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 |
| Contractor initial license | $120 |
| Contractor renewal | $180 |
| Est. Initial Total | $475 |
Renewal: $155 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
HVAC Mechanic/Master Exam
Pass: 70%
HVAC systemsDC mechanical codesRefrigerationSafety
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
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 a 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 a hvac technician license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $175, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BIT/DLCP