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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a complex but essential part of creating a comfortable interior environment in many climates. Hawaii is no exception. This is why skilled HVAC professionals are always in high demand.

If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC contractor, you’ll first have to obtain a C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor License from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division. 

What can you do with this license, and how do you get one?

What an HVAC Contractor Does

Whether you plan to own and operate an HVAC business or you’re acting as the responsible managing employee (RME) for a contractor, you’ll need a Class C Contractor License. The C-52 license covers a broad range of potential activities, including the fabrication, assembly, and installation of the following types of systems:

• Warm-air heating and air cooling
• Heating and cooling solar
• Complete ventilating and air conditioning (including piping, non-electrical controls, instrumentation, building automation, energy management, and associated trenching, backfilling, patching, and surface restoration)
• Thermal and acoustical insulation (for temperature, sound, or both)
•  Heat pumps related to AC

This license also covers the installation and repair of boiler and thermal fluid systems, including piping, valves, gauges, pumps, radiators, convectors, fuel oil tanks, fuel oil lines, hazardous waste storage tanks, chimneys, flues, and heat insulation.

Obtaining Your C-52 License

There are several criteria to be met before applying for and obtaining your license. Professionals 18 years of age and older may qualify, provided they are employed by a licensed contracting entity, have four years of supervisory experience (within the last 10 years), and maintain a reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing. They will also have to pass the required exams.

Exam Requirements

To become an HVAC contractor in Hawaii, you’ll need to pass two tests: the C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam and the Business Law Exam. These tests are designed to ascertain your knowledge of HVAC systems and business management and law.

The C-52 exam is a closed-book test consisting of 80 questions that cover relevant topics like:

• General knowledge and code requirements
• Load calculations
• Control
• Duct and insulation
• Piping
• OSHA safety
• Equipment

You will have three hours to complete this test, and you must answer a minimum of 75% of the questions correctly to receive a passing score. 

The Business Law Exam also features 80 questions, covering the following topics:

• Business organization
• Contract management
• Estimating and bidding
• Financial management
• Labor law
• Licensing
• Lien law
• Project management
• Risk management
• OSHA safety
• Tax laws
• Public works law

You will have 180 minutes to complete this closed-book exam, and a minimum score of 75% is needed to pass.

Exam Prep for Working Professionals

A state-approved exam prep program is the ideal way to ensure success when you take licensure exams. Working professionals will appreciate a program designed by industry experts that offers self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to materials.

RocketCert has just what you need to prepare for state exams. If you’re ready to obtain your Hawaii HVAC Contractor License, contact us today to get started.