North Dakota HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in ND

Cold and snowy winters in North Dakota mean that HVAC professionals stay very busy when the temperatures drop, but as a prairie state, the summers can get quite toasty. If you choose a career in heating, cooling, and ventilation, then the job prospects here are strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth for North Dakota HVAC techs, installers, and supervisors will grow an estimated 9% over the next decade, a faster rate than many other types of jobs.

In our guide, you’ll learn more about North Dakota’s HVAC licensing requirements, as well as helpful links for testing, registering as a contractor, and education and training options.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in North Dakota?

North Dakota does not issue HVAC licenses at the state level. Rather, individual municipalities, like Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot, have their own requirements. Although the specific requirements for each municipal license differ, for the most part, you must complete (and show proof of) a certain number of hours as a journeyman HVAC professional and may have to take one or more licensing and competency exams.

Fargo, for example, has four different types of HVAC licenses, each one issued by the City of Fargo Department of Inspections:

• Journeyman Mechanical License: Required for anyone who constructs, maintains, repairs, and installs HVAC units and all fuel-consuming appliances  
• Journeyman Fuel Gas License: Required for anyone who installs, repairs, or maintains gas-consuming appliances
• Master Mechanical License: Required for any individual or business that constructs, repairs, alters, maintains, and installs heating and air conditioning units and fuel-consuming applicants
• Master Fuel Gas License: Required for any individual or business that maintains, repairs, and installs gas-consuming appliances

Bismark HVAC licenses are issued by the City of Bismarck Community Development Department, Building Inspection Division. These start at the apprentice level; you will need a separate license as you progress from apprentice to journeyman to master HVAC contractor.

However, plan on working on projects totaling $4,000 or more or starting your own HVAC service business. You must have a valid North Dakota State Contractor’s License issued by the ND Secretary of State. State contractors may apply for one of four types of licenses:

• Class A: Projects over $500,000
• Class B: Projects up to $500,000
• Class C: Projects up to $300,000
• Class D: Projects up to $100,000

Each license has a separate application requirement and licensing fee.

EPA License

In addition to any municipal license you may need for HVAC work, if you plan to work on refrigeration units or units that use refrigerants, you must have a Section 608 Technician Certification issued by the EPA. The Environmental Protection Agency issues several types of certifications, each one valid in all 50 states. Once you hold the Section 608 Certification, it never expires.

NATE Certificate

NATE Certificates indicate the best of the best HVAC professionals. These optional certifications are issued by the North American Technical Excellence Organization (NATE). NATE offers several types of specialty certifications, which can demonstrate your ability to perform niche work or indicate that you are ready-to-work as an apprentice HVAC tech.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The primary benefit of holding an HVAC license is that you are legally permitted to perform HVAC work within the issuing municipality. You do not need a state license to perform HVAC work, and it’s true that some cities or smaller towns may not require licensure. However, holding a license, even if it’s for a different city than the one you’re working in, may give customers or potential employers more confidence in your abilities. In addition, any work that an unlicensed HVAC worker performs may not be up to building code because it was completed by an unlicensed person.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in North Dakota

Hourly HVAC installers, technicians, and mechanics can expect to earn between $17.61 and $49.31 per hour, with a state average of $29.47 per hour. How much you make depends on a few things. Some employers may offer overtime, so if you work more than 40 hours per week, you may be paid more. Others may offer a pay differential for people who work nights and weekends to handle emergency service calls.

HVAC managers and field supervisors are often salaried, with a wage range from $46,829 to $85,028 per year. The state average is $63,102. You may earn a bonus from your employer, increasing your annual earnings. And, if you own your own HVAC business, then you may make considerably more than someone who works for someone else.

Both hourly and salaried HVAC professionals are usually paid more if they have extensive experience, considerable education, or the ability to perform niche work. In addition, if you have certain certifications, like a NATE Certification, you may be able to command a higher wage than someone without.

How much does getting an HVAC license in North Dakota cost to get?

If your job requires a State Contractor’s License, you must submit an application and a certificate of general liability insurance, plus proof of workers’ compensation insurance (this may be waived if you do not have employees). You pay a fee, depending on the class of license you’re applying for, and demonstrate that you are in good standing with the state’s Department of Workforce Safety & Insurance.

The cost for State Contractor’s Licenses is as follows:

• Class A: $450
• Class B: $300
• Class C: $225
• Class D: $100

Each municipality that issues a license sets its own licensing fees. Let’s look at two of the largest cities in the state that require HVAC professionals to be licensed:

Fargo:

• Journeyman Mechanical License & Journeyman Fuel Gas License: $30 application fee and $40 per exam (two are required). If both exams are taken on the same day, you only pay $40 total.
• Master Mechanical License & Master Fuel Gas License: $125 application fee and $125 per exam (two are required). If you take both exams on the same day, you only pay $125.

Bismarck:

• Apprentice: $35 licensing fee
• Journeyman: $125 licensing fee
• Master: $125 licensing fee

Other cities set their own fees for licensure; it’s best to check with the city or county government where you plan to work about any required licenses you must have.  

How to get an HVAC license in North Dakota

Just as each municipality determines whether HVAC professionals must be licensed, they also set the licensing standards. Generally, an apprentice must work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master HVAC professional.

You often must submit proof of a certain number of hours worked in the field, as well as proof of your education or training, such as an associate degree or degree from an approved trade school. Some licenses do not require formal education, if the applicant demonstrates proof of working a certain number of hours in the field.

Some approved educational institutions include the North Dakota State College of Science, which offers an HVAC/R Technology Program and an HVAC-Related Study Apprenticeship Program, and Bismarck State College, which offers several levels of training, certifications, and an Associate’s Degree in applied science. Or, you may opt for an apprenticeship such as those offered by the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union 10.

In addition, many licenses require that you pass at least one competency exam. If you plan to apply for a contractor or Master license in many cities, you may also have to pass a Business and Law exam.

North Dakota State Contractor’s License Requirements

To start the process, you must submit your completed application, along with proof of liability and workers’ comp insurance and proof of good standing with Workforce Safety & Insurance. You may also need to demonstrate a certain number of hours worked in the field.

Exams required for a North Dakota HVAC license

Each municipality sets its own exam requirements. For example, Fargo requires each license holder to take two exams, while Bismarck does not require any. If you are applying for a State Contractors’ License, you may need to pass a Business & Law exam. Most exams require a score of 70-75% to pass.

North Dakota HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

Apprentice and journeyman HVAC professionals in North Dakota may not be required to have their own insurance policy. However, if you choose to apply for a Stace Contractor’s License, then you must submit proof of your general liability insurance and workers’ compensation policy.

In addition, depending on the cost and scope of the project, individual customers may require general liability insurance, a surety bond, or both.

North Dakota HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

Each city that requires an HVAC license has its own requirements for license renewal. For example, Fargo journeyman licenses renew every three years at a cost of $100, while Master licenses must be renewed annually, at a cost of $125. Bismarck journeyman licenses renew annually, at a cost of $75. Master licenses renew annually as well, at a cost of $125.

North Dakota State Contractor Licenses must be renewed every year. The fees are as follows:

Class A: $90

Class B: $60

Class C: $45

Class D: $30