How to Get an HVAC License in Virginia

Request Quote

Who Needs an HVAC License?

Virginia�s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) issues three different HVAC licenses, which include the categories of journeyman, master, and contractor. Within the contractor category, there are three license classes (A, B, and C) based on allowable project size and the total annual value of all projects, summarized below:

Class A

Class B

Class C

Maximum Project Size

No limit

$120,000

$10,000

Maximum Annual Total

No limit

$750,000

$150,000

Also note that there are different experiential and educational requirements for journeyman, master, and contractor licenses.

What Does the Licensing Process Involve?

In general, the following are the steps in Virginia�s process for licensing HVAC contractors (not journeymen or masters):

  1. Apply to DPOR for approval to take the required licensing exam.
  2. Take the required eight hours of training.
  3. Pass the three examinations required of all contractors. These are General, Law, and Advanced.
  4. Pass the applicable specialty exam.
  5. Complete the license application and attach exam scores and proof of experience (Five years for Class A, three years for Class B, and two years for Class C).
  6. Submit the completed application and supporting documents, along with payment for the application and license fees.

Although it�s not a DPOR requirement, several municipalities in Virginia require contractors (particularly residential contractors) to obtain a surety bond before doing any work within the jurisdiction.

Why is a Surety Bond Required?

Some Virginia cities and counties require surety bonds from HVAC contractors. This is to protect themselves and the public from financial losses due to the contractor�s illegal or unethical business actions.

How Surety Bonds Work for HVAC Licensing in Virginia

A surety bond contract is a legally binding contract involving three parties:

  • The municipality (referred to as the obligee in the Surety Bond agreement) requires the purchase of the bond and sets the required bond amount.
  • The HVAC contractor (known as the principal) must purchase the bond and abide by all of its terms, which include operating in complete compliance with applicable state laws and local statutes.
  • The company that underwrites and issues the bond (called the surety) determines the premium rate the principal will pay.

Any violation of this agreement gives an injured party the right to file a claim against the surety bond and be compensated for their financial loss up to the full amount of the bond. It�s common for the surety to pay a claim upfront and then collect reimbursement from the principal. However, the legal responsibility for paying claims ultimately rests with the principal.

What Does It Cost?

The principal pays a small percentage of the required bond amount as the annual premium for a surety bond. The primary factor the surety considers in determining the premium rate for a given bond applicant is the individual�s personal credit score.

The principal�s credit score is a good predictor of the ability to reimburse the surety for any claims paid in advance on the principal�s behalf. The higher the credit score, the less risk to the surety, and the lower the premium rate. If your credit is good, your premium rate could be as low as 1%.

Get Bonded Today

Request an online quote or contact our team at Single Source Insurance to discuss the bond you�ll need to work as a licensed HVAC contractor in your part of Virginia.

Request Quote