Controlling the temperature and maintaining air quality is challenging for an HVAC technician. As a technician, you must follow procedures, and there's no room for mistakes.
Many skilled HVAC technicians claim to be HVAC experts, but a license in California will surely make you the top choice.
Without a California HVAC license, your business will not reach its full potential. But don't you worry! I am here to help you build a successful HVAC business in California. I will share all the procedures and resources you need to follow and know.
Are you ready to be the next superstar HVAC technician in the state of California? Let's roll!
Do you need an HVAC License in California? Here's the answer.
You need an HVAC License in the state of California. Suppose you are a professional looking for HVAC opportunities or planning to operate any organized HVAC truck in the state. In that case, an HVAC license is needed.
The Contractors State License Board regulates the industry to ensure that everyone working in the state as an HVAC contractor abides by this requirement. It's the mandate of the board to license the HVAC technicians and contractors.
What are the benefits of earning an HVAC License in California?
There are numerous benefits to an HVAC License holder in California. One benefit for sure is earning a better salary. Though pay for HVAC technicians in California is not fixed, they vary based on locations and companies. HVAC technicians in California have an average salary ranging from $39,420-$70,023. You can also start your HVAC business if you want to get more opportunities.
Did you know?
California is one of the states where HVAC technicians have been making fortunes. The state is suitable for both employers and technicians looking for work. Its rank is excellent in terms of salary competitiveness, travel opportunities, and job availability.
How do I get a California HVAC License?
You must fulfill several requirements to earn the C20 license in California.
They include:
An experience of 4 years, relevant and verifiable before sitting for the agency's exams.
This first path is working under a certified contractor and performing exemplary on the assigned HVAC jobs until you meet the experience requirement.
You must submit your application to the licensing agency.
Past or current foreman, supervisor, employer, architect, colleague, or building inspector will verify your experience to ascertain that you are familiar with the job.
Attending a technical or vocational training school.
Earning an educational credit from a recognized and qualified school may earn you the privilege of having your coursework count towards the required 4-year experience. The schooling qualification will not make you fulfill the experience requirement; only three years will contribute to this.
What are the different Educational Programs Offered for California HVAC Licensing?
The following is a list of the HVAC programs in California:
- Cypress College
- Antelope Valley College
- Long Beach City College
- City College of San Francisco
- Brownson Technical School
- Mayfield College
- Fresno City College
- San Diego City College
- Sacramento City College
- Riverside City College
Here is a list of some of the typical courses:
- Electrical Technology Theory
- Work Safety
- Principles of Heat Transfer
- Principles of Refrigeration
- HVAC Systems Design
- HVAC Laws and Regulations
- Gas and Electric Heating
- Energy Management and Green Building
What are the different types of HVAC Licenses in California?
California has a common term used to refer to the HVAC trades in the state. C20 covers ventilating, air conditioning, and warm-air heating contractors. To get an HVAC license in the state, you must have at least 4-year experience at the journeyman level or attend an HVAC schooling program accompanied by on-the-site training.
There are two other licenses that HVAC technicians pursue. They include:
- EPA license - If you are an HVAC technician or contractor, you must earn a license from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). This license shows that you possess proper training to handle refrigerants. You must be familiar with the Clean Air Act. If you repair, maintain, service, or dispose of equipment that has the potential to release refrigerants that might deplete the ozone layer. Under Section 608, it dictates that you must have proper certification from the agency.
You are required to pass an exam approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to earn your license.
The following are the four types of EPA licenses:
Type I license - This licenses the technicians servicing small appliances.
Type II license applies to technicians servicing or disposing of high-pressure equipment.
Type III license - This is for technicians servicing or disposing of low-pressure equipment.
Type IV license - This is a universal license for technicians and contractors servicing all appliances.
- NATE license- Getting a license from NATE (North American Technical Excellence) may land you better-paying jobs. Holders of NATE licenses also have the privilege of earning more from their current employers. Getting this license requires you to pass exams that will test your knowledge about your proficiency in operating certain HVAC appliances alongside handling other industry equipment.
You can check more information about the above types of licenses in HVAC apps and choose the one that best fits your career. These apps also update you with industry news and safety tips to enhance your productivity as a technician.
HVAC Certification Examinations in California
Once you submit your license application to the CCSLB (California Contractors State License Board), you need to fill out a fingerprinting kit and send it to the board. The board will also provide you with the examination date. Your examination venue will be based on your residential ZIP code. The examination centers include:
- Fresno
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Oakland
- San Jose
- Norwalk
- Oxnard
- San Bernardino
The HVAC license tests for contractors run for 3.5 hours and cover law, HVAC business information, and business. As an applicant, you must pass all the exam sections to get the license. California CSLB provides you with free study materials that you can use to prepare for the exam.
Upon submitting your application and receiving the exam notification, you must take and pass the exams in 18 months. The passing score for the exam is 72%, and failing to hit it will require you to retake the test. The California CSLB will award you the license after you have passed the test and provided the required information.
What is the cost of getting an HVAC License in California?
Suppose you will be starting as an Apprentice technician in California. In that case, you will have to pay the contractor that conducts your training. Moreover, you are required to pay for the HVAC tools you will use during the training and an HVAC license fee of $180.
The tuition fees vary from one school, and if you are looking for affordable schooling programs, it will cost you around $500. If you prefer attending an expensive school, expect to pay up to $30,000. I suggest consulting your school for the specific pricing details.
Bottom Line
If you want to become an HVAC technician in California, you must be ready to spend time learning the trade and continue sharpening your skills to reach the HVAC Technician that you pursue.
You must get the license and abide by the state and federal regulations. Enrolling in training programs in schools in California will also boost your chance of obtaining an HVAC license.
With the industry's current growth, it is possible to get the latest news and safety tips from HVAC apps, where you can create a catchy HVAC slogan for your business. You also need to check licenses when recruiting technicians to help your business.
Need more tips?
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