Construction / HVAC License / Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania
- HVAC License
- Pittsburgh HVAC Contractor
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Pennsylvania HVAC License (Pittsburgh)
This page covers the HVAC Contractor license issued by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI): who needs it, how to qualify, the ICC exam and what it takes to keep it.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections requirements
Application fee
$90
City license fee (initial and yearly renewal); plus $120 ICC F29 exam
Exam time
4 hrs
ICC F29 Master Mechanical, open book
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4+ years of practical experience
Continuing ed
8 hrs
Every year to renew
Overview
Do you need a Pennsylvania HVAC license?
In Pittsburgh, yes. You need an HVAC Contractor license from the city’s PLI to install, repair or replace mechanical systems inside the City of Pittsburgh. Our sources cover Pittsburgh’s license only, so if you work elsewhere in Pennsylvania, check with that city or township.
License required when
- You install or erect a mechanical system in the City of Pittsburgh
- You enlarge, repair or convert an existing mechanical system
- You remove or replace mechanical equipment
- You want to pull mechanical permits in the city (a certificate of insurance is also required)
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions, so confirm any exemption with PLI first
- Work outside Pittsburgh city limits falls under that municipality’s rules, not this license
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalties. PLI issues trade licenses and permits in Pittsburgh, and it won’t issue permits until your license and insurance are in place, so get licensed before you take on work in the city.
Your fast-track Pennsylvania HVAC license checklist
The Pennsylvania application, one page
- Passing score on the ICC F29 or city Master Mechanical exam
- Resume or documentation of 4+ years of experience
- Experience statement from your employer or a licensed mechanical contractor
- Non-expired government-issued photo ID
- Certificate of insurance before you pull permits
Types
Pennsylvania HVAC license types and classifications
Pittsburgh issues one HVAC trade license, the HVAC Contractor (mechanical) license. It covers mechanical systems anywhere in the city.
HVAC
City license
HVAC Contractor
Install, erect, enlarge, repair, remove, convert or replace any mechanical system within the City of Pittsburgh.
Exam
ICC F29 or city Master Mechanical
Limit
City of Pittsburgh
Requirements
Pennsylvania HVAC license requirements, class by class
You need a passing exam score, documented experience and ID to apply. Insurance isn’t needed at application, but you must show it before PLI issues any permits.
| Requirement | HVAC Contractor (Pittsburgh) |
|---|---|
| Exam | ICC Standard Mechanical (F29) or the city-proctored Master Mechanical exam |
| Experience | 4+ years of practical experience (resume or documentation) |
| Experience statement | From your employer or a licensed mechanical contractor |
| Identification | Non-expired government-issued photo ID |
| General liability | $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate (before permits) |
| Other insurance | Workers’ comp; vehicle insurance if vehicles are used for the business |
| Application fee | $90 license fee |
Steps
How to get your Pennsylvania HVAC license, step by step
- Build your experienceBefore you apply
Get at least 4 years of practical mechanical experience, and ask your employer or a licensed mechanical contractor for a statement backing it up. - Schedule the ICC examBefore you apply
Book the F29 National Standard Master Mechanical exam with Pearson VUE at 877-234-6082 or Pearson VUE’s ICC page. Pittsburgh also accepts its own proctored Master Mechanical exam. - Pass the examExam day
100 questions in 4 hours, open book. You need 70 correct to pass. - Apply to PLIApplication
Submit your passing score, resume or experience documentation, the experience statement and a non-expired photo ID to the City of Pittsburgh PLI. - Show proof of insuranceBefore permits
Provide a certificate of insurance with $1,000,000/$2,000,000 general liability, workers’ comp and vehicle coverage if needed. PLI won’t issue permits without it. - Renew every year8 hrs CE
Complete 8 hours of continuing education each year to renew.
Exam
What to expect on the Pennsylvania HVAC exam
Pittsburgh accepts a passing score on the ICC F29 National Standard Master Mechanical exam, given through Pearson VUE, or on the city’s own proctored Master Mechanical exam. The F29 is open book, and you can tab and highlight your references.
Format
Open book
Questions
100
Passing score
70 correct
Exam vendor
Pearson VUE (ICC)
Scoring & content
- 100 questions, 4 hours, 70 correct to pass
- Topics: general requirements, appliances and equipment, exhaust and ventilation, duct systems, combustion air
- Also: chimneys and vents, fuel supply systems, special requirements, electrical and water
- The 2015 International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code are allowed in the exam
- References can be tabbed and highlighted
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Schedule and reschedule through Pearson VUE at 877-234-6082
- Testing centers are in larger cities around the state
- The city-proctored Master Mechanical exam is the alternative to the F29
Exam references · Open book
The ICC National Standard Master Mechanical exam (F29) accepted for the Pittsburgh HVAC license is open book. You can tab and highlight the approved references and bring them into the exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2015 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2015 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best Pennsylvania HVAC exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Pennsylvania HVAC license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| City HVAC/Mechanical trade license fee | Fixed | $90 |
| ICC F29 exam fee | Fixed | $120 |
| 2015 IMC and IFGC code books | Variable | Varies |
| General liability ($1M/$2M) | Variable | Varies |
| Workers’ comp and vehicle insurance | Variable | Varies |
| License and exam fees | Excludes code books and insurance | $210 |
Fees from the Pittsburgh PLI 2026 fee schedule and the ICC National Contractor bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Pennsylvania accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
Our sources don’t describe any reciprocity for the Pittsburgh license. The good news is that the F29 is a national ICC exam, so a score you already hold may help.
No reciprocity agreements stated
Our sources don’t list any agreements. Plan to apply as a new applicant, and ask PLI whether an existing ICC F29 passing score can be used.
Local
Do Pennsylvania cities and counties have their own HVAC licensing rules?
HVAC licensing here is handled by the City of Pittsburgh, not a state board in our sources. If you work outside the city, check that municipality’s rules.
State handles
- Our sources don’t describe a statewide HVAC license
- Check with the municipality where you work
City & county handle
- HVAC Contractor license (City of Pittsburgh PLI)
- Exam acceptance: ICC F29 or city Master Mechanical
- Certificate of insurance before permits
- Mechanical permits and yearly renewal with 8 hrs CE
Pittsburgh
Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI)
- HVAC Contractor license required for mechanical work in the city
- Passing ICC F29 or city Master Mechanical score, plus 4+ years of experience
- Insurance proof isn’t due at application but is required before any permits
- PLI may require more or less liability coverage case by case, based on the scope of work
Governance
Who regulates HVAC contractors in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Licensing authority
City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI)
412-255-2175
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews trade licenses, including HVAC/mechanical
- Accepts ICC F29 or city Master Mechanical exam results
- Sets and reviews insurance requirements for permits
- Issues permits for mechanical work
Maintenance
How to renew your Pennsylvania HVAC license and keep it active
Pittsburgh HVAC licenses renew every year, and you need 8 hours of continuing education each time. Renewal costs $90, with a $50 late fee if you miss the deadline.
Renewal cycle
Every year
CE hours
8
Renewal fee
$90
Late penalty
$50
FAQ
Pennsylvania HVAC license FAQs
Does Pennsylvania have a statewide HVAC license?
Our sources don’t describe one. They cover the City of Pittsburgh’s HVAC Contractor license, so check with the municipality where you plan to work.
What exam do I need for a Pittsburgh HVAC license?
The ICC F29 National Standard Master Mechanical exam through Pearson VUE, or the City of Pittsburgh’s proctored Master Mechanical exam.
Is the F29 exam open book?
Yes. It’s 100 questions in 4 hours, and you can use the 2015 IMC and IFGC. You need 70 correct to pass.
How much experience do I need?
At least 4 years of practical experience, backed by a statement from your employer or a licensed mechanical contractor.
What insurance do I need?
General liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, workers’ comp, and vehicle insurance if you use vehicles for the business. You show it before permits are issued.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. You need 8 hours of continuing education to renew each year.
Sources
Official sources for the Pennsylvania HVAC license
- City of Pittsburgh PLI, Trade Licenses
- Pearson VUE, ICC licensing exams
- ICC F29 National Standard Master Mechanical exam outline
- City of Pittsburgh PLI, 2026 Fee Schedule
- ICC National Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections.