Construction / HVAC License / West Virginia
- West Virginia
- HVAC License
- Residential & Technician
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your West Virginia HVAC Technician License
West Virginia licenses HVAC Technicians and HVAC Residential Technicians. Here’s what each covers, the hours you need, and how the open-book Prov exam works.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from West Virginia Division of Labor, Contractor Licensing Board requirements
Application fee
$50–$75
Residential $50, Technician $75; plus $59.00 Prov exam
Exam time
3 hrs
Residential HVAC exam, 60 questions
Time to get license
2,000 hrs
Residential; 6,000 hrs for full HVAC Technician
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE before renewal
Overview
Do you need a West Virginia HVAC license?
Yes. West Virginia licenses HVAC technicians who install, test, maintain and repair heating, ventilating and cooling systems. The Residential Technician license covers homes only. The HVAC Technician license covers residential and non-residential systems.
License required when
- You install or replace residential heating, ventilating or cooling systems
- You test, maintain or repair HVAC systems
- You work on non-residential HVAC systems (full HVAC Technician license)
Common exceptions
- If you only work on homes, you can get the Residential Technician license instead of the full HVAC Technician license
- Our source notes don’t list homeowner or other exemptions, so ask the Division of Labor before you work unlicensed
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source notes don’t list penalty amounts. The Division of Labor can act against people working without a required license, so get licensed before you take on HVAC jobs.
Your fast-track West Virginia HVAC license checklist
The West Virginia application, one page
- At least 18 years old
- Documentation of 2,000+ HVAC hours (6,000 for full Technician)
- Signed, notarized application with verified experience
- State approval to test
- Prov score report showing 70% or higher
- Licensing fee
Types
West Virginia HVAC license types and classifications
Pick the license that matches the buildings you work on. The full HVAC Technician license needs more hours but covers non-residential work too.
RES
Most common
HVAC Residential Technician
Installs, tests, maintains and repairs residential heating, ventilating and cooling systems.
Exam
Residential HVAC (60 Q)
Limit
Residential only
TECH
Broader scope
HVAC Technician
Installs, tests, maintains and repairs both residential and non-residential heating, ventilating and cooling systems.
Exam
HVAC Technician exam
Limit
Residential & non-residential
Requirements
West Virginia HVAC license requirements, class by class
Both licenses need a notarized application, a passing exam score and documented HVAC hours. The full Technician license needs three times the hours.
| Requirement | Residential Technician | HVAC Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Experience or training | 2,000 hrs on HVAC systems | 6,000 hrs in HVAC and related work, including sheet metal tasks |
| Exam | Residential HVAC, 60 questions | HVAC Technician exam |
| Passing score | 70% | 70% |
| Minimum age | 18 | 18 |
| Application | Signed, notarized, with fee | Signed, notarized, with fee |
| Continuing ed | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your West Virginia HVAC license, step by step
- Build your HVAC hoursBefore you apply
Log at least 2,000 hours of HVAC work, training and experience for the Residential license, or 6,000 hours including related sheet metal work for the full Technician license. - Submit your applicationBefore the exam
Send the state a signed, notarized application with your verified education and work experience. Once approved, the state contacts you about your exam. - Schedule with ProvAfter approval
Book the exam with Prov at (801)-733-4455 or the Prov scheduler. Test centers are in larger cities. - Pass the examExam day
The Residential HVAC exam is open book: 60 questions in 3 hours, and you need 70% to pass. - Send in your score and feeAfter you pass
Submit a copy of your score report showing at least 70%, plus the licensing fee and documentation of your HVAC hours. - Receive your licenseAfter review
The Division of Labor issues your license once your application is complete.
Exam
What to expect on the West Virginia HVAC exam
Prov has run West Virginia’s contractor licensing exams since September 2024. The Residential HVAC exam is open book, so knowing where things are in your references matters.
Format
Open book
Questions
60
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
Prov
Scoring & content
- 60 questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass
- Topics: general knowledge, refrigerants and oils, controls, air distribution and venting, piping, equipment, installation and maintenance, OSHA safety
- References can be tabbed and highlighted
- Contractor applicants also take a 50-question Business & Law exam (35 correct to pass, 3 hours)
Retake policy
- Retake waiting period: Not stated
- Retake fee: Not stated
- Pre-approval from the state is required before you test
- Schedule with Prov at (801)-733-4455
Exam references · Open book
The West Virginia Residential HVAC and Business and Law exams are open book, and you can tab and highlight the permitted references you bring in. The list covers the Residential HVAC trade exam and the Business and Law exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Residential HVAC exam | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — Residential HVAC exam | 22nd edition | Allowed in exam |
| Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology — Residential HVAC exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| SMACNA Residential Comfort System Installation Standards Manual — Residential HVAC exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards: Metal and Flexible — Residential HVAC exam | 4th edition | Allowed in exam |
| Sheet Metal, Level 2 — Residential HVAC exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Sheet Metal, Level 3 — Residential HVAC exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| West Virginia Contractors Licensing Act Study Guide — Business and Law exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
West Virginia contractor exams moved to Prov in September 2024; the older PSI references could still be used until April 2025, and an existing copy of the West Virginia Business and Law Study Guide, 6th edition, may be used on the Business and Law exam.
Prep
Best West Virginia HVAC exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a West Virginia HVAC license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing fee | Fixed | $50–$75 |
| Prov exam fee | Fixed | $59.00 |
| Reference books | Variable | Varies |
| Notary for your application | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Certification fee plus one Prov exam, before books and notary | $109–$134 |
Fees from the West Virginia Division of Labor HVAC certification fee page and the Prov Division of Labor candidate bulletin, checked October 2026. Technician in Training certification is $25 with no exam.
Reciprocity
Does West Virginia accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
West Virginia handles reciprocity on an individual basis rather than through blanket agreements.
All states — reviewed case by case
West Virginia looks at reciprocity requests individually. Contact the Division of Labor before applying to see whether your license qualifies.
Local
Do West Virginia cities and counties have their own HVAC licensing rules?
Your HVAC license comes from the state. Permits and inspections still happen at the local level.
State handles
- HVAC Technician and Residential Technician licenses
- Application review and exam approval
- Exams, through Prov
- Renewals and reciprocity decisions
City & county handle
- Mechanical permits and inspections
- Local business licenses, where required
Governance
Who regulates HVAC technicians in West Virginia
Licensing authority
West Virginia Division of Labor, Contractor Licensing Board
304-558-7890
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues HVAC Technician and Residential Technician licenses
- Reviews applications and approves candidates for the exam
- Decides reciprocity requests case by case
- Oversees contractor licensing in the state
Maintenance
How to renew your West Virginia HVAC license and keep it active
West Virginia doesn’t require continuing education before renewal. Renewal costs the same as the initial certification ($75 Technician, $50 Residential Technician), plus a $25 late fee if you’re more than 15 days past expiration. Your expiration date is on your card, and the state sends a renewal form about 45 days ahead.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$75 Technician; $50 Residential
Late penalty
$25 (more than 15 days late)
FAQ
West Virginia HVAC license FAQs
How many hours do I need for an HVAC license in West Virginia?
At least 2,000 hours of HVAC work, training and experience for the Residential Technician license. The full HVAC Technician license needs 6,000 hours, including related sheet metal work.
Is the West Virginia HVAC exam open book?
Yes. The Residential HVAC exam is open book with 60 questions in 3 hours, and you can tab and highlight your references.
What score do I need to pass?
70%. You submit a copy of your score report with your license application.
Who gives the West Virginia HVAC exam?
Prov, since September 2024. Schedule at (801)-733-4455 or through the Prov scheduler after the state approves you.
How old do I have to be?
At least 18.
Is continuing education required?
No. West Virginia doesn’t require CE before renewal.
Does West Virginia accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
Only case by case. West Virginia handles reciprocity on an individual basis, so contact the Division of Labor first.
Sources
Official sources for the West Virginia HVAC license
- West Virginia Division of Labor
- Prov, exam scheduler
- West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board, HVAC Technician license requirements
- West Virginia Division of Labor, HVAC Technician Certification Fees
- West Virginia Division of Labor, HVAC Technician Certification FAQ
- Prov, West Virginia Division of Labor candidate bulletin (PDF)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the West Virginia Division of Labor or Contractor Licensing Board.