Georgia HVAC License: How To Become An HVAC Contractor In ...

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Georgia HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Georgia

HVAC, GA

February 9th, 2026

Mike LaFollette

Table of Contents

1. Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Georgia

2. Types of HVAC Licenses in Georgia

3. Steps to Get an HVAC License in Georgia

4. Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Georgia

5. What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Georgia?

6. How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Georgia?

7. How to Get an HVAC License in Georgia

8. How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Georgia?

9. Georgia HVAC Training Programs and Schools

10. Georgia HVAC Licensing Exam Details

11. How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Georgia

12. Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Georgia?

13. Does My Georgia HVAC License Work in Any Other State?

14. What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Georgia

15. HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification

16. National HVAC Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Georgia

18. Are There HVAC Scholarships in Georgia?

19. How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Georgia?

20. When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Georgia?

21. What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Georgia?

22. Continuing Education

Learning a trade 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 Georgia employs 12,210 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 Georgia, that growth rate is projected at 18%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.

» Want to grow your HVAC business? Click here to get a demo.

Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Georgia in July 2025 totaled 229,200, a decrease of 300 (-0.1%) from July 2024 and an increase of 21,200 (10%) 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 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. Georgia licensure is uniform statewide for Conditioned Air Contractors.

Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Georgia

Is a license required to be an HVAC contractor in the state of Georgia? Yes. To perform any type of contracting work, you must be a licensed Conditioned Air Contractor.

However, entry-level HVAC workers do not need a license. HVAC workers who only install, alter, or repair duct systems, control systems, or insulation are not required to be licensed, so long as they work for a licensed contractor. However, if you do more extensive work, such as complete installation of a conditioned air system, then you are required to be licensed.

Also, if you want to own your own HVAC business or you just want to be a more attractive hire for someone who does, you will need a Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor license. To do that, you’ll need at least four years of work experience, or five years if you want to work on larger commercial units.

The Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of State's Office oversees all of the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Boards, including the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, which is one of 42 licensing boards.

Types of HVAC Licenses in Georgia

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Georgia? There are two types of licenses for Conditioned Air Contractors in Georgia. Class I License and Class II.

• Class I: Class I conditioned air contractor licenses are restricted to contracting involving systems or equipment not exceeding 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling. Applicants must document a minimum of four years of experience for Class I. The experience required for a Class I license consists of two years of residential installation experience as a lead mechanic, one year as a service technician (to include an EPA license), one year of residential supervisory experience, and a board-approved heat loss and gain and duct design course.

• Class II: Class II licenses are unrestricted. Applicants for Class II licenses must document experience with installations of conditioned air systems that exceed 175,000 BTU (net) of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling. Applicants must document a minimum of five years of experience for Class II. The experience required for a Class II license consists of two years of installation as a lead mechanic with at least one of the years being commercial only, one year as a service technician or service supervisor (to include an EPA license), two years of commercial supervisory experience and a board-approved heat loss and gain and duct design course.

Each license has specific requirements.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

Class I

• Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.

• Obtain EPA 608 certification.

• Must obtain a minimum of four years of work experience. Completion of a diploma program of a technical school in engineering or engineering technology may be credited for up to two years of experience. Completion of a certificate program may be credited for up to one year of experience.

• Take the licensing examination and pass with a score of at least 70%. The exam fee is $267.

• Submit three references from persons who can attest to the applicant's good character and conditioned-air experience to the satisfaction of the Division. Each reference must be from an architect, professional engineer, inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor who shall include his or her registration or license number.

• Submit the license application online via the Professional Licensing Portal and pay the $100 license fee.

Class II

• Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.

• Obtain EPA 608 certification.

• Must obtain a minimum of five years of work experience. Completion of a diploma program of a technical school in engineering or engineering technology may be credited for up to two years of experience. Completion of a certificate program may be credited for up to one year of experience.

• Take the licensing examination and pass with a score of at least 70%. The exam fee is $267.

• Submit three references from persons who can attest to the applicant's good character and conditioned-air experience to the satisfaction of the Division. Each reference must be from an architect, professional engineer, inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor who shall include his or her registration or license number.

• Submit the license application online via the Professional Licensing Portal and pay the $100 license fee.

Steps to Get an HVAC License in Georgia

1. You must be at least 18 years of age.

2. You must have a high school diploma or GED.

3. You must have four years of work experience as an HVAC professional to apply for a Class I license; or

4. You must have five years of work experience as an HVAC professional to apply for a Class II license.

5. Education may be applied toward the experience requirement. Completion of a diploma program of a technical school in engineering or engineering technology may be credited for up to two years of experience. Completion of a certificate program may be credited for up to one year of experience.

6. You must submit a completed application.

7. Take the licensing examination and pass with a score of at least 70%.

8. Pay all required fees.

9. An applicant must submit three references on the required form from persons who can attest to the applicant's good character and conditioned-air experience to the satisfaction of the Division. Each reference must be from an architect, professional engineer, inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor, who shall include his or her registration or license number.

10. Before bidding on jobs or offering your services independently, you will need to secure a $10,000 surety bond to be deposited with a probate court judge in the county where you work primarily.

Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Georgia

There are many benefits to getting your Georgia conditioned air license:

• Most important, it is required by law in Georgia to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work as a 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 Georgia?

The annual mean salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in Georgia is $55,340, 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 Georgia, those salary projections are:

Entry (<2 years): $53,000

Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,400

Senior (4-7 years): $75,600

Supervisor (>7 years): $89,000

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. 

ServiceTitan features:

• 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 Georgia?

The cost to get started as an apprentice in Georgia is fairly low. There is no registration fee to begin working as a conditioned air technician. 

Once you have met the work experience requirements, you’ll pay a $267 examination fee to PSI and a $100 license fee to the licensing board.

If you choose to earn a degree or certificate to account for some of your work experience, you’ll face additional costs. Community College Review shows the average tuition is approximately $3,403 per year for in-state students and $7,170 for out-of-state students.

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How to Get an HVAC License in Georgia

An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Georgia, becoming an HVAC professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.

WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. You can work as a technician without a license, but you can only perform basic HVAC services and you must work for a licensed contractor. If you perform more extensive work, such as the complete installation of a conditioned air system, or you want to own an HVAC business, you must be a licensed Conditioned Air Contractor. A Class I license requires four years of work experience, while a Class II license requires five years of experience. During this time, you will also obtain your EPA certification.

TAKE LICENSING EXAM: You must pass a licensing exam via PSI for both license classifications in Georgia. The cost of the exam is $267, and you can take it at one of several test centers around the state. To schedule an exam, visit the PSI website. Exams include 120 questions, and you must score 70% to pass.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to submit to a background check with local law enforcement. You must submit a letter of explanation detailing any criminal convictions.

APPLY FOR LICENSE: After successfully passing an examination, you will need to apply for licensure. You can apply online via the Professional Licensing Portal. With your application, you must include the $100 license fee, proof of EPA certification, three notarized references verifying your experience, and an affidavit verifying your citizenship.

OBTAIN BONDING: Before bidding on jobs or offering your services independently, you will need to secure a $10,000 surety bond to be deposited with a probate court judge in the county where you work primarily.

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 Georgia?

You can begin working immediately as a technician as long as you perform basic services under the supervision of a licensed contractor. To qualify for a Class I license, you must acquire at least four years of work experience. For a Class II license, you need five years of work experience.

The great news is that as a technician, 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 contractor 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. 

Georgia HVAC Training Programs and Schools

In Georgia, you have the option to work for a minimum of four years to qualify for a contractor license, or substitute a portion of that work experience via formal education. For example, completion of a diploma program of a technical school in engineering or engineering technology may be credited for up to two years of experience. Completion of a certificate program may be credited for up to one year of experience.

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 North Georgia Technical College in Clarksville. PAHRA has accredited Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston.

Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Georgia.

Tuition: Tuition at Georgia Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. Community College Review shows the average tuition is approximately $3,403 per year for in-state students and $7,170 for out-of-state students.

Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Georgia. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through the Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVACR Technician’s UA Local 72 in Atlanta or UA Local 188 serving 15 Georgia counties.

Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Georgia. 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 Georgia, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Georgia.

Georgia HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details

Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor examinations are administered by PSI after it acquired AMP Testing Services.

Both the Class I and Class II exams are open book, and each is made up of 120 questions, including 20 pretest questions. The exam is administered in two parts. You will have seven hours to complete both parts, and you must score at least 70% to pass. All exams are open book and the cost is $267. 

You must be approved by the Board to sit for an examination. The Board will notify PSI of your approval to sit for the exam. PSI will send you a confirmation notice with information on how to register and schedule your examination.

How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Georgia?

The Candidate Bulletin contains test-taking resources, including exam prep materials, practice exams, and information on how to apply. 

Both the Class I and Class II contractor exams cover the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and include 120 questions covering:

• Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions - 8 questions

• System Design - 55 questions

• Installation - 25 questions

• Maintain and Repair Systems - 12 questions

• Pretest questions - 20 questions

You have seven hours to pass the exam and must score at least 70%.

Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Georgia?

The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors oversees HVAC licensing.

Does My Georgia HVAC License Work in Any Other State?

Yes, your Georgia Conditioned Air Contractor License works in three other states: Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas.

What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Georgia?

Georgia has reciprocity agreements with Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. You will need to use this application to apply for reciprocity. You must submit with your application a letter of verification from the licensing board that administered the examination in the reciprocal state. The certification must include a state seal, state that the applicant holds a current license and has passed the state examination. The reciprocal license fee is $40.

HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification

Throughout the country, including in Georgia, 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 Georgia

To keep your state-issued license current, Georgia requires you to renew it every two years. You must apply for renewal prior to the expiration date. A renewal email reminder is sent to all current licensees approximately eight weeks prior to renewal. The renewal fee is $100. If your license lapses, the reinstatement fee is $300. 

Are There HVAC Scholarships in Georgia?

Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Georgia. Options include:

• Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (CAAG) Scholarships: Awards six $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships annually.

• Mingledorff’s HVAC Scholarship: Provides various scholarships for students in the Heating & Air Conditioning diploma, certificate, or associate program at Gwinnett Technical University.

• Kyle Brannon Davis HVAC Scholarship: Awards $1,000 scholarships for students enrolled in HVAC programs at Augusta Technical College.

There are several apprentice scholarships offered through trade organizations. The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association lists several on its website.

How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Georgia?

Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Georgia through the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensee Search tool. You can search by name or license number.

When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Georgia?

A suspended HVAC license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Georgia 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 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 Georgia HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Board of Conditioned Air Rules and Regulations.

What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Georgia?

Performing HVAC work in Georgia without a license is illegal. Violations can include fines up to $500 per violation per day and misdemeanor charges that can include up to six months in jail upon conviction. Additionally, the Board may issue cease and desist orders against unlicensed contractors, and contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable.

Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Georgia HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Board of Conditioned Air Rules and Regulations.

Continuing Education

Conditioned Air Contractors must complete at least four hours of professional instruction each year to renew their license. A college, vocational-technical school, or trade association must conduct the courses. Contractors may also take courses offered by a utility or equipment manufacturer. To learn when courses are scheduled, contact these providers directly. You can view the full list of approved providers here.

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.

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