Here are the main steps for how to get an HVAC license in California:
Get professional experience in the field
Submit your application
Pay the required license fees
Schedule (and pass) two exams
Submit fingerprints
Obtain a bond
Your experience, application and exams demonstrate your professional proficiency as an HVAC contractor. The license fees, bond and insurance provide financial protection for your HVAC business.
Get professional experience in the field
Applicants must have at least four years of at least journey-level HVAC experience within the last ten years in one or more of the following roles:
Journeyperson
Foreperson
Supervising employee
Contractor
In some cases, the CSLB will apply HVAC certification or completion of an apprenticeship program as credit toward the work experience requirement.
Submit your application
Fill out the application form provided by the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You’ll need to print out the form and mail it in to the CSLB along with your license fees. More about HVAC Contractor Insurance
Pay the required license fees
Currently, California HVAC license fees are $530. This includes a $330 application processing fee and a two-year initial license fee of $200.
Schedule (and pass) two exams
You need to pass two exams — a trade exam and a law and business exam — with a score of at least 72%. Both exams are multiple-choice, closed-book exams taken at an official testing site. You’ll also need to take an open-book asbestos exam through the CSLB website.
Submit fingerprints
All applicants need to submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check. The CSLB will provide instructions on how to fulfill this requirement once your application has been accepted.
Obtain a bond
All California HVAC license applicants must file a $15,000 bond with the CSLB. The bond must fulfill these requirements:
Include your business name and license number
Written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance
Have the surety company’s attorney-in-fact signature
Written on a form approved by the Attorney General’s Office
Submitted to the CSLB within 90 days of the effective bond date
What are the California HVAC license requirements?
In order to apply, you’ll need to fulfill the following California HVAC license requirements:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Complete at least four years of journey-level work experience in the last 10 years
Your application must include details of your professional experience. Additionally, a certifier (such as an employer, foreman or supervisor) will have to fill out a section of the application to verify your work experience.
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