Knowing the licensing requirements is crucial if you’re considering a career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in Kentucky. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, this guide will walk you through the basics.
We’ve got you covered, from license requirements and insurance to renewal and reciprocity with other states. Getting your Kentucky HVAC license can open doors to new opportunities in the Bluegrass State.
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In Kentucky, anyone performing HVAC work — such as installing, repairing, or maintaining heating and cooling systems — must hold a valid license. The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (DHBC) — issues these licenses to ensure safety and industry compliance.
There are two main types of HVAC licenses in KY:
While not strictly a license, you must register as an apprentice with the agency to document your HVAC work.
HVAC contractors must show proof of business insurance in Kentucky to get their license. However, other non-mandated policies can help protect your business from common risks.
All Kentucky HVAC business owners with one or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. If you or one of your HVAC technicians gets hurt on the job, this insurance can help provide wage protection and pay for medical expenses and other benefits.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors.
General liability insurance can help provide coverage if someone other than an employee claims that your company’s actions caused them injury or property damage.
To get and stay licensed, master contractor license applicants must hold general liability coverage, which must include a minimum of $500,000 in general liability and $300,000 in property damage. You must provide the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction with a certificate of insurance and list the department as a certificate holder.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
Whether you own or rent your workspace, commercial property insurance is vital coverage for your business property. It also covers equipment, inventory and furniture related to your HVAC business.
A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance, provides broad coverage of general liability and commercial property policies combined in a single, cost-efficient bundle. It can help cover damage that you or your employees may accidentally cause to another person’s property and help protect your business equipment in the event of a fire or other covered event.
Tools and equipment insurance can help provide repair and replacement coverage for damaged or stolen work gear.
Commercial auto insurance can help cover costs related to auto accidents, such as property damage and medical expenses.
In Kentucky, drivers must have liability insurance that meets the minimum limits required by law:
Kentucky requires different licenses for HVAC technicians depending on the scope of work, but gaining licenses is very straightforward. Here’s what to know:
When you first start your career in the HVAC industry, you must register as an apprentice with the Division of HVAC. To become an apprentice, you need the following:
While a formal education through a technical college or trade school is not required, they may help you pass licensing exams and are attractive to employers.
The next step up is to obtain your journeyman HVAC mechanic license. This license allows individuals to install air conditioning systems, warm-air heating and ventilation under the supervision of an HVAC contractor.
To be eligible for this license, you must complete two year of work experience under a licensed master HVAC contractor.
Once, you’ve documented your two years of experience, you can sit for the journeyman licensing exam. Prov administers this HVAC exam. All exams are open-book and timed. You must achieve a score of 70% to pass.
After passing the exam, you can apply for the Kentucky HVAC journeyman license. You need to provide:
You can work as a journeyman indefinitely if you renew your license annually and work under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
If you want to operate your own business and have employees, you must get a master HVAC contractor license.
To be eligible for this license, you must complete two years of work experience as a Kentucky journeyman under a licensed master HVAC contractor.
Once you’ve documented your two years of experience, you can sit for the master licensing exam. Prov also administers this exam. All HVAC exams are open-book and timed. You must achieve a score of 70% to pass.
After passing the exam, you can apply for the master contractor license. You need to provide:
To work with refrigerants in HVAC systems, you need an EPA 608 certification. There are four types of certification: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure systems), Type III (low-pressure systems), and Universal (all systems).
To earn your EPA certification, you must pass an exam on safe refrigerant practices, environmental regulations and leak detection. The good news is that once you’re certified, it’s valid for life — no renewal is required.
The Division of HVAC does not list specific states with which they may have reciprocal agreements. However, when you apply for an HVAC license, you may apply by reciprocity and provide a letter of good standing from the state licensing agency/board in which you’re licensed. If the board deems your experience equivalent, they may waive exam requirements.
In the state of Kentucky, HVAC licenses must be renewed annually by the last day of your birth month.
License holders must complete six hours of approved continuing education each year. You must submit:
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Looking for more information on what states require HVAC licenses? Check out our summary of HVAC contractor license requirements across the U.S.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
Kim Mercado is a content editor at NEXT. She writes and edits content for small business owners, and enjoys helping entrepreneurs solve their business challenges and learn about insurance. Kim has contributed to Salesforce, Samsara and Google.
You can find Kim trying new recipes and cheering the 49ers.
