Rhode Island HVAC License Requirements
Your complete guide to HVAC licensing in Rhode Island, including who needs a license, what it costs, and how to apply.
Rhode Island HVAC License Summary
- Last updated: August 20, 2026
- Written by: James R. Leichter
- Reviewed by: Aptora Staff
License Types in Rhode Island
Refrigeration Apprentice
Required for entry-level workers to perform refrigeration and air conditioning work while undergoing training under a licensed Master.
Refrigeration Journeyperson Class II (RJ2)
Covers installing, servicing, and repairing limited capacity refrigeration systems (up to 20 tons or equivalent) under supervision.
Refrigeration Journeyperson Class I (RJ1)
Covers installing, servicing, and repairing unlimited capacity commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC systems.
Refrigeration Master Class II (RM2)
Covers operating a business, pulling permits, and supervising installation and repair of limited capacity refrigeration systems.
Refrigeration Master Class I (RM1)
Covers operating a business, pulling permits, and supervising all commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC work statewide.
Sheet Metal Apprentice
Required for entry-level trainees learning sheet metal fabrication, ductwork installation, and HVAC layout under a licensed Master.
Sheet Metal Journeyperson Class II (SMJ2)
Covers fabricating and installing limited residential and light commercial sheet metal ductwork under the direction of a Master.
Sheet Metal Journeyperson Class I (SMJ1)
Covers unrestricted fabrication, installation, and alteration of commercial and industrial sheet metal and HVAC ducting systems.
Sheet Metal Master Class II (SMM2)
Covers contracting, pulling permits, and supervising workers on limited residential and light commercial sheet metal projects.
Sheet Metal Master Class I (SMM1)
Covers contracting, pulling permits, and supervising all commercial, industrial, and complex sheet metal ducting work statewide.
Pipefitter Apprentice
Required for entry-level individuals to assist in installing and servicing process, heating, and cooling pipework under supervision.
Pipefitter Journeyperson Class II (PJ2)
Covers installing and repairing low-pressure heating, process piping, and cooling pipework under the direction of a licensed Master.
Pipefitter Journeyperson Class I (PJ1)
Covers installing, maintaining, and repairing all high-pressure, process, power, and hydronic heating and cooling piping systems.
Pipefitter Master Class II (PM2)
Covers contracting, pulling local permits, and supervising installation of low-pressure heating and hydronic cooling pipework.
Pipefitter Master Class I (PM1)
Covers contracting, pulling permits, and supervising all high-pressure, commercial, and industrial pipefitting installations statewide.
Master Mechanical Contractor (MMC)
Covers top-tier contracting authority to perform, bid on, and oversee all combined pipefitting, refrigeration, and mechanical projects.
Requirements Overview
Requirements may vary by license type
- Be 18 with diploma or GED
- Complete registered apprenticeship program
- Meet training and experience requirements
- Pass applicable state examination
- Submit application and documentation
- Pay required licensing fees
- Complete CRLB registration, if applicable
- Maintain required business insurance
Cost & Timeline Overview
Cost and timeline may vary by license type
$150 - $700
Estimated Cost Estimated upfront licensing costs
3 - 6 weeks
Estimated Timeline Typical time to complete licensing
Every 2 Years
Renewal Cycle How often renewal is required
0 - 2.5 Hours
Continued Education Ongoing education to maintain licensure
Average Salary & Wages for HVAC Tech in Rhode Island
Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports.
$64,500
Avg. Annual Salary Average yearly earnings for an HVAC technician
$95,000+
Top Earners' Salary Potential earnings for the top 10% of HVAC techs in the field
140+
Job Openings / Year Current HVAC hiring demand based on active job listings
HVAC Technician Salary by Experience
Top HVAC Training Programs & Schools
New England Institute of Technology
East Greenwich, RI
Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln, RI
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI
New England Tractor Trailer Training School
Pawtucket, RI
MotoRing Technical Training Institute
East Providence, RI
Rhode Island Construction Training Academy
Pawtucket, RI
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 51 Training Center
East Providence, RI
Building Futures Rhode Island
Providence, RI
Rhode Island College Workforce Development Hub
Central Falls, RI
Rhode Island Builders Association
East Providence, RI
Reciprocity
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Rhode Island DLT does not offer direct HVAC reciprocity, requiring out-of-state technicians to apply and sit for state examinations.
Local Permits & Rules
Cities and counties may have additional permit requirements.
Common Mistakes
- Lapsing required CRLB contractor registration
- Confusing RI DLT licensing with CRLB registration
- Skipping mandatory CRLB pre license contractor training
- Contracting without active CRLB business registration
- Submitting DLT applications without notarized experience
