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How to get an HVAC license in North Carolina

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses HVAC contractors in North Carolina.

Who licenses HVAC work in North Carolina

CredentialState license
BoardNorth Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors official statement
Official lookupSearch HVAC licenses
License typesHeating Group 1 - Class I Contractor, Heating Group 1 - Class II Contractor, Heating Group 2 Contractor, Heating Group 3 - Class I Contractor, Heating Group 3 - Class II Contractor

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing for a credential such as Heating Group 1 - Class I Contractor, Heating Group 1 - Class II Contractor or Heating Group 2 Contractor.
    Board page
  2. Exam required for the heating (HVAC) contractor license. source
  3. Experience: 2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience; up to half may be replaced by education. source
  4. Pay the examination application fee of $150, nonrefundable: $150. source
  5. License expires December 31 and is renewed every year. source

HVAC requirements in North Carolina

HVAC: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamExam required for the heating (HVAC) contractor license. source
Experience2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience; up to half may be replaced by education. source
BondNot found on an official source.
InsuranceNot found on an official source.
RenewalLicense expires December 31 and is renewed every year. source
ReciprocityNo reciprocity agreements; a South Carolina technical exam waiver exists but the North Carolina business law exam is still required. source
Fees
  • Examination application fee of $150, nonrefundable. source
  • Annual heating (HVAC) contractor license fee of $150, paid after passing the exam and at each renewal. source
  • Late renewal fee of $25 if not renewed in January. source

Hiring an HVAC contractor?

See every official lookup in North Carolina, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in North Carolina

Questions

Do you need an HVAC license in North Carolina?
North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses HVAC contractors in North Carolina.
How do I check an HVAC license in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors keeps the record for HVAC contractors in North Carolina. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does an HVAC license cost in North Carolina?
Examination application fee of $150, nonrefundable. Annual heating (HVAC) contractor license fee of $150, paid after passing the exam and at each renewal. Late renewal fee of $25 if not renewed in January.
How much experience do you need for an HVAC license in North Carolina?
2 years (4,000 hours) of on-site full-time experience; up to half may be replaced by education.
How often does an HVAC license renew in North Carolina?
License expires December 31 and is renewed every year.

Other trades in North Carolina

HVAC license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.