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Heating and cooling systems are an essential element of comfort and safety in many structures, from residential to commercial to industrial settings. With that being said, the proper installation, maintenance, and repair of these systems requires the technical expertise of a skilled tradesperson.

In the state of Connecticut, professionals working in such skilled trades as contracting, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are required to obtain appropriate licenses, which are issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, in order to operate legally. 

Those working as Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration specialists are no exception, so here is everything you need to know regarding how to obtain the proper license and get your career underway in Connecticut.

D-1 and D-2 Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Licenses

There are two different licenses available for these fields: D-1 Contractor and D-2 Journeyperson licenses. 

A D-2 Journeyperson license allows you to install, maintain, repair, alter, and replace equipment and systems related to warm air, air conditioning, and refrigeration, as well as associated piping and pumping equipment. However, all of your work must be performed under the supervision or employment of a licensed D-1 Contractor.

A D-1 Contractor can perform the same activities but do so independently, and they may oversee or employ Journeyperson professionals.

Licensing Requirements

Before you can apply for your D-2 Journeyperson license, you must first complete an apprenticeship through the Connecticut Department of Labor. As an alternative, you can complete the equivalent amount of training and instruction, which includes 4,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of classroom instruction. You must also provide proof of relevant experience in the form of a notarized letter from your previous employer.

To obtain a D-1 Contractor license, you’ll have to hold a Journeyperson license for at least two years. If you hold an out-of-state license as a Heating and Cooling Contractor, you may also qualify to apply for a D-1 Contractor license in Connecticut. Still, you will have to provide proof of your eligibility.

In addition to the required experience, you must pass a trade exam to obtain your Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration license. The D-2 Exam is a two-hour test consisting of 60 questions, while the D-1 Exam is a three-hour test made up of 70 questions. In both cases, the tests are open-book, and a passing grade requires that you answer a minimum of 70% of the questions correctly.

Exam Prep Designed for Working Professionals

The best exam prep programs will not only cover topics likely to appear on each test, but they will also help you prepare for any relevant math, calculations, isometrics, and so on. 

You’ll undoubtedly want to look for courses that include all needed materials (such as reference books to use during the exam), but you should also seek out practice quizzes, test simulations, and professional test-taking tips that will help you approach your exam with a calm and confident demeanor.

Online courses offer the greatest convenience for working professionals, with 24/7 access to materials. You’ll also benefit from coursework created by industry professionals and educators.

If you’ve completed the requirements needed to apply for your Limited Warm Air, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration D-1 Contractor or D-2 Journeyperson license in Connecticut, RocketCert has the exam prep course you need to pass all of your necessary testing. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.