Required Books
The references listed below can be used during the exam and are used in our preparation seminar. These references may be tabbed (with permanent index tabs) and highlighted.
They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-992-1910.
Add All Required Books to Cart ($519.20)
Additional Services
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
A Residential HVAC tradesman means a person who possesses the necessary ability, proficiency, and qualifications to perform HVAC work utilizing a working knowledge sufficient to comply with the pertinent provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code applicable to dwellings and townhouses, as those terms are defined in the Virginia Residential Code, or structures annexed to those dwellings or townhouses. It does not include commercial, industrial, institutional, or government-use structures outside of dwellings and townhouses.
To apply for a license, contact:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233
(804)367-8511
Important Contacts
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.
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.
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.