HVAC Technician License Requirements in Idaho
| Licensing Authority | Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — HVAC Board (DOPL) |
| License Type | HVAC Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4-year apprenticeship with 8,000 hours OJT and 576 hours classroom instruction while registered as an apprentice. Contractor: 24 months as a licensed HVAC journeyman. |
| Education Substitute | Accredited HVAC or mechanical engineering program may reduce apprenticeship hours |
| Exam Required | Yes — HVAC Journeyman Exam + HVAC Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $2,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $135 |
Renewal: $150 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
HVAC Journeyman Exam
HVAC Contractor Exam
Exam provider: Pearson VUE
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 Idaho
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 Idaho. 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
HVAC Apprentice
Must register before beginning work
Exam: Not required
HVAC Journeyman
4-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours OJT + 576 hours classroom)
Exam: Required
HVAC Contractor
24 months as a licensed journeyman
Exam: Required
You're licensed in Idaho 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.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — HVAC Board issues the HVAC Contractor; the business that invoices Idaho 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.
Idaho requires a $2,000 surety bond. $2,000 compliance surety bond required for HVAC contractors, must be maintained throughout licensing period. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Idaho requires general liability insurance for this license. General liability insurance required. Workers comp required for all employers. 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 at $150.
Other licenses in Idaho
- General Contractor license in Idaho
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · DOPL
- Electrician license in Idaho
Statewide license required · $145 in initial government fees · DOPL
- Plumber license in Idaho
Statewide license required · $257 in initial government fees · DOPL
- Roofing Contractor license in Idaho
Statewide registration, not a license · $50 in fees · DOPL
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in Idaho?
Yes, Idaho requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — HVAC Board.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in Idaho?
The estimated initial cost is $135, including application, exam, and license fees. A $2,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Idaho?
Journeyman: 4-year apprenticeship with 8,000 hours OJT and 576 hours classroom instruction while registered as an apprentice. Contractor: 24 months as a licensed HVAC journeyman. Education substitute: Accredited HVAC or mechanical engineering program may reduce apprenticeship hours
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Idaho?
You must pass the HVAC Journeyman Exam and HVAC Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Pearson VUE.
Do I need a bond for an hvac technician license in Idaho?
Yes, a $2,000 surety bond is required. $2,000 compliance surety bond required for HVAC contractors, must be maintained throughout licensing period.
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Idaho?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Idaho?
No, Idaho does not currently require continuing education for hvac technician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Idaho— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DOPL