Do you want a stable career as an HVAC professional or run your own HVAC business? Utah is a great place to live and work in the HVAC field.

This Utah HVAC license guide will share all the details about the training requirements. Explore new opportunities to get started today.

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

Anyone who wants to work as an HVAC technician in Utah without a supervisor will need a license issued by the Utah Department of Commerce – Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The Utah HVAC license is a contractor’s license that specializes in the heating and cooling trades. Utah does not require HVAC techs or apprentices to hold a license or register, but these individuals must be supervised by a licensed HVAC contractor.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

HVAC contractor licenses

A Utah contractor license allows you to repair, service, and install a variety of HVAC units without requiring supervision. There are five different subcategories that Utah HVAC technicians can choose from:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
• Refrigeration air conditioning
• Evaporative cooling
• Warm air heating
• Refrigeration

Most technicians operate with the standard HVAC license, but some individuals specialize in niche areas, like commercial food cooling or industrial heating.

NATE Certifications

A North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification is an optional HVAC license Utah technicians can earn. The NATE license proves that a technician has undergone additional training and knows common types of HVAC units. HVAC professionals with NATE certification can typically command a higher salary than those without the certification (based on similar work experience and licensure).

EPA Certifications

Utah also requires all HVAC technicians to have an EPA certification. The Section 608 certification from the EPA certifies that a technician is capable of safely working with units containing refrigerants.

Average salaries for HVAC workers in Utah

With a Utah HVAC license, you can earn an average annual salary of $66,127. Individuals working in urban areas or with larger units may command a slightly higher salary. Utah HVAC techs earn an average of $28.36 per hour, while HVAC mechanics earn an average of $26.05 per hour.

Benefits of Getting an HVAC License

An HVAC license in Utah gives you freedom. Instead of reporting to a supervisor, you can pick your own schedule, negotiate payments on your own, and choose your jobs. You can start your own business. Getting a Utah contractor’s license prepares you to become a small business owner because you’re required to enroll in law and business classes.

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

An HVAC Contractor license in Utah is considered a Specialty Contractor License, issued by the Utah Department of Commerce Department of Professional Licensing. The requirements for obtaining this license are as follows:

• 25-hour Pre-Licensure Course
• Proof of general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 coverage for each incident and $300,000 in total coverage
• Register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations
• Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
• Complete the Contractor Application and submit the required fees:
  • $50 per qualifier
  • $175 for each classification

Licenses are valid for two years and must be renewed bi-annually, with a fee of $113. In addition to the renewal fees, you must submit proof of continuing education, a minimum of 6 hours. Out of those 6 hours, one hour must be related to energy conservation and three related to repair, replacement, or installation of an HVAC system.

How to get an HVAC license in Utah

Schooling is not required for a Utah HVAC license. The main requirement is possessing four years of HVAC experience over a ten-year period. You can work with any licensed HVAC contractor to get this experience, or you can attend a school like the Utah Contractor License Center, where you can enroll in courses.

Nor are a Trade Exam or the Utah Business and Law Exam required for a Specialty Contractor License. However, if you wish to upgrade your Specialty Contractor License to a General Contractor License, one of the requirements is to take the Business & Law Exam.

After you gain experience, you can apply with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. This application requires proof of your experience, proof of your financial responsibility, proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and proof of registration with the Utah Division of Corporations.