What HVAC technician license levels does California have?

The levels are C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.

How do you get licensed as a HVAC technician in California?

Generally 4 years of journey-level (or higher) experience within the prior 10 years; pass the Law & Business exam and the C-20 trade exam. An asbestos open-book exam is part of licensure. A $25,000 contractor bond is required before an active license is issued, and a Certificate of Workers' Compensation (or self-insurance) must be on file for C-20 (B&P 7125).

Does California have HVAC technician license reciprocity?

CSLB has limited reciprocity agreements with a few states (AZ, NV, UT) for certain classifications; verify per applicant.

This page is a free snapshot. Track the same market as it changes, every night: new licenses, contractors adding a trade, and companies going dark.Start tracking

How to get a HVAC technician license in California

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from California's official board.

Refrigerant work requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.

Issuing authority: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Official page: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C20

License levels in California

C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor

California HVAC technician licensing at a glance

Requirements	Generally 4 years of journey-level (or higher) experience within the prior 10 years; pass the Law & Business exam and the C-20 trade exam. An asbestos open-book exam is part of licensure. A $25,000 contractor bond is required before an active license is issued, and a Certificate of Workers' Compensation (or self-insurance) must be on file for C-20 (B&P 7125).
Reciprocity	CSLB has limited reciprocity agreements with a few states (AZ, NV, UT) for certain classifications; verify per applicant.
Renewal	License issued for 2 years; expires 2 years from the last day of the issue month. No state CE requirement.
Notes	Refrigerant work requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a HVAC technician in California?: Refrigerant work requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
What HVAC technician license levels does California have?: The levels are C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor.
How do you get licensed as a HVAC technician in California?: Generally 4 years of journey-level (or higher) experience within the prior 10 years; pass the Law & Business exam and the C-20 trade exam. An asbestos open-book exam is part of licensure. A $25,000 contractor bond is required before an active license is issued, and a Certificate of Workers' Compensation (or self-insurance) must be on file for C-20 (B&P 7125).
Does California have HVAC technician license reciprocity?: CSLB has limited reciprocity agreements with a few states (AZ, NV, UT) for certain classifications; verify per applicant.

Supply
How many HVAC technicians in California Hub
All California trades pages

Sources: www.cslb.ca.gov · www.cslb.ca.gov · www.cslb.ca.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

Track California licensed supply as it moves.

New licenses, ladder upgrades, classification changes and lapses, by market and credential tier. Read the quarterly free, or license the underlying data.

Get the quarterly Index See data plansQuarterly is free, no account. One state $500/month, every state $2,900/month.

How to get a HVAC technician license in California

License levels in California

California HVAC technician licensing at a glance

Questions

Related