Skip to content
State files updated Oct 27, 2026
Look up a contractor
MenuClose

Home / HVAC Technicians / Iowa / License

HVAC technician connecting refrigerant gauges to a new outdoor heat pump unit

Home / HVAC Technicians / Iowa / License

Iowa journeyman HVAC technician license

HVAC technician license: what DIAL asks for once you're logging hours.5

3 YEARbetween renewals

How much experience do you need in Iowa?

4 years of practical experience as an apprentice in a U.S. Department of Labor registered program (at least 36 months to sit the exam)2

journeyperson
4 yrs4 years of practical experience as an apprentice in a U.S. Department of Labor registered program (at least 36 months to sit the exam)
Master license
2 yrsLicensed journeyperson with 2 years of work experience in the discipline, or a master license from another jurisdiction

Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. DIAL can ask for proof when you apply.

What is the Iowa HVAC technician exam like?

Yes. You take a state exam once your hours are approved. The exam is given by Kirkwood Community College.1

How much does the hvac technician license cost?

DIAL lists these fees.3

FeeAmount
Journeyperson 3 year period$180
Master 3 year period$240
Apprentice 3 year period$50
Exam approval application$35

How do you renew it?

3-year licensing periods that run July 1 to June 30; the current period is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.3 Continuing education: 8 hours per 3-year period for a single journeyperson or master license (14 hours for multiple mechanical licenses, 16 for plumbing plus mechanical); apprentices need none.4

License levels in Iowa

Apprentice; journey level; master level; contractor; service technician HVAC specialty.

Ready to apply?

Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on DIAL's site.

DIAL license page

More for HVAC technicians in Iowa

Sources

  1. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): exam (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): experience (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): fees (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): continuing education (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (DIAL): licensing (dial.iowa.gov, 2026-10-27)