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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $225 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice license | $10 |
| Journeyman license | $20 |
| Master/Master Restricted license | $75 |
| Exam fee | $150 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
HVACR Journeyman/Master Exam
Limited HVACR Contractor Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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 Maryland
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 Maryland. 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
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)
You're licensed in Maryland 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 Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors issues the Apprentice / Journeyman / Master HVACR Contractor; the business that invoices Maryland 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.
Bond: none required by the state.
Maryland does not require a surety bond for this license — No statewide bond requirement for HVACR licenses.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Maryland requires general liability insurance for this license. HVACR contractors must maintain general liability insurance. Master contractors must provide proof of insurance. 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 2 years at $75. Continuing education: 8 hours every 2 years.
Other licenses in Maryland
- General Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
- Electrician license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $280 in initial government fees · SBME
- Plumber license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $153 in initial government fees · SBP
- Roofing Contractor license in Maryland
Statewide license required · $466.75 in initial government fees · MHIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an 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 an hvac technician license cost in Maryland?
The estimated initial cost is $225, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Maryland?
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.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Maryland?
You must pass the HVACR Journeyman/Master Exam and Limited HVACR Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Maryland?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Maryland?
Yes, 8 hours per every 2 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Maryland— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: HVACR Board