How to Get Your HVAC License in North Carolina

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician or contractor keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer—and in North Carolina, where winter temps dip into the 20s and summer soars into the 90s, their job is important.

To work as an HVAC technician or contractor in North Carolina, you must be licensed. To obtain your license, you’ll need to gain experience and pass an exam. HVAC technicians and contractors install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems along with the ventilation systems for both.

See how you can obtain any contractor license in North Carolina in our blog!

HVAC workers work with wet and forced air systems and are licensed in North Carolina by groups depending on the type and size of HVAC systems: Heating Groups 1 (H1), 2 (H2), and 3 (H3). Within each group, there are two classes. Class I allows you to work on systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and Class II is for residential only.

Here is all the information you need to get started in a rewarding career as a Licensed HVAC technician or contractor in North Carolina.

Education and Training Requirements

Those who excel as HVAC technicians and contractors like to work in varied environments. They’re excellent problem solvers and have a mechanical aptitude. HVAC contractors work with different people, whether those are homeowners, general contractors, or subcontractors.

To apply to take the Plumbing, Heating Group No. 1, Heating Group No. 2 and/or Heating Group No. 3 Contractor or Technician exam and get your license, you must meet certain experience and education requirements for the technician or contractor license.

Education Requirements

Your first step is to earn a formal HVAC diploma or attend a certificate program, or you can earn your two-year Associate’s degree. You can also fulfill this requirement with a formal apprenticeship with a local union or trade organization, or through an informal apprenticeship with a sponsoring employer as an entry-level employee supervised by a licensed contractor.

HVAC Technician License

Full-time, on-the-job experience in installation, maintenance, service or repair of heating and cooling systems related to the license category include:

Class I: 18 months or 3,000 hours
Class II: 15 months or 2,500 hours

HVAC Contractor License

To become a licensed contractor, you also need direct, hands-on experience specific to the license you want. All contractors for all groups and classes must have two (2) years or 4,000 hours of documented experience. Up to half of the requirement (2,000 hours) can come from an academic or technical training college directly related to the field (45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours)

Benefits of Formal Training

HVAC systems are complex with a lot of moving parts. For that reason, many employers prefer to hire HVAC licensees who have some formal training from a vocational or technical school along with on-the-job experience. Apprenticeship programs offer a chance to earn while you learn and include field experience and education. Your apprenticeship will also count toward the required hours to obtain your HVAC technician or contractor license.

Certificate programs take three to six months to complete. An associate degree takes two years, and a bachelor’s degree takes four years. Apprenticeship programs can take three to four years, but they meet the full experience requirement so that you can take the exam.

EPA Certification Requirement

The EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants, whether that is installing, maintaining, or disposing of equipment. Apprentices are exempt from this; however, licensed technicians and contractors are required to pass an EPA-approved test.

The EPA defines technician [or contractor] as anyone who:

Attaches and detaches hoses and gauges to and from an appliance to measure pressure within the appliance.

Adds refrigerant to or removes refrigerant from an appliance.

Any other activity that violates the integrity of a motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC)-like appliance or small appliance (other than disposal).

Licensing Requirements for HVAC Technicians in NC

Once you meet eligibility requirements to take the exam, the next step is to apply for the Plumbing, Heating Group No. 1, Heating Group No. 2 and/or Heating Group No. 3 Contractor or Technician exam. It can take 4-6 weeks to be approved.

Following approval, you have 90 days to take the exam and 45 days after passing the exam to activate your license.

Apply for the Exam

On the application you will have to provide:

The application fee

W-2s or detailed description of earnings

Documented proof of experience under a licensed HVAC contractor, including total number of hours worked and percentage allocated to specified tasks

Criminal background check and, when applicable, statements describing any criminal charges, conviction, incarcerations, paroles, and probations

Determine Your License Type

North Carolina has three licenses: H1, H2, and H3. Within groups H1 and H3, there are two classes. The state categorizes the work you can perform based on the license you hold.

Heating Group 1 (H1)

Heating Group 1-Class I (H1-I): “Wet” or “water-based” comfort heating systems in any residential, commercial, or industrial building.

Heating Group 1-Class II (H1-II): “Wet” or “water-based” comfort heating systems in single-family detached dwellings only.

Heating Group 2 (H2): Forced air heating and cooling systems with a cooling capacity in excess of fifteen tons in any residential, commercial, or industrial building.

Heating Group 3 (H3)

Heating Group 3-Class I (H3-I): Forced air heating and cooling systems with a cooling capacity of less than fifteen tons in any residential, commercial, or industrial building.

Heating Group 3-Class II (H3-II): Forced air heating and cooling systems with a cooling capacity of less than 15 tons in any single-family detached residential building only.

Prepare for the Exam

The exam is open book. You’re allowed to bring hard-bound or ring-bound reference materials, manuals, and codebooks in their original condition to use. All tabs or indexes must be permanently fixed. Reference materials may be highlighted; however, no printed, written text, notes, formula, or other alterations may be made or inserted during the exam. No loose papers or printouts are allowed.

HVAC technicians and contractors must pass the trade exam. There is a 4-hour time limit for the exam. If you are a licensed residential HVAC contractor in South Carolina, the trade exam is waived.

HVAC contractors must take the business and law exam and the trade exam. There is a 1.5-hour time limit to take this test.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

HVAC technician and contractor licenses are valid for one year. The annual renewal fee is $75 for technicians and $150 for contractors. Continuing education (CE) is not required to renew, however, staying current with industry trends and best practices makes you more marketable as an employee and helps advance your career.

Benefits of Being an HVAC Technician in North Carolina

There are many benefits to becoming a licensed HVAC technician or contractor, particularly demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 9% growth rate over the next decade, which is faster than most other fields in the construction industry.

In North Carolina, HVAC technicians earn between $25,901 and $81,337, with an average of $53,421 annually. HVAC contactors make significantly more. The average HVAC contractor salary in North Carolina is $111,171, and as high as $144,955. HVAC contractors who choose to open their own businesses can earn even more.

Why Choose Our HVAC Licensing Exam Prep School?

Becoming a Licensed NC HVAC technician or contractor takes a one and a half- to two-year investment, whether it’s on-the-job training only or a combination of classroom and hands-on training. After investing that much time, you want to make sure you pass your exam.

Reach out to the Contractor Training Center when you’re ready to get started! We’re here to answer any questions you have and can help you with the application process.

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