How to Get an HVAC License in Georgia (2026 Guide)
✓Verified against 4 official sourcesReviewedNext review·Confidence: medium
Mean wage
$57,080
BLS OEWS 2025
Employed in GA
12,290
BLS OEWS
State license
Required (state)
Renewal
Nov 30 (odd years)
Georgia HVAC overview
Quick facts
Classes
Info
Class 1 / Class 2
Application fee
Info
$110
EPA 608
Required
Required
Planning to install or service HVAC in Georgia? The state licenses you as a Conditioned Air Contractor — in one of two classes — through the State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors, run by the Georgia Secretary of State. The requirements below come straight from the official Georgia SOS how-to guide; where the guide is silent on 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.
Exam
Prepare for the Georgia HVAC Licensing Exam
Exams are administered by Exam required for licensure by examination; the SOS how-to guide does not name the provider or passing score — confirm via the official board/exam bulletin.. Structured study resources can help you prepare.
Georgia HVAC license cost calculator
What does it cost to get an HVAC license in Georgia?
Application fee (Class 1 or Class 2 by examination)Same fee for both Class 1 (restricted) and Class 2 (unrestricted) licensure by examination.
$110
Estimated up-front cost
$110
Required state license fees. Plus the variable costs below.
Plus required costs that vary (not included above)
Reinstatement fee (if lapsed 3+ years).$310 — paid only if reinstating an expired license; not part of the standard initial total.
Examination fees.Paid to the board-approved testing service; confirm the current amount with the board.
General liability / bond.Not stated in the SOS how-to guide; confirm any general liability or surety requirement with the State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors.
Not stated in the SOS how-to guide; confirm general liability / bond requirements with the board.
Always confirm current coverage and bond minimums with the issuing authority before purchasing a policy.
Georgia HVAC pay & job outlook
How much do HVAC technicians make in Georgia?
HVAC technicians in Georgia earn a mean annual wage of $57,080, and the state employs about 12,290 of them, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, 2025).
Yes. Georgia requires a state-issued HVAC contractor license to perform HVAC work. The SOS how-to guide does not state minimum age, education, or exact years of experience; confirm with the State Board of Conditioned Air Contractors.
How much does an HVAC license cost in Georgia?
$110 application fee for Class 1 or Class 2 licensure by examination (Georgia SOS). Other fees confirm with the board.
How often do you renew an HVAC license in Georgia?
Renew by November 30 of odd-numbered years; late-renewal period December 1-31.
Does a Georgia HVAC license transfer to other states?
Not stated in the SOS how-to guide; confirm with the board.
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.
How Georgia compares
Georgia vs. other licensing requirements
Use this quick comparison to jump to nearby state requirements or see where rules differ.