Idaho is one of the few states that offers state-wide licensing for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) workers at all levels.
If you’re wondering how to become an HVAC tech in Idaho, you’ll need to become a licensed HVAC apprentice followed by a licensed HVAC journeyman. If you’d like to have your own HVAC company, you’ll move on to become a licensed HVAC contractor.
Let’s dissect each license type, its requirements, and the application process below.
Do You need an HVAC License in Idaho?
Idaho requires anyone installing, improving, extending, altering, or repairing an HVAC system to be licensed.
There are a few exemptions, listed here on page 3. For example, you’re exempt if you’re working on your own property or, in some cases, if you are working on your employer’s premises.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Idaho
Idaho offers the following licenses for HVAC workers:
- Apprentice Licenses are for those learning the trade and working on HVAC systems under the supervision of a journeyman or contractor
- Journeyman Licenses are for technicians who work on HVAC systems under a contractor
- Contractor Licenses are for those who own their own HVAC company and/or supervise journeyman and apprentice HVAC techs
- Specialty Licenses (hearth, waste oil, fuel gas piping, LP gas limited heating)
- Specialty licenses are available at the apprentice, journeyman, and contractor levels
Becoming an Idaho HVAC Tech
To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to become an apprentice and then apply for a journeyman HVAC license. In Idaho, a technician is usually referred to as a journeyman.
- Become an HVAC Apprentice
HVAC apprentices are employed, trained, and registered with a company or an apprenticeship that is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training. Approved apprenticeship schools are listed on page 4 of the application.
The applicant must:
- Be 18+ OR 16+ if registered with an approved apprenticeship
- Be supervised by a licensed HVAC journeyman
- Pay a $10 licensing fee
- Renew their license/registration annually
- Renewals require enrollment in a Board-approved training course OR 8 completed hours of Board-approved continuing education
Once you meet the requirements, you will complete the application. Although it’s listed under “licenses,” the application itself is for registration – they are one and the same. Be sure to sign and notarize your application before submission.
- Become an HVAC Journeyman
To become an HVAC journeyman, you will need 4 years of experience as either an HVAC apprentice or under your state’s requirements (if applying from out of state).
The full requirements are as follows:
- Have 4 years or 8,000 hours of experience with proper supervision AND have 4 years of schooling equivalent to that of an apprentice
- 1 full-time academic year can count towards 1 year of the work requirement
- Alternatively, instead of the above requirement, you can submit proof of 8 years or 16,000 hours of HVAC work experience similar to that of an Idaho apprentice
- Successfully complete any apprenticeship training courses, if applicable
- Complete a Board-approved training course (apprenticeship courses meet this requirement)
- Pay all fees
- Complete, sign, and notarize the application
- Pass an exam
You will submit your application before the examination. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to schedule and take the exam. When you pass the exam, you’ll receive your license.
