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HVAC · State license

How to get an HVAC license in Washington, DC

State law and licensing-board sources · Last reviewed October 11, 2026

In the District of Columbia, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) workers are licensed as refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics by the Board of Industrial Trades at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). You start as a registered apprentice working under a licensed master mechanic. DLCP's instructions say the journeyman exam takes 3 years of experience, or you can skip it after an approved apprenticeship; a master license takes 5 years. Technicians who service equipment containing ozone-depleting refrigerants also need federal EPA Section 608 (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's refrigerant rule) certification. [1][2][3][4]

New to the trade?

Starting from zero in District of Columbia

In the District you start as a registered apprentice refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic working under a licensed master. Get hired by an HVAC contractor or accepted into an apprenticeship such as Steamfitters Local 602's, then apply online to DLCP for your apprentice registration with proof of that job or school enrollment. Before you service equipment that contains refrigerants, get federal EPA Section 608 certification. [1][2][3][4][18]

  • High school diploma or GED

    Not listed by the District for an apprentice mechanic: the law registers apprentices without an exam, and DLCP's instructions say no experience is required. Programs set their own rules: DOES (Department of Employment Services), the District's apprenticeship office, says a diploma or GED (General Educational Development test) is required for most apprenticeship programs. Requirements of the Steamfitters Local 602 program could not be read on its website Ask the program. [2][3][13][18]

  • Minimum age

    The District's occupational licensing law says anyone applying for a license or registration must be at least 18. DOES says apprenticeships generally take people from age 16 unless a higher minimum is set by law. [13][16]

  • Register before you start work

    The statute registers apprentice mechanics, who may work only under the direct personal supervision and control of a licensed master. An older DC rule also exempts people working under a master's personal supervision and permit from the license requirement, so ask DLCP whether you must register before your first day. Apply through DLCP's online application with a 2x2 photo, a government ID and proof of employment or school enrollment. [1][2][3][8]

  • EPA Section 608 certification

    Federal rules require technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be certified. DLCP asks for CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) Universal Certification with a journeyman exam application. [3][4]

  • Aptitude test and transportation

    DOES says some programs give a general aptitude test with a qualifying score, and transportation is required for most construction apprenticeships. [13]

  • Pay while you learn

    DOES says apprentices earn a salary while learning their craft, and that employers often credit prior experience in the trade. [13]

  • Credit for an apprenticeship

    Graduating from an approved apprenticeship with classroom work and 8,000+ hours (4 years) under a master lets you waive the journeyman exam. In December 2025 the Board voted to accept IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) Local 99 certificates of completion for the journeyman license by waiver. [3][11]

  • Still in high school?

    District law lets students in a recognized training program practice a trade as part of a course, under a licensed or qualified teacher. Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School, a selective DC public school, lists HVAC among its industry-certification pathways. OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education), the District's education agency, runs a paid, credit-bearing Advanced Internship Program for juniors and seniors in career and technical education (CTE) programs, including architecture and construction See OSSE's CTE program resources. No District rule was found that counts high school CTE hours toward a license. [20][21][22][23][24]

Where to apply in District of ColumbiaHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs

Licensing office Board of Industrial Trades, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) · (202) 671-4500 [1]

District of Columbia HVAC license at a glance

Who issues licenses
DC Board of Industrial Trades, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection DLCP [1][17]
Apprentice registration
No exam or experience Proof of employment or school enrollment; $65 application [1][2][3]
Journeyman experience
3 years' experience to sit for the exam, per DLCP's instructions No hour count is set in the statute [2][3]
Journeyman exam
PSI (a testing company), 60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, open book, $52 Waived after an approved apprenticeship [3][10]
Master experience
5 consecutive years on systems larger than 25 compressor horsepower, verified by a master Master limited: 5 years on smaller systems plus CFC certification [2]
License fees
$65 application Mechanic license $110 and contractor $120 (each for up to 2 years) [1]
Renewal
All refrigeration and air conditioning licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years Mechanic renewal $155 [1][3]
Reciprocity
None in effect A Maryland agreement was still awaiting DC approval as of July 2026 [11][14][15]
Refrigerant handling
Federal EPA Section 608 certification DLCP asks journeyman exam applicants for CFC Universal Certification [3][4]
On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Starting from zero
  3. The license pathway
  4. Who needs a license in the District
  5. The license ladder: apprentice to master
  6. The exam
  7. Fees and renewal
  8. Union and open-shop apprenticeships in the District
  9. If you're licensed in another state
  10. Steps to get licensed
  11. Where to get the hours
  12. Licensed in another state?
  13. Questions people ask

The license pathway in District of Columbia

  1. 1

    Apprentice Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

    • $65 application
    • Expires September 30 of even-numbered years

    Your entry registration. DLCP registers you without an exam once you show proof of employment or school enrollment. You may work only under the direct personal supervision and control of a licensed master mechanic. [1][2][3]

  2. 2

    Journeyman Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

    • 3 years of experience
    • Yes: PSI, 60 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, open book, $52 (waived after an approved apprenticeship)
    • $65 application plus $110 (up to 2 years)
    • Expires September 30 of even-numbered years; $155 renewal

    DLCP's instructions list 3 years' experience to sit for the exam, documented with tax records, an employment verification letter signed by a master, and CFC Universal Certification. If you graduated from an approved apprenticeship with classroom work and 8,000+ hours (4 years) of on-the-job training under a master, you can waive the exam. [1][2][3][10]

  3. 3

    Master Mechanic Limited

    • 5 years of experience
    • Yes: PSI, 70 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, open book, $52
    • $65 application plus $110 (up to 2 years)
    • Expires September 30 of even-numbered years; $155 renewal

    Covers systems up to and including 25 compressor horsepower. You need at least 5 consecutive years installing, maintaining, repairing and replacing such systems right before you apply, verified in writing by a master mechanic, plus proof of CFC certification. [1][2][3][8][10]

  4. 4

    Master Mechanic

    • 5 years of experience
    • Yes: PSI, 80 multiple-choice questions, 3.5 hours, open book, $52
    • $65 application plus $110 (up to 2 years)
    • Expires September 30 of even-numbered years; $155 renewal

    Can supervise or do any refrigeration or air conditioning work regardless of system size. You need at least 5 consecutive years on systems larger than 25 compressor horsepower right before you apply, verified in writing by a master mechanic. [1][2][8][10]

  5. 5

    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor

    • $65 application plus $120 (up to 2 years)
    • Expires September 30 of even-numbered years; $180 renewal

    A business license with no exam. The company must be registered and in good standing with DLCP, designate a DC-licensed master, and post $5,000 surety bonds for both the company and the master. [1][9]

Who needs a license in the District

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic is one of the occupations DC law regulates, and no one may practice a licensed occupation without a current license, certificate or registration. The law defines the job as designing, installing, maintaining or altering mechanical systems for refrigeration or air conditioning of any public or private building or vehicle.

DC's refrigeration rules (17 DCMR Chapter 3) exempt some work. Examples include self-contained units with no more than 2 pounds of refrigerant, air conditioning in motor vehicles and rail cars, and work for the federal government. The rules limit licensed mechanics to connecting equipment to disconnects and water valves near the unit; other electrical and plumbing work needs the right electrical or plumbing license and permit. [5][6][7][8]

The license ladder: apprentice to master

The statute sets the master requirements but no experience figure for the journeyman license; the 3-year figure comes from DLCP's application instructions. The law accepts a journeyman certificate from a national certifying organization registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or the DC Apprenticeship Council in place of the exam and experience.

Compare with other places on the HVAC hub and in journeyman vs. master. [2][3][9]

The exam

DLCP uses PSI. Schedule online at psiexams.com or by phone at (855) 557-0616.

PSI's DC bulletin (updated August 2022) lists the journeyman air conditioning and refrigeration exam at 60 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. The master mechanic exam is 80 questions in 3.5 hours and the master mechanic limited exam is 70 questions in 3 hours. All are open book and cost $52. The references are the 2012 International Mechanical Code and Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (2004); check the current list with PSI. [1][3][10]

Fees and renewal

The Board of Industrial Trades lists a $65 application fee. A mechanic license costs $110 and a contractor license $120, each for up to 2 years. Renewals are $155 for mechanics and $180 for contractors, with a $50 late fee. PSI's exam fee of $52 is separate.

Every refrigeration and air conditioning license expires on September 30 of even-numbered years, whenever you got it. [1][3][10]

Union and open-shop apprenticeships in the District

DLCP's instructions list Steamfitters Local 602 and Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 486 as union training resources, and the Board voted in December 2025 to accept IUOE Local 99 certificates of completion for the journeyman license by waiver. Open-shop training is offered through ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) of Metro Washington's CraftMasters program.

The District's apprenticeship office at DOES says most programs want a diploma or GED, some give an aptitude test, and transportation is usually required. More background: EPA 608 certification and how to get an apprenticeship. [3][11][12][13]

If you're licensed in another state

DC has no refrigeration and air conditioning reciprocity agreement in effect. DC Board minutes from December 2025 say Maryland sent the District a draft agreement that was awaiting review by the Board's subject matter experts, and the February 2026 minutes say talks with Maryland and Virginia were ongoing. Maryland's HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) board minutes from July 8, 2026 say its drafted proposal had been sent to the DC Board of Industrial Trades and was awaiting approval.

DC law lets the Board waive the exam for someone licensed in a state with standards at least as high as the District's that admits DC licensees the same way, or certified by an acceptable national organization. Ask DLCP how your license will be treated. See our reciprocity guide. [11][14][15][16]

Steps to get licensed in District of Columbia

  1. Get hired or accepted into an apprenticeship

    Find work with an HVAC contractor or apply to a program such as Steamfitters Local 602. DLCP needs proof of employment or school enrollment to register you. [3][18]

  2. Register as an apprentice and get EPA 608 (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's refrigerant rule) certified

    Apply through DLCP's online application with a 2x2 photo and a government ID ($65 application fee). Earn EPA Section 608 certification before you work with refrigerants; DLCP asks for CFC Universal Certification later. [1][3][4]

  3. Build 3 years of experience under a master

    Work under a licensed master mechanic and ask for employment verification letters signed by a master that describe your experience and how long you worked. [2][3]

  4. Apply for the journeyman license

    Submit tax records, employment verification letters and your CFC Universal Certification. If you graduated from an approved apprenticeship, send your certificate of completion or transcripts to waive the exam. [3]

  5. Pass the PSI exam

    Schedule with PSI online or at (855) 557-0616. The journeyman exam is 60 questions, 2 hours, open book, $52. [1][10]

  6. Work toward master

    After 5 consecutive years of verified work, apply for the master mechanic license (systems over 25 horsepower) or master mechanic limited (25 horsepower and below) and take the master exam. [2][10]

Where to get the hours

Programs that train HVAC technicians in or for District of Columbia, from their own official pages. Listed by type, not ranked.

Licensed in another state?

We didn't find a reciprocity agreement published by the licensing office for this license. Ask the office how it treats an out-of-state license or experience before you apply.

Also listed by: Delaware (their own boards list District of Columbia as a partner; check both sides before you move).

Open the reciprocity map · How reciprocity works

AlaskaAK MaineME VermontVT New HampshireNH WashingtonWA IdahoID MontanaMT North DakotaND MinnesotaMN IllinoisIL WisconsinWI MichiganMI New YorkNY Rhode IslandRI MassachusettsMA OregonOR NevadaNV WyomingWY South DakotaSD IowaIA IndianaIN OhioOH PennsylvaniaPA New JerseyNJ ConnecticutCT CaliforniaCA UtahUT ColoradoCO NebraskaNE MissouriMO KentuckyKY West VirginiaWV VirginiaVA MarylandMD DelawareDE ArizonaAZ New MexicoNM KansasKS ArkansasAR TennesseeTN North CarolinaNC South CarolinaSC District of ColumbiaDC OklahomaOK LouisianaLA MississippiMS AlabamaAL GeorgiaGA HawaiiHI TexasTX FloridaFL
DC Listed here (agreement or endorsement) Lists DC

Questions people ask

How long does it take to get a journeyman HVAC license in DC?

DLCP's instructions list 3 years' experience to sit for the journeyman refrigeration and air conditioning exam. If you finish an approved apprenticeship with 8,000+ hours (4 years) under a master and classroom work, you can skip the exam. [3]

Do I need a license to be an HVAC helper in DC?

The District registers apprentice mechanics, who work under the direct personal supervision of a licensed master. An older rule exempts people working under a master's supervision and permit, so ask DLCP whether to register before you start. You also need EPA 608 certification before you handle refrigerants. [2][4][8]

Is the DC journeyman HVAC exam open book?

Yes. PSI's bulletin lists 60 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, open book, for $52, using the International Mechanical Code and a refrigeration textbook. [3][10]

Sources (24)
  1. Board of Industrial Trades, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  2. D.C. Code § 47-2853.202, Eligibility requirements (refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics), Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  3. Refrigeration/Air-Conditioning License (Limited and Regular): Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Board of Industrial Trades. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  4. Section 608 Technician Certification, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  5. D.C. Code § 47-2853.02, License, certification, and registration criteria, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  6. D.C. Code § 47-2853.04, Regulated non-health related occupations and professions, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  7. D.C. Code § 47-2853.201, Scope of practice for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  8. 17 DCMR Chapter 3, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Licensing (§§ 301-304, 306), DC Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (DCRegs). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  9. Trade Contractor Licensing (All Trades), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, Board of Industrial Trades. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  10. Washington D.C. Contractor/Trades Candidate Information Bulletin (updated 8/25/2022), PSI Services LLC. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  11. Board of Industrial Trades Meeting Minutes, December 16, 2025 (draft), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  12. Apprenticeship and Skills Training, ABC of Metro Washington. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  13. How to Be an Apprentice, DC Department of Employment Services. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  14. Board of Industrial Trades Meeting Minutes, February 17, 2026 (draft), DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  15. July 8, 2026 Business Meeting Minutes, State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, Maryland Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  16. D.C. Code § 47-2853.12, License, certification, and registration criteria; waiver, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  17. D.C. Code § 47-2853.06, Establishment of boards, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  18. SteamFitters Local 602 (training home page), Steamfitters Local 602. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  19. CraftMasters Apprenticeship Prospect Application, ABC of Metro Washington. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  20. D.C. Code § 47-2853.03, Scope of subchapter, Council of the District of Columbia. Accessed October 11, 2026.
  21. Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School, My School DC (District of Columbia public school lottery). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  22. Mayor Bowser and OSSE Invite Residents to Explore Education and Professional Development Opportunities in the New Year, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  23. Mayor Bowser Calls on Employers to Host DC High School Student Interns this School Year, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Accessed October 11, 2026.
  24. Career and Technical Education Providers, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Accessed October 11, 2026.