Licensing Guides
New York HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in New York
HVAC, NY
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in New York?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in New York
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in New York?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a high-demand 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 New York employs 22,710 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 New York, that growth rate is projected at 7%, 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 New York in July 2025 totaled 382,800, a decrease of 6,300 (-1.6%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 26,800 or -7% 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 systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC professionals vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. In New York state, HVAC licensing is handled at the local level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in New York
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in New York? Yes, but licensing requirements are determined by local municipalities.
New York does not license HVAC professionals at the state level. Instead, city and county governments are responsible for oversight and licensing. Most municipalities require you to obtain a specific amount of work experience and pass a certification exam to qualify for licensure.
In New York City, there are three HVAC-related licenses issued. Which one you’ll need depends on the kind of system with which you’ll be working. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues two of them, and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) tests for and issues a refrigeration license. The building departments for other cities around the state have similar licensing or registration procedures for HVAC technicians or contractors.
Syracuse issues a variety of different mechanical or refrigeration licenses requiring specific education and experience as well as passing an exam.
Buffalo requires you to be a licensed Heating Contractor to perform mechanical work within its city boundaries. You’ll need to apply to the Office of Fuel Devices — Board of Heating Examiners. Buffalo doesn’t require a set number of years of experience or education for licensing. Instead, applicants must submit a work history and references before being permitted to take the exam.
Types of HVAC Licenses in New York
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in New York?
Because there is no statewide license for HVACR in New York, each city or municipality licenses technicians and/or contractors a little differently. You will need to check with the city or county office(s) where you will be practicing the trade. Here are a few examples from throughout the state of the types of licenses issued.
In NYC, the Department of Buildings issues:
Oil Burning Equipment Installer: Allows the licensee to install oil burning equipment, including burners, boilers, generators, or other mechanical equipment that uses fuel oils. There are two classifications depending on the type of work you perform:
Class A: Licenses the holder to install any type of oil-burning equipment.
Class B: Licenses the holder to install oil-burning equipment that uses domestic- grade fuel oils.
High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer: A High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer is a person licensed by the City of New York to operate high-pressure boilers (steam or hot-water equipment above certain size/pressure thresholds) in buildings within NYC.
The Fire Department of New York issues:
Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification: The certification authorizes a person to supervise the operation of certain large or high-risk refrigerating systems in NYC.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Oil Burning Equipment Installer Class A
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must have a photo ID, Social Security card, and driver’s license.
Must be able to read and write the English language.
Must have at least four years of practical experience within seven years prior to application in the installation of oil-burning equipment under the direct and continuing supervision of a Department Licensed Class A Oil Burner Equipment Installer in New York City.
Must pass a written exam and practical exam administered by the NYC Department of Buildings.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must pay all applicable exam fees, license fees, and applications fees.
Submit license application online at nyc.gov/dobnow.
Oil Burning Equipment Installer Class B
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must have a photo ID, Social Security card, and driver’s license.
Must be able to read and write the English language.
Must have at least three years of practical experience within seven years prior to application in the installation of oil-burning equipment under the direct and continuing supervision of a Department Licensed Class A Oil Burner Equipment Installer in New York City.
Must pass a written exam and practical exam administered by the NYC Department of Buildings.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must pay all applicable exam fees, license fees, and applications fees.
Submit license application online at nyc.gov/dobnow.
High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must have a photo ID, Social Security card, and driver’s license.
Must be able to read and write the English language.
You must meet one of the eight possible experience/education requirements listed online. That can include being employed as a firefighter, oiler, general assistant, journeyman boilermaker or a machinist working under the direct and continuing supervision of a department licensed High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer in New York City for five years, or received a degree in mechanical engineering from a trade school or college recognized by the New York State Department of Education and have one year of experience in the operation of and maintenance of high-pressure boilers. Make sure to check the full list of requirement options.
Must pass a written exam and practical exam administered by the NYC Department of Buildings.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must pay all applicable exam fees, license fees, and applications fees.
Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must have a photo ID, Social Security card, and driver’s license.
Must be able to read and write the English language.
Must complete a Refrigeration Operating Engineer training course from one of the FDNY-certified schools or organizations of at least 200 hours in duration, with at least 25 hours of field or shop work; OR
Have at least one year of practical working in a building or plant with refrigerating or air conditioning equipment that, at a minimum, has an individual system containing over 50 pounds of refrigerant, or a prime mover or compressor of more than 50 horsepower, or an aggregate of individual systems of more than 15 horsepower each, with a total of more than 100 horsepower.
Must pass a written exam and practical exam administered by the NYC Department of Buildings.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must pay all applicable exam fees, license fees, and applications fees.
Must submit a certification application.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in New York
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Must have a photo ID, Social Security card, and driver’s license.
Must be able to read and write the English language.
You must get the proper training. There are two paths:
Attend community or technical college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months) to prepare for certification exams and be a good candidate for hire.
Enroll in an apprenticeship program either through a union or trade organization or as an entry-level worker through a sponsoring employer.
You will need to get EPA Section 608 Certification by passing the exam before you are permitted to handle refrigerants.
In most municipalities, you must pass examinations to qualify for licensure. Make sure to check local licensing laws.
Pass background investigation (if applicable).
Obtain worker
Pay all licensing and exam fees.
Submit license application.
If you wish to own your own business, consider obtaining a contractor license. NYC issues a Home Improvement Contractor license, which has additional requirements such as obtaining workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance. Contractor licenses are also issued at the local level in New York.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in New York
There are many benefits to getting your locally administered license in New York:
Most importantly, it is required by law in most New York municipalities to be licensed to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
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 New York?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in New York is $70,480, 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 New York, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $56,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,200
Senior (4-7 years): $81,200
Supervisor (>7 years): $95,600
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.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in New York?
How you get started in the HVAC industry will determine your upfront costs. If you start by attending a community college or university, you’ll have tuition expenses. The cost associated with the schooling to train to be an HVAC technician varies widely, from a couple of thousand dollars at some trade schools to upwards of $30,000 for longer, more comprehensive programs.
You can expect to pay less at a SUNY school as a New York resident than students from out of state, but it can still be pricey. At SUNY Delhi or SUNY Canton for example, in-state tuition costs just over $7,000. At Jamestown Community College in Western New York, in-state students can expect to pay $5,820 in tuition; at Dutchess Community College north of NYC, tuition is $2,625 per semester.
The cost to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination, which is required under federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam. If you start with an apprenticeship program, that may be included.
If you simply gain experience by working for an HVAC company, you’ll face expenses once you apply for licensure, including application fees, exam fees, and renewal fees.
The following fees apply for NYC HVAC licenses:
Oil Burning Equipment Installer Class A: License fee: $100, Background inspection fee: $500, Exam fee: $1,115
Oil Burning Equipment Installer Class B: License fee: $100, Background inspection fee: $500, Exam fee: $1,115
High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer: License fee: $50, Background inspection fee: $500, Exam fee: $1,115
Refrigeration Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification: License fee: $60, Exam fee: $225
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How to Get an HVAC License in New York
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In New York, HVAC license requirements vary by each locality, so there is no clear state-wide process.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Many municipalities, like NYC, allow you to gain experience in multiple ways. You can begin working for an HVAC company, join an apprenticeship program, or combine work experience with classroom instruction. In NYC, you need a minimum of three years of experience to qualify for an Oil Burning Equipment Installer Class B license.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Depending on where you work, you may need to pass licensing exams. In New York City, you must pass both a written exam and a practical exam. The combined exam in NYC costs $1,115.
BACKGROUND CHECK: All HVAC licenses in NYC require you to pass a background investigation and pay a $500 fee. To get started, you must register via the DOB NOW Portal.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: In NYC, you can apply for licensure after passing both exams and completing your background investigation. Oil Burner Equipment Installers can use this application, and High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineers can use this application. Oil Burning Equipment Installers must include a $100 license fee and High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineers must include a $50 license fee.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in New York?
Because licensing requirements vary across the state, there’s no set time to become a licensed HVAC worker. In New York City, it will take a minimum of three years of work experience before you qualify for an Oil Burner Equipment Installers license.
The great news is that as an apprentice or trainee, 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.
New York HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Licensing requirements vary across the state of New York, and in many localities you don’t need formal education. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice or trainee, you can attend HVAC school.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
PAHRA has accredited one school in New York:
Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. in Rochester
SUNY schools and community colleges throughout the state also offer associate degree programs and shorter certificate or diploma programs.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in New York.
Tuition: Tuition at New York Community Colleges is approximately $5,902 per year for in-state students and $10,404 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in New York. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 21 in the Hudson Valley or UA Local 22 in West Seneca.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of New York. 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 New York, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in New York.
New York HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
There is no statewide HVAC license in New York so exam requirements vary by municipality. For NYC HVAC licenses, you must apply for an examination and be accepted before sitting for the exam. You must pass both a written and practical exam with a score of 70% or more. The total cost for both exams in NYC is $1,115.
How Can I Prepare for The HVAC License Exam in New York?
In NYC, the Oil Burner Equipment Installer (Class A and B) written exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of the NYC Administration Code. You will not be allowed to use reference materials during the exam.
Exam topics include:
Fundamentals of oil-burning equipment: burners, boilers, generators, fuel oil types.
Installation practices: safe installation of oil burners, proper piping, venting, fuel oil storage/handling.
Codes, standards and regulations: NYC Administrative Code (§ 28-412), NYC Building/Mechanical Code sections related to fuel oil equipment, fire protection rules.
Fuel oil classifications and usages.
Safety practices: combustion safety, precautions with fuel oil systems, environmental risks.
The practical exam consists of 110 questions, and you have 90 minutes to score at least 70%.
Hands-on installation of oil-burning equipment under supervision: may include burners, boilers, piping, fuel oil lines, venting systems.
Practical troubleshooting: identifying faults or unsafe conditions in oil burner/boiler systems.
Correct use of tools, measurement devices, gauges, and ensuring compliance with code and manufacturer’s instructions.
The NYC High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer written exam consists of 110 questions,and you have 4.5 hours to score at least 70%.
Topics include:
General regulations
Inspections and testing
Installations
Maintenance and repairs
The practical exam consists of 110 questions, and you have 90 minutes to score at least 70%.
Steam turbine feed-water pump
Feed-water pumps
Deaerator / make-up water tank
Identification of boiler components
Draft and air supply
Evaporation test / accumulation test (or slow drain/accumulation test)
Hydrostatic test
Ignition sequence
How to put a boiler online
Blowdown procedure
Vacuum condensate system
Chemicals (water treatment)
Deaerator (another focus)
Air compressor operation
Fire pump operation
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in New York?
HVAC licenses are issued at the local level in New York. In New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB) issues HVAC licenses. In Buffalo, the Office of Fuel Devices — Board of Heating Examiners issues HVAC licenses.
Does My New York HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Many states will waive certain licensing requirements if an out-of-state licensee undergoes training that is equal to or greater than licensing requirements in that state. A New York HVAC license may allow you to skip examination or work experience requirements, but it will depend on local regulations.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in New York?
New York doesn’t have reciprocity agreements for HVAC with any other states.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in New York, 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 New York
Just as licensing requirements vary across the state, so do license renewal conditions. In New York City, HVAC licenses require renewal every three years at a cost of $75.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in New York?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in New York. Options include:
Metropolitan Air Conditioning Contractors of New York (MACC) Scholarship: Awards up to $1,000 annually to a high school or college/trade-school student connected to a MACC member, supporting education in the HVAC field.
Greater New York Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Scholarship for HVAC Students: Awards $1,000 for students enrolling in an AAS HVAC program.
New York Housing Association (NYHA) Scholarship – Trade School Students: Supports tuition, books, and supplies for students pursuing in-demand trade careers, including HVAC.
The New York state chapter of the PHCC offers the Irwin Botto Memorial Scholarship for students enrolled in an HVAC program who meet certain qualifications.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in New York?
New York licenses HVAC workers at the local level, so check with the licensing agency where you live. In New York City, the Department of Buildings has an online database where you can search for licensees by name, business name, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in New York?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that New York 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
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about New York HVAC license regulations, check with the local licensing authority.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in New York?
Penalties for unlicensed work will vary by municipality. In NYC, unlicensed HVAC work can result in fines up to $10,000 and misdemeanor charges resulting in up to one year in jail. If a job requires a permit, the City imposes fines between 6 and 21 times the initial cost of the permit, not to exceed $15,000.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about New York HVAC license regulations, check with the local licensing authority.
Continuing Education
Although New York does not require continuing education at the state level for HVAC, some municipalities do. You’ll want to check in the area where you will be practicing to be sure to keep your license current. Also, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the HVAC industry. There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology put to use in HVAC systems and appliances.
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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