Ohio licenses HVAC contractors at the state level through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) at the Ohio Department of Commerce. Refrigeration and hydronics are separate OCILB licenses with the same structure. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the PSI exam process.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Experience5 Years
- Application Fee$25
- Renewal1 or 3 Years
- CE Needed8 or 24 Hours
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the Ohio HVAC contractor license typically include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- 5 years of trade experience (or a current Ohio registered PE with 3 years of construction business experience, or 5 years as an Ohio government inspector in the trade).
- Tax-document proof (W-2s or Schedule C) plus permits, a journeyman card, an apprenticeship certificate, or 40 hours of OCILB code continuing education.
- A BCI and FBI background check after Board approval.
- $500,000 in contractor liability insurance.
- Passing scores on the PSI HVAC Trade exam and the Business & Law exam.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with OCILB before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for an Ohio HVAC contractor license generally involves these steps:
- Confirm you meet the 5-year experience requirement and gather documentation.
- Submit the OCILB Examination Application with the $25 application fee per trade.
- Wait for Board approval, then complete the BCI and FBI background check.
- Schedule and pass the PSI HVAC Trade exam and the Business & Law exam.
- Provide proof of $500,000 contractor liability insurance.
- Pay the $25 license issuance fee.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with OCILB. If you handle refrigerants, obtain federal EPA Section 608 technician certification as well.
- 3
Pass the hvac exam
The Ohio HVAC contractor examination consists of two computer-based PSI exams: the HVAC Trade exam and the Business & Law exam. The passing score is not published on the state page; prep providers cite 70 percent, so confirm in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. The mechanical content references the Ohio Mechanical Code (OAC 4101:1 referenced standards, based on the International Mechanical Code); confirm the current edition at codes.ohio.gov. Always confirm exam requirements with OCILB or PSI, because formats and approved materials can change.
License Types
HVAC Contractor (OCILB)
The statewide license for commercial HVAC contracting in Ohio.
- State-wide license
- Can pull permits
Technician / Helper
Work under a licensed contractor; credentials are local or voluntary.
- Supervised work
- Good for starting out
Details
Experience
OCILB uses the same experience baseline for HVAC as for its other trades: 5 years of trade experience documented through tax records (W-2s or Schedule C) plus permits, a journeyman card, an apprenticeship certificate, or 40 hours of OCILB code continuing education. A current Ohio registered PE with 3 years of construction business experience, or 5 years as an Ohio government inspector in the trade, also qualifies. Check the current documentation standards with OCILB before you apply.
Details
Fees
OCILB charges a $25 application fee per trade and a $25 license issuance fee per trade, plus a $60 per year escrow (inactive) renewal fee. The PSI exam fee is paid to PSI; prep providers cite about $69 per exam, so confirm in the PSI candidate bulletin. Always confirm current fee amounts with the official authority before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
Ohio HVAC contractor licenses renew with 8 hours of CE for a one-year renewal or 24 hours for a three-year renewal. A license expired more than one year requires reapplying and retesting. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with OCILB before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Ohio?
Most of the timeline is the 5 years of trade experience. After that, OCILB Board approval is valid for 1 year, during which you complete the background check and pass both PSI exams. Confirm current processing timelines with OCILB.
Do I need EPA 608 certification in addition to the Ohio HVAC license?
Yes, if you service or dispose of refrigerant-containing equipment. EPA Section 608 technician certification is a federal requirement that is separate from and in addition to the OCILB license.
Is refrigeration covered by the Ohio HVAC license?
No. Refrigeration is a separate OCILB license from HVAC, with the same application and exam structure. Hydronics is also a separate OCILB license. Confirm which license your work scope requires with OCILB.
Is there reciprocity for HVAC licenses in Ohio?
OCILB lists HVAC reciprocity with Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana (Business & Law required), Mississippi (Business & Law), South Carolina (Business & Law), Tennessee (Business & Law), and West Virginia. Agreements change, so confirm the current list with OCILB.
