According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey HVAC workers earn some of the highest salaries for this career in the nation. To learn how to get an HVAC license in New Jersey, review this comprehensive guide.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
New Jersey requires a state license and insurance coverage for anyone who works as an HVAC contractor in New Jersey. The State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors administers this process.
HVAC License Types in New Jersey
New Jersey HVAC license requirements establish just one type of license: the master heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractor. You must have a master HVACR contractor license to perform this type of work in the state.
New Jersey HVAC License Requirements
To obtain this contractor license in New Jersey, you must complete the state board application, pay the required fees, and pass an exam. You must also be at least 21 years old and meet the experience and education requirements.
Insurance Requirements
You also have to provide proof of insurance to get your New Jersey HVAC license. The state requires you to carry a surety bond of at least $3,000 with coverage of at least $500,000. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
New Jersey HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
You must pay a fee of $100 to apply for your HVAC license in New Jersey, in addition to the cost of your business insurance policy. After you pass the state board exam, the board will invoice you for the $160 license fee. You also pay a $126 testing fee directly to the state board exam provider when you schedule your test, for a total licensing cost of $386.
The state does not require a background check. While these fees are current for 2022, they are subject to change.
New Jersey HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
You must meet one of the following criteria to qualify for an NJ HVAC contractor license:
- Completed HVACR bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university along with one year of relevant work experience
- Completed bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited college or university along with three years of relevant work experience
- One year of experience as an HVAC journeyman and four years as an HVAC apprentice
You must also pass an exam given by the state board. In addition to your education and work experience, consider completing an online or in-person training program to prepare for the state board exam and your future as an HVAC contractor.
HVAC License Exam Details
PSI Services LLC administers the NJ HVACR state board exams. When the board approves your application, it will send you an Examination Eligibility Notice with details on scheduling the exams. This will also have a list of testing locations and important contact information. Current New Jersey exam site locations include:
- 260 Chambers Bridge Road, First Floor, Brick
- 950 Kings Highway, Suite 301, Cherry Hill
- Ibis Plaza South, 3525 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 1000, Hamilton Township
- 825 Georges Road, Suite 2A, North Brunswick
- Murray Hill Office Center, 571 Central Avenue, Suite 117, New Providence
- The Shoppes at North Brunswick, 980 Shoppes Boulevard, 2nd Floor, North Brunswick
- Central Park East, 222 New Road, Suite 301, Linwood
- 365 West Passaic Street, Suite 180, Rochelle Park
- 239 New Road, Suite A-203, Parsippany
- 110-B Meadowlands Parkway, Suite 204, Secaucus
To become licensed for the first time in New Jersey, you must take two separate tests on the same day: HVACR Trade, and Business and Law. If you do not pass the test, you can wait six months and take it again. The state does not limit the number of times you can take the exams.
HVAC Training Schools in New Jersey
You can pursue your education at these options for HVAC training in New Jersey:
- Bergen County Technical Schools, Hackensack, NJ, (201) 343-6000
- Camden County College, Sicklerville, NJ, (856) 767-7000
- Eastwick College, Nutley, NJ, (973) 755-1947
- Fortis Institute, Wayne, NJ, (855) 436-7847
- Gloucester County Institute of Technology, Sewell, NJ, (856) 468-1445
- HoHoKus School of Trades and Technical Sciences, Paterson, NJ, (973) 755-1766
- Lincoln Tech, Mahwah and Union, NJ, (908) 964-7800
- Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, and Trenton, NJ, (609) 570-3482
- Monmouth County Vocational School District, Freehold, NJ, (732) 462-7570
- Ocean County Vocational-Technical School District, Toms River, NJ, (732) 244-1122
- Pennco Tech, Blackwood, NJ, (856) 677-5257
- Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ, (908) 526-1200 x8577
- Union County Vocational School, Scotch Plains, NJ, (908) 889-8288
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
New Jersey License Application
You can apply for your New Jersey HVACR contractor license online. The state website has all the required documents and forms available for download. You can also use the website to pay the $100 application fee and upload your supplemental documents, which may include:
- Sealed certifications of work completed, signed by your HVACR supervising contractors
- W-2 forms that show proof of apprenticeship and journeyman year completion
- Official college transcripts for a bachelor’s degree in HVACR and a related field
- Certification of formal apprenticeship training from the U.S. Department of Labor
Registration and Permitting Requirements
You must renew your New Jersey HVACR contractor license every two years. The state board requires you to maintain a current mailing address on file so that you can receive renewal notices and related information.
Your HVACR license will expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year. You can renew online, paying a $160 fee. You must also complete five hours of continuing education prior to June 30 to be eligible for renewal, although you may be able to request a hardship waiver if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from obtaining CE credits.
EPA Certification in New Jersey
Like other states, New Jersey requires HVAC technicians to have Section 608 EPA certification. The state board does not distinguish between HVAC and general work with refrigeration equipment, so all techs must be certified. Some NJ HVAC education programs, including Pennco Tech, prepare you for this certification.
HVAC License New Jersey FAQ
How Long Is My New Jersey HVAC License Valid?
Your NJ HVAC license is valid for two years.
Can I Use My (State) HVAC License in the Other States?
New Jersey does not have an HVAC reciprocity agreement with other states. Using your license depends on the individual state’s rules about HVAC licensing. You do not need a license to practice in Colorado, Wyoming, Illinois, Vermont, Indiana, South Dakota, Kansas, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Nebraska, or Missouri.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
You can reach out to Susan Rischawy, Executive Director of the State Board of Examiners, at (973) 504-6250 or rischawys@dca.njoag.gov.
Understanding how to get an HVAC license in New Jersey can put you on the path to a stable, lucrative career.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an HVAC-R technician in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in New Jersey, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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