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How to get an HVAC license in Alabama

Hours, exam, fees and renewal for HVAC work in Alabama. Taken from official AL pages and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors
  • State journeyman license: No (Alabama certifies HVAC/refrigeration contractors (active or inactive), not a separate statewide journeyman card. The certified contractor is the person in responsible charge for the business.)
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor (Active): Pass the Board exam, then apply for active certification with a business name and $20,000 performance bond. The certified person in responsible charge must be a W-2 employee averaging 30+ hours/week (or owner/partner/officer) who supervises install/service/repair work.
  • Exam: see below, via Alabama HACR Board
  • Code edition: Board written exam ($175) or practical exam ($375). One calendar year from approval to sit; then reapply. Reciprocity available from listed states with ≥70% equivalent exam.

Requirements by license

Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor (Active)

ExperiencePass the Board exam, then apply for active certification with a business name and $20,000 performance bond. The certified person in responsible charge must be a W-2 employee averaging 30+ hours/week (or owner/partner/officer) who supervises install/service/repair work.Source: hacr.alabama.gov · as of · Responsible-charge rules also in Ala. Admin. Code 440-X-3-.09.
ExamAlabama HACR Board. Online or mailed exam application. Written $175 or practical $375 (nonrefundable). After you pass, upload bond and business docs for licensure.Source: hacr.alabama.gov · as of
Fees
  • Written examination: $175
  • Practical examination: $375
  • Active initial / annual renewal: $220
  • Inactive initial / annual renewal: $110
  • Late renewal (after Dec 31): $250
Source: admincode.legislature.state.al.us · as of · Fee schedule effective Oct 14, 2024 (rule page).
RenewalEvery 1 year. Lapses if not renewed by December 31. Renew with penalties within one year or the certification expires and you retest. Finish CE before November 1 or renewal is blocked.Source: hacr.alabama.gov · as of
CE to renew4 hours per year
4 CE hours each year; you may take up to 8 and carry 4 forward. Not required the first year you hold a certification. Proof due by November 1 (440-X-4-.02 / Board FAQ).
Source: hacr.alabama.gov · as of

License types in Alabama

  • No statewide HVAC journeyman license
  • Heating & Air Conditioning contractor (active / inactive)
  • Refrigeration contractor (active / inactive)
  • Duct air tightness testing contractor registration (related)
Source: hacr.alabama.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Reciprocity if you passed an equivalent exam (≥70%) and hold a current license with MS, TN, OH OCILB, SC Residential Building Commission, SC Contractors’ Board, TX TDLR, WV, or LA LSLBC. Mail a notarized reciprocity application — not online.Source: hacr.alabama.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Alabama HVAC license?

Board certification for heating & air (and separate refrigeration). Active status needs a $20,000 bond and $220/year.

Exam cost?

Written $175 or practical $375.

Already licensed? See Alabama HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.