HVAC Technician License Requirements in Kentucky
| Licensing Authority | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — HVAC Division (DHBC) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master HVAC |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 2 years (minimum 3,000 hours) under a licensed master HVAC contractor, OR 4 years in a non-licensed jurisdiction. Master: requires journeyman license plus additional supervisory and business experience. |
| Education Substitute | HVAC trade school or technical program completion may count toward experience requirements at the DHBC's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman HVAC Exam + Master HVAC Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 6 hours every renewal cycle |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $80 |
| Initial License Fee | $50 |
| Journeyman license fee (annual) | $50 |
| Master Contractor license fee (annual) | $250 |
| Exam fee (per exam) | $80 |
| Est. Initial Total | $560 |
Renewal: $50 every 1 year (prorated based on birth month)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman HVAC Exam
Master HVAC Exam
Exam provider: Prov Testing Services
License Tiers
HVAC Apprentice
Entry level — must work under licensed master HVAC contractor supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman HVAC Mechanic
2 years under a licensed master HVAC contractor, OR 4 years in a non-licensed jurisdiction
Exam: Required
Master HVAC Contractor
Journeyman license plus additional experience and business establishment
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 1 state. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Open-book exam format
- Exams administered by Prov Testing Services
- EPA Section 608 certification required for refrigerant handling (federal requirement)
- Master HVAC contractors must maintain $500,000 GL / $300,000 property damage insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hvac technician license in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — HVAC Division.
How much does a hvac technician license cost in Kentucky?
The estimated initial cost is $180, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DHBC