How to Get an HVAC License in New Jersey

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What Does an HVAC Licensed Technician Do?

HVAC contractors typically handle installation, maintenance and repair of all sorts of appliances. All HVAC contractors must work in accordance with the rules and guidelines provided by the state of New Jersey. Formal educational degrees, accredited by the relevant authorities, (i.e., certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s degrees) provide knowledge of state rules and help students develop the skill set needed for this job.

How to Become an HVAC Licensed Technician in New Jersey

To become an HVAC contractor in New Jersey, you must complete the minimum education and work experience required for you to apply for a state issued license. There are several accredited institutions in New Jersey that offer 1-year certificates, 2-year associate’s and 4-year bachelor’s degrees in HVAC.

The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors provides license to qualified HVAC contractors in New Jersey. To be eligible for the licensing exam, all applicants must satisfy the following requirements. Candidates must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Have a bachelor’s degree in HVAC from an accredited college or university.
Have 1-year experience in installing, maintaining and repairing HVAC systems.
Submit a complete application with the specified application fee.
Show proof of liability insurance and post a $3,000 guarantor bond.

In case the candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field to the HVAC industry, he/she must have at least 3-years of experience with HVAC systems to sit for the exam.

If you do not have any of the above-mentioned educational requirements, you may still be able to take the HVAC Contractor License Exam with the relevant field experience mentioned below:

Have 5-years of work experience as an HVAC contractor with 4-years as an HVAC apprentice or 4-years of studying at an approved training program.
Candidates must also have 1-year experience as an HVAC journey person after completing the apprenticeship.

What Types of HVAC Licenses Can I Get in New Jersey?

Typically, the EPA Section 608 Certification is required for all HVAC contractors. However, this certification is further divided into 4 types mentioned below:

(for small appliances).
(for high-pressure appliances).
(for low-pressure appliances).
(universal- handles all types of appliances).

Apart from the above mentioned types, a few other nationwide organizations provide skill-based or employment-ready trade certifications. These organizations are:

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES).
North American Technician Excellence (NATE).
HVAC Excellence.

How Much Can I Make with an HVAC License in New Jersey

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the annual mean income of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers for as the years from 2016 to 2018 as:

	2016	2017	2018
Annual Mean Salary(NJ)	$58,420	$58,770	$59,630
Annual Mean Salary (US)	$48,320	$49,530	$50,160

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The income chart depicts a gradual, yet minor increase in the annual mean salary of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in New Jersey from 2016 to 2018. However, the state’s salary figures were much higher than the national mean.

Career Outlook of an HVAC Technician

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 13% employment growth for Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers from 2018 to 2028. This employment growth rate is reported to be much faster than the average for other occupations.