HVAC · Local (city/county) licenses
How HVAC licensing works in Indiana
State law and licensing-board sources · Last reviewed October 11, 2026
Journeyman level Licensed by cities or counties, not the state What's a journeyman?
Indiana has no state HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) license. Licensing is up to local governments. In Indianapolis, a heating and cooling contractor needs a license holder who has five years of HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) experience, was approved by the city's Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners, and passed a licensing exam with 70% or better. Under federal rules, anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants needs 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 Indiana
No state license is needed to start as an HVAC helper or apprentice in Indiana. Your first step is to get hired by a heating and cooling contractor or apply to an apprenticeship such as UA (United Association, the plumbers' and pipefitters' union) Local 440's, Sheet Metal Workers Local 20's or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) of Indiana/Kentucky's. Before you handle refrigerants, get EPA Section 608 certification. [2][3][5][6][9]
High school diploma or GED
There's no state HVAC license, so no state rule applies. Programs require it: UA Local 440's JATC (Indianapolis) requires a high school diploma or GED (or senior year on schedule to graduate), and Sheet Metal Workers Local 20's apprenticeship requires a diploma or GED (General Educational Development test)/HSE. [1][5][6]
Minimum age
Local 440: 18 by the time you're indentured You can apply at 17 as a senior on schedule to graduate. Sheet Metal Workers Local 20: 18 at the time of application. [5][6]
EPA 608 certification
Federal rules require technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be certified. Indianapolis also asks HVAC license applicants for a copy of their EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) certification card. [1][3]
Helper jobs
In Indianapolis, an unlicensed employee of a licensed heating and cooling contractor may do heating and cooling work under the direction and control of a licensed contractor, but only within that contractor's license type. [1]
Aptitude tests
Local 440 gives a Journey Assessment and a Basic Math Assessment As of October 2026, applicants must meet its minimums by January 31, 2027 for the 2027-2028 program year. Sheet Metal Workers Local 20's test has four sections (applied math including basic algebra, applied technology, workplace observation and locating information), and you must pass all four. [5][6]
Pre-apprenticeship
Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 also runs a pre-apprenticeship for people 18 and older with a driver's license, reliable transportation and a passed drug screen It doesn't list a diploma requirement for it. [6]
Pay while you learn
Local 440 says its trainees receive wages and medical insurance before starting classes. Indiana's Department of Workforce Development says registered apprenticeships must include at least one wage increase, and starting wages should be at or above Indiana's minimum wage. [5][13]
Credit for school
Indianapolis's five years of HVACR experience can be met with a combination of industry-related education and practical work experience. [1]
Still in high school?
Indiana's Next Level Programs of Study include a four-course HVAC pathway (Principles of HVAC, HVAC Fundamentals, HVAC Service and a capstone). The first course includes OSHA 10-Hour (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Construction training, the pathway is aligned with NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) HVAC Level 1 and 2, and its courses are marked eligible for dual credit with Ivy Tech or Vincennes University. The Career Scholarship Account gives students in grades 10-12 up to $5,000 a year for apprenticeships and other work-based learning The 2026-27 application ran March 1 to October 1, 2026. [14][15][16]
Where to apply in IndianaHow to get an apprenticeshipHelper jobs
Indiana HVAC license at a glance
- Indianapolis license types
- Air Conditioning A (unrestricted), B (25 tons cooling/500,000 BTU heating), D (5 tons/300,000 BTU), Refrigeration, High Pressure Steam [1]
- Indianapolis experience
- At least 5 years in the HVACR trade, or a mix of related education and work experience [1]
- Indianapolis exam
- Prov exam after Board approval 70% or higher to pass [1]
- EPA 608
- Federal certification required to work on equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants [3]
On this page
- At a glance
- Starting from zero
- The license pathway
- Who licenses HVAC work in Indiana
- How to get your first job or apprenticeship here
- Indianapolis heating and cooling licenses
- Fees, insurance and renewal in Indianapolis
- Union and open-shop apprenticeships
- If you're licensed elsewhere
- Steps to get licensed
- Where to get the hours
- Licensed in another state?
- Questions people ask
The license pathway in Indiana
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1
HVAC helper or apprentice
No state license. In Indianapolis, an unlicensed employee of a licensed heating and cooling contractor may do the work under the direction and control of a licensed contractor. You need EPA 608 (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's refrigerant rule) certification to handle refrigerants. [1][3]
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2
Heating and cooling license holder (Indianapolis)
- 5 years of experience
- Yes, Prov exam, 70% to pass, after Board approval
- $377 new license holder (Jan.-June 2026)
- Every two years; $247
The person whose license qualifies a heating and cooling contractor, in one of five types (Air Conditioning A, B or D, Refrigeration, High Pressure Steam). You need five years of HVACR experience verified by employers, three industry references and an EPA certification card, Board approval, a passing exam and orientation. [1][7]
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3
Heating and cooling contractor (Indianapolis)
- $247 new business license (Jan.-June 2026); none for sole proprietors
- Every two years; $247
Required to install, replace, service or repair heating, cooling or refrigeration systems in the Consolidated City. The business needs a license holder plus a $5,000 bond, liability insurance and workers' comp. [1][2][7]
Who licenses HVAC work in Indiana
The State of Indiana doesn't license HVAC technicians or contractors. Indianapolis's Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners says "There is not a state heating and cooling license" and that licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality. State law (IC 36-1-22) lets cities and counties require people in a specific building trade to be licensed before working, so ask the building department where you'll work.
One rule applies everywhere: federal EPA rules require technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be Section 608 certified. [1][3][4]
How to get your first job or apprenticeship here
You don't need a state license to start. Get hired by an HVAC contractor or apply to an apprenticeship. In Indianapolis, an employee of a licensed heating and cooling contractor may do the work under the direction and control of a licensed contractor, within that contractor's license type.
UA Local 440 (Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVACR Service Technicians) takes applications online year-round. You need a high school diploma or GED (or senior year on schedule to graduate), must be 18 by indenture, need a valid driver's license, and must meet minimum scores on its Journey Assessment and Basic Math Assessment. Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 requires age 18, a driver's license and reliable transportation, a drug screen, and a diploma or GED/HSE, and you must pass all four sections of its assessment test before an interview. [1][5][6]
Indianapolis heating and cooling licenses
The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services licenses heating and cooling (HVAC) contractors in the Consolidated City of Indianapolis, not including Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway and Southport. A license is required to install, modernize, replace, service or repair heating systems, cooling systems, refrigeration equipment and certain exhaust-hood ductwork. A business's own full-time employee doing ordinary maintenance and repair on its premises doesn't need one.
License types: Air Conditioning A (unrestricted), Air Conditioning B (up to 25 tons cooling and 500,000 BTUs heating, with boiler pressure limits), Air Conditioning D (up to 5 tons cooling and 300,000 BTUs heating), Refrigeration and High Pressure Steam.
To take the exam you submit an application, a resume, employer verification of at least five years in the HVACR trade (or a mix of industry-related education and work experience), three industry reference letters, copies of your EPA certification card and driver's license, and any related licenses or diplomas. The Board meets the second Monday of each month and interviews you; if approved you take the Prov exam and need 70% or higher, then return for orientation. [1][2]
Fees, insurance and renewal in Indianapolis
From the 2026 HVAC contractor packet:
- New license holder fee: $377 if you apply January-June 2026, $283 for July-December 2026, $189 in 2027.
- New business license fee: $247, $185 or $124 for the same periods; not charged to sole proprietorships.
- Renewal: $247 for the business and $247 for the license holder.
- A $5,000 license bond, general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, and workers' compensation coverage (or an exemption).
HVAC contractor licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years and renew every two years. [7]
Union and open-shop apprenticeships
Union routes in central Indiana include UA Local 440's JATC for HVACR service and pipefitting and Sheet Metal Workers Local 20, whose apprentices can follow HVAC, service and refrigeration, and testing, adjusting and balancing careers.
ABC of Indiana/Kentucky runs Department of Labor-registered apprenticeships, including Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Servicer, Pipefitter and Sheet Metal Worker. Most trades take four years, with classes one evening a week plus online study, and apprentices can earn a tuition-free Vincennes University associate degree. You can also search the Apprenticeship Finder. [5][6][8][9][10]
If you're licensed elsewhere
With no state license, recognition is local. Indianapolis may grant a reciprocal HVAC license if your license elsewhere required passing the appropriate Prometric or Prov exam with at least 70% and is currently valid. You still submit the five years of experience, references and EPA card, and the exam sponsor must mail an original letter confirming the test and that the jurisdiction reciprocates with Indianapolis. Contact the Board's coordinator before applying. [11]
Steps to get licensed in Indiana
Check the rules where you'll work
Indiana has no state HVAC license, so ask the city or county building department. In Indianapolis, licensing runs through the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. [1][2]
Get EPA 608 certified
Before you maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment containing ozone-depleting refrigerants, pass an EPA Section 608 certification exam. [3]
Get hired or join an apprenticeship
Work for a licensed heating and cooling contractor or join a registered apprenticeship such as UA Local 440's, Sheet Metal Workers Local 20's or ABC of Indiana/Kentucky's. [1][5][6][9]
Build five years of experience
Indianapolis wants at least five years in the HVACR trade, verified on employer letterhead, or a mix of related education and work experience, plus three industry references. [1]
Go before the Board, pass the exam and license the business
Submit your exam packet at least ten business days before a Board meeting (second Monday of each month), interview, pass the Prov exam with 70% or better, then attend orientation and submit the bond, insurance, workers' comp and fees. [1]
Where to get the hours
Programs that train HVAC technicians in or for Indiana, from their own official pages. Listed by type, not ranked.
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Union
Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVACR Service Technicians Local 440 JATC (Indianapolis)
UA apprenticeship for plumbing, pipefitting and HVACR service in central Indiana. Applications are online only and accepted year-round. [5]
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Union
Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust
Union apprenticeship for sheet metal workers in seven areas of Indiana (Evansville, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, Lafayette, South Bend and Terre Haute), including HVAC ductwork, service and refrigeration, and testing and balancing; also runs a pre-apprenticeship. [6][8][12]
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Open shop
ABC of Indiana/Kentucky HVAC apprenticeship
Merit-shop apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor; its trades include Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Servicer, Pipefitter and Sheet Metal Worker. Most trades take four years. [9]
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Other
U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Finder
Search registered HVAC apprenticeships anywhere in Indiana. [10]
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.
Questions people ask
Does Indiana have a state HVAC license?
No. Licensing is up to local governments; Indianapolis's Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners says there is not a state heating and cooling license. EPA Section 608 certification is still required to work with refrigerants. [1][3]
How do I get an HVAC license in Indianapolis?
Document at least five years of HVACR experience (or education plus experience), get approved by the Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners, pass the Prov exam with 70% or higher, attend orientation, and license your business with a $5,000 bond and insurance. [1][7]
Sources (16)
- HVAC Exam Information (2026 Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners Exam Application), City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Contractor Licenses, City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Section 608 Technician Certification, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Indiana Code 36-1-22 (Local licensing of builders or remodelers), Indiana General Assembly. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Apprenticeship Program, Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVACR Service Technicians Local 440. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- How to Apply, Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- HVAC Contractor License Application Packet, City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Program Information, Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Craft Training & Apprenticeship, Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Apprenticeship Finder, U.S. Department of Labor. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- HVAC Reciprocal License Information, City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Apprenticeship & Training Program, Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Registered Apprenticeship Basics, Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Career Pathways / Programs of Study, Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- 2026-2027 Next Level Programs of Study Review Document (July 2026), Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Accessed October 11, 2026.
- Career Scholarship Account, Indiana Department of Education. Accessed October 11, 2026.