Licensing Guides
Ohio HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Ohio
HVAC, OH
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Ohio?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Ohio
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 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 Ohio employs 13,570 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 Ohio, that growth rate is projected at 6%, 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 Ohio in July 2025 totaled 262,900, an increase of 13,600 (5.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 30,200 or 13% 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 contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Ohio licensure is uniform statewide for HVAC contractors.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Ohio
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Ohio? Yes, to legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in the state of Ohio, you must be a licensed Commercial Contractor or a technician apprentice working under a licensed contractor.
The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) issues state licenses to HVAC contractors. After meeting work experience requirements, HVAC technicians in the state of Ohio can become a contractor and start their own businesses.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Ohio
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Ohio?
There is only one kind of HVAC license in Ohio. It is a state-level Commercial Contractor license for HVAC. HVAC tradespeople can learn the craft and work in the trade without a license under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
The OCILB issues state licenses to Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Plumbing and Hydronics Contractors who perform commercial work.
A Commercial HVAC Contractor in Ohio installs, services, and repairs large-scale heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for offices, hospitals, industrial sites, and other commercial buildings.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a United States citizen or have legal status.
Must obtain five years of work experience immediately prior to the date the application is filed, or currently be a registered engineer in this state with three three years of business experience in the construction industry in the trade for which the engineer is applying to take the examination.
Must pass a background check and have never been convicted of a disqualifying offense as defined in Ohio 133rd General Assembly H.B. 263 Revised Occupational License Restrictions for Former Criminals.
Must pass the trade exam and business and law exam.
Carry minimum $500,000 contractor liability coverage.
If you have employees, you must obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
Pay the applicable fees.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Ohio
Be at least 18 years of age.
You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal resident status.
You must obtain five years of experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor or by completing an apprenticeship. You can also qualify for licensure if you have three years of experience as a licensed engineer.
You must pass a state and federal background check, and the results must be sent to the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board in Reynoldsburg.
Pass both the trade and business and law exams via PSI.
You must obtain a certificate of liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Submit the Contractor license application form and pay the $25 fee.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Ohio
There are many benefits to getting your Ohio HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Ohio to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work as a contractor. Otherwise, you must work for a licensed contractor.
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 Ohio?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Ohio is $60,160, 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 Ohio, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,400
Senior (4-7 years): $74,400
Supervisor (>7 years): $87,500
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 Ohio?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Ohio is fairly low. To gain the required work experience, you either need to gain employment with an HVAC contracting company or join an apprenticeship program. If you choose to attend a community college, you can expect to pay around $5,200 per year as an in-state student.
When applying for an Ohio HVAC Contractor license, you’ll incur a $25 license fee. You also must pay $69 each for the trade exam and business and law exam, totaling $138.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Ohio
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Ohio, the licensing process isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and obtain a minimum of five years of work experience. You can gain that experience by working for an HVAC business or attending an apprenticeship. HVAC apprenticeships usually last four to five years.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation. In Ohio, you must pass a state and federal background check for sitting for your examinations. Learn more about background checks here.
TAKE LICENSING EXAMS: You must pass both a trade-specific and business and law exam. Both exams are administered by PSI and cost $69 each. There are exam locations throughout Ohio, including in Cincinnati, Akron, Cleveland, and more. View the Candidate Bulletin for more information.
OBTAIN INSURANCE: You must obtain liability insurance of at least $500,000 and list the OCILB as the certificate holder. If you have employees, you also need workers’ compensation insurance.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you will need to apply to the board for licensure. Mail your contractor license application to: Division of Industrial Compliance Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board 6606 Tussing Road, P.O. Box 4009 Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-9009
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 Ohio?
It will take a minimum of five years to qualify for a contractor license. The great news is whether you begin working for a contractor or join an apprenticeship, you will get paid while you acquire general knowledge in the HVAC field. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Ohio HVAC Training Programs and Schools
As HVAC technology becomes increasingly complex, formal training can give you a strong advantage. Ohio offers a wide range of programs across the state that provide the skills and hands-on experience you need to start your career as an HVAC professional.
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).
The University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima is accredited by both organizations. It offers an associate of applied science degree (AAS) in HVAC technology and a slightly shorter diploma program that prepares graduates to become heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians.
PAHRA has accredited the following schools:
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Brecksville (public secondary)
Great Oaks Institute of Technology in Cincinnati (public post-secondary)
Miami Valley Career Center in Clayton (public secondary, public post-secondary)
North High School in Akron (public secondary)
RETS College in Centerville (private postsecondary)
RG Drage Career Center in Massillon (public secondary)
Pike County Career Tech Center in Piketon (public secondary)
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Ohio.
Tuition: Tuition at Ohio Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. In-state tuition is approximately $5,163 per year for in-state students and $10,843 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Ohio. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 in Boardman or Local 162 in Dayton.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Ohio. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old to join most programs.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have 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 Ohio, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Ohio.
Ohio HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The examinations are administered by PSI, and there are testing locations all over the state. The Candidate Information Bulletin provides detailed information about registration, exam fees, testing centers, the reference material for each exam, and rescheduling your appointment. A passing score of 70% or above is required for each exam, and all exams are open book.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Ohio?
To recap, all HVAC contractors need to pass both a trade exam and business and law exam to qualify for licensure.
The HVAC trade exam is made up of 100 questions. You are given four hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
General Knowledge and Requirements
Warm Air Heating and Air Distribution
Ventilation and Exhaust Systems
Air Conditioning
Piping Systems
Equipment and Appliances
Testing and Inspection
The business and law exam is made up of 50 questions. You are given two hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Business Organization
Licensing
Estimating and Bidding
Contract Management
Project Management
Insurance and Bonding
OSHA Record Keeping and Safety
Personnel Regulations
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Lien Laws
For more information on both exams, check out the Candidate Bulletin.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Ohio?
The Commercial HVAC Contractor license in Ohio is issued by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB).
Does My Ohio HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. In most cases, the agreements let contractors licensed in Ohio obtain a license in another without retaking the state trade exam, and in some cases, they also waive the business and law exam. See more specific information below.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Ohio?
Ohio has reciprocity agreements in HVAC with seven states: Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Ohio, 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 Ohio
In Ohio, you can renew your license annually or every three years. The fee for an annual renewal is $60, and it’s $180 for a three-year renewal. You must include proof of insurance when you complete your license renewal online.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Ohio?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships in Ohio. Options include:
The Air‑Conditioning Contractors of Ohio (ACCO) offers a Memorial Scholarship for Ohio residents pursuing an HVAC program at a trade school or community college.
The Charles L. Shor Foundation, in partnership with Southern Ohio Technical Institute, offers a grant providing full or partial tuition assistance for HVAC/R training certifications.
The Muskingum County Community Foundation has an Advanced Heating & Cooling Scholarship for first-year trade-school students in mechanical skilled trades (including HVAC) residing in certain Ohio counties.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Ohio?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Ohio through the OCILB eLicense Center. You can search the database by name, business name, credential number, and maiden name.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Ohio?
A suspended HVAC license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Ohio HVAC 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 HVAC 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 Ohio HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Ohio Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Ohio?
Performing HVAC work in Ohio without a license is illegal. The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board can issue civil fines of up to $1,000 per violation for performing HVAC work without proper licensure. Working without an HVAC license in Ohio can also result in a first-degree misdemeanor, which can incur up to 180 days in jail.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Ohio HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Ohio Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Ohio HVAC contractors must complete a certain number of hours of continuing education approved by the OCILB to renew their licenses. Requirements include eight hours for those on an annual renewal cycle or 24 hours over a three-year cycle. Contractors can complete up to half of these hours online, with the remainder required through live, instructor-led training. All continuing education must come from OCILB-approved providers.
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.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
