GetTradeLicense

HVAC Technician License Requirements in Connecticut

Licensing AuthorityDepartment of Consumer Protection (DCP)
License TypeS-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor
Experience RequiredS-1 Contractor: 2 years as a licensed S-2 journeyperson or equivalent experience. S-2 Journeyperson: completion of registered apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + 720 hours classroom instruction) or equivalent experience and training.
Education SubstituteAccredited HVAC or mechanical program may substitute for a portion of the apprenticeship requirement
Exam RequiredYes — S-2 Unlimited HVAC Journeyperson Exam + S-1 Unlimited HVAC Contractor Exam (Trade + Business & Law)
Bond RequiredNo
InsuranceGeneral liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education4 hours 1 year
Processing Time4-8 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee$150
Exam Fee$130
Initial License Fee$150
Est. Initial Total$430

Related & additional fees

Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.

Journeyperson application fee$90
Journeyperson initial license$120
Journeyperson annual renewal$120

Renewal: $150 every 1 year (expires August 31)

Exam Requirements

S-2 Unlimited HVAC Journeyperson Exam

80 questions3 hoursPass: 70%
HVAC systemsRefrigerationConnecticut Mechanical CodeSafety

S-1 Unlimited HVAC Contractor Exam (Trade + Business & Law)

100 questions3.5 hoursPass: 70%
HVAC systemsRefrigerationConnecticut business lawContract administration

Exam provider: PSI

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.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Set up the business before you apply in Connecticut

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 Connecticut. 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→

Notes

  • S-1 contractor exam fee is $130 ($65 trade exam + $65 Business & Law exam)

You're licensed in Connecticut 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.

  1. Form the business and get an EIN.

    The Department of Consumer Protection issues the S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor; the business that invoices Connecticut 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.

  2. Carry general liability insurance.

    Connecticut does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→

  3. 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→

  4. Keep the license.

    Renewal is every year (expires August 31) at $150. Continuing education: 4 hours every year.

Other licenses in Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an hvac technician license in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Department of Consumer Protection.

How much does an hvac technician license cost in Connecticut?

The estimated initial cost is $430, including application, exam, and license fees.

What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Connecticut?

S-1 Contractor: 2 years as a licensed S-2 journeyperson or equivalent experience. S-2 Journeyperson: completion of registered apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + 720 hours classroom instruction) or equivalent experience and training. Education substitute: Accredited HVAC or mechanical program may substitute for a portion of the apprenticeship requirement

What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Connecticut?

You must pass the S-2 Unlimited HVAC Journeyperson Exam and S-1 Unlimited HVAC Contractor Exam (Trade + Business & Law) exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Connecticut?

Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Connecticut?

Yes, 4 hours per 1 year is required for license renewal.

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