Georgia HVAC License: How to Get Certified as an HVAC Contractor in GA

Does Georgia require an HVAC license?

Yes, in Georgia, you need a license issued by the Georgia State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors to work with HVAC systems that heat, cool, and distribute air through buildings. However, in Georgia, a licensed HVAC professional is known as a conditioned air contractor.

Fully-licensed conditioned air contractors in Georgia can perform installation, maintenance, and repair services on the following:

• Ductwork and ventilation systems
• Conditioned air systems for heating and cooling
• Refrigeration units and piping
• Electrical controls  

Without a full HVAC contractor license in Georgia, you can still perform services but must do so under the supervision and direction of a fully-licensed contractor.

Types of HVAC licenses in Georgia

The state of Georgia has two types of license for HVAC contractors:

How do I get an HVAC license in Georgia?

Georgia, like many states, has work experience requirements and certain pre-certifications that you need to meet to qualify for an HVAC contractor license.

While education isn’t an official requirement, you can count technical and engineering school diplomas or a vocational-technical school certificate as work experience. Technical diplomas can be counted for up to 2 years of experience, while certificates can count for a maximum of 1 year of experience. 

The process to get your HVAC license in Georgia takes 4-5 years, depending on whether you want a restricted Class 1 or non-restricted Class 2 license.

Here are the steps you need to take to achieve an HVAC contractor license: 

• To earn a Class 1 Restricted license, you need 4 years of experience working for a certified HVAC contractor, performing lead technician, servicing, and supervisory roles on residential HVAC systems. 
• To earn a Class 2 Non-restricted license, you need 5 years of experience, at least 2 of which involve working on commercial heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
• Complete the EPA’s Certification for Refrigeration process through a designated certification program, obtaining at least a type 2 license.
• Complete a Georgia state licensing board-approved class in duct design and the processes of heat loss and gain.
• Submit your completed exam application to the board, including your work experience and a reference from at least 3 relevant professionals regarding your good character and work experience. Include any vocational, technical, and engineering school experience, if applicable. 
• Schedule your conditioned air contractor Class 1 or Class 2 exam through the state’s testing vendor PSI and pass with a score of 70% or higher.

All forms can be completed through the board’s online portal or physically sent to the board office at the following address:

237 Coliseum Drive

Macon, GA

31217-3858

404-424-9966

Georgia HVAC license requirements

The requirements for receiving a Class 1 or Class 2 HVAC license in Georgia are outlined on the state website under rule 121-2-03. Here are the requirements for each of the classifications:

Class 1 (restricted):

• References from 3 professionals who work as either an architect, engineer, inspector, or conditioned air contractor.
• 4 years of experience performing work covered by the Georgia Heating and Air Conditioning Code, which will consist of:
  • 2 years as the lead mechanic performing residential installation
  • 1 year as a service HVAC technician
  • 1 year as a residential supervisor
  • Completion of a board-approved course in duct design and heat gain/loss
• A type 2 EPA Certification for Refrigerant required by Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
• Score 70% or higher on the Class 1 license exam.
• Pay all fees

Class 2 (non-restricted):

• References from 3 professionals who work as either an architect, engineer, inspector, or conditioned air contractor.
• 5 years of experience performing work covered by the Georgia  Heating and Air Conditioning Code, which will consist of:
  • 2 years as the lead mechanic performing commercial installation on commercial HVAC systems that produce over 175,000 BTUs of heating and 60,000 BTUs of cooling
  • 1 year as a service HVAC technician
  • 2 years as a commercial supervisor
  • Completion of a board-approved course in duct design and heat gain/loss
• A type 2 EPA Certification for Refrigerant required by Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
• Score 70% or higher on the Class 2 licensing exam.
• Pay all fees.

Georgia HVAC license exam

One of the final steps to becoming an HVAC contractor in Georgia is writing the HVAC license exam. You need to schedule the exam in advance through the state’s testing vendor PSI. The exams for Class 1 and Class 2 each cost $267 for the initial test and an additional $267 for any retakes. 

The state board sends a list of exam-approved applicants to PSI, who then emails each candidate and provides information about the next steps in the scheduling process.  

When it comes time to write the HVAC licensing exams in Georgia, the Class 1 and Class 2 tests are 7 hours long and consist of 100 questions split across 4 sections. The writing time is split into two parts, giving you 3.5 hours to complete each half. 

Here’s a breakdown of the question sets for both the Class 1 and Class 2 examinations:

Does my Georgia HVAC license work in any other states? 

Reciprocal licensing agreements between states allow plumbing professionals to work legally with an out-of-state license.

At this time, Georgia has reciprocity agreements with the state of Louisiana, Texas, and South Carolina. To apply for a reciprocal HVAC license in Georgia, fill out the form and send it to the board office. 

Georgia HVAC license costs

Obtaining your non-restricted HVAC license in Georgia costs around $115 for processing fees, application by exam, and your first renewal. 

Here’s the breakdown of the fees for obtaining, maintaining, and reinstating your HVAC license in Georgia: 

Georgia HVAC license renewal

You will have to renew your controlled air contractor license every 2 years. This can be done online by visiting the Georgia Online Licensing Site portal and signing in with your credentials.

The Georgia licensing board handles renewals across all certifiable professions, including HVAC, at the end of every odd-numbered calendar year by November 30th. Late renewal occurs from December 1-30 and costs $100.

What happens if my HVAC license expires?

If you think your HVAC license may have expired, the first thing to do is stop any and all services. 

Working with an expired HVAC license in Georgia carries the risk of suspension, expulsion, financial penalties, and more severe forms of action. 

For an HVAC license that’s been expired for under 3 years, simply apply for reinstatement, include all necessary documents,  and pay the $150 reinstatement fee.

If your license has expired for longer than 3 years, you must go through a similar process to your initial license application, but on a different form. You’ll also need to rewrite the controlled air contractor exam, pass with a score of 70% or more, and pay the exam fee.

READ MORE: 2024 HVAC industry trends and statistics: Tips to stay ahead

Requirements for business owners

Once you pass the licensing exam and pay all the associated fees as an HVAC contractor in Georgia, you’re ready to take the next step in your HVAC journey: Becoming a business owner. 

It’s an excellent way to level up your earning potential and take control of your day-to-day life. But before we get there, what are the requirements for HVAC business owners in Georgia?

Aside from receiving your controlled air contractor Class 1 or 2 license, you also need to register your business by submitting an application to the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board.

You’ll also need to secure a $10,000 surety bond and deposit it with a probate court judge in your service county before you take on any HVAC work after you receive a Georgia conditioned air contractor license.

Then, you need to go through the steps that all HVAC business owners perform to run a successful operation: 

1. Identify your long-term business plan and goals
2. Secure finances for your business
3. Invest in the necessary plumbing equipment
4. Hire personnel to work for your business
5. Get liability insurance

But that’s just the start—there are lots of other steps to complete before your Georgia HVAC business is fully ready to go. 

For an in-depth view of running an HVAC  business in Georgia or elsewhere in the United States, check out our guide.

Does an HVAC license in Georgia increase your earning potential? 

Currently, the HVAC market is worth around  $133 billion in the United States, with a job market that is expected to grow 6% by 2032. There’s no better time for you to get your HVAC license in Georgia and start building up your experience.

Licensed HVAC contractors in Georgia with 3-5 years of experience have an average salary of $40,000, while those with over 17 years of experience earn over $55,000. Not to mention, HVAC service managers and business owners stand to increase their earning potential even more!

Interested in learning more about average salaries for HVAC contractors in Georgia and across the country? 

Our Essential HVAC Salary Guide contains information about salaries in every state to help you compare compensation levels and determine your employees’ salaries when you become an HVAC business owner.

Originally published in December 2022. Last updated on August 9, 2024.