HVAC Licenses in Massachusetts: Ultimate guide to getting your HVAC license in Massachusetts

• What are the Different Types of HVAC Licenses?
  • Refrigeration Licenses
  • EPA License
  • NATE License
• Massachusetts HVAC license requirements
• Accredited HVAC Training Programs in Massachusetts
• How to become an HVAC technician in Massachusetts
  • Step 1: Experience
  • Experience
  • Step 2: Certificates
  • Step 3: Licensing for refrigeration apprentice
  • Step 4: Licensing for a refrigeration technician
  • Step 5: Licensing for a refrigeration contractor
• How much does it cost to have an HVAC license in Massachusetts?
• What kind of insurance does an HVAC technician need in Massachusetts?
  • General Liability insurance
  • Workers’ Compensation insurance
  • Tools and Equipment insurance
  • Commercial Property insurance
• How to renew HVAC license in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts HVAC Job Salary and Career Options
  • For beginners
  • Employment rate
  • Bonuses and incentives
  • How many jobs are available?
• Reciprocal Licensing of Massachusetts HVAC License

You have just graduated from college and you are ready to start your career. But what is the first thing that needs to happen? Obtaining an HVAC license in Massachusetts, of course!

Do you want to know what requirements it takes for becoming certified as an HVAC Technician in Massachusetts? What about the different training programs available out there that can help transition your skills into this new industry with ease? How long does it take until I’m licensed as an HVAC Technician in Massachusetts?

This article will explain everything you need to know about becoming licensed as an HVAC technician here in Massachusetts.

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What are the Different Types of HVAC Licenses?

In Massachusetts, there are three types of licenses: refrigeration license, EPA license, and NATE License. The purpose of each type is different because they all require different skill sets to be able to work in the state.

Refrigeration Licenses

Massachusetts requires that you have a refrigeration license if your company works with more than 10 tons of refrigeration. A refrigerator license is also needed when working for large homes, commercial areas, and industrial sites in Massachusetts. Refrigeration license can be further classified into:

1. Refrigeration Apprentice License: As stated by the Massachusetts govt., “This license allows refrigeration work subject to inspection under any law, ordinance, by-law, rule, or regulation under the direct supervision of a Refrigeration Technician or Refrigeration Contractor.”
2. Refrigeration Technician License: As stated by the Massachusetts govt., “This license allows refrigeration work subject to any law, ordinance, by-law, rule, or regulation but does not employ other technicians or contractors.”
3. Refrigeration Contractor License: As stated by the Massachusetts govt., “This license a regular place of business and to employ duly licensed people to perform refrigeration work.”

EPA License

The EPA license is a type of HVAC license that allows the licensee to handle refrigerant chemicals. This includes being able to handle hazardous substances, such as flammable and toxic materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency that regulates water quality and environmental protection. The EPA license, which allows you to work in the field of environmental engineering and management, certifies one for life.

The EPA has three different types of HVAC licenses: Type I allows you to work on small appliances containing five pounds or less of refrigerant, Type II allows you to work on high- and very high-pressure appliances including non-automotive systems, and finally the type III which is for low pressure.

NATE License

NATE is the National Association of Testing and Evaluation (NAET) which was founded by North America’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration industry. This license is based on a 5-point system for calibration tools.

This license is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s competence to work on heating or cooling systems. The NATE Certification Council verifies the education, training, and experience of the applicant through a written test administered by HVAC professionals.

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Massachusetts HVAC license requirements

The Massachusetts Board of Registration for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors requires that candidates take a lengthy exam, pass an intensive course, and then provide proof of the necessary experience to become a licensed refrigerator technician. You can get a refrigeration technician license in Massachusetts for $150 or less.

All applications must include:

1. “1” x 1.25” photo or passport photo (unless the use of RMV photograph is authorized).”
2. “Copy of high school diploma or equivalency certification.”
3. “Appropriate non-refundable application processing fee (see license types and associated fees below).”
4. “Items 1 through 8 must be completed on the application.”

The Refrigeration Contractor fee is $150.00 and applications must include:

1. “Proof that the applicant has worked 2,000 hours as a Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician.”
2. “Documentation from an approved school indicating that the applicant has completed 100 hours of additional refrigeration training.”

The Refrigeration Technician fee is $75.00 and applications must include:

1. “Proof that the applicant has worked 6,000 hours in Massachusetts as a Refrigeration Apprentice.”
2. “Documentation from an approved school indicating that the applicant has completed 100 hours of refrigeration theory classes.”
3. “Documentation from an approved school indicating that the applicant has completed 150 hours of related Massachusetts electrical code training.”

OR

1. “Proof that the applicant has worked 4,000 hours as a Massachusetts Refrigeration Apprentice.”
2. “Documentation from an approved school indicating that an applicant has completed 500 hours of refrigeration classes of which includes the following: 250 hours of practical shop related work;”
3. “100 hours of refrigeration theory\ code;”
4. “100 hours of Massachusetts electrical code training.”

OR

1. “Proof that the applicant has worked 2,000 hours as a Massachusetts Refrigeration Apprentice.”
2. “Documentation from an approved school indicating that an applicant has completed 1000 hours of refrigeration classes of which includes the following:

• “700 hours of practical shop related work;”
• “100 hours of refrigeration theory\code;”
• “100 hours of Massachusetts electrical code training.”

OR

1. “Copy of a refrigeration technician’s license, master technician’s license, or equivalent license from another jurisdiction.”
2. “Documentation from employer listing work experience and certification requirements equivalent to the refrigeration technician prerequisites listed above, in accordance with 528 CMR 11.03.”

Refrigeration Apprentice fee is $20.00 and applications must include:

1. “Proof that the applicant is enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program (must be accompanied by a copy of the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) ID Card).”
2. “Please note that applicants must be at least 18 years of age and applicants will be limited to two (2) renewals of their Refrigeration Apprentice License unless otherwise approved by the Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters.”

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Accredited HVAC Training Programs in Massachusetts

Accredited HVAC training programs are available in Massachusetts to those who wish to become a professional in the heating and cooling industry. There are many HVAC training programs in Massachusetts. Some of these programs may be accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Some recommended books to read would be :

1. “Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems – 522 CMR 9.00.*”
2. “Modern Refrigeration\Air Conditioning – Althouse ISBN-13 # 978-1619601994.”
3. “ANSI\ASHRAE Standard 15 & 34, 2013 Edition”

How to become an HVAC technician in Massachusetts

Step 1: Experience

Experience

You will need to ensure that you complete the required education before taking the exam and work experience. Once you have completed those requirements, you will need to take the exam and go through a background check before being able to apply for a license.

Step 2: Certificates

You are required to provide proof from an employer to verify your work experience as a refrigeration apprentice in Massachusetts. The HVAC technician license exam is composed of both written and practical parts.

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Step 3: Licensing for refrigeration apprentice

To become an HVAC technician in Massachusetts, you will need to complete a refrigeration apprentice program. You can file for this license after accumulating the required experience hourshere with a $40 processing fee.

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Step 4: Licensing for a refrigeration technician

After you completed 6000 hours as a refrigeration apprentice in Massachusetts and meet all the other criteria stated above, you can apply for your refrigeration technicianhere with a $75 processing fee.

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Step 5: Licensing for a refrigeration contractor

After you complete 2000 hours as a refrigeration technician in Massachusetts and meet all the other criteria stated above, you can apply for your refrigeration contractorhere with a $150 processing fee.

How much does it cost to have an HVAC license in Massachusetts?

The process for getting a license in Massachusetts is relatively straightforward. The state has an online application process for the exam and then you pay $75.00 before taking it. In addition to paying the application fee, you will also have the license fee based on the license you are applying for. Some additional costs would be paying for insurance and the course you sign up for your exams.

What kind of insurance does an HVAC technician need in Massachusetts?

General Liability insurance

General Liability insurance is a type of insurance that protects individuals, businesses, and property. This kind of insurance is required in Massachusetts for HVAC installations. It is required for any HVAC technician who works in Massachusetts. This type of insurance covers the possibility of property damage and personal injury, among other things.

General liability insurance can be added to a contractor’s contract with tools and equipment coverage as an add-on. General Liability Insurance protects against legal claims that stem from the use of tools or other property, while also covering bodily injury, medical payments, and damages caused by the negligence of others.

Workers’ Compensation insurance

In Massachusetts, employers are required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical expenses and wages due if an injury occurs while the employee is on the job.

Workers’ Compensation insurance is a type of insurance that protects businesses from liability damages when employees are injured on the job. Massachusetts Refrigeration Licensing, Division of Professional Licensure Boards of Registration, and Environmental Protection Agency provide information about workers’ compensation in the state.

Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of insurance that protects employees in the event they are injured or killed on the job. There are three types: employer-provided, self-funded, and third-party provided.

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Tools and Equipment insurance

Tools and equipment insurance is a type of business insurance that helps contractors save on coverage. This type of insurance is typically cheaper than property, liability, or workers’ compensation policies but does not provide the same level of protection.

It also helps protect the investment made in tools and equipment by providing coverage for unexpected losses. The policy can vary depending on what type of business is being insured, whether it’s a home-based or commercial venture, how many employees are working at that location, etc. This insurance can be purchased as an add-on to general liability insurance for HVAC contractors.

Commercial Property insurance

Massachusetts requires that all property owners have commercial property insurance. Commercial Property Insurance helps cover damages, vandalism, or other incidents involving the business property. Any business needs to protect its employees from accidents or losses due to natural disasters. HVAC technicians often need this type of commercial insurance as they are likely responsible for moving the equipment around on-site during installations.

How to renew HVAC license in Massachusetts

Licenses are eligible for renewal 60 days before their expiration date. When a license becomes eligible for renewal, you will receive a renewal form to the email and mailing address on file.

You can apply for a refrigeration apprentice licensehere and for a refrigeration technicianhere.

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Massachusetts HVAC Job Salary and Career Options

For beginners

In Massachusetts, you can apply for a license by taking an exam. You could also become certified in your field without taking any exams, but it would be worth less than if you had experience in the field already. Beginners can expect to make around $17 per hour. However, with additional certifications, you can earn more money and advance your career in the field of nursing.

The minimum wage in Massachusetts is $10 per hour, which is higher than the national average of $7 per hour. This will be helpful for people who are just starting their career and want to work full-time at a decent salary

Employment rate

In Massachusetts, there is a large population of residents that need the help of an HVAC specialist. There were also 3rd in the country for construction jobs generated during the previous year.

Massachusetts has a high employment rate for HVAC technicians. The BLS states that Massachusetts’ metropolitan areas boast unusually high levels of employment for the industry, while rural areas have surprisingly low unemployment rates. Although there is a high demand for HVAC technicians in Massachusetts, the employment rate is likely to increase by 19%.

Bonuses and incentives

Salaries and benefits in Massachusetts make it a desirable place to work. Bonuses and incentives are also attractive for people looking for career options. Some employers give bonuses and other incentives to their employees as an incentive for staying with the company.

How many jobs are available?

The HVAC industry is very competitive. There are a lot of jobs available, but you have to be good at what you do for your career to thrive. The longer you work in the field, the more skills and experience you will gain and the greater earning potential. There are estimated to be around 28,000 jobs within the HVAC industry in Massachusetts. The number of available jobs is based on data from both employer bids and relevance.

Reciprocal Licensing of Massachusetts HVAC License

The Massachusetts HVAC license is a unique reciprocity agreement. It means that, within the state of Massachusetts, you can obtain your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) license without having to go through any other licensing requirements for this type of work.

However, outside of the state’s boundaries, there are no such agreements in place with other states. Therefore, if you wish to have your HVAC licenses recognized by another state or country outside of Massachusetts, it will be necessary for you to have your license issued by the state in which that country or state is located.

To be licensed in Massachusetts, an applicant must have a refrigeration technician license from another jurisdiction. The licensure requirements for applicants are the same as those of all other applicants, with work experience and education being required by law. However, reciprocity is offered when the applicant has met these qualifications outside of their home state or country because you must do your research before choosing where you want to obtain your HVAC license.

You can also check out our other helpful blogs relating to running an HVAC business here.

For more information about other states, you can also read our detailed guide on the HVAC license of Texas , the HVAC license in Michigan , and the HVAC license of Florida .