Licensing Guides
Nebraska HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Nebraska
HVAC, NE
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Nebraska?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Nebraska
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Nebraska?
Learning a trade in the construction industry requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Nebraska employs 3,080 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Nebraska, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 13% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Nebraska in July 2025 totaled 64,400, an increase of 2,500 (4.0%) from July 2024 and an increase of 8,100 (14%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing HVAC and refrigeration systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Nebraska issues HVAC licenses at the local level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Nebraska
Is a state license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Nebraska?
No, Nebraska doesn’t mandate licenses for HVAC apprentices, HVAC technicians, or HVAC contractors at the state level.
However, some municipalities, including Omaha and Lincoln, require local HVAC licenses or HVAC certifications to work on HVAC systems.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Nebraska
There are no statewide HVAC licenses. Here are the license types in Omaha and Lincoln.
Omaha
There are three Air Conditioning/Air Distribution license types in Omaha:
ACAD Apprentice — A person engaged in training to become qualified to install, alter, or replace any commercial or residential air conditioning/air distribution system.
ACAD Journeyman — A skilled technician who has completed an apprenticeship program and is qualified to install, alter, and replace HVAC systems.
ACAD Master — A highly skilled and experienced professional with a comprehensive understanding of HVAC principles, codes, and regulations. They can operate their own business, train other technicians, and design large or complex systems.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
HVAC LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must register with the ACAD Board and pay a registration fee.
An employed, licensed ACAD Master must sign the registration application.
An apprentice shall not perform work on any commercial or residential ACAD project unless they are under the direct supervision of a holder of a master ACAD contractor license, journeyman ACAD license, journeyman sheet metal commercial license, or journeyman sheet metal residential license.
Journeyman license
Meet one of the following experience requirements:
Five or more years of experience in the installation of ACAD systems.
Four or more years verifiable experience employed by a licensed master ACAD contractor in the installation of ACAD systems.
Note: Up to two years of post-high school education can count toward the experience requirement. Obtaining a NATE Core certificate can also count toward two years of the required experience.
Submit application with application fee.
Pass required exam with a 75% score or higher.
Master
Meet one of the following experience requirements:
Eight or more years of verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems.
Four or more years verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems employed by a licensed master ACAD contractor after obtaining a journeyman ACAD technician license from the City of Omaha.
Submit application with application fee.
Pass required exam with a 75% score or higher.
Obtain a $10,000 surety bond and $300,000 of general liability insurance.
Lincoln
The City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety is responsible for issuing HVAC licenses in Lincoln. Candidates can pursue an apprentice license, journeyman mechanical technician license, or a master mechanical contractor license.
Apprentice — To get started, candidates need to register their apprenticeship with the City of Lincoln. Apprentices need to demonstrate three years of work experience to become eligible to move on to the journeyman level. There is no required fee to register as an apprentice.
Journeyman — After completing the required apprentice training, candidates can apply to take the journeyman licensing exam via VisualVault. Candidates need to pay a $15 registration fee, as well as a $100 examination fee. The exam covers the Lincoln Fuel Gas Code and the Lincoln Gas Piping Code and International Code Council. You'll find all of the requirements on the website.
Master — This license permits the licensee to own an HVAC business and train up to three apprentices. After working as a licensed journeyman for at least one year, candidates become eligible to register to take the contractor exam via VisualVault. Contractors need to pay a $150 registration fee, as well as a $350 examination fee. The exam covers the Lincoln Fuel Gas Code and the Lincoln Gas Piping Code and International Code Council. You'll find all of the requirements on the website.
Additionally, master mechanical contractors need to hold minimum liability insurance coverage of $500,000 and complete at least eight hours of continuing education each year.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Nebraska
The steps vary depending on locality, but generally include:
Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
Enroll in an apprentice program.
Apply for an apprentice registration.
Gain the appropriate amount of work experience under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master.
Apply for, take, and pass exam for journey level license.
Apply for journey level post license, meeting all requirements and paying a fee. Receive journey license.
Gain work experience as a licensed journeyperson working under the supervision of a licensed master.
Apply for, take, and pass an exam for master level license.
Apply for a master level license, meeting all requirements and paying a fee. Receive master license.
Obtain required insurance and surety bond.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Nebraska
There are many benefits to getting a local HVACR/Mechanical license in Nebraska:
Most importantly, most jurisdictions require you to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level, beginning as an apprentice.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Nebraska?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Nebraska is $58,630, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Nebraska, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,600
Senior (4-7 years): $73,400
Supervisor (>7 years): $86,400
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Nebraska?
The cost to get an HVAC license in Nebraska depends on the jurisdiction. In Omaha, there’s a $27 apprentice application fee. The journeyman exam application fee is $64.80, and the initial license fee is $37.80. The master exam fee is $81, and the license fee is $54.
There’s no apprentice registration fee in Lincoln. Journeyman candidates need to pay a $15 registration fee, as well as a $100 examination fee. Master contractors need to pay a $150 registration fee, as well as a $350 examination fee.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Nebraska
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Nebraska, the process for becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional differs depending on the locality, but generally requires:
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. Most localities require an apprenticeship.
Registered apprenticeship programs range from one year to five years, but for HVAC/mechanical apprentices they are usually four to five years long. Once you are enrolled in either a union or non-union apprenticeship, you must apply for an apprentice license and pay the application fee.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: At each of the following levels of licensure — Journeyperson or Master — you must submit an exam application and pay a fee, then pass the required exam.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After successfully passing an examination, you will need to apply for a license and pay a fee. Master candidates often need a contractor bond and general liability insurance, too.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Nebraska?
The length of required training in Nebraska varies by the type of license and municipality, but it typically takes three to four years of apprentice training to become a journeyman, and an additional one to four years to become a contractor.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Nebraska HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Nebraska requires HVAC professionals to begin their career journey in a registered apprenticeship, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are several options to choose from.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Nebraska:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Nebraska
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Nebraska community colleges is approximately $4,615 per year for in-state students and $5,803 for out-of-state students
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Nebraska. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 464 out of Omaha or Sheet Metal Workers Local 3, also in Omaha.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Nebraska. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Nebraska, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Nebraska.
Nebraska HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Omaha exams are administered through Pearson Vue and require a grade of 75% or higher to pass. In Lincoln, you must pass a Journeyman Gas Piping Code Test through the city and the computer-based National Standard Journeyman Mechanical exam #G31 at an ICC-approved remote test site.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Nebraska?
This depends on the locality. Omaha and Lincoln both use national ICC exams for their journeyman and master licenses. The G31 Journeyman exam consists of 50 questions, and has a three-hour time limit. Topics include:
Administration General Regulations
Appliances and Mechanical Equipment
Exhaust and Ventilation Systems
Duct Systems
Combustion Air
Chimneys and Vents
Gas Piping and Fuel Supply Systems
The G29 Master exam consists of 100 questions, and has a four-hour time limit. Topics are the same.
The City of Lincoln Journeyman Gas Piping Code Test has a one-hour time limit. It is based upon the Lincoln Municipal Code 24.05, Lincoln Gas Piping Systems Code.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Nebraska?
HVAC licenses are issued locally. In Omaha, The City of Omaha Planning Department Air Conditioning/Air Distribution (ACAD) board oversees local licensing. The City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety is responsible for issuing HVAC licenses in Lincoln.
Does My Nebraska HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Since licenses are issued locally, there aren’t reciprocity agreements with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Nebraska?
Requirements must be met at the local level to achieve licensure in Nebraska. Some cities offer reciprocity with each other if they use the same exam for licensing.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Nebraska, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Nebraska
Nebraska requires all state contractors, regardless of trade, to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor and submit a certificate of workers' compensation insurance.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Nebraska?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available in Nebraska. The Nebraska Career Scholarship program provides financial aid to students pursuing careers in high-demand, high-skill fields, which includes HVAC. The state-funded program is offered at University of Nebraska (NU) campuses, Nebraska State Colleges, and Nebraska community colleges, though specific eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by institution. Schools that offer this scholarship include:
In addition to this scholarship, HVAC students in Nebraska can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Nebraska community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Nebraska?
Licenses must be verified with each locality. Lincoln offers a downloadable list of licensed mechanical trade professionals on its website. Omaha has an online license search that allows you to search by trade professional or business name.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Nebraska?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Nebraska HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Nebraska HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official Nebraska Revised Statutes or each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Nebraska?
Penalties are determined by the local jurisdictions, but include fines, stop work orders, and denial of future building permits. The severity of penalties often depends on factors such as the type of building involved, whether the work poses safety risks, and whether it's a repeat violation within a specified time period.
Continuing Education
In Lincoln, Master license holders must complete eight hours of continuing education each renewal cycle, while Journeyman licensees must complete four. In Omaha, Journeyman and Master licensees must complete eight hours of continuing education every renewal cycle.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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