As Texas’ cities grow and more commercial or residential buildings are created, the need for air conditioning repair (ACR) contractors will rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 15,000 new HVAC positions will need to be filled by 2029.
The only thing standing between you and a promising career in air conditioning repair is a license. If you want to become a certified technician, here’s what you need to know about the Texas HVAC license requirements.
HVAC repair can be dangerous and expensive if not handled properly. That’s why only licensed technicians - or apprentices under the supervision of a licensed technician - are allowed to work on air conditioning systems in Texas.
To earn an HVAC contractor license in Texas, you need to go through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Of course, you can’t just apply for the license and get it in the mail. It is a process and there are certain requirements that need to be met first in order to be eligible.
If you’re wondering how to get an HVAC contractor license in Texas, here are the requirements and steps you need to take to be eligible:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Register as an ACR technician
- Work under the supervision of an expert for three to four years
- Decide which license you want to pursue: class A or class B
- Apply to take the appropriate exam
- Pass the license exam
Once you pass your licensing exam, you’re able to work as an HVAC contractor. If you fail your test, don’t worry. You can retake the exam for up to a year. Just remember, you have to pay the $115 exam fee for every attempt, so it’s best to study hard and pass the first time.
Two Types of Texas HVAC Contractors License
Before you apply to take the licensing exam, you need to decide which license you want to pursue. There are two types of HVAC certification in Texas: class A and class B.
Class A License
A Texas Air Conditioning License Class A (TACLA) allows the holder to work on any sized heating or cooling system. It’s the top-level license that allows you freedom to take on even the largest commercial HVAC jobs.
Contractors with a class A license can work on any type of HVAC system.
Class A license exams:
- Are more intensive compared to the class B test.
- Typically, TACLA exams consist of 120 questions with a four-hour time limit.
- You’ll need to score at least 70% to pass.
Class B License
A Texas Air Conditioning License Class B (TACLB) restricts contractors to working on heating systems up to 1.5 million BTUs per hour and cooling systems under 25 tons. Although the scope of your work is restricted, there are no restrictions on where you work.
Class B license exams:
- Are typically shorter than Class A license exams, with 100 questions over three hours.
- Cover fewer topics compared to Class A exams.
- Again, you need a 70% score to pass and can retake the exam for up to a year.
HVAC Components You’ll Need to Know
While each licensing exam will have questions specific to the scope of work, they both contain general HVAC topics that every contractor should know. If you want to get an HVAC license in Texas, you’ll need to know at least these topics:
- HVAC systems
- Heating and cooling
- Boiler systems
- Business and law (related to HVAC)
- Ventilation
- Refrigeration systems and principles
- Equipment requirements
- Pressure relief
Tests aren’t limited to only these topics, so be sure to complete all the study guides you can find to ensure you're well-versed in everything HVAC.
Get Started with a Promising Career as a Texas Licensed HVAC Contractor
While it might take over 48 months of practical experience to be eligible to take the exam, becoming a certified HVAC contractor offers competitive pay and high job security. Learn from industry experts and take your licensing exam, and you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in air conditioning repair.
Keep Up With The Latest Solutions - Like UFAD
The HVAC industry is always changing, so it helps to brush up on the latest advancements, such as underfloor air distribution systems (UFAD). UFAD systems are being used in countless residential and commercial buildings throughout the United States to boost HVAC energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Instead of large ducts to carry air to and from a space, UFAD relies on flexible underfloor ducts to bring air into the space, and ceiling vents to remove old air.
Without the massive ducts like in a traditional HVAC setup, UFAD systems are much easier to install and come with a host of other benefits, including:
- Up to 30% more energy efficiency
- Lower initial and long-term costs
- Better ventilation and air quality
- Easier access to building services that are situated underneath the floor
- Fewer construction materials that are required
While an understanding of underfloor air distribution might not be a part of the Texas HVAC license requirements, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date on the latest technologies. You never know when it might be the perfect solution to a problem on the job!
Contact AirFixture today to speak to an expert on upgraded solutions that are changing the HVAC industry.
