HVAC Technician License Requirements in Texas
| Licensing Authority | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| License Type | ACR Technician / Contractor |
| Experience Required | Varies by tier. Technician registration requires passing an exam. Contractor license requires technician experience plus business qualification. |
| Exam Required | Yes — ACR Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: recommended |
| Continuing Education | Required hours |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Exam Fee | $78 |
| Est. Initial Total | $103 |
Renewal: $25 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
ACR 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 Texas
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 Texas. 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
Technician
Entry level with supervision
Exam: Required
Contractor
Licensed technician + business experience
Exam: Required
Notes
- EPA 608 certification also required for refrigerant handling
You're licensed in Texas 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 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issues the ACR Technician / Contractor; the business that invoices Texas 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.
Texas does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Texas does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is recommended but not mandated. 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 year at $25. Continuing education is required.
Other licenses in Texas
- General Contractor license in Texas
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Texas
Statewide license required · $108 in initial government fees · TDLR
- Plumber license in Texas
Statewide license required · $128 in initial government fees · TSBPE
- Roofing Contractor license in Texas
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in Texas?
Yes, Texas requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in Texas?
The estimated initial cost is $103, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Texas?
Varies by tier. Technician registration requires passing an exam. Contractor license requires technician experience plus business qualification.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Texas?
You must pass the ACR Exam exam. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Texas?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Texas?
Yes, continuing education is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Texas— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: TDLR