How to become an HVAC technician in Texas

Q: Do you need a license to work on your own as an HVAC technician in Texas?

Yes. Texas licenses HVAC contractors through TDLR.3

Texas licenses HVAC technicians at the state level through TDLR, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program.¹ You start as an apprentice or trainee and work toward the exam.

22registered apprenticeship programs $27.77median an hour in Texas

Pick your way in

Apprenticeship

Earn while you learn

A program hires you, pays you on the job and runs your classes.

Pay: From day one
In TX: 22 registered programs

Find a program near you

Trade school

Classroom first

Learn the basics, then find work to log your hours.

Pay: You pay tuition
In TX: 42 schools with programs

Compare 42 schools

Helper

Start on a crew

Get hired as a helper by a licensed HVAC contractor and log hours on the job.

Pay: Paid on the job
Start: No experience needed

How to get started

The license steps

Start as an apprentice or trainee
Join a registered apprenticeship, take a trade school program, or work as a helper for a licensed contractor.
Issued by
TDLR, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program
Compare the ways in
registered technicianNo minimum
None
Time
No minimum
certified technician24 mo
24 months of air conditioning and refrigeration work under a licensed contractor, or an approved training program
Time
24 mo
Contractor license48 moapplication $115
48 months in the past 72, or 36 months in the past 48 with 12 months as a certified technician
Time
48 mo
Cost
application $115