Lumber Time Tracking
Seamlessly track work hours to ensure precise wages.
In Texas, the licensing of HVAC contractors falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
While not the contractor license itself, these are the paths to gaining the required experience.
Registered Technician:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old. No experience or education is required to register. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.
Fee: $20 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
Have 24 months of practical experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor.
Complete a TDLR-approved HVAC certification training program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience (must apply within 48 months of program completion).
Examination: Pass the Certified Technician exam (60 questions, 70% passing score).
Fee: $50 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Federally required for any individual who performs refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles/adds refrigerants to existing air-conditioning or refrigeration systems. This certification does not expire.
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure units), Type III (low-pressure appliances), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A or Class B): This license allows you to perform design, installation, construction, repair, maintenance, service, or modification of equipment or products in HVAC systems.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Experience (Choose ONE):
At least 48 months (4 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 72 months (6 years).
Have held a Texas Certified Technician certification for the past 12 months AND have at least 36 months (3 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 48 months (4 years).
Proof of Experience: All experience must be documented on an "Experience Verification Form" by the licensed contractor(s) who supervised your experience. You cannot complete this form yourself.
Exemptions to Experience (may allow you to bypass some or all experience requirements):
Having a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited school in an HVAC-related field.
Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Being a licensed professional engineer.
Demonstrating related military HVAC training/experience.
Classifications: You must choose a class and an endorsement:
Class A Contractor: Allows you to work on HVAC equipment of any size or capacity.
Class B Contractor: Allows you to work on cooling systems of 25 tons cooling capacity or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour output or less.
Endorsements: You can also choose one or both endorsements:
Environmental Air Conditioning (E): For systems that control temperature, humidity, ventilation, cleanliness, and circulation for human comfort.
Commercial Refrigeration and Process Cooling or Heating (R): Limited to coolers, freezers, ice machines, and equipment that provides temperature and humidity controls solely for production requirements or proper equipment operation.
Combined Endorsements (C): If you qualify for both.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam for your chosen class and endorsement (e.g., Class A Environmental Air Conditioning).
Exams are open-book, computer-based, and administered by PSI Exams.
Passing score of 70% or higher.
Topics include: Air Distribution, Basic Refrigeration Components, Combustion Air, Controls, Equipment Requirements, HVACR Systems and Design, Piping, Refrigeration Principles, Safety, Service, Testing, Texas Laws and Rules, Ventilation, Venting.
Fee: $115 application fee.
Criminal History Check: TDLR conducts a criminal history background check. You must provide a "Criminal History Questionnaire" if you have any relevant convictions.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for all active contractor licenses.
Class A License: Minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $600,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $300,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Class B License: Minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $200,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $100,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance) must be submitted to TDLR after passing the licensing exam.
Gain Experience: Start as a Registered Technician and work under a licensed contractor to accumulate the required practical experience (48 months for direct contractor application OR 24 months for Certified Tech + 36 months for contractor).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: (For any individual handling refrigerants).
Consider Certified Technician (Optional): If you choose this path, meet the experience/education and pass the Certified Technician exam.
Complete Contractor License Application:
Download and complete the "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application" from the TDLR website.
Ensure your supervising licensed contractor(s) complete the "Experience Verification Form."
Submit the application along with the $115 fee to TDLR.
If applicable, submit a "Criminal History Questionnaire."
TDLR Application Review & Approval to Test: TDLR will review your application and documents. Once approved, they will notify PSI Exams that you are eligible to take the contractor exam.
Schedule and Pass Contractor Exam:
Contact PSI Exams to register, pay the exam fee, and schedule your exam for the appropriate Class (A or B) and Endorsement (Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Combined).
Pass the exam with a 70% or higher. PSI will report your scores to TDLR.
Obtain Commercial General Liability Insurance: Secure the required insurance coverage for your chosen license class.
Submit Proof of Insurance: Send the Certificate of Insurance to TDLR.
Receive Your License: TDLR will issue your Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2
In Texas, the licensing of HVAC contractors falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
In Texas, the licensing of HVAC contractors falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
While not the contractor license itself, these are the paths to gaining the required experience.
Registered Technician:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old. No experience or education is required to register. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.
Fee: $20 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
Have 24 months of practical experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor.
Complete a TDLR-approved HVAC certification training program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience (must apply within 48 months of program completion).
Examination: Pass the Certified Technician exam (60 questions, 70% passing score).
Fee: $50 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Federally required for any individual who performs refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles/adds refrigerants to existing air-conditioning or refrigeration systems. This certification does not expire.
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure units), Type III (low-pressure appliances), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A or Class B): This license allows you to perform design, installation, construction, repair, maintenance, service, or modification of equipment or products in HVAC systems.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Experience (Choose ONE):
At least 48 months (4 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 72 months (6 years).
Have held a Texas Certified Technician certification for the past 12 months AND have at least 36 months (3 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 48 months (4 years).
Proof of Experience: All experience must be documented on an "Experience Verification Form" by the licensed contractor(s) who supervised your experience. You cannot complete this form yourself.
Exemptions to Experience (may allow you to bypass some or all experience requirements):
Having a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited school in an HVAC-related field.
Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Being a licensed professional engineer.
Demonstrating related military HVAC training/experience.
Classifications: You must choose a class and an endorsement:
Class A Contractor: Allows you to work on HVAC equipment of any size or capacity.
Class B Contractor: Allows you to work on cooling systems of 25 tons cooling capacity or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour output or less.
Endorsements: You can also choose one or both endorsements:
Environmental Air Conditioning (E): For systems that control temperature, humidity, ventilation, cleanliness, and circulation for human comfort.
Commercial Refrigeration and Process Cooling or Heating (R): Limited to coolers, freezers, ice machines, and equipment that provides temperature and humidity controls solely for production requirements or proper equipment operation.
Combined Endorsements (C): If you qualify for both.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam for your chosen class and endorsement (e.g., Class A Environmental Air Conditioning).
Exams are open-book, computer-based, and administered by PSI Exams.
Passing score of 70% or higher.
Topics include: Air Distribution, Basic Refrigeration Components, Combustion Air, Controls, Equipment Requirements, HVACR Systems and Design, Piping, Refrigeration Principles, Safety, Service, Testing, Texas Laws and Rules, Ventilation, Venting.
Fee: $115 application fee.
Criminal History Check: TDLR conducts a criminal history background check. You must provide a "Criminal History Questionnaire" if you have any relevant convictions.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for all active contractor licenses.
Class A License: Minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $600,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $300,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Class B License: Minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $200,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $100,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance) must be submitted to TDLR after passing the licensing exam.
Gain Experience: Start as a Registered Technician and work under a licensed contractor to accumulate the required practical experience (48 months for direct contractor application OR 24 months for Certified Tech + 36 months for contractor).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: (For any individual handling refrigerants).
Consider Certified Technician (Optional): If you choose this path, meet the experience/education and pass the Certified Technician exam.
Complete Contractor License Application:
Download and complete the "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application" from the TDLR website.
Ensure your supervising licensed contractor(s) complete the "Experience Verification Form."
Submit the application along with the $115 fee to TDLR.
If applicable, submit a "Criminal History Questionnaire."
TDLR Application Review & Approval to Test: TDLR will review your application and documents. Once approved, they will notify PSI Exams that you are eligible to take the contractor exam.
Schedule and Pass Contractor Exam:
Contact PSI Exams to register, pay the exam fee, and schedule your exam for the appropriate Class (A or B) and Endorsement (Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Combined).
Pass the exam with a 70% or higher. PSI will report your scores to TDLR.
Obtain Commercial General Liability Insurance: Secure the required insurance coverage for your chosen license class.
Submit Proof of Insurance: Send the Certificate of Insurance to TDLR.
Receive Your License: TDLR will issue your Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2
In Texas, the licensing of HVAC contractors falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
In Texas, the licensing of HVAC contractors falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
While not the contractor license itself, these are the paths to gaining the required experience.
Registered Technician:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old. No experience or education is required to register. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.
Fee: $20 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
Have 24 months of practical experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor.
Complete a TDLR-approved HVAC certification training program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience (must apply within 48 months of program completion).
Examination: Pass the Certified Technician exam (60 questions, 70% passing score).
Fee: $50 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Federally required for any individual who performs refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles/adds refrigerants to existing air-conditioning or refrigeration systems. This certification does not expire.
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure units), Type III (low-pressure appliances), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A or Class B): This license allows you to perform design, installation, construction, repair, maintenance, service, or modification of equipment or products in HVAC systems.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Experience (Choose ONE):
At least 48 months (4 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 72 months (6 years).
Have held a Texas Certified Technician certification for the past 12 months AND have at least 36 months (3 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 48 months (4 years).
Proof of Experience: All experience must be documented on an "Experience Verification Form" by the licensed contractor(s) who supervised your experience. You cannot complete this form yourself.
Exemptions to Experience (may allow you to bypass some or all experience requirements):
Having a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited school in an HVAC-related field.
Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Being a licensed professional engineer.
Demonstrating related military HVAC training/experience.
Classifications: You must choose a class and an endorsement:
Class A Contractor: Allows you to work on HVAC equipment of any size or capacity.
Class B Contractor: Allows you to work on cooling systems of 25 tons cooling capacity or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour output or less.
Endorsements: You can also choose one or both endorsements:
Environmental Air Conditioning (E): For systems that control temperature, humidity, ventilation, cleanliness, and circulation for human comfort.
Commercial Refrigeration and Process Cooling or Heating (R): Limited to coolers, freezers, ice machines, and equipment that provides temperature and humidity controls solely for production requirements or proper equipment operation.
Combined Endorsements (C): If you qualify for both.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam for your chosen class and endorsement (e.g., Class A Environmental Air Conditioning).
Exams are open-book, computer-based, and administered by PSI Exams.
Passing score of 70% or higher.
Topics include: Air Distribution, Basic Refrigeration Components, Combustion Air, Controls, Equipment Requirements, HVACR Systems and Design, Piping, Refrigeration Principles, Safety, Service, Testing, Texas Laws and Rules, Ventilation, Venting.
Fee: $115 application fee.
Criminal History Check: TDLR conducts a criminal history background check. You must provide a "Criminal History Questionnaire" if you have any relevant convictions.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for all active contractor licenses.
Class A License: Minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $600,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $300,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Class B License: Minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $200,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $100,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance) must be submitted to TDLR after passing the licensing exam.
Gain Experience: Start as a Registered Technician and work under a licensed contractor to accumulate the required practical experience (48 months for direct contractor application OR 24 months for Certified Tech + 36 months for contractor).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: (For any individual handling refrigerants).
Consider Certified Technician (Optional): If you choose this path, meet the experience/education and pass the Certified Technician exam.
Complete Contractor License Application:
Download and complete the "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application" from the TDLR website.
Ensure your supervising licensed contractor(s) complete the "Experience Verification Form."
Submit the application along with the $115 fee to TDLR.
If applicable, submit a "Criminal History Questionnaire."
TDLR Application Review & Approval to Test: TDLR will review your application and documents. Once approved, they will notify PSI Exams that you are eligible to take the contractor exam.
Schedule and Pass Contractor Exam:
Contact PSI Exams to register, pay the exam fee, and schedule your exam for the appropriate Class (A or B) and Endorsement (Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Combined).
Pass the exam with a 70% or higher. PSI will report your scores to TDLR.
Obtain Commercial General Liability Insurance: Secure the required insurance coverage for your chosen license class.
Submit Proof of Insurance: Send the Certificate of Insurance to TDLR.
Receive Your License: TDLR will issue your Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2
In Texas, the licensing of HVAC contractors falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
While not the contractor license itself, these are the paths to gaining the required experience.
Registered Technician:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old. No experience or education is required to register. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor.
Fee: $20 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
Have 24 months of practical experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor.
Complete a TDLR-approved HVAC certification training program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience (must apply within 48 months of program completion).
Examination: Pass the Certified Technician exam (60 questions, 70% passing score).
Fee: $50 application fee.
Renewal: Annually.
EPA Section 608 Certification: Federally required for any individual who performs refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles/adds refrigerants to existing air-conditioning or refrigeration systems. This certification does not expire.
Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure units), Type III (low-pressure appliances), or Universal.
Exam Fee: Varies by provider.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License (Class A or Class B): This license allows you to perform design, installation, construction, repair, maintenance, service, or modification of equipment or products in HVAC systems.
Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
Experience (Choose ONE):
At least 48 months (4 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 72 months (6 years).
Have held a Texas Certified Technician certification for the past 12 months AND have at least 36 months (3 years) of practical experience in air conditioning and refrigeration-related work under the supervision of a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor within the past 48 months (4 years).
Proof of Experience: All experience must be documented on an "Experience Verification Form" by the licensed contractor(s) who supervised your experience. You cannot complete this form yourself.
Exemptions to Experience (may allow you to bypass some or all experience requirements):
Having a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited school in an HVAC-related field.
Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Being a licensed professional engineer.
Demonstrating related military HVAC training/experience.
Classifications: You must choose a class and an endorsement:
Class A Contractor: Allows you to work on HVAC equipment of any size or capacity.
Class B Contractor: Allows you to work on cooling systems of 25 tons cooling capacity or less and heating systems of 1.5 million BTUs per hour output or less.
Endorsements: You can also choose one or both endorsements:
Environmental Air Conditioning (E): For systems that control temperature, humidity, ventilation, cleanliness, and circulation for human comfort.
Commercial Refrigeration and Process Cooling or Heating (R): Limited to coolers, freezers, ice machines, and equipment that provides temperature and humidity controls solely for production requirements or proper equipment operation.
Combined Endorsements (C): If you qualify for both.
Examination: Pass the state-mandated Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam for your chosen class and endorsement (e.g., Class A Environmental Air Conditioning).
Exams are open-book, computer-based, and administered by PSI Exams.
Passing score of 70% or higher.
Topics include: Air Distribution, Basic Refrigeration Components, Combustion Air, Controls, Equipment Requirements, HVACR Systems and Design, Piping, Refrigeration Principles, Safety, Service, Testing, Texas Laws and Rules, Ventilation, Venting.
Fee: $115 application fee.
Criminal History Check: TDLR conducts a criminal history background check. You must provide a "Criminal History Questionnaire" if you have any relevant convictions.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: Mandatory for all active contractor licenses.
Class A License: Minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $600,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $300,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Class B License: Minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence (bodily injury and property damage), $200,000 aggregate (bodily injury and property damage), and $100,000 aggregate (products and completed operations).
Proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance) must be submitted to TDLR after passing the licensing exam.
Gain Experience: Start as a Registered Technician and work under a licensed contractor to accumulate the required practical experience (48 months for direct contractor application OR 24 months for Certified Tech + 36 months for contractor).
Obtain EPA Section 608 Certification: (For any individual handling refrigerants).
Consider Certified Technician (Optional): If you choose this path, meet the experience/education and pass the Certified Technician exam.
Complete Contractor License Application:
Download and complete the "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Application" from the TDLR website.
Ensure your supervising licensed contractor(s) complete the "Experience Verification Form."
Submit the application along with the $115 fee to TDLR.
If applicable, submit a "Criminal History Questionnaire."
TDLR Application Review & Approval to Test: TDLR will review your application and documents. Once approved, they will notify PSI Exams that you are eligible to take the contractor exam.
Schedule and Pass Contractor Exam:
Contact PSI Exams to register, pay the exam fee, and schedule your exam for the appropriate Class (A or B) and Endorsement (Environmental Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, or Combined).
Pass the exam with a 70% or higher. PSI will report your scores to TDLR.
Obtain Commercial General Liability Insurance: Secure the required insurance coverage for your chosen license class.
Submit Proof of Insurance: Send the Certificate of Insurance to TDLR.
Receive Your License: TDLR will issue your Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License.
This information has been referenced from the following sites: 1, 2
