Chasing an HVAC contractor license in Ohio? Almost everything traces back to one place — the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4740. Here's what the statute locks in — experience, renewal, continuing education — and which application-specific details, like exam fees and the current testing vendor, to confirm on the OCILB application before you apply.
When the state HVAC license is required
OCILB licenses heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors (and refrigeration contractors) for construction projects involving buildings or structures subject to ORC Chapter 3781 — which excludes "residential building" as defined in ORC 3781.06. In practice, that means the state license governs commercial/non-residential HVAC contracting.
Contractor vs. tradesperson
ORC Chapter 4740 distinguishes a contractor (the licensed business/qualifier) from a tradesperson. Individual technicians working under a licensed contractor generally do not need their own state contractor license to perform the work.
Experience requirements
Under ORC 4740.06, an applicant for an HVAC contractor license must show one of the following:
- At least 5 years immediately prior to application as a tradesperson in the licensed trade; or
- be a registered engineer with 3 years of business experience in construction in the trade; or
- other experience acceptable to the specialty section of the board.
Exam
An examination is required (ORC 4740.06). The statute does not name the testing vendor or study materials — those are administered by OCILB. Per the OCILB examination application, the exam application fee is $25.00 (payable to Treasurer, State of Ohio).
Fees, insurance, and bond
ORC 4740.06(B)(4) requires an HVAC contractor to maintain contractor liability insurance in an amount determined by the specialty section of the board. Per the current OCILB examination application, that amount is $500,000 in contractor liability insurance, evidenced by a Certificate of Liability Insurance assigned to the same contracting company name as the license. After passing both sections of the exam, you submit your exam results, a $25.00 check, and proof of that insurance to receive your license. No surety bond is required.
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal: annual — a license expires on the same date each year as the original (ORC 4740.06).
- Continuing education: 10 hours per year for an individual holding any number of valid, unexpired licenses (ORC 4740.04).
Refrigerant handling
Technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment containing covered refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification (federal), separate from the state license.