Iowa HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in IA

Cold, snowy winters and hot summers mean that HVAC professionals in Iowa are consistently busy. Although the salaries for HVAC workers are lower than in other parts of the country, the low cost of living in Iowa more than makes up for it. HVAC jobs are plentiful, and the job outlook shows an upward trend.

If you’re considering a career in heating and cooling maintenance, our comprehensive guide to getting an Iowa HVAC license can provide you with the information you need. Keep reading to learn about the cost of a license and how to get one.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Iowa?

In Iowa, you cannot perform any kind of HVAC work, not even apprenticeship or training, without a license. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) issues all licenses, and there are four main licenses and a subtype, so five in total:

• Apprentice
• Journey Level
• Master Level
• Contractor
• Service Technician HVAC Specialty

EPA License

An optional license, technically a certification, is a Section 608 Technician Certification issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. There are a few types of this certification, and each one permits you to work on certain types of refrigeration units or cooling equipment that uses refrigerants.

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) is a nationwide non-profit HVAC certification organization. It offers several different types of HVAC certifications, starting with a “ready to work” certificate for apprentices and students and niche HVAC specialties.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The primary benefit of getting an Iowa HVAC license is that you can legally perform HVAC work in the state. Even apprentices need a license, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be hired even as a trainee—most employers won’t want to risk having someone unlicensed do work for residential or commercial clients.

In addition, obtaining specialty licenses and certifications demonstrates to potential employers or clients that you have mastered certain skills and can help you negotiate a higher salary.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Iowa

Hourly HVAC maintenance techs, installers, and apprentices can expect to earn anywhere from $18.27 to $40.48 per hour; the state median rate is $27.19 per hour. This is a broad range and includes apprentice wages. Most professionals earn close to the state average. However, if you get overtime pay or a night/weekend pay differential, then you have the potential to make more.

Salaried HVAC professionals, such as service managers or field supervisors, may earn an average of $92,206 per year in Iowa; the range is $54,533 to $155,904 per year. This, too, is a large range.

There are a few things that affect how much you’ll get paid. One is the cost of living in your area; you may make a lot more in Des Moines than you would in Mason City, for example. If you have extensive education and training, or if you hold specific certifications and can perform niche work, then you can demand a higher wage than an apprentice or new journeyman.

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

The cost for each Iowa HVAC license is as follows:

• Apprentice: Application fee, $50, and the license is valid for 3 years. You must also take an exam; fees are $35 to the state, and $109 to Kirkwood Community College, which administers the exams.
• Journeyman: $180
• Master: $240
• Contractor: $150 registration fee to the Iowa Workforce Development – Division of Labor; $250 to PMSB

How to get an HVAC license in Iowa

Each of the four main types of HVAC license in Iowa, and the sub-category, has different requirements:

Apprentice

An apprentice may only work under the supervision of a licensed HVAC journeyman or contractor and for a licensed contractor.

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED
• Must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship
• Must have a license issued by the PMSB
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Submit application and fees

Journey Level /Journeyman

• Must possess all the qualifications of an apprentice, PLUS
• Is only permitted to work under the supervision of a Master HVACR professional, and may not work for an unlicensed contractor
• Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check
• May only supervise apprentices performing work for which the journeyman is licensed
• Must submit proof of at least 4 years of HVAC apprenticeship
• Must pass the Iowa journeyman exam OR
• Possess a Master-level license from another jurisdiction
• File the exam and license approval applications, pass the applicable tests, and may all associated fee

Master Level

• Must possess all the qualifications of a Journeyman, PLUS
• May only supervise apprentices or journeymen in the discipline in which they are licensed
• Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check
• Must pass the state of Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board master licensing examination
• Hold 2 years of experience as a journeyman OR
• Have a master license in another jurisdiction
• Pass all applicable exams and submit all necessary fees

Contractor

• Must be licensed with the board AND registered with the Iowa Division of Labor
• Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check
• Must submit proof of surety bond and their registration number
• File the application and pay the necessary fees

Service Technician HVAC Specialty

• This is a sublicense that permits you to perform work from the appliance shutoff valve to the appliance, as well as all parts and components of said appliance.
• Must possess all qualifications of HVAC Master
• Must hold at least one NATE certificate (or equivalent authority) OR
• Hold a Service Technician Associate degree (or equivalent education)

Exams required for an Iowa HVAC license

Each HVAC license, including the Service Technician HVAC Specialty, has an exam that relates to the expected skills, experience, and knowledge. Exams are proctored at Kirkwood Community College campuses across the state. All exams are open-book, and you must pass each exam you sit for with a score of at least 75%.

Iowa HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

General liability insurance is required

Depending on the scope and price of the project (and sometimes a client’s wishes) a surety bond may also be required

Iowa HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

License must be renewed each year. You must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check, plus submit proof of at least 4 hours of continuing education each year.