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How to get an HVAC license in Nebraska

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No statewide HVAC trade board — NDOL contractor registration + local mechanical/ACAD licenses
  • State journeyman license: No (Nebraska has no statewide HVAC journeyman card. Local ACAD/mechanical licenses apply in cities that regulate the trade.)
  • NDOL contractor registration: Any contractor/subcontractor doing construction work in Nebraska must register. Separate registration number for each business name. Workers’ comp ACORD 25 required if you have employees (NDOL as certificate holder).
  • Exam: see below, via None for state registration
  • Code edition: Set locally. Omaha ACAD master/journeyman require city exams. State registration does not test HVAC trade skill.

Requirements by license

NDOL contractor registration

ExperienceAny contractor/subcontractor doing construction work in Nebraska must register. Separate registration number for each business name. Workers’ comp ACORD 25 required if you have employees (NDOL as certificate holder).Source: dol.nebraska.gov · as of
ExamNone for state registration. Create a profile at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg and complete registration/renewal online.Source: dol.nebraska.gov · as of
Fees
  • Annual contractor registration (eff. Aug 1, 2026): $40
Source: dol.nebraska.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 1 year. Renew online in your NDOL profile. Keep workers’ comp current or you’re removed from the registered list.Source: dol.nebraska.gov · as of
CE to renewNo CE for NDOL registration. Local ACAD cards set their own CE.Source: dol.nebraska.gov · as of

License types in Nebraska

  • No statewide HVAC technician license
  • NDOL contractor registration (all contractors)
  • Local ACAD / mechanical master & journeyman (city-by-city)
Source: dol.nebraska.gov · as of

Local ACAD licenses (example)

Omaha licenses Air Conditioning and Air Distribution (ACAD) masters and journeymen. Masters need a $10,000 bond and $300,000 liability. Cards run up to two years, expiring Dec 31 of odd years.

City of Omaha

Office: Planning / Permits — Mechanical licensing
Licenses journeymen?Yes
ExperienceExam required for ACAD master and journeyman (city portal). Apprentice ACAD/sheet metal installer registers without exam.
ExamCity of Omaha (exam required). Apply online. Initial ACAD master $50+$4 tech; journeyman $35+$2.80 tech
FeesACAD Master renewal (2-year): $160
ACAD Journeyman renewal (2-year): $120
Tech fee (master renew): $12.80
Tech fee (journeyman renew): $9.60
RenewalUp to 2 years. Expire Dec 31 of odd years. 8 CE hours for ACAD master/journeyman renewals. Stepped late penalties; retest after 730 days
CE8 hours · 8 continuing education hours noted on Omaha ACAD renewal rows.
NotesBond/insurance: Mechanical@cityofomaha.org. Permits: (402) 444-5350.
Still openExact Omaha ACAD exam experience-year rules in ordinance text
ContactCity of Omaha Mechanical Licensing · (402) 444-5350 · permit.info@cityofomaha.org (source)
Source: planning.omaha.gov · as of

Call the city/county building department for the job site.

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

No statewide HVAC reciprocity. Omaha building contractor page has a reciprocal path for building contractors — ACAD trade cards are city-specific; ask Mechanical before you assume credit.Not confirmedSource: planning.omaha.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

State HVAC card?

No. Register as a contractor with NDOL ($40/yr from Aug 1, 2026). Cities license ACAD/mechanical.

Omaha?

ACAD master/journeyman exams; masters need $10k bond and $300k liability.

Already licensed? See Nebraska HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

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