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How to get an HVAC license in North Dakota

Hours, exam, fees and renewal for HVAC work in North Dakota. Taken from official ND pages and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No statewide HVAC board — ND Secretary of State contractor license + local mechanical/fuel-gas licenses
  • State journeyman license: No (No statewide HVAC journeyman. Local mechanical/fuel-gas licenses; Fargo proctors statewide reciprocity exams used by participating cities.)
  • ND Secretary of State contractor license: Required when job cost/value/price exceeds $4,000 (NDCC ch. 43-07). Application includes experience statement, liability insurance (SOS as certificate holder), and WSI verification.
  • Exam: see below, via None for SOS contractor license
  • Code edition: Set locally. Fargo reciprocity exams (open book) use 2024 IMC and IFGC as of Jan 1, 2026.

Requirements by license

ND Secretary of State contractor license

ExperienceRequired when job cost/value/price exceeds $4,000 (NDCC ch. 43-07). Application includes experience statement, liability insurance (SOS as certificate holder), and WSI verification.Source: sos.nd.gov · as of
ExamNone for SOS contractor license. Apply via FirstStop portal. Separate local HVAC exams (e.g. Fargo) for mechanical/fuel-gas cards.Source: sos.nd.gov · as of
Fees
  • Class D (up to $100k/job) initial: $100
  • Class C (up to $300k) initial: $225
  • Class B (up to $500k) initial: $300
  • Class A (over $500k) initial: $450
  • Class D annual renew (by Mar 1): $30
Source: sos.nd.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 1 year. Renew on or before March 1 via FirstStop with project list (>$50k), tax/WSI certs, and liability insurance.Source: sos.nd.gov · as of
CE to renewNo CE for SOS contractor license. Local HVAC cards set their own rules.Source: sos.nd.gov · as of

License types in North Dakota

  • No statewide HVAC technician license
  • SOS contractor Class A–D (jobs > $4,000)
  • Local mechanical / fuel-gas journeyman & master
Source: sos.nd.gov · as of

Local HVAC licenses (example)

Fargo proctors ND reciprocity Master/Journeyman mechanical and fuel-gas exams. Passing is valid in participating ND jurisdictions, but you still pull a license in each city where you work.

City of Fargo

Office: Inspections — HVAC exams
Licenses journeymen?Yes
ExperienceJourneyman: 6,000 practical hours (education ≤ half). Master: 6,000 journeyman + 4,000 practical = 10,000 hours. Employer letter on letterhead with hours.
ExamCity of Fargo (ND reciprocity). open book. Open book; 2024 IMC/IFGC from Jan 1, 2026. Journeyman exam $40; master $125. Retest wait 30 days
FeesJourneyman exam appointment: $40
Master exam appointment: $125
RenewalPer city license term. After exam, apply for each city’s mechanical/fuel-gas license separately (Fargo: Permits.FargoND.gov)
CEConfirm CE on each city’s renewal form.
NotesExam fee ≠ license fee. Dual mechanical + fuel-gas often needed.
Still openExact Fargo mechanical license renewal dollar fee
ContactCity of Fargo Inspections · (701) 241-1561 (source)
Source: fargond.gov · as of

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

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Fargo’s ND reciprocity HVAC exams are accepted by participating jurisdictions, but each city still issues its own license. SOS contractor license is separate.Source: fargond.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

ND HVAC license?

No statewide HVAC card. SOS contractor license for jobs >$4,000. Cities issue mechanical/fuel-gas licenses.

Fargo?

Reciprocity JM exam: 6,000 hrs ($40). Master: 10,000 hrs ($125). Still license in each city.

Already licensed? See North Dakota HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

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