To become a licensed HVAC professional in Idaho, you must meet the experience and examination requirements administered by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). This guide details the licensing tiers, examination sequence, and compliance standards you need to follow.
Do You Need an HVAC License in Idaho?
Yes, the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) requires licensing under IDAPA 24.39.70 to make HVAC installations, alterations, or extensions of piping. This requirement applies to apprentices, journeymen, and contractors.
Idaho HVAC License Classifications and Tiers
Idaho offers several HVAC license classifications:
- HVAC Contractor: Advertising or engaging as an HVAC contractor requires a current contractor certificate. Permits are furnished to licensed HVAC contractors.
- HVAC Journeyman: Licensed to perform HVAC installations while employed by a licensed contractor.
- HVAC Apprentice: Works under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Contractor to gain required experience.
- HVAC Specialty Journeyman: Licensed for limited scopes of work under IDAPA 24.39.70, such as hearth appliances and non-duct-connected oil furnaces.
Idaho HVAC License Requirements by Tier
The requirements for each license type vary based on experience, schooling, and exams.
HVAC Apprentice Registration
To work as an apprentice in Idaho, you must register with the DOPL and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Contractor.
HVAC Journeyman License Requirements
To qualify for an HVAC Journeyman license, you must document:
- Experience and Education: You must either complete four years (8,000 hours) of work experience as a registered apprentice plus four years (576 hours) of board-approved related technical instruction, or demonstrate a minimum of 16,000 hours of HVAC work experience.
- Examination: Pass the Idaho HVAC Journeyman examination prior to submitting your license application to DOPL.
HVAC Contractor License Requirements
To obtain an HVAC Contractor license, an applicant must:
- Examination: Pass the Idaho HVAC Contractor examination prior to submitting the license application.
- Bonding: Maintain a $2,000 surety bond filed with the HVAC Board.
EPA Section 608 Certification
All technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must obtain EPA Section 608 certification.
The Idaho HVAC Licensing Process (Step-by-Step)
The sequence for obtaining a Journeyman or Contractor license in Idaho is as follows:
- Gain Required Experience: Complete the necessary apprentice hours and training, or obtain the alternate 16,000 hours of HVAC experience.
- Pass the Exam first: Register for and pass the appropriate licensing examination. You must take and pass the exam before submitting your license application to the DOPL.
- Exam Provider: Exams are administered by PSI Services.
- Submit the Application: After passing the exam, submit a completed HVAC license application to the DOPL.
- Attach Documentation: Include your passing exam score report, proof of experience, and, for contractors, your original $2,000 surety bond.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required non-refundable $35 application fee and initial license fees.
Idaho HVAC License Fees and Costs
- Application Fee: $35 (non-refundable)
- Initial Contractor License Fee: $225
- Initial Journeyman License Fee: $150
- Apprentice License and Renewal Fee: $10 (renewed annually)
- Journeyman License Renewal Fee: $75 (triennial)
- Contractor License Renewal Fee: $150 (triennial)
Codes and Enforcement
Idaho HVAC work must comply with the state-adopted codes. The DOPL lists the current HVAC codes as:
- 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) Part V (Mechanical)
Performing HVAC work in Idaho without the proper license or violating rules can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per offense.