Understanding how to get an HVAC license in West Virginia can help you prepare for an exciting new career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Technicians in this industry who live in the state earn an average of about $50,000 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide provides all the details you need to get started in HVAC.
Who Needs an HVAC License?
All HVAC contractors who work in the state must have a license from the West Virginia Division of Labor. The state defines HVAC work as repairing, installing, maintaining, and testing cooling, ventilating, heating, and cooling systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. If you will perform HVAC work on a residence costing more than $5,000 or more than $25,000 for a commercial setting, you must instead obtain a full contractor license that includes an HVAC classification.
HVAC License Types in West Virginia
West Virginia recognizes three types of HVAC contractor licenses:
- A residential HVAC technician can work only on residential heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
- A licensed HVAC technician has completed at least 2,000 of relevant work experience and training and can work on both commercial and noncommercial systems
- A technician in training can perform HVAC work only under the supervision of a licensed or residential HVAC technician.
West Virginia HVAC License Requirements
You must take a written exam and provide a sworn affidavit of your HVAC experience to get a license to perform this type of work in West Virginia. West Virginia HVAC license requirements also mandate that you document your related work experience with client records, W-2 forms and pay stubs from employers, or other appropriate forms.
Insurance Requirements
West Virginia does not require business insurance for HVAC contractors. However, if you have employees, you must provide a copy of your workers’ compensation insurance policy to the state Division of Labor.
West Virginia HVAC Licensing and Registration Fees
The license fee for HVAC technicians in West Virginia is $25 for a technician in training, $60 for a residential technician, and $75 for a licensed technician. The state charges the same fees for license renewal.
West Virginia HVAC License Education Requirements and Exam
West Virginia requires 2,000 hours of HVAC education and/or experience to obtain a license. You also have to take an exam except for licensing as a training tech.
HVAC License Exam Details
You must take a written exam to get certified as a residential technician or a licensed technician in West Virginia. Applicants must pay an exam fee of $51.95.
The test is administered by ProV. The company offers the HVAC certification exam at these West Virginia locations:
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Room 1400, Martinsburg
- Monongalia County Technical Education Center, 1000 Mississippi Street, Room 120, Morgantown
- ProV Testing Center, 200 Association Drive, Charleston
- West Virginia Northern Community College, 1704 Market Street, Wheeling
You will receive your test results as soon as you complete the certification exam.
HVAC Training Schools in West Virginia
You can pursue HVAC training in West Virginia through programs at these schools:
Ben Franklin Career & Technical Education Center, Charleston, (304) 766-0369
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Martinsburg, (304) 260-4380
- Cabell County Career Technology Center, Huntington, (304) 528-5000
- Carver Career and Technical Center, Charleston, (304) 348-1965
- James Rumsey Technical Institute, Martinsburg, (304) 754-7925
- Putnam Career and Technical Center, Eleanor, (304) 586-3494
- Ralph W. Willis Career and Technical Center, Logan, (304) 752-4687
- West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling, (304) 233-5900
Great HVAC training can be found both in-person and online. Use our tool below to find additional programs near you.
West Virginia HVAC License Application
You can download this form from the state Division of Labor to apply for your HVAC certification. You must sign the application in the presence of a notary public.
Registration and Permitting Requirements
West Virginia does not indicate the need for a permit for HVAC contractor work.
EPA Certification in Wyoming
Under federal law, you must receive Section 608 EPA certification if you will work with refrigerants. This license requires an exam with 80 questions for a $120 fee.
HVAC License West Virginia FAQ
How Long Is My West Virginia HVAC License Valid?
West Virginia HVAC licenses are valid for 12 months. You can find the expiration date for your West Virginia HVAC license on the document itself. You will also receive a renewal notice about 45 days before the license expires.
Can I Use My West Virginia HVAC License in the Other States?
West Virginia does not have a reciprocity program for HVAC licenses, though some other states may accept your license based on their rules. In addition, you can practice HVAC work without a license in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, New York, Maine, and Colorado.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
You can get help with your HVAC license from the licensing department of the West Virginia Division of Labor. The agency offers assistance by email at Licensing@wv.gov or by phone at (304)558-7890
With our guide, you now have a comprehensive view of how to get an HVAC license in West Virginia. You can refer to this information as you embark on your brand-new career.
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 West Virginia, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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