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In order to legally operate as a limited heating professional in the state of Connecticut, you must first obtain a suitable license issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. What licenses are available, what is the scope of work you can perform, and what are the requirements to obtain a license for this skilled trade?

Journeyperson and Contractor Licenses

There are two options for professionals interested in a Limited Heating license: S-7 Limited Heating Contractor and S-8 Limited Heating Journeyperson. If you already hold an S-5 or S-6 license for Limited Heating, Hot Water, and Steam, you may know that these licensing classifications are similar.

For example, all of these licenses allow you to perform work on hot water and steam heating systems with a total heating load not surpassing 500,000 BTUs or steam pressure not surpassing 15 pounds, specifically limited to buildings of three stories or less. However, while this is the complete scope of work for S-5 and S-6 licenses, professionals who obtain S-7 and S-8 licenses may take on additional tasks.

Notably, these license classifications also allow for the installation and servicing of oil burners (not exceeding five gallons/hour), gas burners, and gas piping. An S-8 Journeyperson can perform work only under the supervision/employment of an S-7 Contractor, while a Contractor may work independently and supervise/employ Journeypersons.

S-7 and S-8 Licensing Requirements

In order to obtain a license, you will first have to complete the education/experience requirements. For an S-8 Journeyperson license, the easiest way to accomplish this is by completing an apprenticeship with the Connecticut Department of Labor. 

However, you may also substitute equivalent training and instruction, including 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You must supply proof in the form of a notarized letter from your current and/or previous employers.

Once you have a Journeyperson license, you can start working toward meeting the criteria for an S-7 Contractor license. This requires at least two years working as a Limited Heating Journeyperson, although applicants from out of state may also qualify if they hold a Heating and Cooling Contractor license and supply suitable proof of eligibility.

If you’ve met these criteria, the next step is to take a trade exam. You must pass this state exam to obtain your license. Topics covered by S-7 and S-8 exams include:

• Chimneys, flues, and vents
• Insulation
• General knowledge
• Controls
• Hydronics
• Fuel gas systems
• Oil burners
• Piping
• Boilers
• Maintenance and testing
• Combustion air
• Storage tanks

The S-7 Limited Journeyperson exam is a two-hour, open-book test featuring 50 questions, while the S-7 Limited Contractor exam is a two-hour, open-book test with 60 questions. In each case, you’ll have to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

Preparing for a Favorable Outcome

There’s nothing to stop you from taking the trade exam as soon as you complete your required apprenticeship or equivalent training and instruction. However, you want to make sure you pass the first time so you can get to work.

At RocketCert, you’ll find convenient online programs designed for professionals, with courses created by industry experts and educators. Are you ready to get your Limited Heating license in Connecticut? Contact us today to get started.