Are you looking to launch an HVAC maintenance business? If so, you'll need to make sure you have the right licenses and permits in place. Depending on your state or city, there may be different requirements for HVAC technicians. In this article, we'll discuss the licensing requirements for HVAC workers and contractors in New York, Kentucky, Vermont, and other states. In New York, all HVAC technicians must apply for Section 608 technician certification.
This requires training on the safe handling of refrigerants and passing an exam. There are four types of exams you may need to take to become certified, depending on the type of equipment you serve. The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES HVACR program prepares students who complete the program to work as beginning electricians, HVAC technicians, HVAC installers, and plumbers. To meet the requirements, you'll need to have at least one year of HVAC experience under the direct supervision of a prime heating and air conditioning contractor or a licensed HVAC contractor. In Kentucky, an HVAC contractor license is required for all individuals and businesses that provide HVAC services.
In Vermont, there are no state HVAC licensing requirements to work as an HVAC contractor; however, it's important to check local requirements before you start working in the state. HVAC contractors are those whose work includes the installation, modification, repair, or maintenance of heating systems, ventilation systems, cooling systems, steam and hot water heaters, heating systems, boilers, process pipes, and mechanical cooling systems. Other certifications such as NATE and HVAC Excellence can demonstrate your competence in the field but are not required by law. In order to take the exam, you must have been licensed as an HVAC technician by profession for three years and have worked under the supervision of an expert licensed HVAC contractor. Many employers that hire novice HVAC technicians follow an apprentice model that matches new employees with others who are licensed in the jurisdiction to begin hands-on training while requiring beginners to attend HVAC classes. In order to obtain an HVAC mechanics license, you must have an HVAC certificate from an accredited school and pass an exam. Of course, you'll want to make sure that in addition to meeting all the relevant HVAC licensing requirements you also have an insurance policy for HVAC contractors.
Be sure to review those requirements before you start working as an HVAC professional in another state even if you've worked in HVAC in New York and vice versa. If you're looking to start an HVAC maintenance company, it's essential that you have all the necessary licenses and permits in place. Depending on your state or city there may be different requirements for HVAC technicians. Make sure to check with your local government for more information on what licenses and permits are required.
