Same-day shipping on orders before 3PM CST · 15,000+ OEM Parts In Stock · Carrier · Bryant · ICP · Heil · Tempstar
Track Order | 1-800-NHP-HVAC | Trade Accounts

Menu

Home Shop All Account Cart
Home/HVAC Licensing/Texas
HVAC Licensing Guide — 2025

Texas HVAC License Requirements

Everything you need to know to become a licensed HVAC technician or contractor in Texas, regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

State License Required
Yes
Regulating Body
TDLR
EPA 608 Required
Yes
License Types
Technician, Contractor
Renewal Period
1 Year
CE Hours Required
8 per year

Overview: Texas HVAC Licensing

Texas regulates HVAC work through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The law (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302) requires that anyone who sells, installs, maintains, services, or repairs HVAC systems in Texas must hold a valid TDLR license. There are two main license categories: HVAC Technician (individual) and HVAC Contractor (business).

Texas has one of the most clearly structured HVAC licensing systems in the country. The technician license is required for field workers, and the contractor license allows a business to offer HVAC services. Both require the EPA 608 certification as a prerequisite for working with refrigerants.

Good News for Texans

Texas has a clear, well-defined licensing path with online applications, exam scheduling, and license verification all handled through TDLR's website at tdlr.texas.gov. Most applications are processed within 5-10 business days.

Texas HVAC License Types

1. HVAC Technician License

The HVAC Technician license is required for any individual who installs, maintains, services, or repairs HVAC systems in Texas. This is an individual license — each field technician must hold their own.

  • Who needs it: Any individual performing hands-on HVAC work in Texas
  • Work authorized: Installation, service, repair, and maintenance of HVAC equipment
  • Cannot do without it: Pull permits, run a contracting business, or supervise apprentices without additional contractor license
  • Supervision exemption: Unlicensed apprentices may work under direct supervision of a licensed technician

2. HVAC Contractor License

Any company offering HVAC services in Texas must hold an HVAC Contractor license. The contractor license is typically held by the business entity (or Qualifying Party) and allows the business to pull permits and employ technicians.

  • Who needs it: Any business entity selling or providing HVAC services
  • Qualifying Party: Must designate at least one licensed technician as the Qualifying Party responsible for HVAC work quality
  • Permits: Only licensed contractors can pull building permits for HVAC installations

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement HVAC Technician HVAC Contractor
Minimum Age 18 years old 18 years old
EPA 608 Certification Required (any type) Required via Qualifying Party
Experience None required (exam-based) Qualifying Party must be licensed technician
Criminal Background Disclosed; reviewed case by case Disclosed; reviewed case by case
Insurance Not required (individual) $300,000 general liability required
Bond Not required $10,000 surety bond required

The Texas HVAC Licensing Exam

Texas uses a PSI Exams-administered test for HVAC technician licensing. The exam is available at PSI testing centers across Texas and online via remote proctoring.

Exam Details

  • Testing provider: PSI Exams Online (schedule at psiexams.com)
  • Format: Multiple choice, computer-based
  • Questions: 100 questions
  • Time allowed: 3 hours
  • Passing score: 70% (70 out of 100)
  • Exam fee: $74
  • Retake policy: Must wait 24 hours between attempts; no limit on retakes

Exam Content Areas

Topic Area % of Exam Key Subjects
Safety 15% Electrical safety, refrigerant handling, EPA regulations, PPE
Tools and Equipment 10% Manifold gauges, recovery machines, vacuum pumps, multimeters
Refrigeration Fundamentals 20% Refrigeration cycle, pressure-temperature relationships, refrigerant types
Air Conditioning Systems 20% Residential and commercial AC, split systems, package units
Heating Systems 15% Gas furnaces, heat pumps, electric heat, controls
System Diagnosis and Repair 15% Troubleshooting, electrical circuits, system performance
Installation and Start-Up 5% Codes, duct systems, airflow, commissioning
Study Tip

EPA 608 is a major component of the Texas HVAC exam. Studying our free EPA 608 course will directly prepare you for 15-20% of the Texas exam content covering refrigerant handling, safety, and Section 608 regulations.

Application Process Step by Step

  1. Get your EPA 608 certification — Required before applying. Complete our free EPA 608 study course and schedule your exam at an approved testing center.
  2. Schedule and pass the Texas HVAC exam — Register at PSI Exams online. Pay the $74 exam fee. Pass with 70% or higher.
  3. Submit your TDLR application — Apply online at MyLicense Office (tdlr.texas.gov). Upload your EPA 608 certificate and exam results.
  4. Pay the license fee — $46 for initial technician license application.
  5. Background check disclosure — Disclose any criminal history. TDLR reviews case by case.
  6. Receive your license — Typically issued within 5-10 business days of completed application.

License Fees (2025)

Fee Type Technician Contractor
Initial Application $46 $230
Annual Renewal $46 $230
PSI Exam Fee $74 N/A (no separate exam)
Late Renewal Penalty $69 (1.5x fee) $345 (1.5x fee)
Duplicate License $5 $5

Continuing Education Requirements

Texas requires licensed HVAC technicians to complete 8 hours of continuing education (CE) per license year to renew their license. CE must cover:

  • 3 hours: Texas HVAC law and rules (required every renewal)
  • 5 hours: Elective topics (technical skills, safety, energy efficiency, refrigerants)

CE providers must be TDLR-approved. Courses are available online and in-person. Topics can include EPA 608 updates, new refrigerant technologies (R-454B, A2L safety), energy codes, and system efficiency.

Insurance and Bond Requirements

For HVAC Contractors (Businesses)

  • General Liability Insurance: Minimum $300,000 per occurrence
  • Surety Bond: $10,000 bond naming TDLR as obligee
  • Certificate of Insurance: Must be filed with TDLR and kept current
  • Workers Compensation: Required if you have employees (per Texas Labor Code)
Contractor Compliance Warning

Operating an HVAC contracting business in Texas without a valid contractor license is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $4,000 per violation per day. TDLR actively enforces licensing requirements and conducts field investigations.

Reciprocity with Other States

Texas does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state technicians moving to Texas must obtain a Texas HVAC Technician license by meeting all standard requirements (EPA 608 + Texas exam + application). However, TDLR will consider experience documented from other states when reviewing applications.

Apprentice and Trainee Rules

  • Unlicensed individuals may work as HVAC apprentices/trainees in Texas
  • Must work under direct on-site supervision of a licensed HVAC technician
  • "Direct supervision" means the licensed technician is physically present at the job site
  • Apprentices cannot perform work independently or sign off on completed jobs
  • No formal apprenticeship registration required in Texas, but many employers use TDLR-registered apprenticeship programs

Key Resources and Contact Information

Resource Details
TDLR HVAC Program tdlr.texas.gov/hvac | 1-800-803-9202
Online Application mylicense.tdlr.texas.gov
PSI Exam Scheduling psiexams.com | 1-800-367-1565
License Verification tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch
CE Provider List tdlr.texas.gov/hvac/hvacceproviders.htm
Complaint Filing tdlr.texas.gov/complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to work on my own home HVAC system in Texas?
Homeowners may perform HVAC work on their own primary residence without a license in Texas, but this exemption is narrow. You must own and occupy the home, cannot hire unlicensed workers to help, and the work must pass inspection. For any rental property or commercial building, a licensed contractor is required.
How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Texas?
From start to finish, expect 2-4 weeks. Getting your EPA 608 (1-2 weeks to study and test), then scheduling and passing the Texas HVAC exam ($74, at a PSI center), then submitting your TDLR application (5-10 business days to process). Having all documents ready speeds the process significantly.
Can I work as an HVAC technician in Texas with just an EPA 608 certification?
No. EPA 608 is a federal certification required to purchase and handle refrigerants, but it does not authorize you to legally perform HVAC work for compensation in Texas. You must also hold a valid Texas HVAC Technician license from TDLR. Working without the state license is a misdemeanor.
What happens if my Texas HVAC license expires?
You have a grace period to renew. Late renewal within the grace period costs 1.5x the standard fee ($69 for technicians). After the grace period, your license is cancelled and you must apply as a new applicant, retaking the exam. Keep your license current to avoid losing your testing investment.
Does Texas require HVAC permits for residential installations?
Yes. In most Texas jurisdictions, mechanical permits are required for new HVAC installations and major replacements. Only licensed contractors can pull permits. Some rural counties have less oversight, but the major metro areas (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin) strictly enforce permit requirements.
← All States Free EPA 608 Course Ask in Forum
Home Shop Search Account Cart