How to Get Your Georgia HVAC License

Competitive salary and steady growth rate make becoming a Conditioned Air Contractor in Georgia attractive. Georgia is one of the states with the highest demand for HVAC workers in the country. The state has an 18% growth rate for Conditioned Air Contractors compared to the national rate of 9%.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage between $57,930 and $63,970. 

HVAC contractors work on heating and air conditioning units—two necessities in Georgia with the state’s wide variation between summer and winter temperatures. The state issues a Conditioned Air Contractors license, which is required to work as an HVAC contractor in Georgia.  

While it takes a minimum of four years to complete the licensing requirements, it’s well worth it. HVAC contractors are in demand nationwide and in Georgia. The field is expected to grow 9% nationwide in the next decade. To obtain a Conditioned Air Contractor license in Georgia, you must submit an application, meet experience requirements, score 70% of better on the exam, and pay a licensing fee.  

Here’s everything you need to know about earning your Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor license. 

Types of Conditioned Air Contractor Licenses 

You are permitted to work as an employee without an HVAC license. HVAC employees may install, alter, or repair duct systems, control systems, or insulation. You are required to obtain your Georgia HVAC license if you perform extensive work, want to work for yourself, or work as the primary licensed contractor for a company. Extensive work is defined as full or complete conditioned air systems.  

Georgia issues two types of Conditioned Air Contractor licenses: Class I and Class II.  

The Steps to Obtain an HVAC/Conditioned Air Contractor License in Georgia 

In general, you will need a minimum of four years of experience, pass an exam, apply, and pay the required fees. While education is not a requirement—beyond a high school diploma or equivalent—it can be used to offset experience. Here are the exact steps to get licensed.  

Step 1: Education  

Licensees may substitute education for experience. Vocational or technical schools often offer apprenticeship or on-the-job training as part of their program. The apprenticeship portion is paid, offering a debt-free option upon graduation.  

Not all education counts toward experience; there are some limitations:  

Step 2: Apprenticeship Programs 

The advantage of an apprenticeship program is that it combines education and experience. You receive an income while you learn. In some instances, this can speed up the process to sit for the Conditioned Air License exam by getting on-the-job experience during the day and completing coursework at night.  

As an apprentice, you will work under a licensed HVAC contractor who will show you what the day-to-day work as a Conditioned Air Contractor will be like.  

Step 3: EPA Section 608 Certification 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) section 608 certification is required by the EPA and the state of Georgia. This certification ensures you know how to handle refrigerants safely and responsibly. The EPA has four different certifications:  

You must take the exam at an approved EPA testing center and provide evidence of passing on your application for your HVAC license.  

Step 4: Work Experience  

Class I licensees are required to have four years of work experience covered by the Georgia Heating and Air Conditioning Code. Experience includes two years of residential installation experience as a lead mechanic and at least one as a service technician. You must be able to document hands-on activities.  

Applicants for Class II licenses must document five years of experience with direct experience installing conditioned air systems exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of colling. Class II experience includes two years of installation experience with one of those years being exclusively commercial.  

Step 5: Apply For and Take the HVAC Exam 

Before you can take the exam, you need to apply for your license. Once approved, you will be notified to take the exam. To apply, you must:  

The open-book exam costs $240 and is taken in two parts with a 3.5-hour time limit per part. There are 120 questions; 20 of those questions are pre-test questions and are not included in your total score. You must score 70% or better to pass the exam. Questions include:  

Only specific references may be brought into the exam. Those can be highlighted, underlined, and tabbed using permanent tabs. No handwritten notes or loose papers are permitted.  

The Contractor Training Center provides reference materials for the Georgia HVAC license exam you can bring with you into the exam that teaches you test-taking skills needed to pass the exam and includes practice exams simulating test-day. 

After passing the exam, you will be required to pay licensing fees, obtain general liability insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance if you have employees.  

Continuing Education and License Renewal 

Licenses are renewed between September and November of odd-numbered years. Georgia requires four hours of continuing education (CE) every year, or eight per renewal period. CE must be relevant and approved by the state and should include any updates to Georgia building codes and safety standards. 

The cost to renew both Class I and Class II licenses is $75. 

Conclusion 

Becoming a HVAC contractor can be a rewarding and lucrative career with a lot of room for growth. In Georgia, the requirements include a minimum of four years of work experience and taking and passing an exam.  

When you are ready, explore the Contractor Training Center’s exam prep courses to help pass your Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor license exam. Reach out today to get started in this exciting and sustainable career.