New Jersey HVAC License: How to Get Certified as an HVAC Technician in NJ

Do you need an HVACR license in NJ?

Yes, in New Jersey a valid HVACR license is required to perform HVACR work. This license ensures that the technician has met certain qualifications and has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform HVACR work safely and effectively.

HVACR licenses are issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. 

Here are the types of work that a fully-licensed HVACR professional can do:

• Install, service, and repair heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems
• Install and repair duct systems
• Install, repair, and replace electrical components related to HVACR systems
• Replace, repair, and service refrigeration systems for commercial and industrial applications
• Replace, repair, and service commercial and industrial air handling units
• Fabricate and install duct systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications
• Provide indoor air quality assessments and recommendations
• Manage refrigerants in compliance with federal and state regulations
• Perform load calculations to determine the appropriate HVACR system for the building
• Design HVACR systems and installations as necessary

Performing HVACR work without a valid HVACR license in New Jersey is considered a violation of the law and can result in fines and other legal consequences.

Types of HVACR licenses in NJ

The type of license you need will depend on the type of work you would like to do. New Jersey offers multiple licenses, so make sure you know which one is right for you. There are multiple stages to the licensing process, and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs only regulates the HVACR Licensing.

NJ HVACR license requirements

In order to obtain your HVACR license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. 

Here are the requirements applicants must complete for each type of license:

How to get an HVACR license in NJ

As you can see, there are different steps you need to take along your journey of becoming a fully licensed HVACR technician in New Jersey. 

Now, let’s go over the steps you need to take to get your full HVACR license. 

Apprenticeship: 

• Meet the requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be physically capable of performing HVAC work.
• Find a licensed HVAC contractor who is willing to hire you as an apprentice.
• Apply for an HVAC apprenticeship program through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
• Complete the application and submit any required documents, such as proof of age, education, and work experience.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive an Apprenticeship Agreement from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which must be signed by you, your employer, and a representative from the department.
• Begin your apprenticeship, which involves on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
• Complete a state-approved HVAC training program or apprenticeship that includes at least 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

Journeyperson: 

• Meet the requirements: You must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be physically capable of performing HVAC work, and have at least four years of experience working as an HVAC apprentice or equivalent.
• Obtain liability insurance and register with the state.

HVACR License:

• Meet the requirements: You must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have at least five years of experience in the HVACR trade. 
• Apply for the HVACR license exam and pay the exam fee. 
• Once you’ve been granted approval by the board, you’ll get an Examination Eligibility Notice containing instructions on how to pay for and arrange the exam.
• Write and pass the HVACR license exam with a score of 70% or higher.
• Apply online and upload your documents with your application.
• Await an email response from the Board as to their receipt of your application.
• Obtain insurance and bonding through a licensed insurance agent or broker.

All forms and documents can be submitted online or mailed to the following address: 

State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating,
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors
P.O. Box 47031
Newark, NJ 07101

NJ HVACR license exams

The license exam ensures that HVACR technicians in the state have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job safely and effectively. By passing the appropriate exams, applicants demonstrate that they have a comprehensive understanding of HVACR systems, codes, regulations, and safety practices. 

The HVACR license exam in New Jersey consists of two parts: a business and law exam and a technical exam. The technical exam covers topics such as electrical systems, HVAC systems, and refrigeration systems. You are required to score 70% or higher on each exam to pass.

The Trade exam (50 questions, 130 minutes to complete) covers:

• Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls  
• Piping – Refrigeration, Hydronic, Steam, Process
• Heating and Cooling Principles, Theory and Equipment
• Refrigerants and Refrigeration
• Fuel and LP Gas
• Combustion Air, Chimneys, Flues, and Vents
• Ducts, Ventilation, and Exhaust
• Load Calculations

The Business and Law exam (50 questions, 130 minutes to complete) covers:

• Business Organization
• Licensing
• Estimating and Bidding
• Contract Management
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Safety
• Labor Law
• Financial Management
• Tax Law
• Lien Law

PSI exams have been contracted by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of HVACR to manage the exam. You can find study materials and resources online or through trade organizations.

How long does it take to get a New Jersey HVACR license?

Progressing from an HVACR apprentice to a fully licensed master technician takes a minimum of 5 years. Every stage of your license (apprentice, journeyperson, and master) comes with experience requirements, so there are no shortcuts along the way as you develop your skills and continue to establish yourself in the industry.

You also need to complete the Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 608 Technician Certification to handle refrigerants safely and sustainably. This certification typically takes several years to complete.

How much does an HVACR license cost in NJ?

The cost to become an HVACR technician depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay a minimum of $391 for the license and exam fees. 

You must also purchase a $3,000 surety bond and a Certificate of Liability insurance that covers up to $500,000 in liability. These need to be in effect for the entire two-year period of your license.

Here’s how the costs break down:

NJ HVAC license renewal

HVAC licenses expire on June 30th of every even-numbered year. To renew a license, applicants must submit an online application for renewal, pay the renewal fee, and meet the continuing education requirements for renewal: complete 5 hours of Continuing Education (CE) during this 2-year period. Find out more details about continuing education requirements.

What happens if my HVACR license expires? 

If you think your HVACR license has expired, stop performing any HVACR work. You will not be able to legally work as an HVACR technician until your license is renewed. 

It is important to keep your HVACR license up-to-date to avoid any legal consequences, including fines of hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the offense.

 If an HVACR license holder does not apply for renewal within 30 days after the license has expired, their license will be suspended without a hearing. Once the license is suspended, the contractor must return their pressure seal to the Board. 

A pressure seal is a stamp or embossed emblem that shows that a contractor is licensed to perform HVACR work in New Jersey. When a contractor’s license is suspended, they must return their pressure seal to the Board. This means they are no longer authorized to perform HVACR work until their license is renewed.

HVACR Training programs and schools in NJ

For those less interested in an apprenticeship and more interested in classroom learning, there are a handful of quality schools in New Jersey offering accredited HCAVR programs to get you started.

These are the main organizations responsible for accrediting post-secondary institutions in New Jersey:

• HVAC Excellence 
• American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 

This seal of approval is the industry standard for training and education.

The following schools all feature accredited HVACR programs:

• Lincoln Technical Institute – Union and Mahwah, NJ
• Mercer County Community College – West Windsor Township, NJ
• Monmouth County Vocational School District – Freehold, NJ
• Eastwick College – Nutley, NJ
• Pennco Tech – Blackwood, NJ
• Raritan Valley Community College – Branchburg, NJ
• Bergen County Technical Schools – Hackensack, NJ

These programs range from 10 months to up to 3 years to complete, and all count toward your experience requirements to earn a New Jersey HVACR license.

EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

Working with refrigerants can be dangerous, so it’s very important to understand the safety rules involved and how to properly handle these chemicals. Refrigerants are used in appliances like air conditioners and fridges, and can be bad for the environment if they aren’t managed properly.

HVAC and refrigeration technicians can work with refrigerants after earning the Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Section 608 of the EPA’s Clean Air Act states, “technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified.”

There are 4 types of certification to consider, depending on the work with refrigerants you’re doing. These include:

• Type I: Servicing small appliances (five pounds of refrigerant or less)
• Type II: Servicing high-pressure equipment (five pounds or more of refrigerant)
• Type III: Servicing and/or disposing of low-pressure equipment.
• Universal: Servicing everything covered under Type I, Type II, and Type III

Certification is available by taking a test through an EPA-approved program. This certification never expires once you pass the test.

Requirements for HVACR business owners

Getting your New Jersey HVACR license is a great first step that will benefit your financial future. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, you can start your own HVACR business. 

To operate an HVACR business in New Jersey, you must have a certificate of general liability insurance, which will protect your business from financial loss if something goes wrong. You also need to secure a $3,000 surety bond for your license and need to submit a certificate of general liability insurance in the amount of $500,000. This will ensure that your business is properly protected in the event of any accidents or damages.

Here are six steps for starting an HVACR business: 

• Choose an HVACR business name
• Register, license, and insure your HVACR business
• Get funding 
• Get the right HVACR certification and license
• Create your services list
• Buy HVAC tools and equipment
• Price your services for profit

Now, you’re ready to start your HVACR career in New Jersey. If needed, refer back to this page for more information about HVACR licenses or business support.

How much do HVACR technicians make in NJ? 

The average salary for an HVACR technician in New Jersey is $66,980—however, the top 10% of earners make more than $81,000. HVACR technicians can also earn more by starting their own business.

If you want to learn more about increasing your earning potential in this lucrative industry, check out our HVAC salary guide for 2025.