HVAC license requirements in Virginia
The Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) issues HVAC licenses in Virginia. Here's what each license level takes, from the official rules.
Issued by
Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR)
Official siteSince April 1, 2025, Virginia also issues a residential HVAC tradesman license for residential work only. Official source
Requirements checked October 21, 2026
License levels
In order, from the first license to the top one.
- 1
Journeyman HVAC Tradesman
Eight years of practical experience, or four years plus 240 hours of formal vocational training, among other combinations. Then the exam.
Official source - 2
Master HVAC Tradesman
A journeyman license held for at least one year, or nine years of practical experience. Then the exam.
Official source
Rules, fees and exam schedules change. Confirm the details with the Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) before you apply.
HVAC technicians in Virginia
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See a city for local wages and contractor counts.
- HVAC technicians employed
- 14,690
- Median hourly wage
- $28.72
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 Virginia: common questions
Who issues HVAC licenses in Virginia?
The Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR). The license levels and what each takes are listed above, with a link to the official source for each.
What does the Master HVAC Tradesman license take in Virginia?
A journeyman license held for at least one year, or nine years of practical experience. Then the exam.
What's the first HVAC license in Virginia?
The Journeyman HVAC Tradesman. Eight years of practical experience, or four years plus 240 hours of formal vocational training, among other combinations. Then the exam.
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.