Construction / HVAC License / Texas
- Texas
- HVAC License
- Class A, Class B & Technician
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Texas Air Conditioning & Refrigeration License
How Texas air conditioning and refrigeration licensing works: Class A vs. Class B, endorsements, the technician certification, experience, exams, insurance and renewal, based on Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation rules.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation requirements
Application fee
$115
Contractor license; plus a $60–$74 PSI exam
Exam time
Up to 230 min
Class A Environmental Air; Class B is 170 min
Time to get license
~4 yrs
48 months supervised, or 36 months plus a year as a certified tech
Continuing ed
8 hrs
Required for the contractor license
Overview
Do you need a Texas HVAC license?
Yes, to contract for air conditioning and refrigeration work in Texas. TDLR issues contractor licenses by class (A or B) and endorsement. Technicians who help a licensed contractor with maintenance work hold a certified technician license.
License required when
- You contract for environmental air conditioning work: controlling temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation and circulation for comfort
- You contract for commercial refrigeration or process cooling or heating work
- You work on systems over 25 tons cooling or 1.5 million BTU/hr heating (Class A needed)
- You assist a licensed contractor with HVAC maintenance (certified technician)
Common exceptions
- A Class B license covers systems up to 25 tons cooling or 1.5 million BTU/hr heating, so smaller work doesn’t need Class A
- Our source doesn’t list specific exemptions, so check Chapter 1302 and TDLR’s rules before doing any work unlicensed
Penalties for unlicensed work
TDLR can take enforcement action against anyone doing air conditioning and refrigeration contracting without a license, including administrative penalties. See the Chapter 1302 law and Chapter 75 rules for details.
Your fast-track Texas HVAC license checklist
The Texas application, one page
- Class (A or B) and endorsement chosen
- Experience verification form completed
- TDLR approval to sit for the exam
- Passing exam score (70%)
- Certificate of general liability insurance
- Everything finished within 1 year of filing
Types
Texas HVAC license types and classifications
Texas splits the contractor license two ways. The endorsement sets the type of work you can do, and the class sets how large a system you can work on.
Class A
Any size
Class A Contractor
Any endorsed air conditioning and refrigeration work on systems, products or equipment of any size or capacity.
Exam
Class A exam
Limit
No size limit
Class B
Most common
Class B Contractor
Any endorsed work on systems up to 25 tons cooling or 1.5 million BTU/hr heating output.
Exam
Class B exam
Limit
25 tons / 1.5M BTU/hr
EA
Endorsement
Environmental Air Conditioning
Treating air to control temperature, humidity, cleanliness, ventilation and circulation for human comfort.
Exam
Environmental Air (A or B)
Limit
Set by class
CR
Endorsement
Commercial Refrigeration & Process Cooling or Heating
Mechanical or absorption equipment that controls temperature or humidity for a space’s intended use, or for production or equipment needs.
Exam
Commercial Refrigeration
Limit
Set by class
TECH
Entry level
Certified Technician
Assists a licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractor with HVAC maintenance work.
Exam
Certified Technician
Limit
Works under a contractor
Requirements
Texas HVAC license requirements, class by class
Class A and Class B share the same experience rules. What changes is the exam size and the insurance you carry.
| Requirement | Class A | Class B | Certified Technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 48 months in the last 72, or 36 months in the last 48 plus 12 months as a certified tech | 48 months in the last 72, or 36 months in the last 48 plus 12 months as a certified tech | Not stated |
| Exam size | 120 questions, 84 correct | 100 questions, 70 correct | 60 questions, 42 correct |
| Liability per occurrence | $300,000 | $100,000 | Not stated |
| Liability aggregate | $600,000 | $200,000 | Not stated |
| Products & completed operations | $300,000 aggregate | $100,000 aggregate | Not stated |
| Deadline | Finish within 1 year of filing | Finish within 1 year of filing | Not stated |
| Application fee | $115 | $115 | $50 |
| PSI exam fee | $74 | $60 | $60 |
Steps
How to get your Texas HVAC license, step by step
- Pick your class and endorsementBefore you start
Choose Environmental Air, Commercial Refrigeration or both, then Class A (any size) or Class B (up to 25 tons or 1.5 million BTU/hr). - Document your experienceBefore you apply
Complete the experience verification form: 48 months of supervised HVAC work in the last 72 months, or 36 months in the last 48 plus 12 months holding a technician certification. - Apply to TDLR for exam approvalWithin 1 year
Submit your application through TDLR. Once TDLR approves your eligibility, you can sit for the exam. Everything, including the exam, must be done within 1 year of filing. - Pass the exam with PSIExam day
Schedule with PSI or call 833-333-4741. Exams are open book, and you need 70% to pass. - Get your insuranceAfter the exam
Buy commercial general liability coverage that meets the Class A or Class B minimums. You don’t need the certificate until after you pass. - Submit proof and get licensedFinal step
Send your certificate of insurance to TDLR to finish your license. Keep the coverage active the whole time you hold the license.
Exam
What to expect on the Texas HVAC exam
Your exam matches your endorsement and class. All of them are open book, and you can tab, highlight and write in your references. The exams moved to the 2024 code editions on September 1, 2026.
Format
Open book
Questions
60–120
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Environmental Air Class A: 120 questions, 230 minutes, 84 correct
- Environmental Air Class B: 100 questions, 170 minutes, 70 correct
- Certified Technician: 60 questions, 112 minutes, 42 correct
- Commercial Refrigeration: question count Not stated
- Topics include air distribution, refrigeration principles, combustion air, controls, piping, safety, venting and Texas laws and rules
Retake policy
- Retake waiting period: Not stated
- Exam fee: $74 for Class A, $60 for Class B or Certified Technician
- TDLR must approve your eligibility before you schedule
- You must pass within 1 year of filing your application
Exam references · Open book
The Texas Environmental Air and Commercial Refrigeration exams are open book, and the approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and written in during the test. Our sources don’t list a separate reference set for the Certified Technician exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) — Environmental Air and Commercial Refrigeration exams | 2024 | Allowed in exam |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Environmental Air and Commercial Refrigeration exams | 2024 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — Environmental Air and Commercial Refrigeration exams | 2024 | Allowed in exam |
| Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — Environmental Air and Commercial Refrigeration exams | 22nd edition | Allowed in exam |
| Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Law, Chapter 1302 — Environmental Air and Commercial Refrigeration exams | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual D: Residential Duct Systems — Environmental Air exam | 3rd edition | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual J: Residential Load Calculation — Environmental Air exam | 8th edition | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual S: Residential Equipment Selection — Environmental Air exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License Rules, Chapter 75 — Environmental Air exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| OSHA 29 CFR Part 1904: Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses — Environmental Air exam | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
The exams moved to the 2024 code editions on September 1, 2026; a duct size calculator (ductulator) is also listed among the exam materials.
Prep
Best Texas HVAC exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Texas HVAC license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor application fee | Fixed | $115 |
| PSI exam fee | Fixed | $60–$74 |
| Certified Technician application fee (if you start there) | Fixed | $50 |
| Commercial general liability insurance | Variable | Varies |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Class B contractor application and exam; excludes insurance and code books | $175 |
Fees from TDLR’s contractor and certified technician application pages and the PSI Texas air conditioning and refrigeration candidate bulletin, checked October 2026. Insurance cost depends on your class, since Class A minimums are three times higher than Class B.
Reciprocity
Does Texas accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
Texas has reciprocity agreements for this license with two states. Check with TDLR to confirm what’s waived.
South Carolina — reciprocity agreement
Texas has a reciprocity agreement with South Carolina. The details of what’s waived aren’t stated, so check with TDLR.
Georgia — reciprocity agreement
Texas has a reciprocity agreement with Georgia. The details of what’s waived aren’t stated, so check with TDLR.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant, document your experience and take the exam.
Local
Do Texas cities and counties have their own HVAC licensing rules?
Your TDLR license covers the whole state, but cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Contractor licenses, classes and endorsements
- Certified technician licenses
- Exam approval, with testing through PSI
- Insurance requirements and continuing education
City & county handle
- Mechanical permits and inspections
- Local registration before pulling permits, where required
- Local code enforcement
Governance
Who regulates HVAC contractors in Texas
Licensing authority
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
512-463-6599
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews air conditioning and refrigeration contractor and technician licenses
- Approves applicants to sit for the exam
- Enforces Chapter 1302 and the Chapter 75 rules
- Sets insurance and continuing education requirements
Maintenance
How to renew your Texas HVAC license and keep it active
Texas contractors complete 8 hours of continuing education to renew. You must keep your general liability insurance active the whole time your license is active.
Renewal cycle
1 year
CE hours
8
Renewal fee
$65
Late penalty
Not stated
Texas air conditioning and refrigeration licensing
Renewal, CE and license details from TDLR
FAQ
Texas HVAC license FAQs
What’s the difference between a Class A and Class B HVAC license in Texas?
Class A lets you work on systems of any size. Class B is limited to 25 tons cooling or 1.5 million BTU/hr heating.
How much experience do I need for a Texas HVAC license?
48 months of supervised HVAC work in the last 72 months. If you’ve held a technician certification for the last 12 months, 36 months in the last 48 is enough.
Is the Texas HVAC exam open book?
Yes. You can tab, highlight and write in your references. You need 70% to pass.
When do I need insurance?
Not until after you pass the exam. Then you must keep commercial general liability coverage active the whole time you’re licensed: $300,000 per occurrence for Class A or $100,000 for Class B.
Is continuing education required?
Yes. Texas requires 8 hours of continuing education for the HVAC contractor license.
Does Texas have HVAC reciprocity?
Yes, with South Carolina and Georgia. Everyone else applies as a new applicant.
How long do I have to finish the process?
One year from the date you file your application, including passing the exam.
Sources
Official sources for the Texas HVAC license
- TDLR, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
- Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302
- TDLR, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Rules, Chapter 75
- 29 CFR Part 1904, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
- PSI, exam scheduling
- TDLR, Apply for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
- TDLR, Renew an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License
- TDLR, Apply for a Certified Technician Registration
- PSI, TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Candidate 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 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.