Home › HVAC license by state › Maryland

How to get an HVAC license in Maryland

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (Department of Labor)
  • State journeyman license: Yes (Maryland issues statewide HVACR apprentice, journeyman (and restricted), limited, master, and master restricted licenses. Journeyman works under a licensed contractor.)
  • HVACR Journeyman: Hold an apprentice license for at least 4 years and finish at least 6,000 hours of HVACR training under a licensed contractor, then pass the Board exam. (Journeyman restricted: 3 years apprentice + 1,875 hours in a specialized area.) Board may credit formal school or other comparable experience under Bus. Reg. §9A-302(g).
  • Exam: see below, via Maryland HVACR Board examination
  • Code edition: Board-administered examination after you meet the experience path for journeyman, limited, or master. Apprenticeship-completion path can skip the journeyman exam when you hold a Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council certificate.

Requirements by license

HVACR Journeyman

ExperienceHold an apprentice license for at least 4 years and finish at least 6,000 hours of HVACR training under a licensed contractor, then pass the Board exam. (Journeyman restricted: 3 years apprentice + 1,875 hours in a specialized area.) Board may credit formal school or other comparable experience under Bus. Reg. §9A-302(g).Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · as of
ExamMaryland HVACR Board examination. Apply after you pass (or use the MATC completion path without exam). Work stays under direction and control of a licensed contractor.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of
Fees
  • Journeyman: $25
  • Journeyman Restricted (per area): $25
  • Apprentice: $12
Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of · Nonrefundable fees as of July 1, 2025.
RenewalEvery 2 years. Expires the first October 1 after issue that falls in an odd-numbered year, then renews for two-year terms. Pay the renewal fee, file the renewal app, and show insurance (§9A-402). Restore within 4 years of expiration with renewal/reinstatement fee.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · as of
CE to renewBoard education page: Maryland HVACR does not require continuing education credits.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of

HVACR Master

ExperienceAt least 3 years of active experience under a master, working regularly and principally in HVACR under a journeyman/limited/master-restricted license, including at least 1,875 hours in the year before you apply — then pass the Board exam. Master Restricted and Limited have related hour paths in §9A-302.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · as of
ExamMaryland HVACR Board examination. Apply for Master, Master Restricted, or Limited after you pass the exam.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of
Fees
  • Master: $94.50
  • Limited: $94.50
  • Master Restricted (per area): $31.50
  • Inactive license: $31.50
Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 2 years. Same odd-year October 1 cycle as journeyman. Inactive status available at renewal if you stop providing services.Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · as of
CE to renewNo CE credits required.Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of

License types in Maryland

  • HVACR Apprentice
  • HVACR Journeyman / Journeyman Restricted
  • HVACR Limited contractor
  • HVACR Master / Master Restricted
  • HVACR Inspector
Source: labor.maryland.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Maryland’s HVACR path is Board examination after the statutory experience. Ask the Board about out-of-state credit under §9A-302(g) comparable-experience rules — not a simple swap.Not confirmedSource: labor.maryland.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 renewal dollar amounts differ from the July 1, 2025 original-license fee schedule (statute says “renewal fee established by the Board”).
    Ask: MD HVACR Board (contact source, as of )

FAQ

Does Maryland license HVAC statewide?

Yes. HVACR apprentice, journeyman, limited, and master licenses through the Department of Labor Board.

Journeyman experience?

4 years as an apprentice with 6,000 training hours, then the Board exam.

Already licensed? See Maryland HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

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