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
Exam fee for both HAC + Refrigeration	$300
Inactive license fee (annual)	$95
Est. Initial Total	$735

Renewal: $190 every 1 year (expires December 31)

Exam Requirements

Heating & Air Conditioning Exam

110 questions5 hoursPass: 70%

General HVAC knowledgePiping systemsSystems and sizingEquipmentMaintenancePlan reading

Refrigeration Exam

90 questions4 hoursPass: 70%

Commercial refrigeration systemsPipingEquipmentMaintenanceSafety

Exam provider: Prov

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. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.

mississippiTrade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.

tennesseeTrade exam waiver for comparable classification. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. License must be held 1+ year with no disciplinary actions. 30-day processing.

south carolinaElectrical contractor trade exam waiver. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. Current valid license required.

ohioElectrical contractor trade exam waiver. Must pass AL Business & Law exam. Current valid license required.

west virginiaHVAC contractor reciprocity. No waiting period. Must apply through HACR.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 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 a hvac technician license cost in Alabama?

The estimated initial cost is $340, including application, exam, and license fees.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: HACR