Construction / HVAC License / Virginia
- Virginia
- HVAC License
- Residential, Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Virginia HVAC License
Virginia licenses HVAC tradesmen at three levels and adds an HVAC specialty for contractors. Here’s what each level covers, how much training and experience you need, and how the PSI exams work.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) requirements
Application fee
$150
Tradesman license; plus $100–$125 PSI exam fee
Exam time
4.5 hrs
Journeyman or Master; Residential is 2 hrs
Time to get license
2+ yrs
Residential minimum, with 160 hrs of training
Continuing ed
3 hrs
Each renewal
Overview
Do you need a Virginia HVAC license?
Yes. Virginia requires tradesmen to be licensed before any bidding or work takes place. You can get a Residential, Journeyman or Master HVAC Tradesman license on its own. To bid and run HVAC jobs as a business, you also need a Class A, B or C contractor license with the HVAC specialty.
License required when
- You install, repair or maintain heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems
- You plan, lay out or supervise HVAC work (Master level)
- You bid on HVAC projects over $1,000 (contractor license with HVAC specialty)
- You work only on dwellings and townhouses (Residential HVAC license at minimum)
Common exceptions
- Residential-only techs don’t need a Journeyman or Master card. The Residential HVAC license covers dwellings, townhouses and structures attached to them.
- A Journeyman or Master tradesman license can be held without a contractor license, as long as you aren’t bidding on jobs over $1,000 yourself.
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source notes don’t list penalty amounts. DPOR can discipline license holders and act against people working without a required license, so get licensed before you take on HVAC work.
Your fast-track Virginia HVAC license checklist
The Virginia application, one page
- License level chosen: Residential, Journeyman or Master
- Proof of classroom or vocational training hours
- Verifiable years of experience in the trade
- Exam pre-approval through PSI
- Passing score on your HVAC exam
- Contractor license with HVAC specialty if you’ll bid over $1,000
Types
Virginia HVAC license types and classifications
Virginia has three HVAC tradesman levels. Each needs its own exam and pre-approval. Contractors add an HVAC specialty to a Class A, B or C contractor license.
RES
Homes only
Residential HVAC Tradesman
HVAC work on dwellings and townhouses under the Virginia Residential Code, plus structures attached to them. No commercial, industrial, institutional or government buildings.
Exam
Residential HVAC (55 Q)
Limit
Dwellings & townhouses
JRY
Most common
Journeyman HVAC Tradesman
Installs, repairs and maintains HVAC materials and equipment. Must work under the supervision of a Master HVAC Tradesman.
Exam
Journeyman HVAC (85 Q)
Limit
Under a Master’s supervision
MST
Work independently
Master HVAC Tradesman
Everything a Journeyman can do, plus planning, laying out details and supervising Journeymen.
Exam
Master HVAC (85 Q)
Limit
Can work independently
HVA
For businesses
HVAC Contractor
An HVAC specialty used with a Class A, B or C contractor license so your business can bid and complete HVAC jobs. Required to bid on projects over $1,000.
Exam
Class A/B exams; Class C: 8-hr course
Limit
Set by contractor class
Requirements
Virginia HVAC license requirements, class by class
Each tradesman level lets you trade classroom hours for years of experience. More training means fewer years in the field. Every level needs exam pre-approval.
| Requirement | Residential | Journeyman | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest path | 160 hrs training + 2 yrs experience | 2-year approved trade, technical or community college program | 1 yr as a licensed VA Journeyman HVAC Tradesman |
| Other training paths | 120 hrs + 3 yrs, 80 hrs + 4 yrs, or 40 hrs + 5 yrs | 240 hrs + 4 yrs, 160 hrs + 5 yrs, 80 hrs + 6 yrs, or engineering bachelor’s + 1 yr | None listed |
| Experience only | 6 yrs | 10 yrs | 10 yrs in the trade |
| Exam | Residential HVAC, 55 questions | Journeyman/Master HVAC, 85 questions | Journeyman/Master HVAC, 85 questions |
| Passing score | 39 correct | 60 correct | 64 correct |
| Exam pre-approval | Required | Required | Required |
| CE per renewal | 3 hrs | 3 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Minimum age | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Virginia HVAC license, step by step
- Pick your license levelBefore you start
Residential if you only work on homes and townhouses, Journeyman if you’ll work under a Master, or Master if you want to work independently and supervise others. - Document your training and experienceBefore you apply
Line up proof of your classroom hours and verifiable years in the trade. The more training hours you have, the fewer years you need. - Get exam pre-approvalBefore you test
Pre-approval is required before you can schedule. Contact PSI at 855-340-3910 or candidate.psiexams.com to start. - Pass the PSI examExam day
Test at a PSI center in one of Virginia’s larger cities. The exams are open book: 55 questions in 2 hours for Residential, 85 questions in 4.5 hours for Journeyman and Master. - Apply with DPORAfter you pass
Submit your license application to DPOR. Questions go to 804-367-8511 or the Tradesman Board website. - Add a contractor license if you’ll bidJobs over $1,000
To bid HVAC jobs over $1,000, get a Class A, B or C contractor license with the HVAC specialty. Every class needs the 8-hour pre-licensing course, and Class A and B also take state exams.
Exam
What to expect on the Virginia HVAC exam
PSI runs the Virginia HVAC exams. The Residential exam is its own test. Journeymen and Masters take the same 85-question exam, but Masters need a higher score to pass.
Format
Open book
Questions
55 or 85
Passing score
39, 60 or 64 correct
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Residential: 55 questions, 120 minutes, 39 correct to pass
- Journeyman/Master: 85 questions, 270 minutes; 60 correct (Journeyman) or 64 (Master)
- Topics include standards of practice and conduct, warm air heating, ventilation, AC, duct systems, chimneys and vents, combustion air, refrigerants and piping
- Journeyman/Master adds boilers, commercial kitchen venting and revocation of licensure
- References can be tabbed and highlighted; the Tradesman regulations are a free download
Retake policy
- Retake waiting period: Not stated
- Exam fee: $100 journeyman, $125 master (paid to PSI)
- Pre-approval is required before scheduling any attempt
- Schedule with PSI at 855-340-3910
Exam references · Open book
Virginia’s HVAC exams are open book: the approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and used during the test. The list covers the Residential HVAC and Journeyman/Master HVAC exams, plus the Class A/B contractor exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Residential and Journeyman/Master HVAC exams | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — Residential and Journeyman/Master HVAC exams | 22nd edition | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual J: Residential Load Calculation — Residential HVAC exam | 8th edition | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 31: Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment — Journeyman/Master HVAC exam | 2011 | Allowed in exam |
| Virginia Individual License and Certification Regulations (Board for Contractors tradesman regulations) | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Virginia Construction Code (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code), Chapter 1 — Class A/B exam | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management — Class A/B exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
The Virginia tradesman regulations and Chapter 1 of the Virginia Construction Code are free downloads you print and bring.
Prep
Best Virginia HVAC exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Virginia HVAC license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| License application fee | Fixed | $150 |
| PSI exam fee | Fixed | $100 journeyman; $125 master |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| Classroom or vocational training | Variable | Varies |
| 8-hour pre-licensing course (contractors only) | Variable | Not stated |
| DPOR technology fee (certain fees, from July 1, 2026) | Fixed | $7.25 per year |
| State fees and exams | Journeyman license and exam; excludes training, books and contractor costs | $250 |
Fees from 18VAC50-30-90 and 18VAC50-30-120 and the DPOR Tradesmen Board exam fee list, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Virginia accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
Virginia has a reciprocal agreement with Maryland for HVAC licensing, plus a published list of other agreements. If your state isn’t listed, Universal License Recognition may still get you in.
Maryland — HVAC reciprocity
Virginia has a reciprocal agreement with Maryland for HVAC licenses. See DPOR’s reciprocal agreements list for the terms.
Other states — see DPOR’s list
DPOR publishes every Tradesman reciprocal agreement in one PDF. Check it before you apply as a new applicant.
Any other state — Universal License Recognition
If your licensing agency isn’t on the list, you can apply through Universal License Recognition (ULR).
Local
Do Virginia cities and counties have their own HVAC licensing rules?
Your tradesman license is issued by the state and covers all of Virginia. Permits and inspections still happen locally.
State handles
- Residential, Journeyman and Master HVAC Tradesman licenses
- Class A, B and C contractor licenses and the HVAC specialty
- Exam pre-approval, with exams through PSI
- Renewals, continuing education and discipline
City & county handle
- Mechanical permits and inspections
- Local enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
- Local business licenses, where required
Governance
Who regulates HVAC tradesmen in Virginia
Licensing authority
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors Tradesman program
804-367-8511
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Residential, Journeyman and Master HVAC Tradesman licenses
- Sets training and experience requirements for each level
- Approves candidates to sit for the PSI exams
- Manages renewals, continuing education and reciprocity
Maintenance
How to renew your Virginia HVAC license and keep it active
You need 3 hours of continuing education for each renewal. HVAC tradesman licenses renew every three years, and the renewal fee is $160.
Renewal cycle
3 years
CE hours
3
Renewal fee
$160
Late penalty
Reinstatement fee $210 (includes renewal) after 30 days
Renewing your license?
See the Virginia CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Virginia HVAC license FAQs
How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Virginia?
At least 2 years for the Residential license, with 160 hours of training. A Journeyman needs a 2-year approved program or 4 to 10 years of experience, and a Master needs 1 more year as a licensed Journeyman.
What’s the difference between a Journeyman and a Master HVAC license?
A Journeyman installs, repairs and maintains HVAC equipment under a Master’s supervision. A Master can plan and lay out work, supervise Journeymen and work independently.
Is the Virginia HVAC exam open book?
Yes. You can bring tabbed and highlighted references. The Residential exam has 55 questions in 2 hours, and the Journeyman/Master exam has 85 questions in 4.5 hours.
What score do I need to pass?
39 correct out of 55 on the Residential exam. On the 85-question exam, Journeymen need 60 correct and Masters need 64.
Do I need a contractor license too?
Only if you’ll bid on HVAC jobs over $1,000. Then you need a Class A, B or C contractor license with the HVAC specialty, which starts with an 8-hour pre-licensing course.
Does Virginia accept my out-of-state HVAC license?
Virginia has HVAC reciprocity with Maryland and lists other agreements on DPOR’s site. If your state isn’t listed, you can apply through Universal License Recognition.
How much continuing education do I need?
3 hours for each renewal.
Sources
Official sources for the Virginia HVAC license
- Virginia DPOR, Tradesman Board
- DPOR, Individual License and Certification Regulations (PDF)
- DPOR, Tradesmen reciprocal agreements (PDF)
- DPOR, Universal License Recognition
- PSI, candidate scheduling
- Virginia DHCD, 2021 Virginia Construction Code (PDF)
- 18VAC50-30-90, Fees for licensure and certification (tradesmen)
- 18VAC50-30-100, Examination fees (tradesmen)
- 18VAC50-30-120, Renewal (tradesmen)
- 18VAC50-30-130, Reinstatement (tradesmen)
- DPOR, Tradesmen Board exam fees (paid directly to PSI)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).