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Heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration are integral parts of a functional residential or commercial setting — but the average person doesn’t have the knowledge or experience needed to install or maintain HVACR systems. This is where skilled tradespeople enter the picture. With proper training and experience, your services will be in high demand.

Before you can become an HVAC contractor, however, the state of New Jersey requires that you obtain a license. What are the requirements for a master HVAC contractor license, and how do you go about getting one?

What Can You Do With an HVACR License?

As a master HVAC contractor, you can perform a wide range of activities related to your field, including not only installing, maintaining, and repairing HVACR systems but also planning, laying out, and supervising projects. 

Whether you enjoy the planning process, working with your hands, or both, this license allows you some latitude to undertake the projects that please you.

Requirements to Obtain Your License

You must meet several requirements before you can obtain your license from the New Jersey State Board of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors. First, you must be 21 years of age or older. You will have to provide proof of a $3,000 bond and $500,000 in general liability insurance.

You also need five years of experience in HVAC contracting, which you can obtain in a few ways. You must complete a minimum of one year of experience as a journeyperson or licensed plumber, but this could account for up to five years of experience.

In addition to one year as a journeyperson plumber, you could complete a four-year HVACR apprenticeship or training program approved by the board. Two of the four years on this track could consist of an accredited and board-approved program at a technical school, trade school, community college, or county college.

Finally, you could obtain a bachelor’s degree in HVACR technology paired with suitable work experience. Once you have met these criteria, you must pass two state exams: a trade exam and the Business & Law Exam.

The Master HVACR Exam is an open-book test that covers topics like:

• Electrical knowledge, motors, and controls
• Piping-refrigeration, hydronic, steam, process
• Heating and cooling principles, theory, and equipment
• Refrigerants and refrigeration
• Fuel and LP gas
• Combustion air, chimneys, flues, and vents
• Ducts, ventilation, and exhaust
• Load calculations

The Business & Law Exam includes the following topics:

• Business organization
• Licensing
• Estimating and bidding
• Contract management
• Project management
• Risk management
• Safety
• Labor law
• Financial management
• Tax law
• Lien law

The test will also include additional statutes related to HVACR. Both the trade exam and the Business & Law Exam are open-book and feature 50 questions. You must answer 70% or more correctly to pass, and you’ll have 130 minutes to complete each exam.

How to Prepare for State Exams

The best way to prepare for exams is with a state-approved program that offers 24/7 online access and a self-paced learning format designed for working professionals.

RocketCert offers Business & Law exam prep for all trades, as well as a program specifically for HVACR professionals in New Jersey. Contact us now to get started.