In Rhode Island, HVAC licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation, and there are multiple levels and specialties. Additionally, all contractors must register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Individual Licenses (Technician Level)
Apprentice (Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Pipefitter):
Requirements: Must register with the state and enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed technician in the relevant trade.
Fee: No application fee.
Journeyperson (Class I Unlimited or Class II Limited) - for Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, and Pipefitter:
Journeyperson Class I (Unlimited):
Experience: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program of five years (10,000 hours) of on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom training per year OR 6,000 hours (3 years) of on-the-job training and 432 hours of HVAC schooling.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $72 application fee.
Journeyperson Class II (Limited):
Experience: Complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom education in a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class II exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $30 - $60 application fee (varies by trade).
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals handling refrigerants.
HVAC Contractor License (Business Level)
Master Contractor (Class I or Class II) - for Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, and Refrigeration: These licenses are held by the individual who qualifies the contracting business.
Master Contractor Class I:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class I license in the relevant trade for at least one year OR held a Master Class II license in the relevant trade for one year.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Contractor Class II:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class II license in the relevant trade for at least three years.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $96 application fee (varies by trade).
Master Contractor (Limited - based on degree):
Experience: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, AND at least four years of experience in refrigeration/AC or pipefitting/sheet metal.
Examination: Pass a relevant exam.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Mechanical Contractor:
Experience: Requires 20 years of experience, with 10 years as a Pipefitter Master Class I and 10 years as a Refrigeration Master Class I. No additional exam.
Fee: $480.
Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) Registration: All HVAC contractors and subcontractors must register their business with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Pre-Education Course: Complete a mandatory 5-hour pre-registration course covering building codes, construction rules, contracts, business principles, and safety.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $500,000 certificate of liability insurance, indicating the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board as certificate holder.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Surety Bond: A surety bond is generally required for all HVAC contractors.
Business Registration: If your company is a corporation or LLC, you must have a valid business registration with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Fee: $150 registration fee.
Obtain Journeyperson License:
Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years) or equivalent experience.
Pass the relevant Journeyperson (Class I or Class II) exam through the RI Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation.
Obtain your Journeyperson license.
Gain Master Contractor Experience: Accumulate the required years of experience (1 or 3 years, depending on Master class) as a licensed Journeyperson under a Master HVACR contractor.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the required federal EPA exam for handling refrigerants.
Apply for Master Contractor License:
Submit a completed and notarized Mechanical Trade License Application to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division3 of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
Include required documents such as passport-style photo/ID, detailed notarized work experience statement from employers, and proof of Journeyperson license (if applicable).
Pay the non-refundable application processing fee ($75).
Schedule and Pass Master Contractor Exam: Once approved, schedule and pass the relevant Master Contractor exam (Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, Refrigeration) through the state's testing provider (check application for details).
Complete CRLB Contractor Registration:
Complete the 5-hour pre-registration course.
Obtain the required General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Obtain a surety bond.
Register your business with the RI Secretary of State (if applicable).
Complete the Contractor's Residential and Commercial Registration Application online with the RICRLB and pay the $150 registration fee.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your Master HVACR License from the Department of Labor and Training and your Contractor Registration from the RICRLB.
License Renewal: Both individual HVAC licenses (Journeyperson, Master) and the Contractors' Registration with CRLB generally require annual renewal.
Continuing Education: The CRLB requires continuing education for contractor registration renewal. For individual HVAC licenses, check specific board regulations as it can vary.
Reciprocity: Rhode Island does not currently have general reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC licenses.
Limited Licenses: Be aware of the scope limitations if you pursue a Class II (Limited) Journeyperson or Master license, or a Master Contractor license based on a degree.
Local Requirements: Always check with local city and town governments for any additional business licenses, permits, or specific requirements to operate within their jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
In Rhode Island, HVAC licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation, and there are multiple levels and specialties. Additionally, all contractors must register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
In Rhode Island, HVAC licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation, and there are multiple levels and specialties. Additionally, all contractors must register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Individual Licenses (Technician Level)
Apprentice (Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Pipefitter):
Requirements: Must register with the state and enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed technician in the relevant trade.
Fee: No application fee.
Journeyperson (Class I Unlimited or Class II Limited) - for Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, and Pipefitter:
Journeyperson Class I (Unlimited):
Experience: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program of five years (10,000 hours) of on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom training per year OR 6,000 hours (3 years) of on-the-job training and 432 hours of HVAC schooling.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $72 application fee.
Journeyperson Class II (Limited):
Experience: Complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom education in a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class II exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $30 - $60 application fee (varies by trade).
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals handling refrigerants.
HVAC Contractor License (Business Level)
Master Contractor (Class I or Class II) - for Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, and Refrigeration: These licenses are held by the individual who qualifies the contracting business.
Master Contractor Class I:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class I license in the relevant trade for at least one year OR held a Master Class II license in the relevant trade for one year.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Contractor Class II:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class II license in the relevant trade for at least three years.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $96 application fee (varies by trade).
Master Contractor (Limited - based on degree):
Experience: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, AND at least four years of experience in refrigeration/AC or pipefitting/sheet metal.
Examination: Pass a relevant exam.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Mechanical Contractor:
Experience: Requires 20 years of experience, with 10 years as a Pipefitter Master Class I and 10 years as a Refrigeration Master Class I. No additional exam.
Fee: $480.
Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) Registration: All HVAC contractors and subcontractors must register their business with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Pre-Education Course: Complete a mandatory 5-hour pre-registration course covering building codes, construction rules, contracts, business principles, and safety.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $500,000 certificate of liability insurance, indicating the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board as certificate holder.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Surety Bond: A surety bond is generally required for all HVAC contractors.
Business Registration: If your company is a corporation or LLC, you must have a valid business registration with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Fee: $150 registration fee.
Obtain Journeyperson License:
Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years) or equivalent experience.
Pass the relevant Journeyperson (Class I or Class II) exam through the RI Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation.
Obtain your Journeyperson license.
Gain Master Contractor Experience: Accumulate the required years of experience (1 or 3 years, depending on Master class) as a licensed Journeyperson under a Master HVACR contractor.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the required federal EPA exam for handling refrigerants.
Apply for Master Contractor License:
Submit a completed and notarized Mechanical Trade License Application to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division3 of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
Include required documents such as passport-style photo/ID, detailed notarized work experience statement from employers, and proof of Journeyperson license (if applicable).
Pay the non-refundable application processing fee ($75).
Schedule and Pass Master Contractor Exam: Once approved, schedule and pass the relevant Master Contractor exam (Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, Refrigeration) through the state's testing provider (check application for details).
Complete CRLB Contractor Registration:
Complete the 5-hour pre-registration course.
Obtain the required General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Obtain a surety bond.
Register your business with the RI Secretary of State (if applicable).
Complete the Contractor's Residential and Commercial Registration Application online with the RICRLB and pay the $150 registration fee.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your Master HVACR License from the Department of Labor and Training and your Contractor Registration from the RICRLB.
License Renewal: Both individual HVAC licenses (Journeyperson, Master) and the Contractors' Registration with CRLB generally require annual renewal.
Continuing Education: The CRLB requires continuing education for contractor registration renewal. For individual HVAC licenses, check specific board regulations as it can vary.
Reciprocity: Rhode Island does not currently have general reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC licenses.
Limited Licenses: Be aware of the scope limitations if you pursue a Class II (Limited) Journeyperson or Master license, or a Master Contractor license based on a degree.
Local Requirements: Always check with local city and town governments for any additional business licenses, permits, or specific requirements to operate within their jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
In Rhode Island, HVAC licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation, and there are multiple levels and specialties. Additionally, all contractors must register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
In Rhode Island, HVAC licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation, and there are multiple levels and specialties. Additionally, all contractors must register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Individual Licenses (Technician Level)
Apprentice (Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Pipefitter):
Requirements: Must register with the state and enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed technician in the relevant trade.
Fee: No application fee.
Journeyperson (Class I Unlimited or Class II Limited) - for Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, and Pipefitter:
Journeyperson Class I (Unlimited):
Experience: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program of five years (10,000 hours) of on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom training per year OR 6,000 hours (3 years) of on-the-job training and 432 hours of HVAC schooling.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $72 application fee.
Journeyperson Class II (Limited):
Experience: Complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom education in a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class II exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $30 - $60 application fee (varies by trade).
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals handling refrigerants.
HVAC Contractor License (Business Level)
Master Contractor (Class I or Class II) - for Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, and Refrigeration: These licenses are held by the individual who qualifies the contracting business.
Master Contractor Class I:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class I license in the relevant trade for at least one year OR held a Master Class II license in the relevant trade for one year.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Contractor Class II:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class II license in the relevant trade for at least three years.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $96 application fee (varies by trade).
Master Contractor (Limited - based on degree):
Experience: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, AND at least four years of experience in refrigeration/AC or pipefitting/sheet metal.
Examination: Pass a relevant exam.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Mechanical Contractor:
Experience: Requires 20 years of experience, with 10 years as a Pipefitter Master Class I and 10 years as a Refrigeration Master Class I. No additional exam.
Fee: $480.
Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) Registration: All HVAC contractors and subcontractors must register their business with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Pre-Education Course: Complete a mandatory 5-hour pre-registration course covering building codes, construction rules, contracts, business principles, and safety.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $500,000 certificate of liability insurance, indicating the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board as certificate holder.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Surety Bond: A surety bond is generally required for all HVAC contractors.
Business Registration: If your company is a corporation or LLC, you must have a valid business registration with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Fee: $150 registration fee.
Obtain Journeyperson License:
Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years) or equivalent experience.
Pass the relevant Journeyperson (Class I or Class II) exam through the RI Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation.
Obtain your Journeyperson license.
Gain Master Contractor Experience: Accumulate the required years of experience (1 or 3 years, depending on Master class) as a licensed Journeyperson under a Master HVACR contractor.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the required federal EPA exam for handling refrigerants.
Apply for Master Contractor License:
Submit a completed and notarized Mechanical Trade License Application to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division3 of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
Include required documents such as passport-style photo/ID, detailed notarized work experience statement from employers, and proof of Journeyperson license (if applicable).
Pay the non-refundable application processing fee ($75).
Schedule and Pass Master Contractor Exam: Once approved, schedule and pass the relevant Master Contractor exam (Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, Refrigeration) through the state's testing provider (check application for details).
Complete CRLB Contractor Registration:
Complete the 5-hour pre-registration course.
Obtain the required General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Obtain a surety bond.
Register your business with the RI Secretary of State (if applicable).
Complete the Contractor's Residential and Commercial Registration Application online with the RICRLB and pay the $150 registration fee.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your Master HVACR License from the Department of Labor and Training and your Contractor Registration from the RICRLB.
License Renewal: Both individual HVAC licenses (Journeyperson, Master) and the Contractors' Registration with CRLB generally require annual renewal.
Continuing Education: The CRLB requires continuing education for contractor registration renewal. For individual HVAC licenses, check specific board regulations as it can vary.
Reciprocity: Rhode Island does not currently have general reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC licenses.
Limited Licenses: Be aware of the scope limitations if you pursue a Class II (Limited) Journeyperson or Master license, or a Master Contractor license based on a degree.
Local Requirements: Always check with local city and town governments for any additional business licenses, permits, or specific requirements to operate within their jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2
In Rhode Island, HVAC licensing is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation, and there are multiple levels and specialties. Additionally, all contractors must register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Individual Licenses (Technician Level)
Apprentice (Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, Pipefitter):
Requirements: Must register with the state and enroll in a state-approved apprenticeship program under the supervision of a licensed technician in the relevant trade.
Fee: No application fee.
Journeyperson (Class I Unlimited or Class II Limited) - for Sheet Metal, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, and Pipefitter:
Journeyperson Class I (Unlimited):
Experience: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program of five years (10,000 hours) of on-the-job training with 144 hours of classroom training per year OR 6,000 hours (3 years) of on-the-job training and 432 hours of HVAC schooling.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class I exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $72 application fee.
Journeyperson Class II (Limited):
Experience: Complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of classroom education in a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Examination: Pass the Journeyperson Class II exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $30 - $60 application fee (varies by trade).
EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for all individuals handling refrigerants.
HVAC Contractor License (Business Level)
Master Contractor (Class I or Class II) - for Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, and Refrigeration: These licenses are held by the individual who qualifies the contracting business.
Master Contractor Class I:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class I license in the relevant trade for at least one year OR held a Master Class II license in the relevant trade for one year.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Contractor Class II:
Experience: Must have held a Journeyperson Class II license in the relevant trade for at least three years.
Examination: Pass a contractor exam for the specific trade.
Fee: $96 application fee (varies by trade).
Master Contractor (Limited - based on degree):
Experience: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, AND at least four years of experience in refrigeration/AC or pipefitting/sheet metal.
Examination: Pass a relevant exam.
Fee: $240 application fee.
Master Mechanical Contractor:
Experience: Requires 20 years of experience, with 10 years as a Pipefitter Master Class I and 10 years as a Refrigeration Master Class I. No additional exam.
Fee: $480.
Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) Registration: All HVAC contractors and subcontractors must register their business with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (RICRLB).
Pre-Education Course: Complete a mandatory 5-hour pre-registration course covering building codes, construction rules, contracts, business principles, and safety.
Insurance: Provide proof of:
General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $500,000 certificate of liability insurance, indicating the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board as certificate holder.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees (unless exempt).
Surety Bond: A surety bond is generally required for all HVAC contractors.
Business Registration: If your company is a corporation or LLC, you must have a valid business registration with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Fee: $150 registration fee.
Obtain Journeyperson License:
Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (4-5 years) or equivalent experience.
Pass the relevant Journeyperson (Class I or Class II) exam through the RI Department of Labor and Training, Division of Professional Regulation.
Obtain your Journeyperson license.
Gain Master Contractor Experience: Accumulate the required years of experience (1 or 3 years, depending on Master class) as a licensed Journeyperson under a Master HVACR contractor.
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: Pass the required federal EPA exam for handling refrigerants.
Apply for Master Contractor License:
Submit a completed and notarized Mechanical Trade License Application to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division3 of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
Include required documents such as passport-style photo/ID, detailed notarized work experience statement from employers, and proof of Journeyperson license (if applicable).
Pay the non-refundable application processing fee ($75).
Schedule and Pass Master Contractor Exam: Once approved, schedule and pass the relevant Master Contractor exam (Sheet Metal, Pipefitter, Refrigeration) through the state's testing provider (check application for details).
Complete CRLB Contractor Registration:
Complete the 5-hour pre-registration course.
Obtain the required General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.
Obtain a surety bond.
Register your business with the RI Secretary of State (if applicable).
Complete the Contractor's Residential and Commercial Registration Application online with the RICRLB and pay the $150 registration fee.
Receive Your Licenses/Registrations: Upon successful completion of all steps, you will receive your Master HVACR License from the Department of Labor and Training and your Contractor Registration from the RICRLB.
License Renewal: Both individual HVAC licenses (Journeyperson, Master) and the Contractors' Registration with CRLB generally require annual renewal.
Continuing Education: The CRLB requires continuing education for contractor registration renewal. For individual HVAC licenses, check specific board regulations as it can vary.
Reciprocity: Rhode Island does not currently have general reciprocity agreements with other states for HVAC licenses.
Limited Licenses: Be aware of the scope limitations if you pursue a Class II (Limited) Journeyperson or Master license, or a Master Contractor license based on a degree.
Local Requirements: Always check with local city and town governments for any additional business licenses, permits, or specific requirements to operate within their jurisdiction.
This information has been referenced from the following sites 1, 2