The widespread use of heat and air conditioning in New Jersey keeps HVAC contractors busy all year long. If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC contractor, however, you’ll need an NJ HVAC license first.
To get your New Jersey HVAC license, you must first meet a number of state requirements, including work experience and insurance coverage.
This guide walks you through each step of the application process, including:
Anyone performing HVACR contractor services in New Jersey must have a license from the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
You must complete the following steps to get your New Jersey HVAC license:
You need to register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to apply for your license. With your completed application, you must include the following documents to prove your eligibility:
Because the application is only available online, you’ll need to prepare electronic versions of any materials you need to attach. Accepted file formats are .TIFF, .PDF and .JPG.
The current application fee is $100. The Board will assess a separate licensing fee after you pass the exam.
New Jersey HVAC license exams are held at least four times per year. The exam covers topics on HVACR contracting as well as the laws and rules associated with HVACR contracting in New Jersey. To pass the exam, you’ll need a score of at least 70% in each of these two areas.
After passing the exam, you must submit a surety bond for $3,000 to the Board.
To get your New Jersey HVAC license, you must fulfill the work experience and educational requirements.
When applying, you must provide documentation to show that you meet one of the following standards for licensure:
The State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors meets once a month to review license applications. If the Board approves your application, you’ll receive a letter as soon as possible after the meeting. This letter will include information on how to schedule your licensing exam.
New Jersey HVAC contractors must have a certificate of general liability insurance. Learn more about this requirement and other types of business insurance in New Jersey.
You’ll need to provide the Board with a certificate of general liability insurance to get your license. This certificate of insurance must show coverage for $500,000. This insurance can help provide coverage for bodily injury, property damage and other accidents that can occur on the job.
All New Jersey employers not covered by federal programs must have workers’ compensation insurance. If you or one of your HVAC technicians gets hurt on the job, this insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and more.
Tools and equipment insurance can help cover repairs and replacements for damaged or stolen work gear.
Commercial auto insurance can help cover costs related to accidents in a work vehicle, such as medical expenses and property damage.
If you own or rent property for your business, commercial property insurance can help provide coverage for issues like damage and equipment breakdowns.
New Jersey HVAC licenses expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year. Licensees will get reminded to renew approximately 60 days before the expiration date.
The cost to renew your license is $160. During the two-year period between renewals, you must complete five credits of continuing education through a Board-approved course.
The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors will consider reciprocity for applicants already licensed in other states under certain conditions. The state must have licensure standards the Boards considers equal or comparable to New Jersey’s requirements. In addition, the applicant must attach documents as evidence of their qualifications.
The Board has already established that HVAC licenses from the following states do not fulfill the requirements for New Jersey HVAC license reciprocity:
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If you’re an HVAC contractor in New Jersey, NEXT can help you get insurance to fulfill licensing requirements and help protect your business.
We’ll ask a few questions about your business and give you a quote. You can select your coverage options and purchase your policy — all in about 10 minutes. Your certificate of insurance will be available immediately, and you can access your policy 24/7 via web or mobile app.
If you have questions, our licensed, U.S.-based insurance professionals are available to help.
Ashley Henshaw was a contributing writer at NEXT. She specializes in small business topics, covering everything from insurance and branding to web hosting and cryptocurrency.
Her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, AOL City's Best, Citysearch, USA Today, The San Francisco Chronicle and Livestrong.
