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Hydronics contractors are an integral part of the construction industry. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of steam and hot-water heating and chilled-water refrigeration systems. Whether you work primarily in residential or commercial settings, your services are essential to creating comfortable, temperature-controlled environments where people live and work.

When you obtain your hydronics contractor license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), you have the option to choose a one-year or three-year license term, which impacts your cycle for renewal.

What are the requirements to renew each license, and what happens if you miss your renewal deadline?

One-Year License Renewal Requirements

To renew a one-year hydronics contractor license, you must complete eight hours of approved continuing education (CE). Four hours may be completed online, but the other four must be completed in-person via courses in a classroom setting or through live webinars.

The eight hours of CE should cover topics like Ohio codes and code changes, safety protocols, and business practices. They may also cover general topics related to the hydronics industry, but it’s important to make sure any course you choose is approved by the licensing board.

CE to Renew a Three-Year License

To renew a three-year hydronics contractor license, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education. You may take up to 12 hours online, with the remaining 12 hours completed in a classroom setting and/or via live webinar. You may not take the same four-hour course more than once within a calendar year.

In addition, you will only be credited for up to 10 hours of CE completed within a single calendar day. Suitable topics for 24 hours of CE are the same as the eight-hour requirement – you just have to complete more hours.

Penalties for Failing to Renew Your License on Time

If the expiration date for your license arrives and you have not yet completed the renewal process, your license will be suspended automatically. You still have up to one year to complete your license renewal, but you will have to pay a late fee on top of the existing renewal fee.

If you fail to reactivate your license within the one-year grace period, your license will be automatically revoked. If you want to continue to work as a hydronics contractor, you must reapply to become licensed again, meeting all applicable requirements.

You are not legally permitted to operate as a hydronics contractor without a valid license. Doing so could result in civil and even criminal charges, as well as penalties like fines and potentially jail time. Hydronics contractors can also face civil lawsuits for operating unlicensed, and contracts are invalid if performed by unlicensed parties. This means customers are not obligated to pay.

Flexible CE Programs for Working Professionals

As a working professional, you need a CE program that takes your needs and challenges into consideration. A program that offers 24/7 online access allows you to learn at your own pace.

Is the renewal deadline for your Ohio hydronics contractor license approaching? Contact RocketCert now to learn more about approved CE courses.