Washington HVAC license: Everything you need to know

Are you seeking a challenging career in the heating, cooling, and ventilation industry? Skilled HVAC professionals are always in high demand, and in Washington, the job prospects are promising. The U.S. Board of Labor Statistics estimates that HVAC job growth will remain at a steady 6% over the next decade; according to the U.S. Department of Labor, HVAC job growth in Washington State is even higher—an estimated 19%.

Many technical jobs, like HVAC repairs and installations, require certain licenses or other proof of education and experience. Our guide contains information about Washington HVAC licenses, helpful links for testing and educational resources, and everything else you need to know about getting an HVAC license in Washington.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Washington?

Washington requires HVAC techs and specialty contractors to hold a license, but not precisely an HVAC license. Rather, people operating heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment must have a license as a specialty electrician. These licenses are issued through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

The different types of specialty electrical licenses issued in Washington are as follows:

• General Journey Level
• HVAC/refrigeration systems specialty license
• HVAC/refrigeration – restricted (6B) specialty license

Furthermore, many large Washington cities, including Seattle, Kennewick, Spokane, Pullman, and Yakima, require a license for any HVAC or refrigeration professional performing work within each city’s respective limits.

EPA License

In addition to the state-mandated specialty electrical license and any municipal licenses you need, you may also need an EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for any HVAC tech or contractor who will be working on refrigeration equipment or cooling units that use refrigeration. An EPA Certification is valid in all 50 states and does not expire once issued.

NATE Certificate

NATE, or North American Technical Excellence, is the largest nationwide non-profit certification agency for HVAC professionals. NATE certifications indicate the best of the best and also indicate your ability to perform specialty work. They are recognized in all 50 states.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

The primary benefit of securing your HVAC license (or specialty electrical license) is that you are licensed to work on heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment in the state. In addition, you must have an HVAC license to legally perform HVAC work in the major cities listed above (and others; check your municipal regulations).

Beyond the legal requirement to hold an HVAC license, having a license in good standing indicates to customers and potential employers that you have the appropriate training, experience, and skills to perform a certain level of HVAC work.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Washington

Hourly HVAC professionals, such as technicians, mechanics, and installers, can earn between $23.30 and $56.36 per hour; the state median wage is $36.23. Some employers may permit you to work overtime, so you may earn a higher rate of pay once you top 40 hours. Others may offer extra pay for working nights or weekends, which can also bump up your average pay.

Salaried HVAC professionals, including field supervisors or service managers, can make between $75,233 and $151,106 per year; the state median salary is $106,621 per year. While they aren’t eligible for overtime, they may be eligible for bonuses or other financial incentives.

Both hourly and salaried HVAC professionals may be able to command a higher wage by demonstrating certain niche skills or by having extensive experience or education. Plus, people living in higher-cost-of-living areas may make more than people who are not.

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

The application fee for the contractor license in Washington is $117.90. Each city sets its own licensing fees and associated costs, such as the cost for an exam or other types of preparation you must have. Check the city you plan to work in to see how much licenses cost for that municipality.

How to get an HVAC license in Washington

You begin your steps to getting your specialty electrical license in Washington by registering as a trainee. You must complete at least 24 hours of approved education each year and work only under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master-level electrician.

The next step is the Journey Level, and you may do one of the following (or both, depending on your career goals):

• Obtain either a Specialty Electrician HVAC/R 06A (requires 4,000 hours of work experience and 48 hours of education)
• Obtain a Specialty Electrician 06B license (requires 2,000 hours of work experience and 24 hours of education)

If you plan to open your own HVAC contracting business, you must apply for a state-issued business license, submit proof of Washington workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance, and present either a cash deposit or a surety bond.

Exams required for a Washington HVAC license

Although the General Journey Level license does not require an exam, the Specialty Electrician HVAC/R 06A does. It covers electrical codes and HVAC-specific knowledge, and a score of 70% is required to pass.

In addition, the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification also requires an exam. It includes 80 multiple-choice questions and requires a 70% passing score.

Washington HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

The minimum insurance and bonding requirements for Washington HVAC professionals are as follows:

• Insurance: General liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $200,000 is required
• Bonding: A $6,000 surety bond is required for specialty contractors

Business owners must hold Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance and may have higher general liability insurance requirements depending on the scope of their work. Additionally, some clients may request additional insurance if they are working on a large project or government bid.

Washington HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

State licenses must be renewed every two years. In addition, you must submit proof of 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including eight hours on code changes.

The renewal requirements for a city or county HVAC license may differ, so be sure to check your municipality to ensure that you don’t miss your deadline to renew.