Many states have licensure requirements.
In the state of West Virginia you have to obtain a license that certifies that you are able to perform installation, maintenance and repair work on HVAC systems.
To obtain that license you will need to pass two exams.
Those are the business and law exam, and the trade exam.
In both cases the tests are pen-and-paper tests, and require a score of at least 70% for a passing grade.
The contractor does not have to take these exams.
However, it is important that the contractor employs a person that does meet the proper requirements in order to bid and accept contracts for HVAC work.
As a contractor you are in obligation to supply proof of workers’ compensation, tax registration, and employment security coverage.
HVAC Contractor licenses are valid for one year in West Virginia.
The license should certify that you have skills in the field such as:
- installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC units in residential or commercial spaces;
- analyzing air quality, humidity levels, and temperature control mechanisms;
- understanding the fundamentals of heating and refrigeration systems;
- and using relevant electronic parts.
A requirement for the licensure process is that you submit proof that you have a minimum of two thousand hours of experience nd/or training working on HVAC systems and at least six thousand hours (6,000) of experience and/or training in HVAC systems and relating work including sheet metal industry tasks.
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Examination
The exam lasts three hours and has 84 questions.
The topics featured are: general regulations, load calculations, code requirements, controls, fuel systems, ducting, insulating, piping, and safety.
You need to score a minimum of 70% to pass the test.
The fee you have to pay for the exam is $42, and you schedule it with ProV at 1-866-720-7768.
Here are some reference books:
- 2012 International Mechanical Code
- HVAC Basics for Contractors
- Residential Comfort Systems Installation Standards Manual, 7th Edition
Application Process
To apply for the license you need to get application from the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board by calling 1-877-558-5134.
The fee you have to pay is $90.
In case that you are applying for a license as a corporation, then you must submit a copy of the certificate of authority from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office with your application form.
You might need these addresses:
- West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board at (304) 558-7890, West Virginia Division of Labor, Contractor Licensing Board, State Capital Complex, Bldg. 9, Rm. 749, Charleston, WV 25305
- To apply for an examination:
ProV
200 Association Drive, Suite 190
Charleston, WV 25311
866-720-7768 or 304-414-0190 Ext.4 (Locally)
EPA Requirements
The federal law requires all people who want to purchase and handle hazardous refrigerants to be certified by the EPA.
The certificate you have to obtain is the EPA Section 608 certification.
There is no state that is an exception to this federal law.
It has to be obeyed in every state.
EPA certification is obtained by passing an EPA approved test.
The exam will certify that you know how to use and apply and dispose specific types of refrigerants.
Schools
To prepare for your licensure exams and for the job itself, it would be best to attend and complete an official HVAC training.
Approved HVAC training programs are a perfect marriage of theory and practice.
Therefore, you will definitely benefit greatly from them.
Here is a list of schools that offer approved HVAC training programs in West Virginia:
11 HVAC Schools in West Virginia
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashworth College | 6625 The Corners Pkwy NW #500, Norcross, GA 30092 |
| Academy of Careers and Technology | 390 Stanaford Road, Berkley, WV 25801 |
| Cabell County Career Technology Center | 1035 Norway Avenue, Huntington, WV 25705 |
| Carver Career Center | 4799 Midland Drive, Charleston, WV 25306 |
| hvacredu.net (Online Training) | P.O. Box 77, Heron, MT 59844 |
| James Rumsey Technical Institute | 3274 Hedgesville Road, Martinsburg, WV 25401 |
| Marshall Community & Technical College | One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755 |
| Mineral County Technical Center | 600 Harley Staggers Drive, Keyser, WV 26726 |
| Southern West VA Community & Technical College | PO Box 2900, Mount Gay, WV 25637 |
| West Virginia Northern Community Center | 1704 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 |
| West Virginia State University | PO Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112 |
Salary
There are many factors that can affect the height of your salary.
There is experience, education, licenses, certifications.
All of those, including your employer could have an impact on your earnings.
Here is a table of salaries you can expect as a HVAC technician in the ten largest cities in West Virginia:
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of HVAC Techs in West Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $42,565 |
| Huntington | $41,270 |
| Parkersburg | $41,495 |
| Wheeling | $45,635 |
| Morgantown | $45,635 |
| Weirton | $45,481 |
| Fairmont | $45,635 |
| Beckley | $42,191 |
| Clarksburg | $41,121 |
| Martinsburg | $47,242 |
Conclusion
West Virginia is a great place to begin a career as a HVAC technician.
If you have just completed a HVAC training program, you do not need to have a license in order to carry out work in the HVAC field.
However, if you are a contractor you do need to have a license under this state’s jurisdiction.
If you do not have a license, you can only work under the supervision of other properly licensed HVAC technicians.
This is how you will gain knowledge and skills in a form of an apprenticeship.
