Securing an HVAC license in California is a vital step for anyone looking to work legally and successfully in the state’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. This step-by-step guide provides a comprehensive overview of the licensing requirements, including the necessary qualifications, exams, and prerequisites. We can assist in determining bond requirements, help you understand typical bonding needs, and provide compliant bonds based on Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

Whether you're starting your career or expanding your services, this guide equips you with detailed instructions and resources to navigate the licensing process with confidence.

California HVAC License Requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 400,000 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide. California employs over 34,000 HVAC contractors. Becoming an HVAC contractor takes hard work, including meeting state requirements. This involves obtaining your contractor’s license from the CSLB to legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work that’s valued at more than $500.

Eligibility Criteria for a California HVAC License

To obtain a California HVAC license, the following criteria must be met:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED. Note, if you don’t have a diploma or GED, you can complete HVAC training through C4L Academy, an accredited California-based adult high school where you can earn both your high school diploma and HVAC certificate.
  • Attend trade school to learn about HVAC systems and how to work safely with them.
  • Work with a licensed HVAC contractor after you complete your training. California requires four years of professional HVAC experience to apply for a state license. Some education and apprenticeships may count toward this requirement.
  • Pass the business and law and trade exams.
  • Submit to a background check and fingerprinting. 
  • Show proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance or exemption. 
  • Submit a Contractors License bond of $25,000.

How to Get an HVAC License in California

There are two license classifications related to HVAC work: 

  • Class C Specialty Contractor License: C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor. According to the CSLB, “a warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning contractor fabricates, installs, maintains, services and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This classification shall include warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems which utilize solar energy.”
  • Class C Specialty Contractor License: C-38 - Refrigeration Contractor. According to the CSLB, “a refrigeration contractor constructs, fabricates, erects, installs, maintains, services and repairs refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, and insulated refrigerated spaces, temperature insulation, air-conditioning units, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity and thermostatic controls for the control of air, liquid, and/or gas temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit (50 ), or ten degrees Celsius (10 ).”

The California HVAC License Application Process

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You must have either a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.
  • Obtain experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor or four years of documented journeyman experience on jobs valued $500 or less, or equivalent college or vocational training program. A journeyman is a fully qualified worker who has completed the required training or an apprenticeship and can perform their trade independently without supervision. Any claimed work experience must be verified by a qualified individual with firsthand knowledge of the work, such as an employer, supervisor, union representative, or licensed professional. Apprenticeship programs, often supported by unions or Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATC) and listed through California’s Department of Industrial Relations, are a common pathway to gaining the required experience.
  • Apply for a license. You can complete the application online, printing a PDF and mailing it to the CSLB, or order an application by mail to complete and send.
  • Pay all fees.
    • Application Fee: $450 (covers one exam)*
    • Initial License Fee (Paid After Passing Exams):
      • $200 for a sole owner license
      • $350 for corporations, LLCs, or partnerships (non-sole owner)
  • Take and pass all parts of the licensing exam.
  • Pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. The cost is about $75.
  • Provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for Workers’ Compensation insurance or an exemption from the requirements.
  • Secure a Contractor's License Bond.

Note: Check application fees with the CSLB as they change.

Exam Preparation and Study Resources

To earn your California state license, you need to pass two exams: the Law and Business Examination and the Trade Examination. Both exams are multiple-choice, and you can take them online through a PSI testing center. The Law and Business Exam covers topics such as business finances, employment requirements, and safety, while the Trade Exam covers installation, maintenance, fabrication, and safety. You can find study guides for both of these exams on the licensing board website.

The Law and Business examination is divided into eight major sections:

  • Business Organization (10%)
  • Business Finances (15%)
  • Employment Requirements (12%)
  • Bonds, Insurance, and Liens (10%)
  • Contract Requirements and Execution (23%)
  • Licensing Requirements (8%)
  • Safety (15%)
  • Public Works (7%)

The C-20 exam consists of multiple-choice questions divided into four sections:

  • Evaluation, Design, and Estimation (26%)
  • Fabrication, Installation, and Startup (27%)
  • Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance (22%)
  • Safety (25%)

The C-38 exam is broken into five sections: 

  • Planning and Estimating (18%) 
  • Refrigeration System Installation (26%)
  • Refrigeration System Repair (22%) 
  • Refrigeration System Maintenance (18%) 
  • Safety (16%)

Tips for Successfully Getting Your HVAC License

  • Confirm your classification: Most HVAC contractors apply under the C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning license.
  • Document qualifying experience: You’ll need at least four years of journeyman-level experience—make sure it’s verifiable by a qualified supervisor or employer.
  • Choose a reliable certifier: Select someone who directly observed your work and can clearly attest to your hands-on experience.
  • Study California-specific rules: Focus on CSLB law and business, safety regulations, and HVAC codes commonly tested in California.
  • Prepare for both exams: You must pass the trade exam and the Law & Business exam; don’t underestimate either.
  • Get bonded and insured early: Be ready with the required Contractor License Bond and Workers’ Comp (if applicable) to avoid delays after approval.
  • Avoid application mistakes: Incomplete forms and vague experience descriptions are common reasons for processing delays.

Licensing Bonds and Insurance Requirements for HVAC Contractors

California requires that HVAC contractors obtain a Contractors License Bond in the amount of $25,000. The bond must have your business name and license number, be written by a surety company licensed through the California Department of Insurance, include the surety company’s attorney-in-fact’s signature, be written on a form approved by the Attorney General’s Office, and be submitted to the CSLB within 90 days of the effective bond date.

In addition, if you have employees, you must purchase and show proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance.

How to Obtain Necessary Bonds and Insurance

CCIS can provide you with your Contractors License Bond and Workers’ Compensation insurance if you are required to purchase coverage. Although not a CSLB requirement, General Liability insurance is strongly recommended for financial protection against third-party bodily injury and property damage losses. We work with top-tier insurance companies and are ready to provide you with quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Licenses in California

Can CCIS assist in determining the bond requirements for my HVAC license in California?

Yes, we can provide you with your Contractor Licensing Bond in compliance with California requirements.

Are there insurance products available for HVAC contractors through CCIS?

Yes, you can get Workers' Compensation, General Liability, and Contractors Tools & Equipment insurance through CCIS.

What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining my HVAC license in California?

To maintain a current state-issued license, California requires you to renew it every two years before it expires. Also, for specialty classifications such as HVAC, electrical, and general building, continuing education hours are required before renewal. Generally, continuing education requirements are 20-40 hours every two years, and focus on code changes, safety, and business practices to maintain active status and comply with state regulations.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal, licensing, or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations may change and vary by individual circumstances. Always verify requirements directly with the CSLB or consult a qualified professional. Consult with your legal professional concerning your compliance as to your business operations.