Construction / HVAC Continuing Education / Virginia
- Virginia
- HVAC CE
- Journeyman & Master
- Updated Oct 2026
Virginia HVAC Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Virginia master and journeyman HVAC licensees need 3 hours of board-approved CE on International Mechanical Code changes every 3 years, before the license expires on the last day of its issue month.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors requirements
Hours per cycle
3 hrs
Covers International Mechanical Code changes
Cycle
3 years
Master and journeyman licenses run 3 years
Deadline
Last day of your issue month
Every 3 years, in the month your license was first issued
Online allowed?
Yes, all hours
Board-approved online CE counts toward renewal
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Virginia HVAC tradesman license?
Under 18VAC50-30-120 C, Virginia master and journeyman HVAC tradesmen need 3 hours of CE to renew or reinstate. Renewal is handled by the state through the DPOR Board for Contractors, not by your city.
CE applies to
- Master HVAC tradesmen
- Journeyman HVAC tradesmen
Exemptions
- None stated in 18VAC50-30-120
Virginia HVAC CE at a glance
Virginia HVAC renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) |
| CE required? | Yes, for master and journeyman HVAC licensees |
| Hours per cycle | 3 hrs |
| Cycle | 3 years |
| Required topics | International Mechanical Code changes |
| Online allowed? | Yes, all hours |
| Deadline | Last day of your issue month, every 3 years |
| Who reports | CE provider (electronically transmits to DPOR within 7 days) |
| Carryover | No |
| Grace period | 30 days to renew at standard fee ($160); reinstatement ($210) up to 24 months |
| Renewal fee | $160 |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Virginia HVAC tradesman license need?
Master and journeyman HVAC licensees both need 3 hours of board-approved CE each 3-year cycle under 18VAC50-30-120 C and 18VAC50-30-220 A, focused on changes to the International Mechanical Code.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master & Journeyman HVAC | 3 hrs | International Mechanical Code changes | None | Online or in-person |
Deadline
When is the Virginia HVAC tradesman license renewal deadline?
Under 18VAC50-30-120 A, Virginia master and journeyman HVAC licenses expire every 3 years on the last day of the month in which they were issued.
| Deadline rule | Last day of the month your license was issued, every 3 years |
| Cycle | 3 years |
| Grace period | 30 days after expiration before reinstatement fee applies; up to 24 months to reinstate |
| Late penalty | $210 reinstatement fee (includes renewal fee) if not completed within 30 days of expiration |
| CE completion deadline | Before you submit your renewal |
Steps
How to renew a Virginia HVAC tradesman license, step by step
- Take approved CEBefore your deadline
Complete 3 hours of DPOR-approved CE on International Mechanical Code changes. - Get your certificateSame day
Save the certificate of completion your provider gives you. - Confirm it’s reportedWithin 7 days
Under 18VAC50-30-230, approved providers electronically transmit your completion data to DPOR within 7 days of finishing the course. - Pay the renewal fee$160 fee
Submit your renewal and $160 fee to the DPOR Board for Contractors before your expiration date (or within 30 days after expiration). - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Check your license with DPOR to confirm the new expiration date 3 years out.
Providers
Approved Virginia HVAC tradesman license CE providers
We haven’t compared CE providers for this license yet. Use the board’s approved provider list to confirm a course counts before you pay.
Approval
How to check a Virginia HVAC CE course is approved
Under 18VAC50-30-220 A, only courses approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors count toward Virginia HVAC CE. The 3 hours focus on the current edition and changes of the International Mechanical Code.
- Confirm the course and provider are approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors.
- Check that it totals 3 hours and covers International Mechanical Code changes.
- Give the provider your exact Virginia individual license number so they can transmit your completion.
Reporting
How Virginia HVAC CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
Under 18VAC50-30-230, continuing education providers must electronically transmit course completion data to the Board for Contractors within seven days of completion. Providers also keep class records for five years (18VAC50-30-210).
- Keep your certificate of completion.
- Confirm you gave your provider your accurate Virginia license number.
- Keep your records through your next 3-year cycle in case the board asks for proof.
Cost
How much does Virginia HVAC tradesman license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman license renewal fee (3 years) | $160 | DPOR Board for Contractors |
| Reinstatement fee (after 30 days, up to 24 months) | $210 (includes renewal fee) | DPOR Board for Contractors |
| CE course (3 hours) | Varies by provider | CE provider |
Fees from 18VAC50-30-120 and 18VAC50-30-130, checked October 2026.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Virginia HVAC tradesman license
Under 18VAC50-30-130, if you do not complete all renewal requirements within 30 days of your expiration date, you must reinstate your license.
Within 30 days after expiration
You can still renew at the standard $160 renewal fee if DPOR receives your fee and CE within 30 days of expiration.
31 days to 24 months after expiration
You must apply for reinstatement, complete your 3 hours of IMC CE, and pay the $210 reinstatement fee (which includes the renewal fee).
Expired more than 24 months
After 24 months, reinstatement is no longer permitted and you must apply as a new applicant.
Who controls
Who controls Virginia HVAC tradesman license renewal?
Renewal authority
Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-8511
Responsibilities
- Issues and renews Virginia master and journeyman HVAC licenses under 18VAC50-30
- Sets the 3-hour CE requirement
- Approves tradesman CE courses
Getting licensed
Getting a Virginia HVAC license
Need the license first? Our Virginia guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Virginia HVAC tradesman license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Virginia HVAC licensee need?
3 hours every 3 years, covering International Mechanical Code changes.
When is the deadline?
The last day of the month your license was first issued, every 3 years.
Can I take CE online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses can cover all 3 hours.
Is it the same for masters and journeymen?
Yes. Both need the same 3 hours.
Who reports my hours?
Under 18VAC50-30-230, your CE provider must electronically transmit your completion data to DPOR within 7 days of finishing the course.
Do hours carry over?
No. You must complete 3 hours for each 3-year renewal cycle.
Sources
Official sources for Virginia HVAC CE rules
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Tradesmen Program
- Virginia Administrative Code, 18VAC50-30 (Board for Contractors Individual License and Certification Regulations)
- International Mechanical Code (ICC)
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors.