California is one of the best states in the country for HVAC technicians. It ranks highly in terms of job availability, travel opportunities, and salary.

In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to earn your California HVAC license, including details about HVAC programs, average salary data, and application fees. Working in the HVAC industry in California can give you the knowledge and freedom to pursue a successful career.

Do you need a license in California to become an HVAC technician?

A California HVAC license is required for professionals wanting to work in the state as HVAC contractors. The industry is regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which is responsible for licensing HVAC technicians.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The benefits of earning a California HVAC license include the ability to start your own business and earn better pay.

Average salary for HVAC technicians in California

Salaries for California HVAC technicians vary based on the company and location. On average, salaries range from $39,420 to $70,023.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

The HVAC trades are referred to as C20 – Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor. To secure your California HVAC license, you must possess at least four years of journeyman-level experience within the last ten years or attend an HVAC educational program along with on-the-job training.

Two other HVAC certifications commonly pursued by technicians include:

EPA license work and pay

All HVAC technicians and contractors must secure licenses from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to handle refrigerants. Section 608 of the Clean Air Act mandates that anyone who repairs, services, disposes of, or maintains equipment that might release refrigerants must have proper certification.

Technicians must pass a test approved by the EPA to earn their EPA license. There are four kinds of EPA certification:

• Type I: Small appliance servicing
• Type II: Disposing of or servicing high-pressure appliances
• Type III: Disposing of or servicing low-pressure appliances
• Universal License: Servicing equipment of all types

NATE certification work and pay

Earning certification from North American Technical Excellence (NATE) can lead to better-paying jobs or salary increases. NATE certification requires passing tests about the operation of specific HVAC equipment and hands-on industry knowledge.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in California?

As an apprentice technician, you pay fees to contractors for the training they provide. You’ll also pay for your own tools. The license fee is $180.

Licensing Costs:

• Application Fee: $330
• Initial License Fee: $200 for two years
• Total Licensing Fee: $530
• Additional Costs: Background check and fingerprinting fees, approximately $50.

Renewal and continuing education 

To maintain your HVAC license, you must renew it every two years. This process involves submitting a renewal form along with the applicable renewal fee. Although the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) does not mandate continuing education for license renewal, staying current with industry certifications, such as NATE certification, can significantly enhance your career prospects.

How to get an HVAC license in California

There are two paths to earning a California HVAC License. The state has a requirement that applicants for the C20 license have four years of relevant, verified experience prior to sitting for the necessary exams.

To qualify for an HVAC license, you need to accumulate four years of on-the-job training. This involves working under the supervision of a licensed contractor and gaining hands-on experience in HVAC tasks. When submitting your application, you must provide verification of your work experience. This verification can be obtained from a past or current employer, foreman, supervisor, contractor, building inspector, architect, or colleague who is familiar with your work and can attest to your experience.

Another route to meeting the experience requirement is through educational programs. Attending a vocational or technical school with an HVAC program can help you fulfill part of the requirement. Coursework completed at a qualified institution may count towards the four-year experience requirement in California. Specifically, educational qualifications can satisfy up to three years of the experience requirement, reducing the amount of time needed to gain practical experience.

Licensing Requirements

To work as an HVAC contractor in California, you must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Below are the updated steps and requirements for obtaining your HVAC license:

1. Work Experience:
   • Minimum Experience: You need at least four years of journeyman-level experience within the last ten years. This experience can be a mix of hands-on work and educational credit from an approved program, but at least one year must be in the field.
   • Verification: Experience must be verified by someone familiar with your work, such as an employer, supervisor, or colleague.
2. Application Process:
   • Form Submission: Complete the “Application for Original Contractor License” form, which can be filled out online, printed, and mailed to the CSLB with a $330 application fee.
   • Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents and fees are included when mailing the application to the CSLB.
3. Examinations:
   • Exam Types: Pass both the trade-specific exam and the Law & Business exam. Both are multiple-choice and require a passing score of 72%.
   • Additional Exam: Complete the open-book asbestos exam.
4. Background Check:
   • Fingerprinting: Submit fingerprints for a mandatory criminal background check.
5. Insurance and Bonding:
   • Insurance: Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
   • Bond: Obtain a $25,000 contractor’s bond.

California HVAC educational programs

Here is a list of schools with HVAC programs:

• Antelope Valley College
• Brownson Technical School
• City College of San Francisco
• Cypress College
• Fresno City College
• Long Beach City College
• Mayfield College
• Riverside City College
• Sacramento City College
• San Diego City College

Some typical courses include:

• Work Safety
• Electrical Technology Theory
• Principles of Refrigeration
• Principles of Heat Transfer
• HVAC Laws and Regulations
• HVAC Systems Design
• Energy Management and Green Building
• Gas and Electric Heating

California HVAC license exams

After submitting your application to the California Contractors State License Board, you must fill out and submit a fingerprinting kit. You will also receive an assigned exam date, a minimum of three weeks in the future. Your assigned testing center will depend on your residential ZIP code. Exams are regularly held at testing centers in San Bernardino, Oxnard, Norwalk, Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, and Fresno.

The California HVAC License exam for contractors is 3.5 hours and covers business, law, and HVAC trade information. Applicants must pass all the sections of the exam to secure a license. You can get study materials free of charge from the California CSLB. After you submit your application and receive your Notification of Exam, you have 18 months to take and pass the tests. A score of 72% or better is required for passage. After you pass the exam and supply the required documentation, you will receive your license from the California CSLB.

Program Tuition Costs: The costs associated with school tuition vary. Affordable programs cost about $500 for tuition, while the most expensive schools charge $30,000. Please check with the school for specific pricing information.

Want more information?

For more detailed information, you can visit the CSLB website​.