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Skilled trades have been enjoying something of a resurgence in recent years. Young people have begun weighing the rising costs of a college degree against the difficulties of finding and holding a job in an uncertain economy.

Consumers will always need trades. Professionals like contractors, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists help keep residential and commercial properties functioning.

Perhaps you’re interested in working in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) — or, more specifically, refrigeration. If so, you’ll first have to obtain a license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR).

This is essential in the state of Virginia for any tradesperson who wishes to operate in compliance with the law and perform or manage any project valued at over $1,000. But what types of licenses are available, and what are the requirements?

Journeyman Refrigeration License

The first step to becoming a licensed refrigeration tradesperson in Virginia is obtaining a journeyman license. Before you can do this, though, you must meet specific requirements for education and experience. The requirements include the following:

• Completing a two-year program at a trade or tech school or community college
• Or 240 hours of education/vocational training and four years of experience
• Or 160 hours of education/vocational training and five years of experience
• Or 80 hours of education/vocational training and six years of experience
• Or a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field and one year of experience
• Or 10 years of experience

Once you have completed these requirements, you must take the Journeyman Refrigeration exam, a 150-minute, open-book test totaling 50 questions. It asks about topics like standards of practice and conduct, definitions, piping, testing, and more. You must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass.

Master Refrigeration License

After obtaining a journeyman license, you’ll have to spend a year gaining practical experience. Working as a journeyman refrigeration tradesperson in Virginia will allow you to meet that requirement.

Journeyman refrigeration work involves installing, repairing, and maintaining specific refrigeration materials and equipment. During this time, you’ll work under the supervision of a master refrigeration professional. Once you have completed your one-year requirement, you can take the Master Refrigeration license exam.

Contractor

In conjunction with obtaining a refrigeration license, you’ll want to get a Class A, B, or C contractor license. In the state of Virginia, this is required for any tradesperson bidding on jobs valued at over $1,000. Jobs at this level are incredibly common when you work in the HVAC/refrigeration field.

To become a refrigeration contractor, you must first obtain a Master Refrigeration license. Then, you need to meet all other criteria, complete an approved 8-hour pre-licensing course, and take the appropriate contractor exams.

Preparing for Success

Even those who have met education and experience requirements to take licensing exams may struggle to pass their tests. This is where a reliable and comprehensive exam prep course can help.

You’ll want to look for courses that offer the convenience of online learning at your own pace, as well as lifetime access to materials you can refer back to at any time. Look for guarantees like a no pass, no pay policy that ensure the best preparation to help you pass your exam the first time.

RocketCert is the ultimate resource for professionals looking to obtain and maintain refrigeration, contractor, and other licenses in Virginia. Contact us today to learn more.