Maryland licenses HVACR professionals at the state level through the Maryland Board of HVACR Contractors (Department of Labor), under Business Regulation Article 9A and COMAR 09.15. There's a clear ladder — Apprentice → Journeyman → Master, plus a Limited Contractor route — and one detail that trips people up: you pass the PSI exam before you apply for the license. This guide covers each tier, the experience and exam, fees, and insurance.
Do You Need an HVAC License to Work in Maryland?
Yes. Anyone providing HVACR services in Maryland must be licensed by the Board, and anyone entering the trade must first obtain an apprentice license — the statute defines a licensed apprentice. Higher tiers (Journeyman, Master, Limited Contractor) authorize broader, independent work.
Maryland HVACR License Tiers
- Apprentice — required to enter the trade and accumulate experience.
- Journeyman (Restricted / Full) — provides HVACR services under a Master or Limited contractor. Restricted limits the holder to specific equipment; Full covers all systems within a journeyman's scope.
- Master (Restricted / Full) — the highest tier; works independently on any HVACR system and supervises others. Master Restricted limits the holder to specific equipment.
- Limited Contractor — contracts directly with the public within a specific specialty (e.g., forced-air heating, hydronics, ventilation, refrigeration).
Experience and Exam Requirements
Every license tier requires passing the PSI examination with a score of at least 70%, and — importantly — you must pass the exam before applying for a Journeyman, Journeyman Restricted, Master, or Master Restricted license.
- Journeyman: hold a current apprentice license, complete at least four years as a licensed apprentice with at least 6,000 training hours, and pass the exam.
- Master: hold a current journeyman (or higher) license, complete at least 1,875 hours in the year before applying, and pass the exam.
- Limited Contractor: work at least two years under the direction and control of a licensed HVACR Master, complete at least 1,000 hours in the year before applying, hold a current journeyman (or higher) license, and pass the exam.
EPA Section 608 Certification
Anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release covered refrigerants must hold an EPA Section 608 certification — Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), or Universal. It is a federal requirement, separate from your Maryland license.
Fees
Per the Board's fee schedule (as of July 1, 2025):
- Master: $94.50 · Master Restricted: $31.50 per area
- Limited Contractor: $94.50
- Journeyman: $25 · Journeyman Restricted: $25 per area
- Apprentice: $12
An examination fee is paid directly to PSI. Confirm current amounts on the Board's fee page.
Insurance
Applicants for a contracting license (Master, Master Restricted, or Limited) must carry general liability insurance meeting the Board's minimums: $300,000 general liability, $100,000 property damage, or $400,000 combined single limit. Businesses with employees must also carry workers' compensation insurance.
Renewal
Maryland HVACR licenses renew every two years. The listed Board sources do not specify a continuing-education requirement; confirm renewal fees and any CE with the Board before your renewal date.
Reciprocity
Maryland has reciprocity agreements with Delaware and Virginia. A contractor holding a current, good-standing license in one of those states may apply for a Maryland license by endorsement, provided the requirements are substantially similar. You still file a Maryland application, pay the fees, and provide proof of your out-of-state license.
Penalties for Unlicensed HVACR Work
The Board investigates unlicensed activity and may impose administrative sanctions — including suspension or revocation — and/or a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.
How to Verify a Maryland HVACR License
You can confirm any HVACR license through the Maryland Department of Labor's online licensing query before hiring or subcontracting.