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How to get an HVAC license in Kentucky

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) — HVAC Division
  • State journeyman license: Yes (Statewide journeyman HVAC mechanic and master HVAC contractor licenses under KRS 198B.658.)
  • Journeyman HVAC Mechanic: At least 18; U.S. citizen or authorized resident alien. At least 2 years regularly employed in HVAC trades under a master HVAC contractor (or equivalent verifiable HVAC work in KY or another jurisdiction). One year = at least 1,500 hours in a continuous 12-month period.
  • Exam: see below, via DHBC or approved testing facility
  • Code edition: Department (or designee) exam; pass at least 70%. Master exam covers codes/industry practice plus HVAC business law. Journeyman may use a valid master exam score. Passing score good for 3 years.

Requirements by license

Journeyman HVAC Mechanic

ExperienceAt least 18; U.S. citizen or authorized resident alien. At least 2 years regularly employed in HVAC trades under a master HVAC contractor (or equivalent verifiable HVAC work in KY or another jurisdiction). One year = at least 1,500 hours in a continuous 12-month period.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of · Hour definition in 815 KAR 8:010 Section 5.
ExamDHBC or approved testing facility. Register with Form HVAC-4; exam fee $50. Pass ≥70%. Score valid 3 years.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
Fees
  • Exam (journeyman): $50
  • Initial license (12 months): $50
  • Annual renewal: $50
  • Restoration (late ≤60 days): $25
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 1 year. Renew by the last day of your birth month. Late up to 60 days needs restoration fee. Proof of annual CE required (815 KAR 2:010).Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
CE to renew6 hours per year
  • Business
  • Job safety
  • HVAC codes
  • HVAC trade subjects
Default 6 hours/year before renewal (815 KAR 2:010). Max 2 safety hours count toward the total. Excess may carry forward (cap 12). First renewal waived if licensed <12 months.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of

Master HVAC Contractor

ExperienceAt least 18. Paths include 2 years as a journeyman HVAC mechanic under a master; or 2 years practicing as a master (or equivalent) in KY or elsewhere; or 2 years as a licensed mechanical engineer. Insurance required (KRS 198B.668).Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
ExamDHBC or approved testing facility. Exam fee $150. Codes/industry practice plus HVAC business law. Pass ≥70%.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
Fees
  • Exam (master): $150
  • Initial license (12 months): $250
  • Annual renewal: $250
  • Restoration (late ≤60 days): $125
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 1 year. Birth-month deadline; annual CE; current insurance certificate for active masters.Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of
CE to renew6 hours per year
  • Business
  • Job safety
  • HVAC codes
  • HVAC trade subjects
Same 6-hour annual rule as journeymen (815 KAR 2:010). Corporate licensees designate an authorized agent for CE.
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of

License types in Kentucky

  • Journeyman HVAC mechanic
  • Master HVAC contractor
  • Apprentice HVAC mechanic certificate (register with department)
Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Reciprocity applicants must meet the agreement between Kentucky and the other state, plus the application/insurance pieces in 815 KAR 8:010 Section 3.Source: apps.legislature.ky.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

Kentucky HVAC license?

Yes — DHBC journeyman HVAC mechanic and master HVAC contractor. Journeyman needs about 2 years (1,500 hrs/year) under a master, then exam.

Exam fees?

Journeyman exam $50; master $150. Pass at 70%.

Already licensed? See Kentucky HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

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