Learning a skilled trade like heating and air conditioning installation and repair can open up many career opportunities. Some HVAC contractors own their own business, while others leave bidding and job site management to others. Either way, you will need to have a license to perform HVAC work in Oklahoma. This guide will help you understand how to get an HVAC license in Oklahoma so that you can begin your career.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
According to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, anyone repairing, servicing, or installing any cooling, heating, or refrigeration product, system, or equipment must obtain the necessary HVAC license. This applies to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Regulations are clearly outlined in the state Mechanical Licensing Act.
HVAC License Types in Oklahoma
There are three main types of HVAC licenses in Oklahoma: mechanical apprentice, journeyman, and contractor. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board issues all three. Contractors and Journeymen are further subdivided into limited and unlimited classifications, with an added limited residential option for a Mechanical Journeyman. In addition, several specialty licenses include refrigeration, natural gas piping, process piping, sheet metal, and ground source piping.
Mechanical Apprentice
Almost anyone over the age of 16 can register as an HVAC apprentice. This is a limited license that allows you to work under the direct supervision of a licensed Mechanical Journeyman or Contractor. No more than three apprentices may work under one contractor at a time.
Mechanical Journeyman
There are three main categories of mechanical journeyman licenses: HVAC limited, HVAC unlimited, and limited residential.
An HVAC Limited Journeyman license allows you to work on:
- Cooling products, systems, or equipment with a cooling capacity of no more than twenty-five tons
- Heating equipment with a heat input of no more than 500,000 Btu/h per appliance
- Sheet metal, natural gas piping, and refrigeration
An HVAC Unlimited License removes size restrictions on heating and cooling equipment.
A Limited Residential Journeyman License confers limited work privileges. It allows a holder to install complete new systems in new single-family construction. These are limited to cooling systems of 5-ton or less, heating systems of 150,000 Btu/h or less, and certain related accessories.
Mechanical Contractor
The two categories of Mechanical Contractor License are limited and unlimited. These are divided according to the same size guidelines as Journeyman licenses. HVAC/R Unlimited Contractors can work on any heating systems, cooling products, natural gas piping, and refrigeration systems regardless of size. HVAC/R Limited Contractors are restricted to:
- Cooling products, systems, or equipment with a cooling capacity of no more than twenty-five tons
- Heating equipment with a heat input of no more than 500,000 Btu/h per appliance
- Sheet metal, natural gas piping, and refrigeration
Oklahoma HVAC License Requirements
There are different minimum age requirements for each of the three mechanical licenses. Individuals wishing to register as mechanical apprentices must be at least 16 years of age at the time of application. Journeyman must be at least 18, and contractor must be at least 19 years old.
There are also work requirements for journeymen and contractors. The former must have three years of work experience on relevant mechanical systems while the latter must have an additional year of experience. This must be documented on the application for examination.
Applicants must pass a mechanical examination to obtain a license. PSI Examination Services administer this. Applicants are provided with additional information about testing once the CIB approves their application for examination.
Insurance Requirements
Oklahoma required contractors to secure a surety bond for $5,000 and general liability insurance for at least $50,000 per occurrence in order to maintain their license. However, a contractor may waive this requirement by submitting a Mechanical Affidavit form if only working on a single property.
Contractors who are also business owners may be required to maintain workers’ compensation, unemployment, and auto insurance. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Oklahoma HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
Application and licensing fees are due with your completed application. Application, renewal, and late fees should be made payable to Construction Industries Board and sent to:
Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
2401 N.W. 23rd Street, Suite 2F
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Exam fees are paid directly to PSI Exams when registering for the Mechanical and Business and Law tests.
Contractor Fees
- Contractors application: $30.00
- Initial contractor license: $300.00
- Renewal contractor license: $200.00
- Renewal contractor late fee: $100.00
- Exam Fee: $100 (payable to PSI Exams)
Journeyman Fees
- Journeyman application: $25.00
- Initial journeyman license: $50.00
- Renewal journeyman license: $75.00
- Renewal journeyman late fee: $25.00
- Exam Fee: $100 (payable to PSI Exams)
Apprentice Fees
- Apprentice application: $5.00
- Apprentice registration: $20.00
Oklahoma offers a one-time low-income fee waiver to eligible applicants. See OAC 158:1-3-13(c) regarding eligibility on a one-time, one-year fee waiver.
All fees are current as of the time of writing. However, they are subject to change. Current fees can be found on the CIB website.
Oklahoma HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
There are no education or experience requirements for apprentice registration. To qualify for the journeyman exam and license, an applicant must have three years of verifiable employment in a relevant field. Oklahoma HVAC license requirements for mechanical contractors mandate a minimum of four years of documented work experience in a mechanical trade. Approved educational programs can be substituted for a portion of the work requirements.
There are some exceptions to the work and education requirements. For example, approved military training in mechanical trades or a contractor’s license from another state may be substituted for educational or work experience with board approval.
Regardless of requirements, formal training can help you stay on top of new types of equipment and emerging trends in the industry. Many good programs offer HVAC training in Oklahoma, both online and in-person, that can help prepare you for a career in HVAC.
HVAC License Exam Details
Applicants must get board approval before registering for the mechanical contractor exam. There are two portions to the exam: HVACR Con Unlimited and Mechanical Business and Law. Both are administered by computer at a PSI testing location.
HVACR Con Unlimited
This portion of the exam is 100 questions. You have 240minutes to complete it. Test takers must get 75% of the questions correct to pass.
Mechanical Business and Law
This portion of the exam contains 50 questions. You will have 120 minutes to take the Mechanical Business and Law exam and must get 75% of the questions correct to pass.
Testing Locations
PSI Examination Services has several testing locations throughout the state, including:
- 3800 N Classen Blvd, Ste C-20, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
- 2840 E. 51st Street, Suite 215, Tulsa, OK 74105
- 21 East Carl Albert Parkway (US Hwy 270), McAlester, Oklahoma 74501
- 1915 Oklahoma Ave, Suite 3, Woodward, OK 73801
- Great Plains Technology Center, 4500 SW Lee Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505
HVAC Training Schools in Oklahoma
The following schools are among those listed by the CIB as having approved mechanical training programs:
- Arlington Career Institute, Grand Prairie, TX (972) 284-0881
- Austin Community College, Austin, TX (512) 223-6090
- Autry Technology Center, Enid, OK (580) 242-2750
- Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center, Ft. Cobb, OK (405) 643-3222
- Canadian Valley Technology Centers, Chickasha, and El Reno, OK (405) 224-7220 or (405) 262-2629
- Central Tech Center, Sapulpa, OK (918) 224-9300
- Chickasaw Institute, Ada, OK (580) 310-7904
- Eastern Okla. County Technology Center, Choctaw, OK (405) 390-9591
- Francis Tuttle Technology, Oklahoma City, OK (405) 717-7799
- Indian Capital Technology Centers, Muskogee, Sallisaw, and Tahlequah, OK (918) 686-7565
- Lexington Skills Center, Lexington, and Alva, OK (405) 377-2000
- Meridian Technology Center, Stillwater, OK (405) 377-3333
- Moore-Norman Technology Center, Norman, OK (405) 801-5000
- Northeast Technology Center, Pryor, OK (918) 825-7040
- Oklahoma Community College, Oklahoma City, OK (405) 682-1611
- Oklahoma Technical College, Tulsa, OK (918) 895-7500
- Platt College, Moore, OK (405) 912-3260
- Red River Technology Center, Duncan, OK (580) 255-2903
- Southern Oklahoma Technology Center, Ardmore, OK (580) 223-2070
- Tri-County Technology Center, Bartlesville, OK (918) 331-3333
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
Oklahoma License Application
The Oklahoma Mechanical License Application is straightforward. It requires a notary signature in two locations. You should be prepared to provide the following information on your application:
- Name and contact information
- Type and sub classification of license applying for
- Proof of surety bond and liability insurance certificate
- Documentation of work experience
- Affidavit of lawful presence in the U.S.
Registration and Permitting Requirements
In addition to Oklahoma HVAC license requirements, you may need to register with local municipalities. It is a good idea to check with local building departments before working in a new area.
Renewal Requirements
HVAC contractors and technicians must apply for renewal every three years. This is done by submitting the appropriate renewal form, proof of current insurance and a surety bond, and the required fees (by check or money order) to:
Construction Industries Board
2401 NW 23rd, Suite 2F
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Continuing Education Requirements
Oklahoma HVAC license requirements mandate contractors and journeymen obtain a minimum of six continuing education credit hours every three years. The CIB provides a comprehensive list of eligible courses that meet board requirements.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in Oklahoma
There are several other requirements for maintaining a mechanical license in Oklahoma. These include:
- Displaying your license number according to the following:
- All work vehicles must display the firm name and the license number preceded by “OK”
- Letters and numerals must be at least two inches high and placed on both sides of each vehicle in contrasting colors
- The license number must be displayed on all advertising, contracts, and bids
- Maintaining general liability insurance and a surety bond
Oklahoma does not offer a state general contractor’s license. However, contractors may opt to obtain additional specialty licenses if they want to perform work beyond the scope of mechanical systems, such as electrical or plumbing systems.
EPA Certification in Oklahoma
All contractors and technicians who handle refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. Technicians must pass an exam given by an EPA-approved test administrator to get one of the four types of certification. This is a lifetime credential that does not expire.
HVAC License Oklahoma FAQ
This guide contains a lot of information about how to get an HVAC license in Oklahoma. While we can’t anticipate every question you may have, we can provide answers to some we hear most often. These FAQs can help you find answers to any questions you may still have.
How Long Is My Oklahoma HVAC License Valid?
All Oklahoma HVAC licenses are valid for no more than one year. The journeyman and contractor licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. An apprentice registration is valid for one year.
Can I Use My Oklahoma HVAC License in the Other States?
Oklahoma has detailed laws regarding reciprocity, but they do not currently have reciprocal licenses with any other states. However, you may be able to use documented work experience in another state to satisfy Oklahoma HVAC license requirements.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
If you still have questions about how to get an HVAC license in Oklahoma, consider reaching out to the Oklahoma Constructions Industries Board. They can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. t 4:30 p.m. by calling (877) 484-4424.
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 Oklahoma, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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