HVAC license requirements in Maryland
The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors issues HVAC licenses in Maryland. Here's what each license level takes, from the official rules.
Issued by
Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
Official siteRequirements checked October 21, 2026
License levels
In order, from the first license to the top one.
- 1
Journeyman
At least four years as a licensed apprentice with 6,000 hours of training under a licensed contractor. Then the exam, with a passing score of 70%.
Official source - 2
Limited Contractor
At least two years as a licensed journeyman under a master and 1,000 hours of work in the past year. Then the exam, plus insurance if you contract work.
Official source - 3
Master
At least three years as a licensed journeyman under a master and 1,875 hours of work in the past year. Then the exam, plus insurance if you contract work.
Official source
Rules, fees and exam schedules change. Confirm the details with the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors before you apply.
HVAC technicians in Maryland
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See a city for local wages and contractor counts.
- HVAC technicians employed
- 8,560
- Median hourly wage
- $33.67
HVAC market data by city
Once you're licensed
Tradesman runs the business side for HVAC technicians: estimates, scheduling, invoicing and payments in one app.
HVAC licensing in Maryland: common questions
Who issues HVAC licenses in Maryland?
The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. The license levels and what each takes are listed above, with a link to the official source for each.
What does the Master license take in Maryland?
At least three years as a licensed journeyman under a master and 1,875 hours of work in the past year. Then the exam, plus insurance if you contract work.
What's the first HVAC license in Maryland?
The Journeyman. At least four years as a licensed apprentice with 6,000 hours of training under a licensed contractor. Then the exam, with a passing score of 70%.
Licensed and ready for more customers?
Tradesman handles estimates, scheduling and invoicing so you can spend your time on the work. Now in early access.