Licensing Guides
Minnesota HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Minnesota
HVAC, MN
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Minnesota?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Minnesota
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota employs 5,190 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 Minnesota, that growth rate is also projected at 8% 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. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Minnesota in July 2025 totaled 141,500, an increase of 4,700 (3.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 13,400 or 10% 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. Minnesota HVAC licensing is overseen locally.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Minnesota
Is a license required for HVAC Professionals in Minnesota? Unlike for plumbing contractors and electrical contractors, there’s no state license requirement. However, in most cities, there are local licensing requirements.
The state of Minnesota does not license HVAC professionals at the state level as they do electricians and plumbers through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Instead, municipalities are responsible for oversight.
The Twin Cities both require HVAC workers to be certified before working in either jurisdiction. The Minneapolis Construction Code Service and the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection issue certificates of competency or comp cards at the journey and master levels. The categories for competency certification are broken into areas of specialization commonly practiced by HVAC professionals like:
Warm Air/Ventilation
Refrigeration
Gas
Oil Burner
Steam and Hot Water
The two cities have reciprocal agreements, so if you’re certified in one you can get your certification in the other without having to retest. While there is no state-level mechanical contractor license as there is for plumbers, there is a bond requirement for mechanical contractors. Businesses must file a $25,000 Mechanical Contractor Surety Bond to legally perform HVACR work.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Minnesota
What are the types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Minnesota?
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul issue certificates of competency at the journey and master levels for the following categories:
Warm Air/Ventilation: Covers forced air heating systems, ductwork, and ventilation equipment that circulates conditioned air throughout buildings.
Refrigeration: Covers air conditioning systems, commercial refrigeration units, and equipment that uses refrigerants for cooling.
Gas: Covers natural gas and propane systems, including furnaces, water heaters, and gas piping installation.
Oil Burner: Covers oil-fired heating equipment, including oil furnaces, boilers, and fuel storage systems.
Steam and Hot Water: Covers boiler systems that use steam or hot water for heating, including pipes, radiators, and hydronic systems.
The requirements are roughly the same for each comp card, though the exam differs.
Submit an application for exam eligibility.
Must have four years of experience for a journeyman comp card, and one year of experience as a journeyman for a master comp card.
Must pass the exam.
Must have at least 576 hours of trade-related education.
Pay licensing fees.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Minnesota
Typically be at least 18 years of age to meet employer/apprenticeship requirements.
You need to have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
You must have a valid driver’s license.
You must get the proper training. There are two paths:
Attend community or technical college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months) to prepare for certification exams and be a good candidate for hire.
Become an apprentice either through a formal apprenticeship like a union or as an entry-level worker through a sponsoring employer.
You will need to get EPA Section 608 Certification by passing the exam before you are permitted to handle refrigerants.
File a $25,000 Mechanical Contractor Surety Bond with the state.
You should check local or city licensing requirements for the area where you will be working. There is no statewide licensing process for HVAC technicians, so it’s all about meeting municipal regulations for all HVAC-related trades like gas fitter, warm air ventilation, etc.
You can earn additional certifications to improve your marketability and pay.
If you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Minnesota after you’ve accumulated significant experience and are a licensed contractor at the local level, you ’ll need a state-issued business license, worker’s compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance. Cities or counties within the state may have further regulations, so it’s always recommended to check with local authorities before going to work.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Minnesota
There are many benefits to getting your HVACR/Mechanical license in Minnesota:
Most important, it is required by law to be licensed in certain municipalities to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work.
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 Minnesota?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Minnesota is $71,780, 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 Minnesota, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,400
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,100
Senior (4-7 years): $77,600
Supervisor (>7 years): $91,400
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 Minnesota?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. The cost associated with the schooling to train to be an HVAC technician varies widely—from a couple of thousand dollars at some trade schools to $20,000 for longer, more comprehensive programs.
According to Community College Review, the average community college tuition in Minnesota is approximately $5,489 per year for in-state students and $6,145 for out-of-state students
The cost to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination, which is required under federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam. If you start with a program, that may be included.
There will also likely be a licensing fee from your locality. In St Paul, for example, the application fee is $55 and the annual fee for trade licenses is $188.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Minnesota
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. To enter the HVAC field in Minnesota you need to learn and gain work experience. Minnesota doesn’t have predetermined steps but does have common requirements for licensure in the heating field at the municipal level and to satisfy employer expectations.
You’ll need to acquire some combination of classroom training and hands-on work experience. For example, in Minneapolis, you must have four years of documented on-the-job experience and proof of completing 576 hours of related education before taking the city-mandated exam.
There is no state-mandated minimum age to get started on your HVAC career path. Through Minnesota’s Career and Technical Education, some high schools offer vocational programs for sophomores, juniors, and seniors combining trade education with the high school curriculum. However, most employers seem to expect job candidates to be at least 18 years old and have earned either a high school diploma or GED.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: One path to enter the HVAC/R field in Minnesota is to attend community or technical college to learn what you need to earn the required certifications. For instance, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System has HVACR programs at campuses throughout the state that prepare students for HVAC technician work, commercial refrigeration, fuel gas piping, sheet metal and duct work, welding, and more. At Minneapolis Community and Technical College, you’ll find both a 42-credit diploma program and a 72-credit hour Associate of Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
APPRENTICESHIP: Another way to enter the field is through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades.
If you get one of the coveted apprentice openings through your local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs, it’s like getting a full-ride scholarship to college. Minnesota has 10 UA local chapters that offer plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, and welding apprenticeships.
UA Local 6, based in Rochester, offers apprenticeships for plumbers, pipefitters, service technicians, welders, and HVACR. Apprentices are mentored on the job by journeyworkers and go to school to learn trade-specific subjects. Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455 out of St. Paul requires all of its apprentices to begin by completing a two-year HVACR degree at a technical college. Local 455 says on its website that you can be provided a job as a pre-apprentice during a portion of this time. After completing the two-year degree program, you will begin your training at Local 455’s training center as a first-year apprentice. Throughout the five-year apprenticeship, you’ll work full time and attend classes two nights per week.
WORK EXPERIENCE: If you don’t get one of those sought-after union apprentice openings, you can apply for entry-level work and treat it as an informal apprenticeship to begin getting the practical experience while attending classes at night or on weekends to prepare for the trade-specific certifications and licenses. Employers will often give you the opportunity to earn while you learn as long as they see you are committed to getting licensed. In fact, Minnesota State Community and Technical College has a comprehensive HVACR program that some employers will pay for using tuition reimbursements through a Business and Industry Partner Sponsorships program.
Some employers will act as a sponsor in a registered apprenticeship through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which maintains a list of registered apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. You will be required to attend classes at night or on weekends to get the requisite theoretical training, but you’ll be getting your academic instruction in tandem with your practical experience, and you probably won’t be paying for all of it.
APPLY FOR EXAMINATION/LICENSE: Once you’ve completed the license requirements in terms of the amount of training and education for your locality, you may apply for examination for licensure. In St. Paul, for example, testing is offered for Warm Air/Ventilation in January and July, and for Gas, Refrigeration, Oil, and Steam certifications in April and October. All applicants must furnish proof of at least four years of experience working in the field for which they are applying and four years of related schooling before being approved to test at the journey level. Then you will need another year of working as a licensed journeyworker before being allowed to test for your master certification.
Again, you’ll need to check with your local licensing agency for specific requirements, but that is the standard set in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Once you pass the examination, you will receive your license.
CONSIDER BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: If you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Minnesota after you’ve accumulated significant experience and local licensing and certifications, you’ll need a state-issued business license, liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance. Mechanical Contractors in Minnesota are also required to file a $25,000 bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Check with your municipality for further requirements. Cities or counties within the state may have further regulations, so it’s always recommended to check with local authorities before going to work.
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 Minnesota?
The education and experience requirements for licensing varies from one municipality to another. In both St. Paul and Minneapolis, it will take about four years of schooling/work experience to be eligible for examination to qualify for your Certificate of Competency. However, you can be working under a seasoned professional—and earning money—the whole time. Full training through an apprenticeship takes about five years. The longer you work in the business, the more skilled and valued you will become as an employee and the more earning potential you will enjoy.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Minnesota HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Minnesota, and they are located all over the state, in major cities and smaller communities.
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).
PAHRA has not accredited any programs in Minnesota at this time, but HVAC Excellence has accredited three schools in Minnesota:
Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Community and Technical College in Minneapolis
Hennepin Technical College in both Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Minnesota:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Minnesota
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average community college tuition in Minnesota is approximately $5,489 per year for in-state students and $6,145 for out-of-state students
Apprenticeship: The alternative to a formal education program is to look for an apprenticeship. Many employers hiring entry-level HVAC technicians follow an apprentice model—pairing new employees with others who are licensed in the local jurisdiction to begin hands-on training while requiring the beginner to attend HVAC classes. Employers will often pay for the instruction if you maintain a certain grade point average, or will reimburse you after a certain amount of time on the job.
There are also apprenticeships through unions or local trade associations. Local 11 and 589 Northern Mechanical & Iron Range Plumbing & Pipefitting Joint Apprenticeship trains pipefitters, steamfitters, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. The program consists of five years of on the job training and at least 144 hours per year of related classroom instruction.
Applicants are required to:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be a high school graduate, or have a GED or equivalent.
Fill out and return the application to the apprenticeship office before the deadline.
Submit a transcript of the applicant’s high school record or the GED scores and technical college transcripts (for HVAC Service Apprentices).
Must be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
HVAC candidates must submit a photocopy of a valid driver’s license at the time of application and have a clean driving record. Any applicant who is found not able to be insured by a union contractor due to a poor driving record will not be placed in the program.
Pass a drug and alcohol screening test and a criminal background check administered by an employer.
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 to have 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 Minnesota, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Minnesota.
Mechanical HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
There’s no statewide exam, but many municipalities require examinations. For example, St. Paul and Minneapolis both require exams for journeyman and master applicants for each of the following categories:
Warm Air/Ventilation
Refrigeration
Gas
Oil Burner
Steam and Hot Water
How Can I Prepare for The HVAC License Exam in Minnesota?
You’ll need to prepare for the licensing exams required by your municipality, which often requires studying building codes. This Contractor/Trades Exam Bulletin provides information on the exams required in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The Gas Fitter exam topics include:
General Knowledge
General Regulation and Safety Components
Sizing and Designing
Installations
Gas Venting
The Refrigeration exam topics include:
ACR
Commercial Refrigeration Systems
Controls
Piping, Tubing, and Related Equipment
Refrigeration Gases
Warm Air Ventilation exam topics include:
General Administration
Warm Air Heating
Ventilation
Duct Construction and Calculations
Insulation
Combustion Air and Venting
Steam and Hot Water exam topics include:
General
Piping and Equipment Installation
Pipes, Valves, Fittings, and Accessories
Hydronics (Hot Water & Chilled Water)
Steam
Controls
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Minnesota
The state does not issue licenses for HVAC contractors/technicians in Minnesota. However, many municipalities have their own licensing requirements. Be sure to check with local governments to know what is required in the area you intend to work before submitting your license application.
The Minneapolis Construction Code Service and the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection issue certificates of competency or comp cards at the journey and master level.
Does My Minnesota HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Since licenses are issued locally in Minnesota, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Minnesota?
Out-of-state applicants have to meet local requirements where they intend to work. However, some municipalities throughout the state have reciprocity agreements with each other. For example, a Minneapolis certificate of competency works in St. Paul, and vice-versa.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota
While there is no state-level mechanical contractor license as there is for plumbers, there is a bond requirement for mechanical contractors. Businesses must file a $25,000 Mechanical Contractor Bond with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to legally perform HVACR work.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Minnesota?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available in Minnesota. Options include:
North Star Promise: Offers several scholarships for the trades, including HVAC. The program covers all tuition costs at a Minnesota Community College.
Workforce Development Scholarships: The scholarships, funded by the Minnesota Legislature, provide $2,500 per academic year ($1,250 per semester) up to a maximum of $5,000 over four semesters for students enrolled in qualified programs.
Nationally, 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.
In addition to these scholarships, HVAC students in Minnesota can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Minnesota community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Minnesota?
Licenses must be verified with each jurisdiction. Minneapolis provides a list of licensed mechanical contractors online. To verify a license in St. Paul, contact the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Minnesota?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Minnesota HVACR/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
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Minnesota HVAC license regulations you can refer to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the regulating jurisdictions.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Minnesota?
Working as an unlicensed mechanical contractor in Minnesota has severe penalties, including misdemeanor charges, fines, jail time, and the inability to enforce a contract or lien. While there is no state license for mechanical contractors, contractors must file a $25,000 bond with the state, and individual cities may require their own mechanical licenses or competency cards.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Minnesota HVAC license regulations you can refer to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the regulating jurisdictions.
Continuing Education
Although Minnesota does not require continuing education at the state level for HVAC, some municipalities do for license renewal. You’ll want to check in the area where you will be practicing to be sure to keep your license current. Also, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the HVAC industry.
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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