HVAC Technician License Requirements in Iowa
| Licensing Authority | Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) |
| License Type | Journeyperson / Master HVAC-Refrigeration |
| Experience Required | Journeyperson: 4 years of practical experience as a registered apprentice. Service Technician HVAC Specialty: 2 years in service and repair. Master: journeyperson license plus 2 additional years. Contractor license requires a Master on staff. |
| Education Substitute | Approved HVAC technology programs may substitute for a portion of apprenticeship hours at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyperson HVAC/Refrigeration Exam + Master HVAC/Refrigeration Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $5,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 3 years (2 hrs safety, 2 hrs code, 4 hrs discipline-specific) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Exam Fee | $109 |
| Initial License Fee | $180 |
| Apprentice registration | $50 |
| Master license | $240 |
| Contractor license (PMSB) | $250 |
| Contractor registration (Division of Labor) | $150 |
| Exam approval application fee | $35 |
| Kirkwood exam fee | $109 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,158 |
Renewal: $180 every 3 years (expires June 30)
Exam Requirements
Journeyperson HVAC/Refrigeration Exam
Pass: 75%
Iowa Mechanical CodeHVAC systemsRefrigerationSafety
Master HVAC/Refrigeration Exam
Pass: 75%
Iowa Mechanical CodeBusiness and lawAdvanced HVAC systems
Exam provider: Kirkwood Community College (15 locations statewide)
License Tiers
Apprentice
Entry level — must register with PMSB, $50 fee, valid 3 years
Exam: Not required
Journeyperson HVAC/Refrigeration
4 years of practical experience as a registered apprentice
Exam: Required
Service Technician HVAC Specialty
2 years of service and repair experience in HVAC systems
Exam: Required
Master HVAC/Refrigeration
Journeyperson license plus 2 years of additional experience
Exam: Required
Notes
- HVAC licensing falls under the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB)
- Exams administered by Kirkwood Community College at 15 locations statewide
- Open-book exam format
- EPA Section 608 certification required for refrigerant handling (federal requirement)
- Service Technician HVAC Specialty license available for service/repair-only work
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hvac technician license in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.
How much does a hvac technician license cost in Iowa?
The estimated initial cost is $324, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: PMSB