HVAC Technician License Requirements in Alabama
| Licensing Authority | Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR) |
| License Type | Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor / Refrigeration Contractor |
| Experience Required | 2 years (3,000 hours) of documented work experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC/R contractor with Board-issued Apprentice Certificates for 2 years, OR graduation from an approved HVAC/Refrigeration curriculum. Without Apprentice Certificates or approved curriculum, must submit proof of at least 3,000 hours (18 months) under a licensed HVAC/R contractor. Must be at least 18 years old. |
| Education Substitute | Graduation from a Board-approved Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Commercial Refrigeration curriculum can substitute for apprenticeship experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Heating & Air Conditioning Exam + Refrigeration Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $15,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours annually (due by December 31 each year) |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks after complete application and exam passage |
Fee Breakdown
| Exam Fee | $150 |
| Initial License Fee | $190 |
| Est. Initial Total | $340 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Exam fee for both HAC + Refrigeration | $300 |
| Inactive license fee (annual) | $95 |
Renewal: $190 every 1 year (expires December 31)
Exam Requirements
Heating & Air Conditioning Exam
Refrigeration Exam
Exam provider: Prov
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Alabama
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Alabama. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor
2 years (3,000 hours) under a licensed contractor, or graduation from an approved HVAC curriculum.
Exam: Required
Refrigeration Contractor
2 years (3,000 hours) under a licensed contractor, or graduation from an approved commercial refrigeration curriculum.
Exam: Required
Combined HAC + Refrigeration
Must qualify and pass exams for both classifications separately.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 5 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Must hold a valid Apprentice Certificate from the Board OR proof of approved curriculum graduation
- EPA Section 608 certification required separately for refrigerant handling (federal requirement)
- Exam fee is $150 per exam ($300 if testing for both HAC and Refrigeration)
- Bond amount may vary — $15,000 is the established minimum but verify current amount with HACR
- Active license fee ranges $190-$220 annually; inactive $95-$110
You're licensed in Alabama as an HVAC technician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors issues the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor / Refrigeration Contractor; the business that invoices Alabama customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Alabama requires a $15,000 surety bond. $15,000 performance bond required for active certification. Must be submitted with license application (forms AL-1, AL-2, BF-1). Some sources indicate the amount may have increased to $20,000 — verify with HACR directly. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Alabama requires general liability insurance for this license. GL insurance required for license application: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is the standard. Workers comp required for employers with 5+ employees. Proof of coverage submitted with application. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck HVAC technician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year (expires December 31) at $190. Continuing education: 4 hours annually (due by December 31 each year)
Other licenses in Alabama
- General Contractor license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $574 in initial government fees · ALBGC
- Electrician license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $150 in initial government fees · AECB
- Plumber license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $235 in initial government fees · PGFB
- Roofing Contractor license in Alabama
Statewide license required · $250 in initial government fees · HBLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in Alabama?
The estimated initial cost is $340, including application, exam, and license fees. A $15,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Alabama?
2 years (3,000 hours) of documented work experience under the supervision of a licensed HVAC/R contractor with Board-issued Apprentice Certificates for 2 years, OR graduation from an approved HVAC/Refrigeration curriculum. Without Apprentice Certificates or approved curriculum, must submit proof of at least 3,000 hours (18 months) under a licensed HVAC/R contractor. Must be at least 18 years old. Education substitute: Graduation from a Board-approved Heating and Air Conditioning and/or Commercial Refrigeration curriculum can substitute for apprenticeship experience.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Alabama?
You must pass the Heating & Air Conditioning Exam and Refrigeration Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Prov.
Do I need a bond for an hvac technician license in Alabama?
Yes, a $15,000 surety bond is required. $15,000 performance bond required for active certification. Must be submitted with license application (forms AL-1, AL-2, BF-1). Some sources indicate the amount may have increased to $20,000 — verify with HACR directly.
Does Alabama have hvac technician license reciprocity?
Yes, Alabama has reciprocity agreements with 5 states that may apply to hvac technicians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Alabama?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after complete application and exam passage after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Alabama?
Yes, 4 hours per annually (due by December 31 each year) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Alabama— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: HACR