If you plan to get your HVAC license in Washington State, this guide provides all the essential details. Learn about contractor registration, licensing requirements, and insurance coverage needed to operate legally and successfully in the state. We’ll help you navigate the process step by step.
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To do HVAC work in the state of Washington, you must get registered and licensed with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. These are two separate but equally important paths to enter the HVAC industry here.
According to state law, HVAC technicians who plan to operate their own business must first register as a construction contractor. You must also secure a bond and buy insurance in order to protect the public.
Contractor registration in Washington falls into two categories: general contractors and specialty contractors. General contractors can perform most construction jobs and hire subcontractors.
Specialty contractors can only focus on the type of work their license allows. The state’s L&I division regulates 63 construction specialties, including HVAC.
According to state law, HVAC contractors fabricate, install, service and maintain heating and cooling indoor air equipment. Their work may involve ducts, air filters, water treatment devices, pneumatic controls, control piping, liquid fuel piping and more. HVAC contractors can also work on systems that use solar energy.
To acquire an HVAC specialty contractor license in Washington State, follow these steps:
Important: As part of the contractor registration process, you must prove that you have met the state’s bond and insurance requirements.
Once you have properly registered your HVAC business with the state, your next task is to get a Washington HVAC license.
If you plan to work as an HVAC contractor and own a business, you must meet the state’s insurance and bond requirements. Here are the types of insurance that are required for licensure, as well as essential options for running a business.
Keep in mind that worker’s compensation protection isn’t a license requirement for Washington HVAC contractors. However, it is required for nearly all businesses operating in the state.
But here’s a twist: unlike in most other U.S. states, Washington does not allow small businesses to buy private worker’s compensation insurance (i.e., coverage provided by a commercial insurance company); it’s a monopolistic state. Instead, companies must buy their worker’s compensation from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Alternatively, they can become a certified self-insured employer. The Washington L&I website provides details for getting worker’s compensation insurance in the state, including coverage exemptions for certain types of employees.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors
If your career path is to become an HVAC contractor, you must carry general liability insurance to cover your property and bodily injury exposures. Aside from helping cover costs if someone other than an employee claims that your business caused them injuries or destroyed their belongings, it can help cover medical expenses, pay to repair or replace damaged items and assist with legal costs if you’re sued and need a lawyer.
Requirements include arranging for $50,000 in property damage coverage, $200,000 for bodily injury or $250,000 for a combined property damage/bodily injury.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
In the event of damage or vandalism, commercial property insurance can assist cover equipment, inventory, and owned or rented property.
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.
Your tools and equipment are essential to running your business. If they are stolen, lost or damaged, tools and equipment insurance will pay for replacements or repairs to get you back to work quickly.
It is illegal to operate an automobile in Washington without liability insurance. So, if you drive for work, commercial auto insurance can help cover accident-related expenses, such as property damage, vehicle rentals and medical bills. Even if you drive your own vehicle and have personal auto coverage, it may not cover work-related activities.
Coverage minimums include:
To work as an HVAC professional (as a business owner or HVAC firm employee) in Washington, you don’t have to qualify for a specific mechanical contractor or HVAC license — there is no specific state licensing.
However, specialty contractors must earn a specialty electrician license that shows you have mastered the knowledge needed to work on HVAC components safely. This involves acquiring an electrical license tailored for the HVAC business, either at the trainee or journey level, before you can begin doing HVAC work.
If you’re new to the HVAC field, earning an HVAC trainee license is the first step. An HVAC trainee must meet these initial requirements:
Note: You do not need any HVAC experience or classroom training to qualify for a trainee license. However, once you receive it, you must renew it every two years until you can pass your restricted journeyman’s or a full journeyman’s electrical license.
You can apply online at the Washington L&I website. Be prepared to pay a fee.
After the state approves your application, you will receive a trainee license. You must then renew it every two years until you successfully qualify for a higher-level electric/HVAC license. You must also complete 24 hours of HVAC continuing education
Once you’ve logged 2,000 hours working with either a journeyman or master electrician on HVAC projects, you can apply to take your O6b electrical license test. This will allow you to work on 240v/120 amp single-phase HVAC equipment while also allowing you to work without the supervision of a higher-level electrician.
The 06a license is a journeyman license needed for HVAC work. It has no voltage or phase limits. You can take your 06a exam only after you can prove that you’ve worked as an HVAC tech under the supervision of a certified electrician for 4,000 hours. You almost must be able to prove that you completed your required CEU credits (24 hours per year).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires HVAC workers who deal with refrigerants to be properly certified. To obtain an EPA certification, HVAC technicians in Washington must pass an 80-question multiple-choice test in no more than 3 hours. The passing score is 70%, and the exam cost is $120.
In addition to complying with Washington state HVAC license requirements, you might also face city-specific requirements. If you plan to work in Tacoma, Spokane, Yakima, Kennewick, Pullman, Seattle and other locations, these will come into play.
For example, in Seattle, HVAC professionals can qualify for three specific licenses based on the nature of their work:
A journey refrigeration mechanic license lets you install, fix or modify refrigeration or air conditioner equipment. Based on the type of refrigerant you work with, you’ll need to get the proper license:
A refrigeration operating engineer license allows you to work on HVAC systems in buildings your employer owns or operates. You’ll need this license if:
A refrigeration and air conditioning contractor’s license allows your business to install, repair or modify refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. You must have an employee with a journeyman refrigeration mechanic license assigned to do the work.
For all types of refrigeration licenses: You can apply, renew and pay for trade licenses online.
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Do you want to work as an HVAC contractor in another U.S. state? Learn what states require licenses in our guide to HVAC license requirements.
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.
