Georgia licenses HVAC professionals at the state level as Conditioned Air Contractors, through the State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors (administered by the Georgia Secretary of State). The requirements below are drawn from the official Georgia SOS how-to guide; where that guide does not state a detail, this page says so and points you to the board's rules to confirm it.
Georgia's two HVAC license classes
Georgia issues the Conditioned Air Contractor license in two classes:
- Class 1 — restricted: limited to systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU heating and 60,000 BTU cooling.
- Class 2 — non-restricted: no size limitation.
Choose the class that matches the systems you intend to work on.
Requirements
To apply for licensure by examination (Class 1 or Class 2), the Georgia SOS guide indicates you will need:
- A completed, signed, and notarized application.
- EPA Section 608 certification (it appears on the SOS application checklist for both classes; EPA requires Section 608 for anyone maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of equipment with covered refrigerants).
- A background check obtained from a local law enforcement agency.
The SOS how-to guide does not state a minimum age, an education requirement (such as high-school diploma/GED), or the exact years of qualifying experience. Confirm those eligibility details against the board's licensing rules before you apply.
Application, fee, and timing
- Application fee: $110 for a Class 1 or Class 2 licensure-by-examination application.
- The board must approve your application before you can sit for the exam.
- Processing: the SOS generally processes applications within 20 business days of receipt (excluding weekends and holidays); an incomplete application resets the timing once corrected documents are received.
Exam
An examination is required for licensure by examination. The SOS how-to guide does not name the current exam provider or the passing score; take those from the official board/exam bulletin before scheduling.
Renewal
- Licenses must be renewed by November 30 of odd-numbered years.
- A late-renewal period runs December 1–31.
- The SOS how-to guide does not state continuing-education hours; confirm any CE requirement against the board's rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a state license to do HVAC work in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia licenses HVAC professionals at the state level as Conditioned Air Contractors, in two classes — Class 1 (restricted) and Class 2 (non-restricted).
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2?
Class 1 is restricted to systems not exceeding 175,000 BTU heating and 60,000 BTU cooling; Class 2 is non-restricted (no size limit).
How much does the Georgia HVAC license application cost?
The application fee for a Class 1 or Class 2 licensure-by-examination application is $110. Other costs (exam, insurance) should be verified against the board.
Do I need EPA certification?
Yes — EPA Section 608 certification appears on the Georgia SOS application checklist and is a federal requirement for handling covered refrigerants.
When do I renew my Georgia HVAC license?
By November 30 of odd-numbered years, with a late-renewal period from December 1–31.