Virginia HVAC License Requirements
Your complete guide to HVAC licensing in Virginia, including who needs a license, what it costs, and how to apply.
Virginia HVAC License Summary
- Last updated: July 30, 2026
- Written by: James R. Leichter
- Reviewed by: Aptora Staff
License Types in Virginia
Residential HVAC Tradesman
Covers HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair services in single-family dwellings and townhouses under the Virginia Residential Code.
Journeyman HVAC Tradesman
Covers installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems under the direction and supervision of a licensed Master HVAC Tradesman.
Master HVAC Tradesman
Covers planning, laying out, installing, and servicing HVAC systems independently, as well as supervising Journeyman tradesmen.
Class A Contractor License
Required for businesses contracting HVAC projects of any dollar amount, with no single-project or annual total revenue limits.
Class B Contractor License
Required for businesses contracting HVAC projects single-valued between $10,000 and $120,000, up to $750,000 total per year.
Class C Contractor License
Required for businesses contracting HVAC projects single-valued between $1,000 and $10,000, up to $150,000 total per year.
Requirements Overview
Requirements may vary by license type
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet experience and training requirements
- Passing DPOR trade exam
- Complete 8 hour pre-license course
- Designate qualified individual
- Meet financial responsibility requirements
- Submit application and fees
- Obtain EPA 608, if applicable
Cost & Timeline Overview
Cost and timeline may vary by license type
$250 - $1,000
Estimated Cost Estimated upfront licensing costs
3 - 6 weeks
Estimated Timeline Typical time to complete licensing
Every 2 - 3 Years
Renewal Cycle How often renewal is required
3 Hours
Continued Education Ongoing education to maintain licensure
Average Salary & Wages for HVAC Tech in Virginia
Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports.
$58,770
Avg. Annual Salary Average yearly earnings for an HVAC technician
$82,500+
Top Earners' Salary Potential earnings for the top 10% of HVAC techs in the field
1,260+
Job Openings / Year Current HVAC hiring demand based on active job listings
HVAC Technician Salary by Experience
Top HVAC Training Programs & Schools
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Hampton, VA
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville, VA
Laurel Ridge Community College
Middletown, VA
Danville Community College
Danville, VA
Advanced Technology Institute
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Technical Institute
Altavista, VA
Fortis College
Richmond, VA
Southside Virginia Community College
Alberta, VA
Association of Air Conditioning Professionals
Sterling, VA
Reciprocity
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Virginia offers universal license recognition and exam waivers for out-of-state license holders with 3+ years of good standing.
Local Permits & Rules
Cities and counties may have additional permit requirements.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing individual tradesmen with business contractor licenses
- Failing Class A or B net worth requirements
- Omitting required criminal disclosures on Form AAC
- Taking CE from non DPOR approved providers
- Confusing tradesman and contractor renewal cycle timelines
