Licensing Guides
Maine HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Maine
HVAC, ME
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Maine?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Maine
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become 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 Maine employs 2,110 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 Maine, that growth rate is expected to be lower — projected at -1% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
» Want to grow your HVAC business? Click here to get a demo.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Maine in July 2025 totaled 34,700, a decrease of 500 (-1.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,000 (13%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing HVAC 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. Maine licensure is a bit more complicated than other states.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Maine
Is a license required for HVAC technicians and contractors in Maine? Yes, but licensing for HVAC work in Maine is not a typical statewide license for HVAC technicians or HVAC contractors.
Instead the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation in Maine oversees the Maine Fuel Board and issues licenses for various types of HVAC work.
To get started in the HVAC field in Maine, you often only need to meet employer expectations and eventually get licensed in the specialty in which you’d like to practice. There are federal certification requirements to consider as well. If you want to become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to have a certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to legally handle refrigerants. You may also need to pass a certification exam, depending on the license classification.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Maine
What are the types of HVAC licenses in Maine?
There are nine license classifications in Maine pertaining to HVAC work.
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician: An Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician is licensed by the Board and under the supervision of a licensed master oil burner or solid fuel technician. A licensed apprentice oil burner and/or solid fuel technician may assist in making oil burner installations, repairs and servicing of oil burning equipment under the direct supervision of a licensed master oil burner technician.
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician: A Journeyman Oil Burner Technician is licensed by the Board to engage in the business of installing or servicing oil-burning equipment in the State of Maine. A Journeyman Solid Fuel Technician is licensed by the Board to engage in the business of installing and servicing solid fuel burning equipment in the State of Maine. A Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician must be under the indirect supervision of a Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician.
Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician: A Master Oil Burner Technician is licensed by the Board to engage in the business of installing or servicing oil-burning equipment in the State of Maine.
Limited Tank Installer: A Limited Tank Installer's license is for the limited purpose of allowing a manufactured-housing mechanic licensed by the Manufactured Housing Board to install outside residential heating oil tanks at manufactured housing.
Limited Wood Pellet Technician: A limited wood-pellet technician is restricted to cleaning the ash pan, cleaning the burn pot, scraping and cleaning the distribution tubes, emptying dust from the collection box, and cleaning the fan.
Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician: An Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician's license is for the limited purpose of performing combustion safety and efficiency testing on oil-fired heating or oil-fired water heating equipment. Limited energy auditor technicians may not make any adjustments to oil-fired heating or oil-fired water heating equipment.
Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician: A Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician's license is for the limited purpose of performing combustion safety and efficiency testing on natural gas-fired or propane gas-fired space heating or water heating equipment. Limited energy auditor technicians may not make any adjustments to natural gas-fired or propane gas-fired space heating or water heating equipment.
Propane And Natural Gas Helper: A Propane and Natural Gas Helper is licensed by the Board to assist a licensed Propane and Natural Gas Technician. A helper must work under the direct and continuous supervision of a licensed Propane and Natural Gas Technician on-site.
Propane And Natural Gas Technician: A Propane and Natural Gas Technician is licensed by the Board, which contains one or more of the following authorities: Delivery Technician; Plant Operator; Tank Setter and Outside Piping Technician; Appliance Connection and Service Technician up to 500,000 BTUs per appliance; and Large Equipment Connection and Service Technician over 500,000 BTUs per appliance.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Complete application.
Pay $40 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Complete at least one year of experience as a licensed apprentice; OR
Successfully complete a board-approved course consisting, at a minimum, of 160 hours of study, of which at least 75 hours are made up of laboratory work on oil- burning equipment and related systems and six months experience as a licensed apprentice; OR
Successfully complete a one-year accredited heating course at a Maine community college consisting, at a minimum, of 320 hours of study, of which at least 150 hours are made up of laboratory work on oil-burning equipment and related systems.
Submit affidavit signed by licensed Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician verifying required licensed hours.
Pass state-mandated examination.
Complete application.
Pay $100 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Obtain at least four years of licensed experience. At least two of the four years must be as a licensed Journeyman.
Submit affidavit signed by licensed Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician verifying required licensed hours.
Pass state-mandated examination.
Complete application.
Pay $200 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Limited Tank Installer
Possess and maintain a manufactured housing mechanic's license and satisfactorily complete a training program that includes at least four hours on installation of outside oil tanks, as approved by the Board; or
Possess and maintain a manufactured housing dealer's license or be an individual employee of the dealer and satisfactorily complete a training program that includes at least four hours on installation of outside oil tanks, as approved by the Board.
Complete application.
Pay $50 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Limited Wood-Pellet Technician
Complete application.
Pay $50 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Oil Limited Energy Auditor Technician
Provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the Certified Building Analyst 1 certification test and field examination offered by the Building Performance Institute, the equivalent Maine residential auditor certification program, or an equivalent training program acceptable to the board.
Complete application.
Pay $50 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Propane Limited Energy Auditor Technician
Provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the Certified Building Analyst 1 certification test and field examination offered by the Building Performance Institute, the equivalent Maine residential energy auditor certification program, or an equivalent training program acceptable to the board.
Complete application.
Pay $50 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Propane and Natural Gas Helper
Complete application.
Pay $20 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Propane and Natural Gas Technician
Applicants must complete a Board-approved training program to be deemed qualified to sit for a license examination.
Pass state-mandated examination.
Complete application.
Pay $100 license fee.
Complete criminal background check and pay a $21 fee.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Maine
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or obtain the GED equivalent.
Obtain experience if required for your classification. You can gain experience by taking an entry-level job at an HVAC company, completing an HVAC program at a community college or trade school, or completing an apprenticeship. Some classifications require no experience.
Pass licensing examination (if required for your classification).
Pass a background check and pay the $21 fee.
Complete the license application and pay the license fee.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Maine
There are many benefits to getting your Maine HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Maine to be licensed through the state to perform most types of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
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 Maine?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Maine is $63,580, 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 Maine, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,800
Senior (4-7 years): $74,900
Supervisor (>7 years): $88,200
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 Maine?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Maine is fairly low. Depending on the classification, HVAC license fees in Maine range from $20 to $200. Exam fees range from $65 to $90, and you can find more information in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
You will incur additional costs if you pursue technical education or join an apprenticeship. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How to Get an HVAC License in Maine
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Maine, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional requires the following steps.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. You are not required to complete an apprenticeship, but many people entering the HVAC industry choose to in order to gain valuable work experience.
Some license classifications in Maine only require you to complete an application and pay a license fee. More advanced license classifications require some experience. For example, Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technicians must obtain at least four years of licensed experience. Two of the four years must be as a licensed Journeyman.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: All examinations are administered by Prov testing services. Once you are eligible to take the examination(s), you will need to apply for examination through the state website. Each will cost $65 to $90.
The following classifications require examination:
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Propane and Natural Gas Technician
APPLY FOR LICENSE: All license classifications require you to submit an application and pay a license fee. If you need to pass an exam, you must take the exam before applying. Click here to apply for a Maine HVAC license online.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to pass a background check and pay a $21 processing fee.
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 Maine?
Many of the Maine license classifications require minimal training, and you may only need to complete an application to get started. For a Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician license, you need to work as an apprentice for at least one year. For a Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician license, you need four years of experience, with at least two as a licensed journeyman.
Completing an apprenticeship usually takes four to five years, but the great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level.
Maine HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of Maine doesn’t require you to obtain education experience, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, many people choose to complete education programs to gain additional experience.
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). There are no programs in Maine accredited by either organization, but there are some well-respected options for enrollment statewide.
Here's a list of the best HVAC schools in Maine:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Maine
Maine’s Community College System offers several HVAC programs. Southern Maine Community College offers an Associate Degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing that takes 4.5 full-time semesters and is 62 credit hours. SMCC also offers a Certificate in Heating program that takes half that time. Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor has an Associate of Applied Science degree program in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating.
Tuition: You can expect to spend about $2,880 per semester for in-state tuition. You can find the breakdown of tuition and fees for SMCC at this link.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeship options in Maine. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Maine Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 716 in Augusta. The apprenticeship program is five years long, meets all requirements of the state and is completely free to students. The cost is covered by the union contractors who pay into the trust, and students are placed with one of those contractors to work. As part of these apprenticeships, you will also complete the EPA certification and the Certified Employee Training Program for propane certification.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Maine. 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 Maine, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Maine.
Maine HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Examinations are administered by Prov testing services. Once you are eligible to take the examination, you will need to apply for examination through the state website. Each will cost $65 to $90.
All of the HVAC-related exams require a 70% to pass. You will get your score immediately, and it will be sent to the state of Maine as well so you can be issued your license.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Maine?
The following classifications require examination:
Journeyman Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician
Propane and Natural Gas Technician
While the licensing requirements are the same, the exams differ for licensed Oil Burners and Solid Fuel Technicians. The Candidate Information Bulletin provides all the details for preparing for and scheduling your exam with Prov.
The Journeyman Oil Burner Technician exam is made up of 100 questions. You are given three hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Oil Heat Tech Manual
Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules
NFPA 31 Standard for the Installation of Oil-burning Equipment
NFPA 70 National Electric Code
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
NFPA 30A - Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
NFPA 88A: Standard for Parking Structures
Uniform Plumbing Code
NFPA 90B - Installation of Warm Air
Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems
General Knowledge
Plumbing Law
The Journeyman Solid Fuel Technician exam is made up of 75 questions. You are given three hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules
NFPA 70 National Electric Code
General Knowledge
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
NFPA 90B - Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems
Uniform Plumbing Code
The Master Oil Burner Technician exam is made up of 100 questions. You are given three hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
General Knowledge
NFPA 70 National Electric Code
Oil Heat Tech Manual
NFPA 31 Standard for the Installation of Oilburning Equipment
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
NFPA 30A - Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
NFPA 88A: Standard for Parking Structures
NFPA 90A OR 90B
Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules
Uniform Plumbing Code
The Master Solid Fuel Technician exam is made up of 75 questions. You are given three hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules
Uniform Plumbing Code
NFPA 90B - Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems
NFPA 70 National Electric Code
General Knowledge
The Propane and Natural Gas Technician exam is made up of 75 questions. You are given two hours to complete it. The subjects covered include:
Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules
General Knowledge
NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
Properties of Propane Gas
Vehicle Protection Requirements
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Maine?
The Maine Fuel Board, which is a part of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, issues all HVAC licenses in Maine.
Does My Maine HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, the state of Maine does not have reciprocal agreements with any other states for any of the licenses related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Maine?
To recap, Maine doesn’t have reciprocal agreements with any states. Therefore, out-of-state credentials will not qualify you for a Maine HVAC license by reciprocity. If you are coming from any other state, you will need to meet all licensing requirements for your specific classification.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Maine, 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 Maine
All HVAC licenses in Maine must be renewed exactly two years from your initial licensure date. The renewal fee is the same as the initial license fee. If your license lapses more than 90 days, you will face a $50 penalty upon renewal.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Maine?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Maine. Options include:
Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation: Awards up to $2,500 for high school students who are pursuing a career in the trades.
Maine Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors: The organization lists over 60 different scholarships on its website.
Northeast Technical College: Offers financial assistance for students who meet certain criteria and are enrolled in an HVAC program at the Bangor or Auburn campus.
Additionally, the Maine Technical Education Center offers financial assistance for students who enroll in the organization’s HVAC Professional Certification program.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Maine?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Maine via the state’s Administrative, Licensing & Management System. You can search by name, license number, or licensing agency.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Maine?
A suspended HVAC license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Maine HVAC 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 Maine HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Maine?
Performing HVAC work without a license is illegal and can result in a fine of not less than $1,000 but not more than $5,000 for each violation. The Attorney General can also seek an injunction or stop-work order for unlicensed work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Maine HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Maine Fuel Board Laws & Rules.
Continuing Education
Maine does not currently have any continuing education requirements for any of its HVAC-related licenses.
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.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
