North to south, Idaho’s climate is very diverse, but the state stays in the cooler temperatures year-round. With a need for heating services throughout a large part of the year, the demand for HVAC professionals is projected to increase more than 15% by 2028. If you are considering a career in heating and cooling and need to know how to get an HVAC license in Idaho, this guide provides a thorough outline of the process, including types of licenses, applicable fees, training resources, and application process.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
HVAC professionals of any type must have a license or registration through the Idaho Division of Building Safety to legally perform any work on heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in the state. Additionally, there are licenses for specialties that cover:
- Installation of fuel gas piping
- Installation, maintenance, servicing, and repair of LP gas appliances, fuel gas piping, and exhaust venting
- Installation of hearth appliances with gas lines
- Installation of waste oil heaters not connected to ductwork
HVAC professionals who work with waste oil heaters cannot install plumbing, electrical, venting, or other equipment. Those must be installed by professionals in the particular field.
HVAC License Types in Idaho
There are three different types of HVAC registrations and licenses in Idaho:
- An HVAC Apprentice registration allows installation, improvement, extension, repair, or alteration of HVAC systems under the supervision and direction of a licensed HVAC contractor.
- An HVAC Journeyman license allows the performance of or supervision of installation, improvement, extension, repair, or alteration of HVAC systems under the direction of a licensed HVAC contractor.
- An HVAC Contractor license allows the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems, gas-fired heating systems that require special venting or piping without supervision.
There are also three specialty licenses covering the aforementioned specialties:
- A Specialty HVAC Apprentice can perform the work of a registered HVAC apprentice to train in the allotted specialties.
- A Specialty HVAC Journeyman can perform the work of a licensed HVAC journeyman in the allotted specialties.
- A Specialty HVAC Contractor can perform the work of an HVAC contractor as well as work and train apprentices and journeymen in the specialty fields.
You must obtain an apprentice registration and complete the requirements before applying for a journeyman license.
Idaho HVAC License Requirements
The requirements for each type of license are:
- HVAC Apprentice: Complete the Application for HVAC Apprentice Work Registration and turn it in in person or by mail along with the fee and your notarized signature. Complete four years of training under the supervision of an HVAC journeyman or contractor, and complete vocational training courses in mechanical engineering and principles of thermodynamics before moving on to the journeyman application.
- HVAC Journeyman: Submit a notarized employer verification of four years of training as an apprentice along with the notarized Application for HVAC Journeyman License, application fee, copy of a picture ID, and transcripts from the training courses. Once the application is accepted, you will receive an examination registration form that allows you to sit for the HVAC journeyman’s exam.
- HVAC Contractor: Submit the completed and notarized Application for HVAC Contractor License along with the fee and proof of two years of experience working as a journeyman. When your application is approved, you will receive a notification that you can schedule your exam.
The requirements for a specialty license are:
- Specialty HVAC Apprentice: minimum age of 18, meet the requirement of an HVAC apprenticeship, and pay a $20 registration fee along with the Application for HVAC Specialty Apprentice Work Registration
- Specialty HVAC Journeyman: meet the requirements for an HVAC Journeyman license, complete the Application for HVAC Specialty Journeyman License along with the $35 fee
- Specialty HVAC Contractor: submit an Application for HVAC Specialty Contractor License and provide a compliance bond for $2,000, proof of two years as a Specialty HVAC Journeyman, and complete the required exam
Once you meet all the requirements, your license or registration is with the Idaho Division of Building Safety.
Insurance Requirements
All HVAC contractors and Specialty HVAC contractors must purchase general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000. Contractors who plan to hire employees also need workers’ compensation insurance. Businesses with work-related equipment and vehicles should consider obtaining commercial auto insurance and commercial property insurance, but it is not required for HVAC licensing.
Get a free, no obligation business insurance quote below:
Idaho HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
The licensing and registration fees are:
- $50 for the HVAC apprentice registration
- $35 for the HVAC journeyman license application
- $35 for the HVAC contractor application fee
- $75 for all license renewals
- $110 for a late renewal
- $100 for the Pearson VUE exam fee
These fees are accurate as of February 2022 but are subject to change.
Idaho HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
The only education requirements are the completion of vocational training courses in mechanical engineering and principles of thermodynamics during the apprenticeship. You can register for those classes at one of the training schools listed below.
HVAC License Exam Details
All applicable HVAC exams are open book and in four-option multiple-choice format. The journeyman exam includes a section of fill-in-the-blank questions. Results are provided at the end of the exam. You must pass with a minimum of 70%, but if you fail, you can apply for reexamination and submit another fee.
The types of exams are:
- Idaho HVAC Journeyman’s Exam 2012 Code
- Idaho HVAC Contractor’s Exam
- Idaho HVAC Hearth Specialty Journeyman’s Exam 2012 Code
- Idaho HVAC Waste Oil Specialty Journeyman’s Exam 2012 Code
- Idaho HVAC Fuel Gas Piping Specialty Journeyman’s Exam 2012 Code
You are allotted four hours for the standard license exams, three hours for the hearth specialty, and two hours for the waste oil and fuel gas piping exams. The Division of Building Safety also offers a list of approved references materials to bring to the exam.
HVAC Training School in Idaho
The following schools offer HVAC training in Idaho:
- College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID (208) 732-6300
- Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID (208) 792-5272
- HVAC Career Training-Idaho/HVAC Career Now, Accepts statewide, ID (866) 893-0703
- Inland Northwest HVAC Training Center, Spokane, WA (509) 747-8810
- North Idaho College, Coeur D Alene, ID (208) 769-3304
- HVACRedu.net, online (888) 655-4822
Only the College of Southern Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College are currently accredited by HVAC Excellence and the Partnership of Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation.
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
Idaho License Application
All registration and licensing applications are available on the Idaho Division of Building Safety website in downloadable versions. Each application provides detailed instructions on the necessary supplemental documents. Read and follow them thoroughly to submit a complete application.
Registration and Permitting Requirements
All building projects in Idaho require permits, including projects that require HVAC installation. HVAC contractors must submit an Application for Contractor Permit before starting an HVAC project.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in Idaho
There are no continuing education requirements for licensed HVAC journeymen or contractors in Idaho.
EPA Certification in Idaho
Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires that all HVAC technicians and contractors in the U.S. must obtain EPA certification. You must pass an EPA-approved exam with a Core test section. There are four types of EPA certification:
- Type I allows the service of small appliances.
- Type II allows the service of high-pressure or very high-pressure appliances, except for small appliances and MVACs.
- Type III allows the servicing and disposing of low-pressure appliances.
- Universal certification allows the servicing of all types of equipment.
EPA certification does not expire. Apprentices are not required to complete EPA certification while under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor.
By now you should understand how to get an HVAC license in Idaho. If you start with no experience, you could expect to reach contractor status within six to eight years. If you would like to increase your potential for a higher annual salary, you may also consider the North American Technician Excellence certification to prove that you have additional training in HVAC services.
HVAC License Idaho FAQ
How Long Is My Idaho HVAC License Valid?
All HVAC licenses issued in Idaho required renewal every three years. They expire on the date of issuance, and if you miss the deadline, you must pay a late renewal fee of $110.
Can I Use My Idaho HVAC License in Any Other States?
No, Idaho has no reciprocal agreements with any other states.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
For further questions, contact the State of Idaho Division of Building Safety HVAC Bureau:
- For license application questions call (208) 334-6180
- For HVAC permit questions call (800) 955-3044
- To schedule an inspection call (800) 839-9239
For more information, go to the Division of Building Safety website.
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 Idaho, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
Call Us