Kentucky has something for everyone; whether you were born and raised in Kentucky or are contemplating moving there for its bourbon, bluegrass, or horse races, options abound.
Those in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field also have options when it comes to licensure. Kentucky offers apprentice registration, journeyman licenses, and master contractor licenses for HVAC techs in the state.
This article will cover all you need to know about how to become an HVAC technician in Kentucky.
Do You Need an HVAC License in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction oversees all construction and HVAC work in the state. KY requires HVAC workers to be registered or licensed within the state to promote the highest safety standards for both workers and customers.
Becoming an HVAC Tech in Kentucky
To become an HVAC tech in Kentucky, you’ll need to start as a registered HVAC apprentice. After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you will become licensed as a journeyman HVAC technician.
If you want to continue climbing your HVAC career ladder, you can move on to become a master HVAC contractor. Below we’ll outline exactly how to get started on your HVAC career journey in Kentucky.
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Becoming an HVAC Apprentice in KY
HVAC apprentices in Kentucky are anyone who is learning the trade and working under both a licensed journeyman and master contractor in the field. These individuals are working for an official apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction with paid work experience.
Most apprenticeships require you to be over 18 with a high school diploma or GED.
Once enrolled in your apprenticeship, complete the Apprentice HVAC Registration Form and submit it with a passport-sized recent photo. You will later receive an Apprentice Certificate from the state.
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Becoming a Journeyman HVAC Tech in KY
A journeyman HVAC tech can complete all HVAC work while working under a master HVAC contractor. The official name for this license and role is the “Journeyman HVAC Mechanic License.”
To become a journeyman HVAC tech, you’ll need to:
- Be 18+
- Be a citizen or legal resident of Kentucky
- Have 2+ years of experience in HVAC work under a licensed HVAC contractor OR have 2+ years of verifiable HVAC experience in Kentucky or another state
- Up to 1 year of official professional training can be credited as 1 year of work
- Complete the application
- Pay the prorated fee (see page 3 of the application)
- Pass an official HVAC exam
- The exam is based on the National Fuel Gas Code 2009 book edition and the International Residential Code 2015 book edition
You will submit your completed application and a passport photo before taking the exam.
After you pass your exam, you will receive your journeyman HVAC license. For a list of exam FAQs, see here.
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Becoming an HVAC Contractor in Kentucky
HVAC contractors can hire and supervise journeyman HVAC techs and apprentices. They may own their own HVAC company or be the responsible party for the company that employs them.
For more information on becoming a contractor, see the Master Contractor License Application.
