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There are two different classes of air conditioning and refrigeration contractors that work in the state of Texas: Class A and Class B. Both Class A and Class B have all rights to work as an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor. Class B restricts the contractors from working with equipment that has more than 25 tons of cooling capacity or 1.5 million British thermal units per hour output heating capacity. Class A, on the other hand, is not restricted. There are different examinations required depending on if you want to become a Class A or Class B air conditioning and refrigeration contractor. 

The Class A examination consists of 120 questions and you are allowed 230 minutes to complete the exam. You must pay a fee of $74 to take the Class A examination. The Class B exam is only 100 questions and you are allowed 170 minutes to take the test. This exam fee is only $60. Both exams cover the same topics, such as Texas laws and rules, ventilation, combustion air, piping, HVAC/R systems and design, safety, air distribution, service, and more. The main difference between the two exams is Class B has fewer questions, costs less to take, but offers less time to take it. 

You are allowed to use a variety of references during the examination to help guide you through the test. Refer to our Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration License webpage for a list of those allowed items and sources. Once you have completed and passed either examination, you are able to apply for your license. Include a completed air conditioning and refrigeration license application along with $115 to cover the application fee. These materials can be sent to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in Austin, Texas. A minimum of 8 hours of continuing education is required for this license in the state of Texas.