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Most states have licensing requirements for skilled tradespeople to ensure that standards for training, experience, and public safety are met — Virginia is no exception. To work in the HVAC field, you’ll need to start by obtaining an HVAC license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR).

This means meeting a range of requirements, including hours of vocational training and/or years of experience, before you can take the exam to obtain a journeyman and then a master license. After that, you’ll be required to complete continuing education and renew your license periodically.

You need to keep track of when your license will expire, complete the required coursework, and pay your renewal fee in a timely manner. Here’s what you need to know to maintain your HVAC license in Virginia.

Why Is Renewal So Important?

Before we get into the specifics of renewing your license, you need to understand why it’s so crucial. In Virginia, you’re not allowed to perform HVAC work for contracts over $1,000 without a license.

If you miss your renewal deadline, your license will expire, and this will significantly impact your ability to complete current contracts and bid on new jobs. Although the state offers a 30-day grace period for you to complete the process and reinstate your license, you still can’t work with an expired license, and you’ll have to pay additional fees.

After the reinstatement deadline passes, you must reapply for a license by meeting all associated requirements. In order to continue working uninterrupted, it’s critical that you complete your renewal before your license expires.

When and How Do I Renew My License?

Whether you hold a journeyman or master license, you must renew it every three years based on the date it was issued. However, you have until the end of the month in which it expires, so if your license was issued on June 1, 2020, the date of expiration would be June 30, 2023.

In order to renew your license, you’ll have to complete a state-approved continuing education course that consists of three hours of instruction covering the topic of International Mechanical Code (IMC) changes.

Once you have taken the course, you must submit proof of completion, along with renewal fees, to the Board of Contractors, tasked by the DPOR with regulating license renewal.

Renewal Programs That Work for Working Professionals

Anyone seeking license renewal is likely a working professional, which means they may not have unlimited time to devote to continuing education. For this reason, you’ll want to find a program that meets state approval requirements while also catering to your particular needs.

The right program will offer online courses that allow you to proceed at your own pace, and you should look for courses designed by industry experts and educators. The best programs also offer an instant certificate of completion and submit daily notifications to the state for your convenience and peace of mind.

RocketCert is the ultimate resource for professionals looking to maintain licenses. Are you ready to renew your Virginia HVAC license? Contact us today to learn more.