Mandatory Requirements (for the Mechanical Administrator - MA)

The Mechanical Administrator is the individual who qualifies the business for the license and supervises the work.

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience (specific to each category, Choose ONE path for each MA category):
  
  • Residential HVAC (RHVC):
    
    • 2 to 4 years of practical journeyman experience in residential HVAC work immediately preceding the application.
  • Unlimited Refrigeration (UR):
    
    • 2 to 4 years of practical journeyman experience in refrigeration immediately preceding the application. OR
    • A degree in refrigeration from a nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or trade school (approved by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education).
  • Unlimited HVAC/Sheet Metal (UHVCS):
    
    • 4 to 6 years of practical journeyman experience in HVAC and sheet metal work immediately preceding the application. OR
    • 4 to 6 years of construction management experience in HVAC and sheet metal work (as a field superintendent or similar position) immediately preceding the application. OR
    • A degree in mechanical engineering from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university PLUS 1 to 3 years of practical experience as a journeyman or field engineer in HVAC and sheet metal work immediately preceding the application. OR
    • State registration as a professional mechanical engineer PLUS 1 to 3 years of management experience in mechanical contracting as a field engineer or similar position immediately preceding the application.
  • Heating, Cooling, and Process Piping (HCPP):
    
    • 4 to 6 years of practical journeyman experience in heating, cooling, and process piping work immediately preceding the application. OR
    • 4 to 6 years of construction management experience in heating, cooling, and process piping work (as a field superintendent² or similar position) immediately preceding the application. OR
    • A degree in mechanical engineering from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university PLUS 1 to 3 years of practical experience as a journeyman pipefitter or field engineer in heating, cooling, and process piping work immediately preceding the application. OR
    • State registration as a professional mechanical engineer PLUS 1 to 3 years of management experience in mechanical contracting as a field engineer or similar position immediately preceding the application.
  • Mechanical Systems Temperature Control (CNTL):
    
    • 2 to 4 years of practical journeyman experience in mechanical systems temperature control immediately preceding the application. OR
    • 4 to 6 years of management experience (supervisor or field superintendent, etc.) in mechanical systems temperature control immediately preceding the application. OR
    • A degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or trade school.‍
  • Note: "Journeyman experience" in Alaska often refers to practical experience at a skilled worker level, not necessarily requiring a separate state-issued journeyman license for HVAC.
• Proof of Experience: Must be substantiated by notarized letters from employers or other qualified individuals with direct knowledge of the applicant's work.
• Examination: The Mechanical Administrator must pass a specific examination for their chosen category (e.g., RHVC, UR, UHVCS, HCPP, CNTL).
  
  • Exams are typically open-book and administered by PSI Exams.
  • A passing score of at least 70% is required.
• EPA Section 608 Certification: Federally required for anyone handling refrigerants. This is a prerequisite for most HVAC-related MA categories, especially those involving refrigeration and air conditioning. Know more

Mandatory Requirements (for the Contracting Business Entity)

• State of Alaska Contractor License (Mechanical Contractor): This is the license for the business itself.
  
  • Responsible Mechanical Administrator: The business must employ or be qualified by a licensed Mechanical Administrator in the specific category of work it performs.
  • Business Registration: Obtain a state business license from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
  • Surety Bond:
    
    • Mechanical Contractors generally require a $10,000 surety bond.
    • The bond must be issued by an insurance or surety company or secured by a time certificate of deposit/savings passbook or cash deposit held in trust by the State.
  • Insurance:
    
    • General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage of $20,000 for property damage and $100,000 for bodily injury per person, with $300,000 bodily injury per occurrence.
    • Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you have employees.
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number: Required for almost all types of businesses.
  • State Tax ID Number: Issued by the Alaska Department of Revenue.
• Financial Standing: The Board may review financial statements or require additional proof of financial stability.

How to Get an HVAC Contractor License in Alaska

1. Determine MA Category: Identify the specific Mechanical Administrator category (or categories) that align with the HVAC services your business will provide.
2. Gain Required Experience/Education: The designated Mechanical Administrator (MA) must accumulate the necessary years of practical journeyman or management experience, or obtain the required degree as specified for the chosen MA category. All experience must be immediately preceding the application.
3. Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: The MA and any technicians handling refrigerants must obtain this federal certification. Know more
4. Apply for Mechanical Administrator License:
   
   • Submit a complete application for the Mechanical Administrator license to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
   • Provide all required supporting documentation, including notarized affidavits of experience and educational transcripts (if applicable).
   • Pay the non-refundable application fee (e.g., $50) and initial licensing fee (e.g., $250). Total usually around $300.
5. Schedule and Pass MA Exam: Once approved, schedule and pass the specific Mechanical Administrator exam for your chosen category through PSI Exams.
6. Register Your Business: Register your business entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation) with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Obtain your state business license.
7. Secure Insurance and Bond: Obtain the required general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and secure a $10,000 surety bond.
8. Apply for Mechanical Contractor License:
   
   • Submit the "Contractor License Application" to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
   • Provide proof of your business registration, insurance, surety bond, and the valid Mechanical Administrator license (held by you or an employee).
   • Pay the application and licensing fees (e.g., $65 application, $235 license fee, totaling $300).
9. Receive Your Licenses: Upon successful completion of all steps, the state will issue your Mechanical Administrator License and your Mechanical Contractor License.

Additional Considerations

• No Journeyman HVAC License (State Level): Alaska does not have a statewide journeyman license specifically for HVAC technicians in the way it does for plumbers or electricians. Technicians typically work under the supervision of a licensed Mechanical Administrator.
• Electrical Work: If your HVAC work involves significant electrical wiring beyond basic appliance connection, you may also need a licensed Electrical Administrator to supervise that portion of the work.
• Local Licensing: Many municipalities in Alaska, especially larger ones like the Municipality of Anchorage, have their own local contractor licensing requirements in addition to state licenses. These often include local exams for journeymen and contractors (e.g., Plumbing & Sheetmetal Contractor, Gas Piping Contractor, Journeyman Sheet Metal, Journeyman Gas Fitter). It is critical to check local requirements.
• Continuing Education: Mechanical Administrator licenses must be renewed every two years. Continuing education requirements may apply.
• License Renewal: Mechanical Administrator licenses and Mechanical Contractor licenses expire on December 31st of odd years.
• Reciprocity: Alaska does not generally have reciprocity agreements for Mechanical Administrator licenses with other states. You will likely need to meet Alaska's specific experience requirements and pass the required exams.

This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2