Connecticut is well known for its top-notch universities, beautiful autumn landscapes, and history. If you’re living in CT and thinking of working with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, you’re in for an additional treat – HVAC techs here earn about 32% more than the national average.
With such an enticing offer, HVAC technicians in Connecticut will need to jump through a few hoops before starting to work.
You’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or approved HVAC training program and apply to be a licensed journeyman.
To receive this license, you’ll also need to pass a state exam. After accumulating enough journeyman experience, you can take a second exam to get your HVAC contractor’s license.
Do You Need an HVAC Tech Certification in Connecticut?
All HVAC workers are overseen by the CT State Department of Consumer Protection.
HVAC technicians in Connecticut are considered journeyman technicians and need a state license. They must work under an HVAC contractor who should also be licensed.
HVAC Licenses in Connecticut
Whether you’re working with refrigerants or installing sheet metal for ductwork, there’s an HVAC license for you. Check out each license in CT and its scope of work here.
Once you’ve chosen your category, follow the steps below to become a licensed HVAC tech in Connecticut.
Get Trained in CT
All HVAC licensees must be 18+ with proper training. Training should be done through an official apprenticeship program.
Registered apprenticeships offer paid training opportunities for those in the HVAC field. You will receive both classroom instruction and a hands-on learning experience.
You may also complete non-registered training for HVAC work, but this will need to be approved by the Board when you apply for a journeyman license.
If you plan to work with refrigerants, be sure to get your EPA Certification after your training.
Become a Licensed Journeyman HVAC Tech
You can become a Connecticut HVAC journeyman in the following categories:
- Limited gas and oil burner
- Limited warm air, air conditioning, and refrigeration
- Limited cooling
- Limited heating, piping, and cooling
- Unlimited heating, piping, and cooling
- Limited heating, hot water, and steam
- Limited heating cooling
Requirements
To receive a journeyman license, you’ll need to:
- Complete a registered apprenticeship program or have equivalent experience and training
- Submit the original copy of your Letter of Apprenticeship Completion Certificate OR
- Notarized statements from your employers as to the dates and duties of your work as well as copies of any additional certifications you hold
- Apply for the official examination through PSI
- Sheet metal applicants see here
- Pay a $90 exam fee
- Pass the PSI Exam – more information can be found on the application
- Pay a $120 licensing fee once you pass your exam
Become a Licensed HVAC Contractor
Once you have two years of experience as an HVAC journeyman, you can apply for your HVAC contractor’s license.
You’ll need to:
- Apply for the official exam through PSI
- Attach a copy of your journeyman’s license
- Pay a $150 application fee
- Pass the PSI exam – more information is found on the application
- Pay a $150 licensing fee
For more information on state licenses and procedures, see here.
To read this article in Spanish, click here.
