The HVAC industry is anticipated to continue expanding over the following years, with Texas having some of the highest employment rates in the US. The sector offers many opportunities, including installing air conditioners and mending heat pumps in residential areas and construction sites.

However, to operate as an HVAC contractor in Texas, you must complete a degree of education in addition to getting your HVAC license. Your HVAC certification validates that you have attained a specific level of knowledge and experience in this field, or you have completed intensive training sessions or courses to achieve so.

So, here, in this article, we will help you understand how to get an HVAC certification to work as a technical professional in Texas.

HVAC Certification in Texas

To work effectively and securely in this industry, one needs the proper education, specialized knowledge, and, most importantly, the right certification. A step towards becoming a competent HVAC technician in Texas is getting an HVAC certification.

Although you might be able to do some jobs with just an HVAC certificate, you must have a license to work full-fledged as a technician in Texas. The license proves that you have undergone thorough training and have a firm grasp of the sector. Employers favor candidates with certification and a license. Also, a license makes you stand out when looking for better employment positions.

Depending on the certificate you want to avail of and the organization providing it, requirements may vary. Carbon monoxide safety, understanding of green technologies, using certain refrigerants, system diagnostics, oil heating, and EPA rules are just a few examples of possible topics for certification.

HVAC Certifications for Technicians in Texas

You need to obtain the HVAC certificate step-by-step to become a qualified technician in Texas. The certificates mandate that all work should be completed under the supervision of a qualified contractor.

So, below are the detailed steps to become an HVAC-certified technician in Texas. Check it out!

Texas Registered Technician

It is for HVAC technicians at the entry level that you can obtain to start an apprenticeship or other training program. To become eligible for this certification, neither training nor education is necessary. The Texas Registered Technician certification’s prerequisites include being at least 18 years old and filling out an application form by paying $20.

After obtaining this certificate, you can help an authorized air conditioning and refrigeration contractor (ACR) with maintenance or repair work. However, you cannot independently advertise or provide HVAC services. Instead, you must operate under the close supervision of a registered contractor.

Certified Technician in Texas

Getting a Texas Certified Technician permit is the second stage towards obtaining a complete HVAC certification.

However, you must have the necessary training or practical experience before applying for this technician certification. Candidates who complete a department-approved certification program with 2,000 hours of combined classroom and fieldwork can become certified technicians.

However, certification as a Certified Technician demonstrates your superior performance compared to a Registered Technician. You must still operate under a licensed contractor’s supervision despite this certification. You cannot work independently with this certification. But this certificate demonstrates that you have at least 24 months of on-the-job experience and classroom and practical training.

To obtain this license, you have to be 18 years old. Also, you need to pay $50 for the exam. Along with these prerequisites, below are some additional conditions to get the title of Certified Technician in Texas.

• A Texas Registered Technician with at least 2 years of experience
• Attempt and pass the HVAC licensing exam
• Complete any Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation-approved courses.

Texas HVAC Contractor License

With the Texas HVAC Contractor License, you can finally start your own business or operate independently. But if you lack pertinent HVAC knowledge, you should start working with a Registered Technician.

You can typically apply for an HVAC contractor license after receiving a Texas Registered Technician and a Texas Certified Technician permit. However, starting with the Texas Registered Technician and Certified Technician license is unnecessary. If you have enough hands-on experience, you can skip the first 2 stages.

Usually, you will find 2 types of HVAC contractor licenses in Texas. The Texas Air Conditioning License Class A and Class B, both with their specific functions and permissions, are 2 of your options as a prospective HVAC technician. However, the range of permissible work is the main distinction between these 2 licenses.

So now, let’s understand the basics of these licenses.

1. Air Condition Refrigeration (ACR) Class B Licence

A Class B license limits your operations to cooling and heating systems that adhere to specific size or energy standards. You can work on cooling units no larger than 25 tonnes and heating systems no greater than 1.5 million BTUs per hour.

2. Air Condition Refrigeration (ACR) Class A Licence

On the other hand, a Class A license lays no restrictions on the equipment you serve. You can work on any size unit with a Class A contractor license.

However, each license test has a particular set of prerequisites and knowledge requirements to pass.

Requirements to Get a Texas HVAC Contractor License

Below are the essential requirements to get the Texas HVAC Contractor License. Have a look!

• You must fulfill the minimum age requirement of 18 years.
• Pay the $115 fee for the contractor exam.
• Take and pass the HVAC Contractor exam.
• You must own liability insurance.
• Choose the relevant HVAC contractor licenses – class A or B.
• Select the most appropriate endorsements for your intended specialty.

Endorsements for Contractor License

Among the 3 endorsements added to a license for air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, only 1 is allowed for each license.

Environmental Air Conditioning includes modifying the atmospheric air to regulate temperature, humidity, sanitary conditions, ventilation, and circulation to ensure people are comfortable.

Commercial Refrigeration includes using mechanical or absorption technologies to regulate temperature or humidity and fulfill a specific space’s intended usage.

Process Cooling or Heating includes regulating temperature, humidity, or cleanliness to meet production needs or ensure that equipment operates appropriately.

Winding Up

Thus, if you are aspiring to become a professional HVAC technician, you must meet all the requirements for a valid Texas HVAC certification and license. Any of the licenses mentioned in this article will probably be a better option, depending on your interests and experience.