The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry will add approximately 19,400 new mechanics and installers by 2030. Maryland is a smaller state, but it faces frigid winters and hot summers, giving it a steady demand for HVAC professionals that can install and repair systems. If you have been wondering about how to get an HVAC license in Maryland, this guide provides all the information you need on licensing requirements and training programs as well as links for applications and important information.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, “all individuals providing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration services in the State of Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors.” Considering the environmental impact of this profession and the safety standards that professionals must meet, Maryland takes violations of licensing requirements very seriously.
HVAC License Types in Maryland
There are six types of HVAC licenses in Maryland:
- An apprentice license permits highly controlled training under a licensed HVACR professional.
- A journeyman license permits the performance of HVACR work under the direction of a licensed master.
- A journeyman restricted license permits the performance of one or more HVACR services under the direction of a licensed master.
- A limited license permits the maintenance and repair of HVACR work in one or more areas.
- A master restricted license permits the installation and repair of systems in air conditioning, full heating, forced air, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and hydronic heating.
- A master license permits the installation and repair of all systems in HVACR work.
All licensing applications and issuances are done through the Maryland Department of Labor.
Maryland HVAC License Requirements
Each type of license has specific application requirements and insurance requirements:
- The apprentice license has no prerequisites.
- The journeyman license requires at least three years as an apprentice, 1,875 hours of HVACR service training under a licensed professional, a current apprentice license, and a passing exam score of 70%.
- The limited license requires two years of experience and principal employment as a journeyman under the supervision of an HVACR master, 1,000 working hours in the year before the application is submitted, a current journeyman license or higher, and a passing exam score of 70%.
- The master restricted license requires at least three years of experience as a licensed journeyman and employment under an HVACR master, 1,875 hours of work experience in the year before the application is submitted, a current journeyman license or higher, and a passing exam score of 70%.
- The master license requires at least three years of experience in all areas of HVACR services under the control of an HVACR master, 1,875 hours of work experience in the year before the application is submitted, a current journeyman license or higher, and a passing exam grade of 70%.
All applicants must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Insurance Requirements
HVAC professionals with a limited, master restricted, or master license must meet the following insurance requirements:
- General liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000
- Property damage liability coverage of at least $100,000
- A certificate of insurance with the licensed professional’s name on it
Master, master restricted, and limited contractors must keep their insurance current without lapsing to remain licensed.
Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Maryland HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
The HVACR licensing and registration fees are:
- Master license: $75
- Master restricted license: $75 for a maximum of three categories or $25 for each
- Limited license: $75
- Journeyman and journeyman restricted license: $20/each
- Apprentice: $10
These fees are accurate as of February 2022 but are subject to change.
Maryland HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
The only required education for an HVACR license is the training received through the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program. However, Maryland has accredited schools with HVACR programs that prepare you for the field.
HVAC License Exam Details
Maryland administers all examinations through PSI Examination Services, and applicants must request an information packet, containing the application and details about exam dates and locations, through PSI. Exams are currently offered in Salisbury, Baltimore, Lanham, College Park, Crofton, and Hagerstown.
There is no examination requirement for an apprentice license, and the PSI staff will use the information from the application to determine the appropriate exam type.
HVAC Training Schools in Maryland
The following accredited schools offer HVAC training in Maryland:
- Community College of Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD (443) 840-2222
- North American Trade Schools, Baltimore, MD (410) 298-4844
- Lincoln College of Technology, Columbia, MD (844) 398-6137
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
Maryland License Application
Exam applications are available online through the Maryland Department of Labor and PSI:
- The HVACR-Apprentice License Application does not require an exam or any additional documentation for submission.
- The Original Journey and Journey Restricted Application without an exam is for applicants that have completed a program approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council and have a certificate for the Department of Labor.
- The Original Journey and Journey Restricted Application with the exam is for those that want to take the full or restricted journeyman exam.
- The Original Master and Master Restricted Exam Application is for those that want to take the full master, restricted master, or limited contractor exam.
If you have already passed the exam for your desired license, you can access the license application online:
- Original Journey and Journey Restricted License Application
- Original Master, Master Restricted, and Limited License Application
- Original HVACR Inspector License Application
All exam applications must be submitted through the PSI portal.
Registration and Permitting Requirements
The apprentice license requires registration with the State Board of HVACR and the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council of the Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry. All other licenses are registered with the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors upon issuance.
General contractors working in HVACR installation must receive the appropriate HVACR license in addition to the general contractor license.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in Maryland
Maryland does not require any continued education for licensed HVACR professionals at any level.
EPA Certification in Maryland
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates, under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, that all HVAC professionals in the country obtain EPA certification. Technicians must pass an exam specific to the type of certification they seek. The four types of certification are:
- Type I permits servicing of small appliances with less than five pounds of refrigerant.
- Type II permits servicing or disposing of high-pressure appliances with the exception of small appliances.
- Type III permits servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
- Universal permits the servicing or disposing of all appliances without restrictions.
Each test covers topics specific to the certification, but they all include the Core section, which covers:
- The Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol
- The three Rs: recover, recycle, reclaim
- Dehydration evacuation
- Environmental impacts, such as ozone depletion
- Substitute refrigerants and oils
- Recovery techniques
- Refrigeration
- Regulations under Section 608
- Safety and Shipping
You can learn more about the specifics of each type’s test on the EPA website.
By now you should better understand how to get an HVAC license in Maryland. The state places heavy restrictions and penalties on servicing or installing HVACR systems without proper licensing. If you are ready to start your HVAC career, be sure to apply for your apprentice license right away before you begin working.
HVAC License Maryland FAQ
How Long Is My Maryland HVAC License Valid?
Every license must be renewed every two years. The renewal cost is $20.
Can I Use My Maryland HVAC License in the Other States?
Maryland has reciprocal agreements with Delaware and Virginia.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
For additional information, you can visit the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors 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 Maryland, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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