Licensing Guides
Louisiana HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Louisiana
HVAC, LA
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Louisiana?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Louisiana
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Louisiana?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Louisiana employs 5,040 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Louisiana, that growth rate is projected at 9%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow in some states. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Louisiana in July 2025 totaled 137,400 a decrease of 3,400 (-2.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 100 or 0.1% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should find job opportunities.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Louisiana licensure is uniform statewide for HVAC contractors.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Louisiana
Is a license required to work as an HVAC contractor in Louisiana? Yes.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work valuing more than $10,000 in labor and materials in the state of Louisiana, you must be a licensed mechanical contractor or be working under a state-licensed mechanical contractor. There is no statewide journeyman license or apprentice registration.
Commercial Mechanical Contractor licenses are issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), located in Baton Rouge. That same board also licenses electricians, plumbers, general contractors, mold remediation contractors, and many other specialties. Louisiana also offers a residential license, but a commercial license automatically allows the contractor to perform residential work.
Mechanical contractors need to either be or designate a qualifying party who will take a business and law exam and trade exam. They need to submit a financial statement detailing net worth of at least $50,000 and register their business.
Mechanical contractors who perform HVAC services need to obtain the sub-classification Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Duct Work, and Refrigeration, which requires passing a trade exam specific to HVAC work.
Mechanical contractors don’t need general liability insurance or workers’ compensation insurance.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Louisiana
What are the types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers a Mechanical Contractor license and HVAC sub-specialization for contractors who take on jobs valued over $10,000.
The state offers only one type of complete mechanical contracting license, which is referred to as the major license classification. There are also sub-classifications that require knowledge of a defined scope of work, referred to as the sub-specialization.
Major classification:
Mechanical Contractor: Works on hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including such components as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, hydronic and steam systems, pressure vessels, plumbing, gas piping, process piping, mechanical equipment, air and process heaters and seals, and air vacuums and filters. This also includes mechanical work for marine vessels.
Sub-classification:
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Duct Work, and Refrigeration: Refers to the installation, maintenance, or repair of air conditioning, heating, ventilation, ductwork, refrigeration, coolers, freezers, and ice rinks.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a high school diploma or GED Certificate.
Attend formal HVAC diploma or certificate program or earn a degree at a community college or trade school; OR get a formal apprenticeship through a local union or or an informal apprenticeship through a sponsoring employer as an entry-level worker supervised by a licensed contractor.
Obtain EPA certification.
Complete the Commercial License application and include all supporting documents.
Provide a financial statement prepared by a CPA.
Pass a business and law exam and HVAC-specific trade exam.
Pay all contractor exam and license fees.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Louisiana
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Gain experience either by completing an apprenticeship, attending a trade school, or working for a licensed commercial contractor.
Obtain EPA certification.
Work indefinitely as a technician under a licensed contractor.
For a contractor license: the qualifying party must pass a business and law exam and trade-specific exam. Find more information on exams here.
Pay a $140 fee for the trade exam and $150 fee for the business and law exam.
You must register your business with the Secretary of State’s office and file articles of incorporation.
Submit the Financial Statement form.
Submit the Commercial Mechanical Contractor license application and pay the $100 license fee.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Louisiana
There are many benefits to getting your Louisiana HVAC Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Louisiana to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work valued over $10,000, unless you work exclusively for a licensed contractor.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Louisiana?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Louisiana is $55,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Louisiana, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,400
Senior (4-7 years): $74,500
Supervisor (>7 years): $87,600
The meaning of a “mean” and “median” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Louisiana?
The cost to get started in the HVAC field in Louisiana is fairly low. Unlike most states, there are no registration fees or educational requirements to enter the workforce, so long as you work for a licensed contractor.
If you choose to gain experience in an educational setting by earning a certificate or associate degree, you can expect to pay $2,971 per year for in-state students and $6,004 for out-of-state students.
If you pursue a mechanical license, you will need to pass two exams, totaling $290. The mechanical license fee is $100.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Louisiana
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Louisiana, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional is very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. Louisiana has no set amount of experience to qualify for a mechanical license. Instead you need to gain enough knowledge to pass both licensing exams.
You can gain this knowledge by working as an HVAC technician under the supervision of a licensed contractor, by attending a university or trade school, or completing an apprenticeship.
The Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 198 offers a five-year, paid apprenticeship program in Baton Rouge.
You also need to obtain your HVAC certification before applying for a contractor license.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: If seeking a contractor license, you will need to pass both a business and law exam and HVAC-specific trade exam. The trade exam incurs a $140 fee; the business and law exam incurs a $150 fee. You can schedule both exams online via PSI.
PROVIDE FINANCIAL STATEMENT: “An applicant for a license or registration shall submit a financial statement on a form supplied by the board, current to within twelve months of the date of filing the application, prepared and signed by an accountant, bookkeeper, or certified public accountant and signed by the applicant, attesting the statement is true and correct,” according to the LSLBC. The statement must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $50,000.
PASS BACKGROUND CHECK: “An applicant shall provide all information or documentation requested by the board, including by not limited to documentation relative to identification, criminal history, and financial history,” according to the LSLBC.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you will need to apply to the Board for licensure. You can apply for a mechanical license online via the LSLBC's online licensing portal. The contractor application fee is $100.
For more information, visit the Board’s website at https://lslbc.gov/.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Louisiana?
Unlike many other states, there is no set amount of required work experience. Instead, you only need to pass the state exams to qualify for licensure. However, you still need to obtain the knowledge to pass the exams, so you will likely spend a couple of years working as a technician or attending a trade school or community college. HVAC apprenticeships often last four to five years.
Louisiana HVAC Training Programs and Schools
If you choose trade school or community college over working for an HVAC company, Louisiana offers several strong training programs.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has accredited Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe and Fletcher Technical Community College in Thibodaux.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Louisiana:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Louisiana
Tuition: Tuition at Louisiana Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. Community College Review shows tuition at Louisiana community colleges on average is $2,971 per year for in-state students and $6,004 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: There are all different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Louisiana. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 198 in Baton Rouge.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Louisiana. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Louisiana, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Louisiana.
Louisiana HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The contractor exams are issued by PSI. The HVAC trade exam costs $140 and you must score at least 70% to pass. The business and law exam costs $150 and you must also score at least 70%. The business and law exam is open book.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Louisiana?
You can find reference materials and study guides for Louisiana contractor exams online at the PSI website.
The HVAC trade exam consists of 50 questions, and you have 130 minutes to score at least 70%. The exam covers:
Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls
Piping - Refrigeration, Hydronic, Steam, Process
Heating and Cooling Principles, Theory, and Equipment
Refrigerants and Refrigeration
Fuel and LP Gas
Combustion Air, Chimneys, Flues and Vents
Ducts, Ventilation, and Exhaust
Load Calculations
The business and law exam consists of 50 questions, and you have 120 minutes to pass with a score of at least 70%. The exam covers:
Project Management
Contract Terms
Financial Management
Labor and Tax Laws
Safety
Lien Laws
Business Management
Risk Management
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Louisiana?
Commercial Mechanical Contractor licenses for projects over $10,000 are issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Some municipalities and parishes have local licensing requirements for projects valued less than $10,000.
Does My Louisiana HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Louisiana?
Generally, Louisiana-licensed contractors can have their qualifying party’s exam results accepted for equivalent classifications by reciprocal state boards and may be exempt from the 60-day waiting period if the following requirements are met:
For the past three years, they have not been sanctioned for violations by the reciprocal Board.
They meet all other requirements for licensure by the Board to which they are applying for a license.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Louisiana, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Louisiana
Your initial license certificate will be valid for one year, then you may renew your license for a one-, two-, or three-year period. A renewal notice will be emailed or mailed to the address on record approximately 60 days prior to the expiration, 15 days prior to expiration, and upon expiration of the license. You must maintain a current address with this Board. Contractors must maintain a qualifying party for all classifications listed on your license.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Louisiana?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Louisiana. Options include:
Nunez Community College American Trucks Student Scholarship Program: Awards four $2,000 scholarships available to students in building programs, such as HVAC and electrical.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Offers various scholarships for students enrolled full-time in any program, including HVAC.
There are several apprentice scholarships offered through trade organizations. The Louisiana Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association lists several on its website.
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry too. The application period runs from January until May 1, and then the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Louisiana?
The state of Louisiana makes it easy to verify a contractor license. Visit the LSLBC’s online verification hub, where you can search by:
Name
License number
City, town, or parish
Qualifying party
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Louisiana?
A suspended HVAC license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Louisiana mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Louisiana HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official Louisiana Contractors Licensing Law.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Louisiana?
Performing HVAC work in Louisiana without a license is a misdemeanor. On conviction, fines can be up to $500 per day of violation, or up to 3 months in jail, or both. Penalties can increase if the unlicensed contracting work leads to injury or damage. The Board may also revoke a license for contracting without a license.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Louisiana HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Louisiana Contractors Licensing Law.
Continuing Education
There is currently no continuing education requirement to renew your Louisiana Commercial Mechanical Contractor license.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
