Licensing Guides
Oklahoma HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Oklahoma
HVAC, OKTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Oklahoma?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Oklahoma
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma employs 4,820 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 Oklahoma, that growth rate is also 8%, 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 Oklahoma in July 2025 totaled 88,400, an increase of 2,700 (3.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,000 or 9% 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. Oklahoma licensure is uniform statewide, beginning at the apprentice level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Oklahoma
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Oklahoma? Yes, and it is mandated from the very beginning.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in the state of Oklahoma, you must be licensed or registered as an apprentice working under someone who is a licensed contractor. Mechanical Journeyman and Mechanical Contractor licenses are issued through the Oklahoma Constructions Industries Board (CIB).
Some of Oklahoma’s cities still retain the authority to require state-licensed tradesmen to register with their own governing agencies, so you always want to check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work to make sure you’re following any local requirements. In Oklahoma City, for example, Mechanical Contractors must pay a fee to register their state licenses with the city.
Licensing requirements for Mechanical Journeyman include meeting work experience requirements and passing a trade exam. Mechanical Contractors must pass both a trade exam and business and law exam.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Oklahoma
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma requires Mechanical Apprentices to register, and offers two state-issued licenses: Mechanical Journeyman and Mechanical Contractor.
Both the Mechanical Journeyman and Mechanical Contractor's license have two options — Limited or Unlimited.
A limited license entitles the licensee to install, alter, modify, service, maintain, or repair: any cooling product, system, or equipment including the process piping, that has a cooling capacity of no more than 25 tons and/or all heating equipment, including the process piping that have a heat input of no more than 500,000 Btu/h per appliance; and sheet metal, natural gas piping, and refrigeration.
An unlimited license allows you to work on any heating or cooling unit without regard to capacity.
There’s also one other subclass of the Journeyman license. It is the Limited Residential Journeyman License that allows you to install complete new systems in new construction for detached one- or two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height with a separate means of egress — meaning no apartment buildings.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Work for an active, licensed Mechanical Contractor who will provide direct on-the-job supervision or join an apprenticeship.
Register as a Mechanical Apprentice.
Pay a $20 registration fee and a $5 application fee.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must obtain at least three years of work experience under a licensed Mechanical Contractor. Approved education may account for a portion of the work experience. More information about education experience can be found on the state website.
Pass the limited or unlimited trade exam and pay the $92 exam fee.
Submit the license application and pay a $50 license fee and $25 application fee.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must obtain at least one year of experience as a licensed Mechanical journeyman.
Pass the limited or unlimited trade exam, as well as the business and law exam. Each exam costs $92.
Obtain a $5,000 corporate surety bond payable to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
Provide a certificate of insurance evidencing a minimum of $50,000 commercial general liability insurance.
If you have employees, obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
Submit the license application and pay a $300 license fee and $30 application fee.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Oklahoma
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Gain employment with an HVAC contractor or join an apprenticeship.
Register as an apprentice and pay the registration fee.
After obtaining three years of work experience, you become eligible for a journeyman license.
Pass the exam based on your desired classification, limited, unlimited, or residential.
Submit the journeyman application and pay all fees.
Work indefinitely as a journeyman.
After obtaining at least one year of work experience as a journeyman, you become eligible for a contractor license.
Pass the contractor exam based on your desired classification, limited or unlimited.
Obtain a surety bond of at least $5,000.
Obtain liability insurance in the minimum amount of $50,000.
If you have employees, obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
Submit the contractor application and pay all fees.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Oklahoma
There are many benefits to obtaining a license in the mechanical trades.
Most important, it is required by law in Oklahoma 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.
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 Oklahoma?
The annual mean wage for mechanics and HVAC installers in Oklahoma is $55,400, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase, as you might expect, 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 Oklahoma, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,200
Senior (4-7 years): $73,000
Supervisor (>7 years): $85,900
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 Oklahoma?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Oklahoma is fairly low. The fee for the apprentice registration is $25. As an apprentice, either working under a contractor or as part of a program, you’ll earn a wage while you learn the HVAC trade.
Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. Most have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
If you seek a journeyman license, you’ll incur a $92 exam fee, as well as a $75 license fee.
For a contractor license, the trade exam and business and law exam both cost $92. The licensing fee is $330. You’ll also incur expenses for obtaining bonding and insurance.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Oklahoma
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Oklahoma, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. The state requires all mechanical apprentices to register with the CIB. To qualify for a journeyman license, you need to obtain at least three years of documented work experience. If you want to become a contractor and own your own business, you need to work for a minimum of one year as a licensed journeyman.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: All license types and classifications require examination. As part of the application process for a limited or unlimited journeyman license, you must pass an HVAC-specific trade examination via PSI. If you apply for a contractor license, you must pass both a trade exam and business and law exam. All exams cost $92 each. Check out the official Candidate Bulletin for more information.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, submit the mechanical license application. The same application applies to all license types and classifications. You have to either download the application as a PDF and fill it out digitally or print it out and complete it by hand. You can access the application form at: https://oklahoma.gov/cib/forms-and-applications.html
Send the completed application to:
Oklahoma Construction Industries Board 2401 NW 23rd St., Suite 2F Oklahoma City, OK 73107
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: Mechanical contractors need to obtain a $5,000 corporate surety bond payable to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, provide a certificate of insurance evidencing a minimum of $50,000 commercial general liability insurance, and obtain workers’ compensation insurance for any employees.
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 Oklahoma?
It will take at least three years to qualify for a Mechanical Journeyman license in Oklahoma. It takes at least four years to qualify for a Mechanical Contractor license, as you must work for at least one year as a licensed journeyman.
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. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Oklahoma HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Oklahoma only requires HVAC professionals to obtain work experience to qualify for licensure, you don’t have to get a postsecondary degree. However, the state does allow you to supplement some of the work experience with educational training. If you choose that route, there are several options in Oklahoma.
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).
HVAC Excellence has accredited three schools in Oklahoma:
PAHRA has accredited three schools in Oklahoma:
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Oklahoma.
Tuition: Tuition at Oklahoma Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. The average tuition is approximately $3,475 per year for in-state students and $7,963 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Oklahoma. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through UA Local 344 in Oklahoma City or the Southwest Pipe Trades Association in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Oklahoma. 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.
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 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 Oklahoma, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
All license types and classifications require you to pass an exam. When you apply for a limited or unlimited journeyman license, you must take and pass the HVAC-specific trade exam through PSI. If you apply for a contractor license, you must also pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam. Each exam costs $92. Review the official Candidate Bulletin for complete details.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Oklahoma?
Refer to the Candidate Bulletin for more information on scheduling and preparing for your licensing exam.
The HVAC Contractor Limited exam is made up of 80 questions. You are given 3.5 hours to complete it, and you must score 70%. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge and Controls
Natural Gas
Air Distribution Systems
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
Heating Systems
Safety
The HVAC Contractor Unlimited exam is made up of 90 questions. You are given 4 hours to complete it, and you must score 70%. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge and Controls
Natural Gas
Air Distribution Systems
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
Heating Systems
Safety
The HVAC Journeyman Limited exam is made up of 60 questions. You are given 3 hours to complete it, and you must score 70%. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge and Controls
Natural Gas
Air Distribution Systems
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
Heating Systems
Safety
The HVAC Journeyman Unlimited exam is made up of 70 questions. You are given 3 hours to complete it, and you must score 70%. The subjects covered include:
Electrical Knowledge and Controls
Natural Gas
Air Distribution Systems
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems
Heating Systems
Safety
The Limited Residential Journeyman exam is made up of 40 questions. You are given 100 minutes to complete it, and you must score 70%. The subjects covered include:
Duct Systems
Vents
Insulation
Clothes Dryer
Range Hoods
Clearances
Access
Appliance Installation
Restroom Exhaust Systems
Combustion Air
Piping
General Installation
SMACNA Symbols
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Oklahoma?
All HVAC/Mechanical licenses are issued through the Oklahoma Constructions Industries Board (CIB).
Does My Oklahoma HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
While Oklahoma doesn’t have specific reciprocity agreements for Mechanical licenses, you may be able to bypass examination requirements and speed up the process for licensure if the other states’ requirements are similar to Oklahoma. Make sure to check local laws where you plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Oklahoma?
While Oklahoma permits reciprocity for some license types, the states don’t allow reciprocity for Mechanical licenses.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Oklahoma, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that HVAC service 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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires Mechanical licenses to be renewed every three years. The renewal fees include $200 for contractors and $75 for journeymen. Click here for more information on license renewal in Oklahoma.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Oklahoma?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Oklahoma. Options include:
The Northeastern Oklahoma Chapter of ASHRAE offers two annual $1,000 scholarships to students enrolled in an HVAC-related curriculum in the Tulsa area.
Air Comfort Solutions, an Oklahoma-based company, runs a scholarship program for students in the HVAC industry who show strong performance and professional promise.
The Hearing Loss Association Central Oklahoma Chapter offers a scholarship up to $2,000 for trade-school students (including HVAC) in Oklahoma.
In addition to this scholarship, HVAC students in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Oklahoma through the CIB’s online license search tool. You can search by name, business name, and license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Oklahoma?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Oklahoma Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, performing HVAC work without a Mechanical license can result in significant fines, criminal charges, and administrative penalties. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board actively enforces licensing laws and can issue civil fines of up to $500 per violation per day for anyone performing mechanical (HVACR) work without a valid license. Repeat offenses often result in higher fines and additional disciplinary action.
Unlicensed HVAC work is also classified as a misdemeanor, which may include:
Criminal fines
Court costs
Possible jail time depending on severity or repeat offenses
The CIB can also issue stop-work orders, require the contractor to redo work at their own expense, and may pursue further legal action for ongoing violations.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Oklahoma HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Oklahoma Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Mechanical license holders must complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years. Use this form to document and submit your continuing education hours to the CIB.
Note: Continuing education courses shall not be conducted in the licensee's regular work places during normal business hours.
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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