Licensing Guides
Nebraska HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Nebraska
HVAC, NE
Table of Contents
Most states require training and licensure before you can legally design, install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. As today’s HVAC technology becomes increasingly complex, and we place more emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, HVACR systems need retrofitting, upgrading, or replacement to remain compliant.
Learning this essential trade takes years, but once you complete the necessary training, your skills will be in high demand to work alongside general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople in the home services and construction industry.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 441,000 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, and 3,440 work in Nebraska. The BLS predicts employment to grow 9% from2023 to 2033 nationwide, and that growth rate is expected to be slightly higher than that in Nebraska — projected at 13%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website. And, the Associated General Contractors of America says contractors are hiring. In the 2020 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey, 60% of firms in the U.S. and 82% of firms in Nebraska had unfilled hourly craft positions.
Licensing requirements for HVAC technicians vary widely from state to state and, in Nebraska, from locality to locality. Read on to learn more about becoming an HVAC tech and contractor license requirements in the Cornhusker State.
License Requirements for HVAC Professionals in Nebraska
Is a state license required to perform HVAC work in Nebraska? No, Nebraska doesn’t mandate licenses for HVAC apprentices, HVAC technicians, or HVAC contractors at the state level.
However, some municipalities, including Omaha and Lincoln, require local HVAC licenses or HVAC certifications to work on HVAC systems.
Note: Nebraska requires all state contractors, regardless of trade, to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor and submit a certificate of workers' compensation insurance.
It’s also important to note that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under section 608 of the Clean Air Act, requires any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere to earn a Section 608 technician certification. HVAC apprentices don’t need to hold a certification as long as “they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician,” according to the EPA.
Omaha HVAC License Types and Requirements
The City of Omaha Planning Department Air Conditioning/Air Distribution (ACAD) board oversees local licensing.
Omaha passed an ordinance in 2023 to amend Chapter 40 Article II Division 2 which pertains to this kind of licensing. It now says that a person must hold a master ACAD license, a journeyman ACAD license, or be registered as an apprentice ACAD sheetmetal installer to perform work. You can find these under the Mechanical section on the website.
All apprentices need to register with the ACAD board, and must provide proof that they’re employed by a licensed master ACAD contractor.
Omaha ACAD Apprentice Program
An apprenticeship program is the first step to starting a career in the HVAC industry. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible. Candidates can join an apprenticeship program offered by a local company or trade union, or gain experience from a community college.
To start the process, apprentices need to submit the apprentice application, list the sponsoring licensed master ACAD contractor or trade union, and pay a $27 application fee.
Apprentices need to demonstrate four years of work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed master ACAD contractor to become eligible to apply for a journeyman license. You can find a list of all of the requirements on the website.
Omaha Journeyman License
The following are the requirements for a City of Omaha ACAD Journeyman License:
Five (5) or more years verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems; or
Four (4) or more years verifiable experience employed by a licensed master ACAD contractor in the installation of ACAD systems; or
Applicants may apply one of the following credits towards the experience requirements: a) Up to two (2) years for post high school education. b) Two (2) years for NATE “Core” and installation certifications.
If the applicant has completed the same examination administered by the board or a third party testing agency designated by the board with a score of 75 percent or greater.
If the applicant has a valid Bellevue, Nebraska, or State of Iowa journeyman ACAD license with an examination score of 75 percent or greater, the board may waive the examination requirement. (See Reciprocation Application)
One year of experience is, 1750 hours installing ACAD systems in the employ of a licensed ACAD contractor.
An application for an “ACAD” or “Sheet Metal” journeyman’s license must be submitted to the secretary of the ACAD Board 2 weeks prior to the next board meeting which are held the first Tuesday of each month.
An application fee of $64.80 must accompany the application. All checks must be payable to the “City of Omaha”.
Applicants must provide written statements from past or present employers on their company letterhead stating dates of employment, a job description and list of work duties while employed with their company.
After the Board has approved an application, the applicant may take the Pearson Vue exam and must pass with a grade of 75% or greater.
Journeyman and Master licenses are valid for up to two years, expiring on December 31st of odd years. Apprentice licenses expire on December 31st every year.
Omaha ACAD Master License
The following are the requirements for a City of Omaha ACAD Master License:
Eight (8) or more years verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems; or
Four (4) or more years verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems employed by a licensed master ACAD contractor after obtaining a journeyman ACAD technician license from the City of Omaha; or
Four (4) or more years verifiable experience in the installation of ACAD systems employed by a licensed master ACAD contractor after obtaining a journeyman ACAD technician license from another city with requirements equal to the City of Omaha; or
If the applicant has completed the same examination administered by the board or a third-party testing agency designated by the board with a score of 75 percent or greater, the board may waive the examination requirement; or
If the applicant has a valid Bellevue, Nebraska, or State of Iowa master ACAD contractor license with an examination score of 75 percent or greater, the board may waive the examination requirement (See Reciprocation Application)
One year of experience is, 1750 hours installing ACAD systems in the employ of a licensed ACAD contractor.
An application for an ACAD license must be submitted to the secretary of the ACAD Board 2 weeks prior to the next board meeting which are held the first Tuesday of each month.
An application fee of $81.00 must accompany the application. All checks must be payable to the “City of Omaha”.
Applicants must provide written statements from past or present employers on their company letterhead stating dates of employment, a job description and list of work duties while employed with their company.
After the Board has approved an application, the applicant may take the Pearson Vue exam and must pass with a grade of 75% or greater.
After an applicant receives a passing exam score(s) they must provide to the City of Omaha a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.00 that list the applicants name and the contractor they will represent. And the contractor must provide a proof of liability insurance in the amount of $300,000.00.
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Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety is responsible for issuing HVAC licenses in Lincoln. Candidates can pursue an apprentice license, journeyman mechanical technician license, or a master mechanical contractor license.
Lincoln HVAC Apprentice License
To get started, candidates need to register their apprenticeship with the City of Lincoln. Apprentices need to demonstrate three years of work experience to become eligible to move on to the journeyman level. There is no required fee to register as an apprentice.
Lincoln Journeyman Mechanical Technician License
After completing the required apprentice training, candidates can apply to take the journeyman licensing exam via VisualVault. Candidates need to pay a $15 registration fee, as well as a $100 examination fee. The exam covers the Lincoln Fuel Gas Code and the Lincoln Gas Piping Code, and International Code Council. You'll find ll of the requirements on the website.
Lincoln Master Mechanical Contractor License
This license permits the licensee to own an HVAC business and train up to three apprentices. After working as a licensed journeyman for at least one year, candidates become eligible to register to take the contractor exam via VisualVault. Contractors need to pay a $150 registration fee, as well as a $350 examination fee. The exam covers the Lincoln Fuel Gas Code and the Lincoln Gas Piping Code, and International Code Council. You'll find ll of the requirements on the website.
Additionally, master mechanical contractors need to hold minimum liability insurance coverage of $500,000 and complete at least eight hours of continuing education each year.
EPA Certification Required in Nebraska and Beyond
Across the U.S., including in Nebraska, federal EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require certification for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. Any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air-conditioning systems needs to hold the certification.
In most cases, your employer will require you to obtain the certification as part of your training program.
You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. There are four types of EPA certifications for refrigerant, including:
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.
For all certifications, you must pass 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
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC License in Nebraska?
The length of required training in Nebraska varies by the type of license and municipality, but it typically takes three to four years of apprentice training to become a journeyman, and an additional one to four years to become a contractor.
What Is the Mean Salary for an HVAC Professional in Nebraska?
The annual mean salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in Nebraska is $57,010 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, according to ZipRecruiter.com and Salary.com, the average salaries for HVAC professionals in Nebraska increase with experience and training.
HVAC apprentice: Average salary
HVAC Journeyman: Average Salary
HVAC Contractor: Average Salary
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, such as education, certifications, additional skills, and real-world experience.
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.
ServiceTitan features:
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 ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
Nebraska HVAC Training Programs and Trade Schools
Nebraska offers a wide variety of training opportunities across the state, including trade schools and community colleges that offer HVAC programs.
Some of the top training schools include:
HVACRedu - Online
Does My Nebraska HVAC License Work in Any Other States?
No, Nebraska doesn't offer state-level reciprocal agreements with other states, even nearby states including Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho or Texas. However, some cities do allow reciprocity, so make sure to check reciprocal agreements at the local level.
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification and other professional certifications can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money.
Additional Resources for Nebraska HVAC Techs
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, such as ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
