HVAC Technician License Requirements in District of Columbia
| Licensing Authority | Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (BIT/DLCP) |
| License Type | HVAC Mechanic / HVAC Contractor |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised HVAC work for Journeyman. Master requires Journeyman license plus additional experience. Contractor requires Master license. |
| Exam Required | Yes — HVAC Mechanic/Master Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Initial License Fee | $110 |
| Est. Initial Total | $175 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Contractor initial license | $120 |
| Contractor renewal | $180 |
Renewal: $155 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
HVAC Mechanic/Master Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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Apprentice
Entry level — must work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman HVAC Mechanic
8,000 hours (4 years) supervised HVAC work
Exam: Required
Master HVAC
Journeyman license plus additional experience
Exam: Required
HVAC Contractor
Must hold Master license; $5,000 surety bond required
Exam: Required
Notes
- EPA Section 608 certification required federally for handling refrigerants
- DC has four levels: apprentice, journeyman, master, contractor
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $175, including application, exam, and license fees. A $5,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in District of Columbia?
8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised HVAC work for Journeyman. Master requires Journeyman license plus additional experience. Contractor requires Master license.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in District of Columbia?
You must pass the HVAC Mechanic/Master Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for an hvac technician license in District of Columbia?
Yes, a $5,000 surety bond is required. $5,000 surety bond for HVAC contractors; renewed every 2 years
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in District of Columbia?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in District of Columbia?
No, District of Columbia does not currently require continuing education for hvac technician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in District of Columbia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BIT/DLCP