HVAC Technician License Requirements in Ohio
| Licensing Authority | Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) |
| License Type | HVAC Commercial Contractor |
| Experience Required | 5 years of experience as an HVAC tradesperson immediately prior to the date the application is filed. Experience must be continuous, hands-on, and verifiable. Alternatively, applicants who are currently registered engineers in Ohio with 3 years of business experience in the HVAC construction industry may qualify. |
| Education Substitute | A registered engineer in Ohio with 3 years of business experience in the HVAC construction industry may substitute for the 5-year tradesperson requirement. Completion of an accredited HVAC training program or U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship counts toward experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — HVAC Contractor Trade Exam + Business and Law Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours 1 year |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks (application review + background check + exam scheduling) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Exam Fee | $138 |
| Initial License Fee | $25 |
| Fingerprinting | $66 |
| PSI trade exam fee | $69 |
| PSI business & law exam fee | $69 |
| 3-year renewal option | $180 |
| BCI/FBI background check (approx.) | $66 |
| Est. Initial Total | $638 |
Renewal: $60 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
HVAC Contractor Trade Exam
100 questions240 minutesPass: 70%
Heating systemsVentilation systemsAir conditioning systemsDuctwork design and installationRefrigerant handlingLoad calculationsControls and thermostatsOhio Mechanical Code
Business and Law Exam
50 questions120 minutesPass: 70%
Business organizationLicensing requirementsEstimating and biddingContract managementProject managementInsurance and bondingOSHA safety and record keepingPersonnel regulationsFinancial managementTax lawsLien laws
Exam provider: PSI
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
KentuckyHVAC trade exam waiver for licensed Ohio HVAC contractors. Must still pass Ohio Business and Law exam and meet all other OCILB requirements.
West VirginiaTrade exam waiver for licensed Ohio contractors in HVAC and plumbing. Must still meet all other OCILB requirements including Business and Law exam.
TennesseeTrade exam waiver agreement for electrical and HVAC contractors. Licensed Ohio contractors may qualify for exam waiver in Tennessee and vice versa.
AlabamaHVAC trade exam waiver for licensed Ohio HVAC contractors. Must still meet all other state requirements.
MississippiTrade exam waiver for HVAC and plumbing contractors. Licensed Ohio contractors may qualify for reciprocal licensing.
South CarolinaTrade exam waiver for HVAC and plumbing contractors. Licensed Ohio contractors may qualify for reciprocal licensing.
LouisianaHVAC trade exam waiver for licensed Ohio HVAC contractors.
Notes
- Ohio issues a single HVAC contractor license — no separate journeyman/master tiers at the state level
- OCILB also licenses Hydronics and Refrigeration as separate specialty trades
- Both exams are open-book; highlighting permitted but no writing in reference materials
- HVAC CE: 8 hours for 1-year renewal, 24 hours for 3-year renewal; max 4 hours self-paced per year
- EPA Section 608 certification is required federally for handling refrigerants (separate from OCILB license)
- Background check (BCI/FBI) must be completed after application approval but before exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hvac technician license in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
How much does a hvac technician license cost in Ohio?
The estimated initial cost is $254, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: OCILB