Virginia HVAC License: How to Start Your Career as an HVAC Professional in Virginia
Do you want a successful HVAC career? Virginia’s HVAC sector is currently expanding exponentially; now is an excellent time for any aspiring professionals who would like to start in this exciting sector to launch themselves by starting their own businesses or working for major corporations in Virginia.
No matter what your goal is, a Virginia HVAC license is essential.
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Qualified HVAC specialists are in high demand across the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2029, employment opportunities will increase by an expected 4%. Virginia boasts both hot summers and cool winters that contribute to its robust HVAC sector.
Virginia has its own standards for HVAC technicians, similar to any state in America; therefore, it is vitally important that you become informed so you can start practicing as soon as possible.
Learn more about the several license options, required training, and EPA guidelines for obtaining an HVAC license Virginia.
Table of Contents
Do You Need an HVAC License in Virginia?
Yes! To operate as an HVAC technician in Virginia, you do need an HVAC license VA.
Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations sets and enforces license standards. Technicians in Virginia must hold a license for HVAC systems, according to the DPOR and other state organizations. HVAC specialists must adhere to HVAC maintenance regulations set forth by Virginia’s Board for Contractors.
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Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Virginia
There are many advantages to getting your HVAC license in Virginia. Such as:
- The law in Virginia stipulates that HVAC work be licensed through the state
- This license makes you more desirable to prospective employers.
- A trade license is proof of your experience and skills.
- Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services; obtain commercial insurance; pull building permits and pass inspections; and bid on public and government projects.
- Having a license protects your company and customers.
Average Salary and Earning Scope for Licensed HVAC Technicians in Virginia
The annual mean wage for HVAC technicians is $54,690 nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but the Bureau reports Virginia’s annual mean wage for these workers is slightly less, at $53,460. However, the salary scale differs according to your experience and specialty.
- HVAC Technician: The average salary for an HVAC technician is $26.01 per hour in Virginia and $6,750 overtime per year.
- HVAC Installer: The average salary for an HVAC installer is $23.29 per hour in Virginia and $6,750 overtime per year.
- HVAC Mechanic: The average salary for an HVAC Mechanic is $26.62 per hour in Virginia.
- HVAC Supervisor: The average base salary for an HVAC Supervisor is $76,977 per year in Virginia.
Types of HVAC Licenses Are Available in Virginia
Virginia offers three different HVAC licenses. A mix of formal education and job experience is required to obtain these licenses. The permission levels progress together, and as you qualify for more licenses, you gain more useful talents. Here is more information about the Virginia HVAC contractor, master, and journeyman licenses.
i) Journeymen License
The most basic type of HVAC license in the state is a journeyman HVAC license. This professional permit enables you to work independently on HVAC projects costing less than $1,000. You need to pass an exam and have a specified amount of work experience before you can get this fundamental license.
ii) Master License
A master’s HVAC license Virginia enhances the abilities acquired with a journeyman’s license. You can organize and manage HVAC work that costs less than $1,000 with this license. There are minimum requirements for both a classroom and practical training license.
iii) Contractor License
Only after getting your master’s HVAC certification Virginia are you eligible to apply for a Virginia HVAC contractor license. HVAC contractor licenses are divided into three classes.
The class you apply for typically corresponds with the value of your company or the tasks you intend to perform. A licensed contractor must oversee any project with a cost of more than $1,000. You must finish a pre-licensure education course for each of the three levels. The following three classifications are:
- Class A: You can finish works of any size or value after you get a Class A license. You need to have five years of relevant experience and at least $45,000 in the bank to qualify for this licensing class type.
- Class B: Possessing a Class B HVAC certification VA permits you to engage in 12-month projects with a total cost of no more than $75,000. To qualify for this license class type, you must have three years of experience and at least $15,000 in your business bank account.
- Class C: With a Class C license, you can take up HVAC projects valued up to $150,000 in a single year. For this licensing class type, two years of relevant experience are required.
HVAC License Virginia: General Requirements
- A minimum age of 18 is required.
- Before registering for the state-mandated exam, you must fulfill the educational criteria by passing all necessary courses.
- Before taking the state-mandated exam, you must satisfy all of the practical experience requirements along with sufficient knowledge about HVAC safety tips.
- You have to pass the test(s) required by the state.
- You must provide your residential address. A post office box is not sufficient as proof of residence.
- You must pay the required exam and license price.
- Each applicant must disclose any felony or misdemeanor convictions they may have had in the past. Nolo contendere pleas are regarded as guilty pleas. At its discretion, the Board may refuse to grant a license based on the information presented. The board, however, examines each case individually and takes into account not only the type of crime committed but also its date as well as subsequent behavior.
- Prior to submitting an application for Virginia HVAC licensing or certification in Virginia, the applicant must disclose any suspensions, revocations, or relinquishing of a certificate or license related to disciplinary actions or that have been the subject of discipline in any jurisdiction. Based on the information submitted, the Board for Contractors may, in its discretion, refuse to grant licensure.
- Each candidate for a license as a contractor for home improvements must adhere to the requirements for financial stability. Any applicant may buy a surety bond if they don’t meet the requirements for financial solvency.
- In order to legally conduct business, HVAC technicians in Virginia are required to have general liability insurance. You should consult your local board because these criteria differ by jurisdiction. If you intend to hire staff, workers’ compensation insurance is additionally required. In order to apply for a contractor license, applicants are not required by the Virginia Board of Contractors to post a bond.
Additional Requirements for Specific HVAC License
In addition to fulfilling the general requirements, anyone applying for a specific HVAC license Virginia must meet the following criteria:
i) Journeyman License
If you don’t already have a master HVAC license from another state or at least 10 years of experience, you’ll start out with a journeyman HVAC license Virginia. One of the following is required before you may apply for your journeyman license:
- Obtain a four-year degree in a comparable discipline from an authorized university and at least a year of practical HVAC experience.
- Obtain a two-year degree or diploma in a comparable discipline from a recognized program and finish at least 24 months of HVAC-related practical experience.
- Obtain 240 hours of formal practical training along with four years of relevant job experience.
Please note that each extra year of work experience can replace a limited number of years of formal education. One year of experience, for instance, is equivalent to 80 hours of formal classroom instruction.
ii) Master’s License
If you have a journeyman license, you can go ahead and apply for a master’s HVAC license. To obtain the license, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Get one year of hands-on HVAC experience as a licensed journeyman
- Proof that you have at least 10 years of practical experience as an HVAC technician
iii) Contractor License
Same as the master’s license, you cannot apply for a HVAC contractor’s license if you do not have a master’s license. Depending on the different types of the contractor’s license, the specific requirements are as follows:
- Class A: To obtain this license class type, you must have at least $45,000 in the bank and five years of practical experience.
- Class B: You must have at least $15,000 in your business bank account and three years of experience to get this license class type.
- Class C: You need two years of practical experience for this license class type.
Virginia Licensing and Registration Fees
The license and exam costs vary for each type of HVAC licensing VA. At the time of writing, the exam is $100, and the journeyman license fee is $130. There is a $140 master license price as well as a $125 exam charge.
Depending on which contractor class you choose, there are different test fees. Along with an additional $85 for the exam, a Class A contractor license costs $385. Along with the $72 exam fee, the Class B contractor license costs $370. The Class C contractor license also costs $235. The Class C license does not require any exams. Every license must be renewed for $90 apiece.
HVAC License Virginia: Exam Details
Two tests are required for all HVAC technicians wishing to obtain a Virginia contractor license. The first test examines the practical components of HVAC work, and the second tests your knowledge of Virginia company legislation. You must pass a third exam on advanced business issues in order to obtain the Class A license.
Steps to Getting an HVAC Contractor License in Virginia
Now that you understand Virginia’s HVAC license requirements, follow these steps to become an HVAC contractor and embark on an effective career:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Before sitting for the state-mandated exam, all academic requirements must have been satisfied by passing all required courses successfully.
- You must meet all of the practical experience requirements before sitting for the state-mandated examination.
- You must pass the applicable state-mandated exam(s).
- You must disclose your physical home address; a post office box alone is not acceptable.
- You must pay the appropriate exam and license fee.
- Each applicant is required to report any conviction for either a felony or misdemeanor in any jurisdiction; pleas of nolo contendere shall also constitute convictions. Depending on the information presented by applicants, licensure could be denied at their discretion or at their board’s sole discretion based on the information received. The board may take into consideration not only when and what crime took place but also how long ago it occurred and the behavior since.
- Prior to applying for licensure or certification in Virginia, any applicant shall report any suspension, revocation, or surrendering of certificates or licenses due to disciplinary actions taken elsewhere, in any jurisdiction. Depending on the information provided by them, licensure could be denied by the Board for Contractors at its own discretion.
- Each applicant for a home improvement contractor’s license must meet the financial solvency guidelines. Any applicant who does not meet the financial solvency guidelines may purchase a surety bond.
- You cannot become an HVAC contractor in Virginia without also being licensed as a master in your field and carrying the appropriate insurance coverage.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, there are five basic steps if you want an HVAC license Virginia. Namely,
- Determine which type of HVAC license you are eligible for
- Meet the general and specific requirements
- Send in your application to DPRO with the necessary address and experience verification documents
- Take and pass the state-mandated examination
- Once your license is issued by DPRO, make sure to get insurance and renew your license every three years
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In Virginia, you need to renew your HVAC license every three years. This requires taking three hours of continuing education every three years.
Any HVAC technician wishing to take on an HVAC project valued at more than $1000 needs a contractor’s license.
- Age above 18 years
- Obtain a four-year degree from an accredited college in a related field and obtain at least twelve months of hands-on HVAC experience.
- Obtain a two-year degree or diploma from an accredited program in a related field and complete at least 24 months of hands-on HVAC experience.
- Acquire four years of related work experience and 240 hours of formal practical training.
