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How to get an HVAC license in South Dakota

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

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: No statewide HVAC board — municipalities may license HVAC contractors (SDCL 9-34-12)
  • State journeyman license: No (No statewide HVAC journeyman. Cities such as Sioux Falls issue Mechanical Contractor / Master Mechanic licenses.)
  • No statewide HVAC license — municipal only: State statute lets municipalities license HVAC contractors. There is no state HVAC exam or card. Check the city for the job site before you bid.
  • Exam: see below, via Local (e.g. Sioux Falls Master Mechanic)
  • Code edition: Set by each city. Sioux Falls Master Mechanic exam uses IMC, IFGC, SMACNA, and ACCA manuals; pass ≥75%.

Requirements by license

No statewide HVAC license — municipal only

ExperienceState statute lets municipalities license HVAC contractors. There is no state HVAC exam or card. Check the city for the job site before you bid.Source: sdlegislature.gov · as of
ExamLocal (e.g. Sioux Falls Master Mechanic). City exams where required. Sioux Falls does not reciprocate out-of-state licenses.Source: siouxfalls.gov · as of
FeesSet locally / not listedSource: sdlegislature.gov · as of · No statewide fee. See local example below.
RenewalSet by city. Renew each city’s mechanical license on its schedule.Source: sdlegislature.gov · as of
CE to renewSet locally if at all.Source: sdlegislature.gov · as of

License types in South Dakota

  • No statewide HVAC technician license
  • Municipal HVAC / mechanical contractor licenses (city-by-city)
Source: sdlegislature.gov · as of

Local mechanical licenses (example)

Sioux Falls requires a Mechanical Contractor license for HVAC/mechanical work in city limits. Pass Master Mechanic exam (4 years experience, $75 exam, ≥75%), then $10,000 compliance bond + license fees within 90 days.

City of Sioux Falls

Office: Building Services — Licensing
Licenses journeymen?Yes
ExperienceFour years experience for Master Mechanic exam. Furnace/AC repair still needs the Mechanical Contractor license — no furnace-only class.
ExamCity of Sioux Falls. Timed closed + open book; pass ≥75%. Monthly exams. First fail → 30-day wait; later fails → 90 days
FeesMaster Mechanic exam: $75
Compliance bond (required): $10000
RenewalEvery 2 years. Biennial renew; 60-day late window adds 50% reinstatement; after 1 year must retest. Keep bond current
CEConfirm any CE on city renewal materials.
NotesInactive Master Mechanic available after exam if not contracting immediately. licensing@siouxfalls.gov · (605) 367-8672.
Still openExact Mechanical Contractor biennial license dollar fee on current app 2B25006
ContactSioux Falls Building Services Licensing · (605) 367-8672 · licensing@siouxfalls.gov (source)
Source: siouxfalls.gov · as of

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

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Sioux Falls does not reciprocate out-of-state licenses — exam required. Other SD cities set their own rules.Source: siouxfalls.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

SD HVAC license?

No statewide card. Cities may license HVAC contractors (SDCL 9-34-12).

Sioux Falls?

Mechanical Contractor: Master Mechanic exam (4 yrs, $75, ≥75%) + $10k bond.

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

Other states

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