HVAC Tech Classes in Alabama (Top Schools)

As of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there are 356,960 employed HVAC technicians nationwide.

Of that, 5,700 accounts for Alabama HVAC technicians.

With such a lucrative career, now’s the time for you to get licensed.

Below, you’ll find detailed information on how to get licensed in Alabama.

HVAC Programs in Alabama

While many prefer taking on apprenticeships, getting more formal training and education can still prove valuable to you.

The table below lists some of the schools offering HVAC programs in Alabama.

How to Get Licensed in Alabama

The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors requires all HVAC technicians providing HVAC services in the state to be licensed.

Types of Licensure

The Board accepts licensure applications for two contractor licenses:

• Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor
• Refrigeration Contractors

You can receive a license for each in two ways:

• Licensure by examination
• Licensure by reciprocity

Licensing by Examination

You are eligible to sit for the Alabama HVAC/R Exam if you meet one of these qualifications:

• Registered as an apprentice by the Board for 2+ calendar years
• Completed at least 3000 hours of HVAC coursework or experience
• Graduated from an approved HVAC/R curriculum

If you qualify, then you can submit the following along with your exam application forms EA-1 to 4:

• Form W-2 and affidavits from the employer stating that you’ve worked in the HVAC/R industry for at least 2 years in the past 5 years; and/or,
• Certificates proving that you’ve attended at least 3000 hours of HVAC/R educational training; or,
• Transcript or any proof of graduation from an approved HVAC/R curriculum

About the Examination

Prov Inc. will administer the HVAC/R Contractor Licensure Exam on behalf of the Board.

However, payment for the exam fee of $150 will be made payable to the “State of Alabama.”

It will be an open book exam, allowing you to bring the approved reference materials with you to the testing center.

Here are the details for the exam:

• Heating and Air Conditioning – 110-item test to be completed in 5 hours
• Refrigeration – 90-item test to be completed in 4 hours

You must get a 70% score to pass the exam, and your test results will automatically be sent to the Board.

Applying for the License

Upon successful completion of the exam, you can now proceed to apply for your chosen license.

There are two types of licenses you can apply for:

• Active HVAC or Refrigeration Contractor, with a fee of $190 annually
• Inactive HVAC or Refrigeration Contractor, with a fee of $95 annually

If you go for active status, you must submit the following requirements along with the license application form:

• Contractor information form (AL-1) and/or business information form (AL-2)
• Performance bond in the amount of $15,000 in the business name
• Corporation documents or certificate of foreign authority

If you go for inactive status, submit the AL-1 form only.

Licensing by Reciprocity

You can apply for reciprocity if you have a current, valid license in the following states:

• Mississippi – at least 1 year
• Tennessee – at least 3 years
• South Carolina Residential Building Commission – at least 5 years
• Louisiana – no waiting period
• West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board – no waiting period

Applying for the License

To get your license in Alabama, submit the following:

• Duly accomplished application forms:
  • Contractor information form (AL-1)
  • Business information form (AL-2)
  • Verification of license and good standing (VL-1)
  • Reciprocal affidavit (VL-2)
  • Bond form (BF-1)
• Application fee of $190
• Performance bond in the amount of $15,000 in the business name

Continuing Education

The Board requires that you pursue continuing education for the renewal of your license.

At a minimum, you must take 4 CE hours annually.

You can take up to 8 CE hours in one year, with the first 4 hours applied to the current renewal cycle and the last 4 hours carried over to the next cycle.

However, any excess of 8 CE hours won’t be honored and carried over.

EPA Certification

In addition to the state license, you need to get the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

It’s a mandatory certification required by the Clean Air Act for all technicians working with refrigerants.

You can learn more about this certification here.

Potential Salary

Alabama HVAC technicians may earn between $29,000 and $75,000 annually, with an average salary of $48,580.

The table below shows the average salaries in 10 of Alama’s cities.

HVAC Schools by City

• Mobile