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Humans have long enjoyed the ability to ward off the elements and stay warm. These days, homes and businesses rely on the expertise of HVAC professionals to keep their furnaces, air conditioning units, duct systems, and other heating and cooling equipment functioning. 

When you choose a skilled trade like HVAC, you help customers maintain safe and comfortable interior temperatures. You also enter an in-demand trade where you can learn on the job and avoid the mountain of debt associated with traditional four-year colleges and universities. 

How do you get started? You must first obtain a license from the Division of Building Safety under the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). You can choose an HVAC journeyman or HVAC contractor license. 

HVAC Journeyman License 

With an HVAC journeyman license, you are permitted to perform several activities related to HVAC systems and equipment, including: 

• Installation 
• Improvement 
• Extension 
• Alteration 
• Maintenance 
• Repair 

You may also supervise apprentices performing such activities. However, you must operate under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor. 

To qualify for a journeyman HVAC license, you must first complete 576 hours of classroom or online instruction through a board-approved HVAC apprenticeship program, as well as 8,000 hours of supervised HVAC installation.  

You may complete these requirements simultaneously, but you have to hold an active HVAC apprenticeship registration while you perform work activities. 

When you file your notarized application for licensure, you’ll submit a verification form for experience hours with it. Next, you’ll take the Idaho HVAC Journeyman Exam, which includes 100 questions about topics like: 

• General codes and regulations, including the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel and Gas Code  
• HVAC processes 
• Gas and electric heating 
• Refrigeration 
• Ventilation and exhaust systems 
• Duct systems 
• Chimneys and vents 
• Combustion air 
• Boilers 
• Hydronic piping 
• Sizing and drawings 

You will have four hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. 

HVAC Contractor License 

As an HVAC contractor, you are permitted to perform all the same job activities as a journeyman, but you may also supervise apprentices and licensed journeyman workers. Qualified applicants for this license will have two years of verified experience as a licensed HVAC journeyman. 

You must also pass the Idaho HVAC Contractor Exam, consisting of 100 questions on similar topics to the journeyman exam. This test also covers business and law topics like: 

• Contracts 
• Liability 
• Employment laws 
• Idaho Public Works statutes and rules 
• DOPL Business and Law Reference Manual 

You will have four hours to complete this open-book exam, and you must answer a minimum of 70 questions correctly to pass. 

How to Prepare for Success With Testing 

Passing your state exam on the first try allows you to continue your career path uninterrupted. The best way to do this is with an exam prep program designed for working professionals, with 24/7 access to online materials so you can learn when it’s convenient for you. 

Is it time to move forward with your career and obtain an HVAC journeyman or HVAC contractor license in Idaho? RocketCert is here to help. Contact us now to get started.