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How to get an HVAC license in California

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  • State journeyman license: No (California does not issue a statewide HVAC journeyman license. CSLB licenses the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning contractor classification.)
  • C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning: You need about four years of journey-level (or foreman / supervising / contractor / owner-builder) experience in the C-20 trade inside the last ten years. Schooling or apprenticeship can replace up to three of those years. Someone who saw your work has to verify it.
  • Exam: see below, via CSLB (PSI scheduling)
  • Code edition: C-20 trade exam is closed-book, multiple choice (planning/estimating, install/startup, troubleshooting, safety). You also take the Law & Business exam unless you qualify for a waiver.

Requirements by license

C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

ExperienceYou need about four years of journey-level (or foreman / supervising / contractor / owner-builder) experience in the C-20 trade inside the last ten years. Schooling or apprenticeship can replace up to three of those years. Someone who saw your work has to verify it.Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of
ExamCSLB (PSI scheduling). Closed book. Law & Business plus the C-20 trade exam. Trade exam sections: planning/estimating, fabrication/install/startup, troubleshooting/repair, safety. Closed book.Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of
Fees
  • Original application (one classification): $450
  • Initial license — sole owner: $200
  • Initial license — non-sole owner: $350
  • Active renewal — sole owner: $450
  • Active renewal — non-sole owner: $700
Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of · Also budget the $25,000 contractor bond and workers’ comp (C-20 cannot claim the no-employees exemption).
RenewalEvery 2 years (active). Active licenses renew every two years from the month they were issued. Renew on time to avoid the delinquent fee.Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of · Sole-owner active renewal $450; non-sole $700 on the CSLB fee list.
CE to renewCSLB’s public fee and renewal pages do not list a statewide CE hour requirement for C-20. Confirm with CSLB if a local agency or specialty certification adds hours.Not confirmedSource: cslb.ca.gov · as of

License types in California

  • No statewide HVAC journeyman license
  • C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning contractor
  • Related classes (e.g. C-38 refrigeration) when your scope needs them
Source: cslb.ca.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Out-of-state contractors usually still take CSLB exams unless they meet a waiver. Check CSLB’s exam-waiver rules before you apply.Not confirmedSource: cslb.ca.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:

  • Whether any statewide CE hours apply to C-20 renewals beyond what the fee schedule shows.
    Ask: CSLB (contact source, as of )

FAQ

Does California issue an HVAC journeyman card?

No. You get a CSLB C-20 contractor license to contract for warm-air HVAC work.

How much experience?

About four years of journey-level C-20 work in the last ten years (school can replace some of it).

Already licensed? See California HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

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