HVAC Technician License Requirements in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR Board) |
| License Type | Apprentice / Journeyman / Master HVACR Contractor |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 4 years as an HVACR apprentice (all 5 service categories). Journeyman Restricted: 3 years (1-4 service categories). If apprenticeship is approved by MD Apprenticeship and Training Council, the licensing exam may be waived for journeyman level. |
| Education Substitute | Completion of a Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council-approved HVACR apprenticeship program waives the journeyman licensing exam. Other formal HVACR education may count toward experience at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — HVACR Journeyman/Master Exam + Limited HVACR Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 2 years |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $150 |
| Apprentice license | $10 |
| Journeyman license | $20 |
| Master/Master Restricted license | $75 |
| Exam fee | $150 |
| Est. Initial Total | $480 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
HVACR Journeyman/Master Exam
Limited HVACR Contractor Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
HVACR Apprentice
Entry level — must work under a licensed HVACR contractor
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Restricted
3 years as an HVACR apprentice (covers 1-4 of the 5 HVACR service categories)
Exam: Required
Journeyman
4 years as an HVACR apprentice (covers all 5 HVACR service categories)
Exam: Required
Master Restricted
Journeyman restricted license + additional experience
Exam: Required
Master
Journeyman license + additional supervisory experience
Exam: Required
Limited Contractor
Limited scope — must meet Board requirements for specific service categories
Exam: Required
Notes
- MHIC license also required if performing residential HVAC work
- 5 HVACR service categories: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, hydronic
- Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council-approved apprenticeship waives journeyman exam
- EPA Section 608 certification required for refrigerant handling (federal requirement)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hvac technician license in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
How much does a hvac technician license cost in Maryland?
The estimated initial cost is $225, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: HVACR Board