License Requirements
NOTICE: Effective February 1, 2008, all individuals applying for a tradesman’s license or individual certification must submit an application directly to the Board for Contractors (the Board) BEFORE taking any required examination. The examination vendor, PSI, will no longer permit you to sit for the exam unless you have received prior approval from the Board.
The Board will review the application and, if it determines an applicant is eligible to sit for the examination, notification will be sent to the applicant via regular mail with instructions concerning how to register with PSI and schedule the examination.
Once an applicant passes the examination, PSI will notify the Board and the license will be sent to the individual’s address of record.
Residential HVAC candidates must meet one of the following:
Two yrs practical experience in the trade and 160 hours of formal vocational training in the trade OR
Three yrs practical experience in the trade and 120 hours of formal vocational training in the trade OR
Four yrs practical experience in the trade and 80 hours of formal vocational training in the trade OR
Five yrs practical experience in the trade and 40 hours of formal vocational training in the trade OR
Six yrs practical experience in the trade OR
Be currently certified as a Residential Tradesman in the trade by a governing body outside of VA
Reciprocity
Virginia does not have reciprocity for this classification.Continuing Education
You must complete at least 3 hours of continuing education from a provider that has been approved by the Board. This must be done before you can renew your license.The Exam
Testing is administered by PSI.
The Residential HVAC tradesman exam is open-book, 55 questions with 120 minutes to complete and 70% is required to pass (39 correct)
The cost of the exam is $100.00
Exam subject areas include: des: Warm Air Heating, Ventilation Systems, Air Conditioning Systems, Chimneys, Flues and Vents, Hot Water Heaters and Hot Water Piping, Combustion Air, Low Voltage, Fuel Oil Piping and Storage, Insulation, Refrigerants, Refrigerant Piping, Chilled and Condenser Water Piping and Firestopping/Penetration Inspection.
The Statutory/Regulatory questions are now included in the Tradesman exam and content includes: Standards of Practice, Standards of Conduct, Renewal and Reinstatement, Definitions, Qualification for Licensure and Revocation of Licensure.
How We Help You Prepare
American Contractors has a 1-day seminar to prepare for the Virginia Residential HVAC tradesman exam. Our Seminar is designed to be 8-hours of instruction. 
