HVAC Contractor License Requirements in Georgia

Overview — hvac licensing in Georgia

Georgia requires a state-level hvac contractor license, issued by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Conditioned Air Contractors. The license verifies competence and consumer protection, and is required to legally bid and perform hvac work in the state. Working without one when required is typically a misdemeanor and exposes the contractor to civil penalties — and the contract becomes unenforceable in court.

License classes available

Georgia offers 2 hvac license classes — pick based on the largest project you plan to bid:

• Class I Conditioned Air Contractor (Restricted). Limited to systems under 175,000 BTU/hr cooling, 175,000 BTU/hr heating.
• Class II Conditioned Air Contractor (Unrestricted). All conditioned air work — any size.

Experience required

Class I: 2 years experience. Class II: 4 years.

Exam — what you're tested on

Georgia requires a written examination administered by PSI Services. Topics covered:

• IMC + GA amendments
• Trade knowledge
• Business and law

Passing score: 75%.

Fees

• Application fee: $30
• Initial license fee: $75
• Renewal fee: $75 ( biennial)

Bond & insurance

Bond: Not required at the state level.

General liability insurance: Minimum $500,000.

Workers' compensation: Required for 3+ employees.

Continuing education

Georgia requires 4 hours of continuing education annual. CE must come from approved providers — verify a course is approved before paying. Required topics typically include:

• IMC updates
• Refrigerant management

Reciprocity with other states

Georgia has reciprocity agreements with: AL, LA, MS, TN, SC, NC, FL. Reciprocity typically waives the trade exam if you hold an equivalent license in good standing in the reciprocal state for at least one year. Each state still requires its own application and business/law exam.

Local permits and requirements

Atlanta and metro counties require HVAC permits. Atlanta requires city contractor registration.

Common gotchas

Things that catch most applicants on their first license cycle in Georgia:

• Class I restricted to 175,000 BTU/hr — easy to exceed on commercial.
• Generous SE reciprocity — GA Class II opens 7 states.
• Atlanta city contractor registration on top of state.
• EPA Section 608 separately required.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between Georgia Class I and Class II conditioned air?

Class I is restricted to systems under 175,000 BTU/hr cooling and heating — covers most residential and small commercial. Class II is unrestricted — required for large commercial and industrial.

Does Georgia have HVAC reciprocity with Florida?

Partial. FL accepts GA Class II for trade exam waiver, but FL business and law exam still required.

How long does Georgia HVAC licensing take?

Application: 30–60 days. Exam: 2–4 weeks. Total: 8–12 weeks from start.

Can a GA Class I HVAC pro install a 200,000 BTU commercial RTU?

No — that exceeds the 175,000 BTU/hr limit. Class II Unrestricted required.

What CE counts for GA's 4-hour HVAC requirement?

Board-approved providers — local HVAC associations, manufacturer-sponsored CE, community colleges.