According to state employment data, the average salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Nebraska is $54,813 per year. Entry-level jobs pay around $37,745 per year and experienced contractors make an average of $64,133 per year. To legally perform HVAC work in the state you must learn how to get an HVAC license in Nebraska.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
There are no Nebraska HVAC license requirements. Some cities and towns have local requirements. Check with the city building department in the city you want to work in for specific requirements.
HVAC License Types in Nebraska
The City of Omaha requires one of several types of Air Control and Distribution licenses to perform HVAC work in the city:
Master ACAD Contractor Commercial or Residential
This license permits a person to install, repair, alter, service, add to or change any air conditioning and air distribution system. A commercial license is required for work on commercial property and a residential license for work on residential property.
Journeyman ACAD License
This license permits a person to install, alter or replace a commercial or residential air conditioning, exhaust, or air distribution system.
Journeyman Sheet Metal Commercial or Residential License
The commercial license allows a person to install commercial or residential sheet metal ductwork. A residential license holder can only perform residential ductwork.
Apprentice ACAD/Sheet Metal Installer
If you are training to install, replace or alter commercial or residential air conditioning or air distribution systems you must register with the permits and inspection division.
Nebraska HVAC License Requirements
Omaha License Requirements
The City of Omaha requires licensing or registration as a master, journeyman, or apprentice. Additionally, to qualify for a master ACAD contractor license, you must register your name, residence, and place of business with the permits and inspections division.
Master ACAD Contractor Requirements
- Eight or more years experience installing ACAD systems or four or more years experience after obtaining a journeyman ACAD license
- Pass an examination with a minimum score of 75% unless the applicant has a valid Nebraska, Bellevue, or Iowa master ACAD contractor license with an exam score of 75% or higher
- Post bond and proof of insurance
- Submit application, fee, and supporting documentation to the permits and inspection division and be available at the next scheduled board meeting to answer questions
Journeyman ACAD or Sheet Metal License
- Five or more years experience installing ACAD systems or four or more years experience installing ACAD systems for a master ACAD contractor or substitute post-high school education or NATE Core and installation certifications for up to two years experience
- Pass an examination with a minimum score of 75% for an ACAD license or 70% for a sheet metal license unless the applicant has a valid Nebraska, Bellevue, or Iowa journeyman license with an equivalent exam score
- Submit application, fee, and supporting documentation to the permits and inspection division
Apprentice Registration
- Register name, address, and place of employment with permits and inspections division by December 31 of each year
- Pay registration fee
- Provide proof of employment by a licensed master ACAD contractor
Statewide Insurance Requirements
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you have at least one employee, you must furnish a current Workers’ Compensation Certificate of Insurance (ACORD 25). The Department of Labor must be listed as the certificate holder.
Submit your ACORD 25 certificate:
Fax: 402-471-5039
Email: ndol.contractorregistration@nebraska.gov
Mail: Nebraska Department of Labor
Labor Standards
550 S. 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68509
Lincoln Insurance and Bonding Requirements
Commercial Liability Insurance
HVAC contractors must carry a $500,000 general liability insurance policy.
Contractors must email documents to prove they have met the insurance requirements to BldInsurance@lincoln.ne.gov.
If you will be doing any work in the city right-of-way, you must also have a one-year renewable, original License and Permit bond or a cashier’s check payable to the City of Lincoln for $5,000.
Fremont Insurance Requirements
The city of Fremont requires contractors to have a certificate of liability insurance that meets the minimum requirements for the registration type:
- General contractors – $250,000
- Master Mechanical – $1,000,000
Omaha Insurance and Bonding Requirements
A person with a master ACAD license must carry a minimum $300,000 liability insurance policy and a minimum $10,000 corporate surety bond. Proof must be emailed to Mechanical@cityofomaha.org.
Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Nebraska HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
Nebraska General Contractor Fee
You must pay a $40 annual registration fee to the Nebraska Department of Labor for your general contractor license unless you are self-employed and pay $3,000 or less per year to employ others.
Lincoln License Fees
The City of Lincoln requires HVAC professionals to register with the city and pay a registration fee:
- Master – $350
- Contractor – $50
- Inactive Master – $25
- Journeyman – $15
Fremont Registration Fees
HVAC professionals working in Fremont must register with the office of the code official and pay a registration fee:
- General contractors – $50
- Master Mechanical – $75
- Journeyman Mechanical – $30
- Apprentice Mechanical – $30
Additionally, you must pay a permit fee that varies depending on the project.
Fremont Exam Fees
Applicants for journeyman or master registrations must pass an approved exam and pay the exam fee:
- Master exam – $150
- Journeyman exam – $140
- Prometric processing fee – $65 if the exam is taken at a Prometric center
You may mail a check or money order with your application or provide your credit card information on the application or by phone at 877-457-6482.
Bellevue Permit Fees
The City of Bellevue charges varying permit fees based on the work being done:
- Permit issuance – $23.50
- Supplemental permit issuance – $7.25
- Unit fees – see unit fee schedule
Omaha License Fees
The licensing fee for the City of Omaha is $25.
Omaha Permit Fees
Permit fees vary depending on the work being done. You can find a complete schedule of fees on the City of Omaha website.
These fees are accurate as of the time of writing but are subject to change.
Nebraska HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
There are no statewide education requirements to perform HVAC work. Some cities in the state have local requirements.
Even if you are not required to complete HVAC training in Nebraska, there are many good online and in-person training programs that can help you prepare for a career in the HVAC industry.
HVAC License Exam Details
Fremont
To register as a journeyman or master, you must pass an approved National Inspection Testing Certification exam or equivalent.
NITC STAR HVACR Mastery Exam
To qualify you must provide proof of at least five years of HVACR work or that you are in the fifth year of an HVACR training program and submit a completed application.
Fax: 213-351-7632
Email: starcerts@nationalitc.com
Mail: National Headquarters
501 Shatto Place, Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90020
You can find detailed information about the exam in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
NITC Journey Level HVAC
To qualify you must have at least four years of experience installing HVAC systems and have completed a UA training program or equivalent and submit an application and fee.
You can find detailed information about the exam in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Exams are offered at Prometric centers.
The closest location is:
5715 South 34th ST, Suite 300
Lincoln, NE 68516
Omaha
Exams are given by Prometric. Applicants for a master’s commercial license must pass the Commercial Air Conditioning and Master Sheet Metal exams.
Applicants for a master’s residential license must pass the Residential Air Conditioning exam.
Applicants for a Commercial Journeyman license must pass the Journeyman Unlimited Air Conditioning or Journeyman Limited Air Conditioning or Journeyman Sheet Metal exam.
HVAC Training Schools in Nebraska
- Central Community College, Hastings, NE, 402-463-9811
- Metropolitan Community College, Elkhorn, NE, 402-457-2400
- Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte, NE, 308-535-3600
- Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE, 402-844-7230
- Southeast Community College, Milford, NE, 800-733-7223
- Standard Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Omaha, NE, 402-339-6700
- Steamfitters & Plumbers Local Union 464, Omaha, NE, 402-333-5859
- Vatterott College, Omaha, NE, 402-392-1300
- Associated Builders & Contractors, Lincoln, NE, 402-477-4451
- Associated Builders & Contractors, Omaha, NE, 402-344-4258
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
Nebraska License Application
Omaha
Master and Journeyman ACAD License Application
You must submit a written application to the permits and inspections division and pay the exam fee to take the licensing exam. Once approved, you have 180 days to take the exam.
ACAD/Sheet Metal Installers Apprentice Registration
Mail your completed application and registration fee to:
City of Omaha Planning Department
Planning Department
Permits & Inspections Division
1819 Farnam Street Suite 1110
Omaha, NE 68183
Lincoln
Applications for master, contractor, journeymen, and tech licenses and registrations for apprentices can be obtained through the Visual Vault.
Registration and Permitting Requirements
Fremont
The city of Fremont requires contractors performing HVAC work to submit a plumbing and mechanical permit application to obtain a permit and register with the city.
There are four types of registration that each has specific requirements:
General Contractors
- Pay fee
- Complete application
- Provide proof of insurance
- Furnish proof of registration with the Nebraska Labor Department
Master Mechanical Registration
- Pay fee
- Complete application
- Provide proof of passed examination from the National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation or an unexpired and unrevoked registration from an agency with similar examination procedures
- Furnish proof of insurance
- The complete United States Citizenship Attestation Form
Journeyman Mechanical Registration
- Pay fee
- Complete application
- Provide proof of passed examination from the National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation or an unexpired and unrevoked registration from an agency with similar examination procedures
- Complete United States Citizenship Attestation Form
Apprentice Mechanical Registration
- Pay fee
- Complete application
- Complete United States Citizenship Attestation Form
Additionally, you must schedule an inspection by calling the Inspection Hotline at 402-727-2657 or emailing the department of building safety at building@fremontne.gov.
Submit your registration application to:
City of Fremont Nebraska
400 East Military Ave
Fremont, NE 68025
Phone: 402-727-2638
Fax: 402-727-2659
Bellevue
The City of Bellevue requires you to submit an application and the required fee to obtain a mechanical permit to install or replace HVAC equipment.
Omaha
The City of Omaha requires a mechanical permit to install, repair, alter or replace any air conditioning or air distribution system, exhaust system, or equipment. You may apply online or by paper application. The city provides an online tool to help you determine which permits you to need.
Paper applications can be completed at:
Omaha Civic Center
1819 Farnam Street, Room 1110
Omaha, NE 68183
Renewal Requirements
Nebraska
You must renew your license online annually and pay a $40 renewal fee.
Omaha
- ACAD Master – $50 fee and 4 continuing education hours
- ACAD Journeyman – $35 fee and 4 continuing education hours
- Apprentice ACAD/Sheet Metal – $25 fee
All licenses expire on 12/31 of each year.
Fremont
The annual renewal fee for all registrations is $30.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in Nebraska
All HVAC contractors and subcontractors must have a general contractor license unless they only perform work on their own property or earn less than $5,000 per year. You do not need to take an exam, but you must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.
EPA Certification in Nebraska
Technicians who service, maintain, repair, or dispose of equipment that can release refrigerants into the air must be certified according to section 308 of the Clean Air Act. To obtain certification, you must pass the EPA-approved test that corresponds with the type of equipment you work with.
There are four types of certifications:
- Small appliances
- High or very high-pressure appliances that are not small appliances or motor vehicle air conditioners
- Low-pressure appliances
- All types of equipment
You can find detailed information about testing topics on the EPA site.
HVAC License Nebraska FAQ
How Long Is My Nebraska HVAC License Valid?
Omaha licenses and Fremont registrations must be renewed annually.
Can I Use My Nebraska HVAC License in the Other States?
Some cities have agreements with other cities that may allow you to use your local HVAC license in multiple cities.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Nebraska Contractor Registration Information
Nebraska Department of Labor
Labor Law / Contractor Registration
550 So. 16th Street, 3rd Floor
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 471-2239
Fax: (402) 471-5039
Email: NDOL.ContractorRegistration@nebraska.gov
Lincoln Insurance Requirements
Email: BldInsurance@lincoln.ne.gov
Omaha Permits and Inspections
City of Omaha Planning Department
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1100
Omaha, NE 68183-1100
Phone: 402-444-5350 ext. 2122 ask for the Mechanical Clerk
Email: Permit.Info@cityofomaha.org
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 Nebraska, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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