice: $10; Journeyman: $20; Limited Contractor: $75; Master Contractor: $75). Exam fees are separate.
License Renewal: Maryland HVACR licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) on October 1st in odd-numbered years. Continuing education is required for renewal.
Reciprocity: Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware and Virginia. If you hold an active, equivalent license in good standing from one of these states, you may be eligible for a Maryland license without needing to take the exam, provided you meet Maryland's experience requirements.
Specialized Licenses: Maryland also offers "Restricted" licenses (Journeyman Restricted, Master Restricted) for working on specific types of HVACR systems (e.g., only air conditioning, only refrigeration, etc.).
Local Requirements: While the state license is comprehensive, always check with local county or municipal governments for any additional permits or registrations that may be required to operate in their specific jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following site 1, 2
In Maryland, HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR), which is part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
Master HVACR Contractor License: Allows you to perform all types of HVACR services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, without supervision, and to operate your own business.
Limited HVACR Contractor License: Allows for the maintenance and repair of specific HVAC systems (heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, or hydronic systems), but not installation or retrofits.
Individual Licenses (Apprentice, Journeyman): Even if you work for a company, individuals performing HVAC work in Maryland must also hold an appropriate license:
Apprentice HVACR License: For individuals entering the trade, requiring supervision by a licensed contractor. No prerequisites.
Journeyman HVACR License: Allows you to work on all types of HVAC systems under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Journeyman Restricted HVACR License: Allows work on one or more specialized HVACR services under supervision.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education/Experience:
Journeyman License: Requires three years of work experience as an HVAC professional. This can be gained through:
Completion of a registered HVAC apprenticeship program.
An HVACR certificate program or an Associate of Applied Science degree from a technical or community college, combined with work experience under a licensed master HVACR technician or journeyman.
Three years of supervised work experience in the field.
Limited Contractor License: Requires at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,000 hours in the year prior to application.
Master Contractor License: Requires at least three years of experience as a licensed Journeyman HVACR technician working under the supervision of a Master HVACR contractor, with a minimum of 1,875 hours in the year prior to application.
Examination: You must pass the relevant examinations administered by PSI Services:
Journeyman Exam: Required for Journeyman and Master Contractor licenses.
Limited Contractor Exam: Required for the Limited Contractor license.
Master Contractor Exam: Required for the Master Contractor license.
Specialized Exams: For Journeyman Restricted or Master Restricted licenses (if applicable).Passing score is generally 70%.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for handling refrigerants.
Insurance (for Master/Limited Contractors):
General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $300,000.
Property Damage Insurance: Minimum coverage of $100,000.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants for all licenses are required to report any felony or misdemeanor convictions directly related to fitness for the profession.
Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the age and education/experience criteria for the license type you are pursuing.
Gain Work Experience/Education: Complete an approved apprenticeship program, an HVACR certificate/degree, or accumulate the required supervised work experience.
Obtain Apprentice License: (If starting out) Apply for and obtain an Apprentice HVACR License.
Obtain Journeyman License: After gaining sufficient experience as an apprentice, apply for and pass the Journeyman HVACR exam (or may be waived if graduated from an approved apprenticeship program within two years).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the EPA exam.
Apply for Master/Limited Contractor License: After fulfilling the experience requirements for the Master or Limited Contractor license (working as a Journeyman under a Master), submit the application form to the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors. Include all necessary fees and supporting documentation (proof of education/experience, insurance certificates, etc.).
Schedule and Pass Examinations: Once your application is processed and approved, schedule and pass the relevant contractor-level exams through PSI Services.
Secure Required Insurance: Provide proof of general liability and property damage insurance (and workers' compensation if applicable).
Receive Your License: Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors will issue your license.
License Fees: Fees vary by license type (e.g., Apprentice: $10; Journeyman: $20; Limited Contractor: $75; Master Contractor: $75). Exam fees are separate.
License Renewal: Maryland HVACR licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) on October 1st in odd-numbered years. Continuing education is required for renewal.
Reciprocity: Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware and Virginia. If you hold an active, equivalent license in good standing from one of these states, you may be eligible for a Maryland license without needing to take the exam, provided you meet Maryland's experience requirements.
Specialized Licenses: Maryland also offers "Restricted" licenses (Journeyman Restricted, Master Restricted) for working on specific types of HVACR systems (e.g., only air conditioning, only refrigeration, etc.).
Local Requirements: While the state license is comprehensive, always check with local county or municipal governments for any additional permits or registrations that may be required to operate in their specific jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following site 1, 2