HVAC Licensing in Colorado

In Colorado, HVAC work is not regulated at the state level, meaning there is no formal Colorado HVAC license. However, it is important to note that licensing requirements do exist at the city and county level.

Therefore, if you are looking to work as an HVAC professional in Colorado, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific licensing requirements of the city or county where you intend to practice.

By complying with these local licensing regulations, you can ensure that you are operating legally and meeting the necessary standards for your HVAC work in Colorado.

In Colorado, there is no specific HVAC license. However, obtaining an electrician license or a plumber license can help you find work in the HVAC field. While working as an HVAC technician, you may also possess a Colorado electrician or plumber license.

There are three types of electrician licenses in Colorado:

• Residential wireman - Performs wiring and installation of electrical apparatus and equipment for one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings.
• Journeyman electrician - Installs and repairs electrical apparatus and equipment for heat, power, electric light, and other related purposes.
• Master electrician - Plans and supervises electrical apparatus and equipment installation and repair.

There are three types of Colorado plumbing licenses:

• Residential plumber - Installs plumbing and equipment in one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings that are not more than two stories tall.
• Journeyman plumber - Engages in the installation, alteration, repair, and renovation of plumbing.
• Master plumber - Plans, repairs, and installs plumbing apparatus and equipment or supervises others who perform the work.

To work with refrigerants, EPA certification is required. The Section 608 Technician Certifications issued by the Environmental Protection Agency allow HVAC technicians to work on HVAC systems and handle refrigerants. These certifications don't expire and are transferable between states.

When working as an HVAC technician, it's important to note that possessing a Colorado electrician or plumber license does not necessarily make you an HVAC contractor. HVAC contractors are often businesses and must comply with business license and contractor license requirements. Business license documentation can be submitted to the Colorado Secretary of State's office, while contractor licenses are issued at the local level.

The average hourly pay for HVAC technicians in Colorado is $29.33, with experienced professionals commanding higher rates.

Advantages of Having an HVAC License in Colorado

Obtaining an HVAC license in Colorado offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Increased Work Opportunities: Having a license allows you to secure more work as customers nowadays prefer to hire professionals who are duly bonded, insured, and licensed.
2. Customer Confidence: A license demonstrates your expertise and knowledge in performing HVAC work properly, instilling confidence in potential customers.
3. Competitive Edge: Possessing licenses and certifications gives you a competitive advantage in the HVAC industry, setting you apart from unlicensed competitors.

Therefore, obtaining an HVAC license in Colorado is highly recommended to fully tap into the potentials of this profession.

In the state of Colorado, if you are in the HVAC occupation, here is the breakdown of the costs for different licenses: - Residential wireman’s or journeyman electrician’s license: - License fee: $100 - Exam fee: $75 - Total cost: $175 - Master electrician’s license: - License fee: $140 - Exam fee: $75 - Total cost: $215 - Residential plumber’s license: - License fee: $175 - Exam fee: $75 - Total cost: $175 - Journeyman plumber’s license: - License fee: $195 - Exam fee: $75 - Total cost: $195 - Master plumber’s license: - License fee: $215 - Exam fee: $75 - Total cost: $290 Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it is best to verify with the relevant authorities before applying for a license.

Here are the reformatted HTML text to make it more helpful for the occupation HVAC in the state of Colorado: First, you’ll want to get an apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor. Apprenticeships allow you to learn while also getting paid. They are usually sponsored by a local union or trade association. For example, there’s a five-year HVAC apprenticeship available through the Local 58 of the Plumbers & Pipefitters and the HVAC Service Journeyman Union in Colorado Springs. To be eligible, you must have an interest in HVAC, be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver’s license, and be physically able to work in the trade. Formal schooling is another path into the HVAC profession. The Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver offers an eight-month program teaching installation, repair, and troubleshooting of light commercial and residential air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration. Estimated total cost for the program is around $9,000. Upon completion of IntelliTec College’s 18-month program, you can graduate with an associate’s degree; EPA training and preparation for certification testing is included. Online learning also is possible through programs, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Their Residential HVAC Online Certificate Program lets you work at your own pace for a $495 fee. Financial aid is available to help pay for schooling. For example, Women in HVACR offers a scholarship to females looking to enter school in the HVAC field. Scholarships of up to $2,000 are available from the Clifford H. “Ted” Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation for students enrolled in HVAC study. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies issues the licensing for plumbers and electricians. To get an electrician’s license, you must fulfill the following requirements: - Residential wireman - Provide proof of 4000 hours of residential experience earned in no less than two years. - Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. - Pass the appropriate exam covering topics like electrical calculations, conductors and cables, grounding, and overcurrent protection. - Journeyman electrician - Provide proof of 8000 hours of experience, with at least 4000 being in commercial/industrial work. - Provide proof of 288 hours of classroom education as an apprentice. Electrician apprentices must first register with the State Electrical Board. - Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. - Pass the appropriate exam covering topics like motors, transformers, and photovoltaics. - Master electrician - Provide proof of the same number of hours of experience required of Journeyman electricians, and, in addition, 2000 hours of experience in laying out and planning installations. Certain diplomas from some accredited community colleges, trade schools, and universities may be substituted for some of the required experience. - Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. - Pass the appropriate exam covering topics like raceways and boxes, special occupancies, and special equipment. To get a plumber’s license, you must fulfill the following requirements: - Residential plumber - Verify 3400 hours of experience earned in no less than two years on an Affidavit of Eligibility. - Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. - Pass an exam covering topics like water supply, fixtures and equipment, sanitary drainage systems, and water heaters. - Journeyman plumber - Verify 6800 hours of experience earned in no less than four years on an Affidavit of Eligibility. - Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. - Pass an exam covering topics like storm drainage systems, indirect and special waste piping, and isometric analysis. - Master plumber - Verify 9780 hours of experience earned in no less than five years on an Affidavit of Eligibility. - Submit an application to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. - Pass an exam covering topics like piping support and system protection, residential fire sprinklers, traps, interceptors, and separators. PSI is the organization in charge of administering the licensing exams in Colorado. Colorado plumbing licenses expire on February 28 of odd numbered years. There is no continuing education requirement. Colorado electrician licenses expire on September 30 and must be renewed every three years. You must show 24 Professional Development Units of continuing education. For electrical licenses, Colorado has a reciprocity agreement with Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. No reciprocity agreements exist for plumbing licenses.