New York is one of the most populous states in the country, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for HVAC technicians in the state. So if you are wondering how to get an HVAC license in New York, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to get started on the road to a rewarding HVAC career.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
There are no statewide licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in New York. However, local municipalities may have licensing requirements. For example, Buffalo and New York City require anyone wishing to install, repair, or service certain types of heating and cooling equipment to obtain a license.
HVAC License Types in New York
Because licensing is handled at the county and city levels, you will find various classifications for HVAC technicians throughout New York State. New York City, Buffalo, and Syracuse offer excellent examples of the types of licenses you may need to obtain throughout New York.
New York City
Within New York City, three main types of licenses apply to heating and cooling professionals. The one(s) needed will vary depending on the kind of work you will perform and the equipment you will install or operate. All require a degree of professio32nal work experience and passing a subject examination.
The New York Department of Buildings oversees two of those licenses. They are:
Oil Burning Equipment Installer: This license has two sub-types, depending on the kinds of fuel oil burners use. A Class A Oil Burning Equipment Installer license covers any oil-burning equipment, while a Class B license covers the installation of oil-burning equipment that utilizes fuel oils (domestic grade) from one to four.
High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer: There are also two classifications of high-pressure boiler operating engineer licenses based on the type of equipment. Stationary operating engineers can use high-pressure boilers within NYC. Portable operating engineers can operate portable high-pressure boilers.
The Fire Department of New York Oversees an Additional License applicable to HVAC technicians — the Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification, which covers many types of air conditioning systems.
Syracuse
The Department of Code Enforcement issues several licenses that pertain to HVAC work. They are:
- Master Mechanical License (Class A)
- Limited Mechanical License (Classes B and C)
- Special Mechanical Licenses (Classes M, R, and S)
The major differences between the license designations are the length of professional experience you have in the field. There are also some restrictions on the type of structure (i.e., residential vs. commercial) or equipment that you can operate with each license class.
Buffalo
The City Of Buffalo Office of Fuel Devices — Board of Heating Examiners, oversees HVAC licensing in the city. There are four classes of license that apply to heating contractors, including:
- Classes IA (Chief) and IB (Class I) allow installing and serving equipment that uses specific types of fuel oil, gas, or solid fuel.
- Class II covers the installation or service of equipment that uses gas or solid fuel.
- Class III licenses allow the holder to install or service stoves, fireplaces, prefabricated fireplaces, and add-ons that use solid fuel.
New York HVAC License Requirements
Depending on the municipality, the steps for how to get an HVAC license in New York can vary widely. However, many agencies require a minimum amount of on-the-job experience. For example, both the Syracuse Department of Code Enforcement and the New York Department of Buildings separate their license classes based on the length of experience. Minimum requirements range from three to 10 years.
Insurance Requirements
New York HVAC license requirements do not require a minimum amount of insurance or surety bonds for you to work as an HVAC technician. However, there are requirements for Worker’s Compensation and unemployment insurance that your HVAC company must comply with.
Individual municipalities may require you to carry specific limits on your policies. For example, New York City has extensive insurance requirements. If you operate in more than one jurisdiction, your insurance policies must meet the highest requirements.
If you operate your own business, it is good to have a general and professional liability insurance policy. This can protect you if someone is injured or something gets damaged during your HVAC work. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
New York HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
Fee range depending on where within New York you are applying for a license. It is a good idea to contact your local board for current fees where you plan to work. Remember that you may also need to pay fees for things like background checks (which are required in some NY jurisdictions) or other verification. These fees for some of the major New York cities provide a glimpse into what you can expect in the state.
New York City
Oil Burning Equipment Installer
- $525.00 exam application fee submitted with form LIC41
- $350 fee and application for the practical exam
- $500 background investigation fee*
- $100 license issuance fee*
- $100 seal fee*
- $150 renewal fee (payable for subsequent renewals)
High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer
- $525.00 exam application fee submitted with form LIC41
- $350 fee and application for the practical exam
- $500 background investigation fee*
- $50 license issuance fee*
- $50 renewal fee (for subsequent renewals)
Refrigeration Operation Engineer
- $60 application fee for written (Z-51) exam
- $225 fee for practical (Z-52) exam
- $25 Certificate of Fitness fee
- Fee waivers may be available through certain businesses
*These NYC fees are paid through DOB Now portal
Syracuse
All fees are payable to the commissioner of Finance. Send payments and the required application to the Division of Code Enforcement, City Hall Commons, 201 E. Washington St., Syracuse, NY 13202.
- Class A – $200
- Class B – $100
- Class C – $100
- Class S – $ 75
- Class M – $100
- Class R – $ 75
Buffalo
- Chief Engineer: $125
- Class I: $100
- Class II: $75
- Class III: $50
- Exam fee: $50
New York HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
Most training for an HVAC career is done through working in the field. However, a formal training program can help prepare you for an entry-level career.
You will need to understand detailed technical information to pass any required HVAC licensing exams. Using an exam prep program to ensure you understand what will be on the appropriate exam is helpful. Many good programs — both in-person and online — offer HVAC training in New York.
HVAC License Exam Details
Municipalities may require applicants to pass a subject exam to obtain an HVAC license. For example, New York City requires examination for each of its licenses. Requirements for both the High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer and NYC Oil Burner Equipment Installer licenses include passing a written exam with a score of 70 and then passing a practical exam.
Syracuse also requires an exam administered by the licensing board at the City Hall Commons in the city.
HVAC Training Schools in New York
HVAC training in New York is available at many public and private institutions, including many community colleges throughout the state. If you are considering HVAC training, these schools may be able to help:
- Apex Technical School, New York, NY (212) 645-3300
- Branford Hall Career Institute, Bohemia, NY (631) 589-1222
- Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY (845) 431-8000
- Erie Community College, Buffalo, NY (716) 842-2770
- Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY (518) 629-4822
- Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., Rochester, NY (585) 546-1400
- Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY (315) 792-5400
- Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY (585) 292-2000
- Suffolk County Community College, Selden, NY (631) 451-4110
- Technical Career Institutes, New York, NY (212) 594-4000
Additionally, several of the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services of New York State offer HVAC training in New York. For example, the WSWHE BOCES / Meyers Education Center of Saratoga Springs offers the only HVAC Excellence-accredited program in NY. BOCES programs vary regionally, so it is best to contact your local office to learn more about their programs.
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
New York License Application
Applications can be obtained from your local licensing board. You should expect to provide, at a minimum, contact information, work history, and applicable education or training. These include:
- New York Department of Buildings
- Fire Department of New York
- Syracuse Department of Code Enforcement
- City Of Buffalo Office of Fuel Devices — Board of Heating Examiners
Registration and Permitting Requirements
Renewals are handled by the individual city or county licensing offices where you work. Most are granted after licensees submit an application and pay associated fees. Many offices are now using online renewal forms.
Continuing Education Requirements
There are no statewide continuing education requirements for New York HVAC technicians or contractors. However, individual municipalities may require a certain number of hours to renew licenses. It is a good idea to check with your local licensing board to determine their requirements.
Even if you do not need continuing education credits for license renewals, it is a great way to stay on top of changes and emerging trends in HVAC technology.
HVAC Registered Contractor Requirements in New York
New York only issues statewide general contractor licenses for crane operators and asbestos handling. Therefore, there is generally no need to obtain a New York General Contractor License to perform HVAC services.
EPA Certification in New York
Any HVAC professionals in the United States who work with refrigerants must comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards and certification, including those detailed in the Clean Air Act.
All HVAC technicians must apply for Section 608 Technician Certification. This requires training on the safe handling of refrigerants and passing an exam. There are four types of exams that you may need to take for certification depending on the type of equipment you service.
HVAC License New York FAQ
As a result of the piecemeal licensing system, many people become confused when learning how to get an HVAC license in New York. The following answers to some of the most common questions we hear about HVAC licensing in New York should help cut through that confusion.
How Long Is My New York HVAC License Valid?
License lengths within the state vary. For example, you need to renew your license every three years.
Can I Use My New York HVAC License in the Other States?
Unfortunately, New York State does not offer HVAC licensing, so you may or may not be able to operate in other states after working as an HVAC technician in New York. Outside agencies may recognize individual municipal licenses, but you must check with the governing body in the new location to find out. Reciprocity is generally based on exams and the amount of education or on-the-job training required to obtain a license in the issuing jurisdiction.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Don’t worry if you still have questions about how to get an HVAC license in New York. Because licensing is handled at the local level, it is usually a good idea to reach out to the building or permitting department where you plan to perform HVAC work. A few of the most common contacts include:
- NYC Department of Buildings, Licensing & Exams Unit, licensingdob@buildings.nyc.gov, (212) 393-2259
- FDNY Business Support Team, FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov
- Syracuse Division of Code Enforcement, CodeEnforcement@SyrGov.net, (315) 448-8695
- Buffalo Division of Fuel Devices, (716) 851-4959
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 York, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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