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Just like many other states, Kentucky requires that HVAC mechanics become licensed before they are able to bid on contracting HVAC work. If you are in the HVAC industry or are looking to jumpstart your career, you will need to obtain your Kentucky license. 

Below, we’ll detail how you can do just that.

What Types of HVAC Licenses Are Available in Kentucky?

There are two types of Kentucky HVAC licenses available. They are known as the journeyman HVAC mechanic and master HVAC contractor’s license. Each license has unique requirements and prerequisites.

The journeyman HVAC mechanic license is more of an introductory certification. Typically, applicants must work as a journeyman before they will be eligible to apply for a master HVAC contractor certification. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which are detailed below.

What Work Can Be Done with Each License?

A licensed journeyman HVAC mechanic in Kentucky has the ability to work on job sites. They are directly tasked with supervising each apprentice. A journeyman HVAC mechanic can also:

• Install new systems
• Alter existing units
• Repair HVAC components

In Kentucky, journeyman HVAC mechanics can perform a wide variety of tasks related to heating and cooling systems. However, they must work under the direction of a master HVAC contractor. They cannot independently bid for jobs or obtain HVAC permits.

On the other hand, a master HVAC contractor has a much wider scope of responsibilities. Not only are they tasked with supervising journeyman HVAC mechanics, but they can also obtain permits and bid for contracts. They are ultimately responsible for the success of the repair or installation.

Requirements to Become a Journeyman HVAC Mechanic

The Journeyman HVAC Mechanic license is the introductory type of licensure that is available in Kentucky. Like many other states, Kentucky requires proof of work experience before allowing applicants to sit for an exam. 

Specifically, applicants must have 2 years of experience working under a master HVAC contractor in the state.

Kentucky also offers an alternative means of meeting the work experience requirement. If you have worked in HVAC outside of the state for 4 years or more, then you can sit for the exam.

The journeyman HVAC mechanic exam consists of 60 total questions. Applicants must obtain a passing score of 70% or better. The exam lasts for 3 hours and is open book, which means that obtaining high-quality study materials is essential.

Requirements to Become a Master HVAC Contractor

Master HVAC contractors are capable of overseeing their own projects, bidding on contracts, and supervising journeyman HVAC contractors. As you might expect, the state has set stringent requirements for becoming a master HVAC contractor.

As with the other certification, applicants must obtain work experience before being allowed to sit for the exam. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience working under a licensed master HVAC contractor as a journeyman HVAC mechanic in the state of Kentucky. The alternative option is to obtain 5 years of experience working as a master HVAC contractor in another state.

In order to become a master HVAC contractor in Kentucky, applicants must also obtain general liability insurance. The policy must be for $500,000 minimum. Applicants must also obtain property damage coverage of $300,000 or more. Only then will they be able to take the exam.

Keep in mind, once you obtain your license, you must complete state-approved HVAC continuing education prior to each renewal. Luckily, RocketCert has online continuing education courses to help you renew your license from anywhere.

The master HVAC exam consists of 100 total questions and lasts for four hours. It is in an open book format and requires a passing score of 70% or better.

Are you ready to become a licensed HVAC journeyman or master contractor in Kentucky? If so, then it is essential that you trust your success to a company with a proven track record of success.

RocketCert is that company. We provide our clients with high-quality exam prep materials, including instructor support, books for the exam, and pre-printed quick reference tabs. Check out our state-approved Kentucky HVAC bundle today!