How to Become an HVAC Technician in Texas

Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Thinking about launching your HVAC career in Texas? You’re not alone—and you’re right on time. With year-round demand for heating and cooling, new construction, and population growth across the Lone Star State, HVAC technicians are in high demand.

This guide explains how to become a licensed HVAC technician in Texas based on current laws from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)1 and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)2.

✅ Do You Need a License to Work in HVAC in Texas?

Yes. Texas requires HVAC professionals to be registered or licensed depending on your experience level and job duties.

Credential Who It’s For Issued By
ACR Technician Registration Entry-level workers assisting licensed contractors TDLR1
EPA Section 608 Certification Anyone handling refrigerants EPA2
Contractor License (Class A or B) Experienced technicians who want to run a business TDLR1

"All individuals performing air conditioning and refrigeration work in Texas must either be licensed or registered with the TDLR." — Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation1

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Become an HVAC Tech in Texas

1. Meet Basic Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a high school diploma or GED
  • Be eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Pass a background check3

2. Register as an ACR Technician

This is your first official step if you're new to the trade.

"ACR Technicians must be registered with TDLR and may not perform unsupervised HVAC work." — TDLR1

3. Get EPA Section 608 Certified

This federal certification is required nationwide for anyone handling refrigerants.

Certification Type What It Covers
Type I Small appliances (under 5 lbs)
Type II High-pressure systems (residential/commercial)
Type III Low-pressure systems (chillers)
Universal All of the above

The exam is offered by HVAC schools or testing centers like ESCO and HVAC Excellence.

4. Complete HVAC Training or Apprenticeship

Texas does not mandate a specific program, but training helps you land jobs and prepare for licensure.

Training Option Duration Where to Find It
Apprenticeship (earn & learn) 4–5 years Union/non-union programs, trade associations
Trade School / Tech College 6–24 months Texas community colleges, private institutes

"Texas allows education to substitute for some work experience when applying for a license." — TDLR1

5. Apply for an HVAC Contractor License (Optional but Valuable)

Once you have 48 months (8,000 hours) of experience, you can apply for your own Class A or Class B license.

License Type Description
Class A License Work on any size HVAC system (no limit)
Class B License Limited to cooling systems <25 tons, heating <1.5M BTU/h

Requirements:

  • 48 months of experience (can combine education + work)
  • Pass TDLR contractor exam (administered by PSI)4
  • Submit fingerprints and background check
  • Carry liability insurance (min. $300,000 aggregate)

💰 Estimated Cost Breakdown

Item Estimated Cost
ACR Technician Registration $20
HVAC Trade School / Training $2,000–$15,000
EPA 608 Certification $50–$100
Contractor Exam (Class A/B) ~$64
License Application (TDLR) $115
Liability Insurance $200–$600/year
Fingerprinting / Background Check $40–$100
Total Estimated Cost $2,500–$16,000+

💼 HVAC Salary & Job Outlook in Texas

Role Average Salary5 Job Outlook
Entry-Level Technician $38,000–$45,000 High
Experienced HVAC Tech $55,000–$70,000 Very High
Licensed Contractor / Owner $80,000–$120,000+ Excellent

"Texas has one of the highest employment levels for HVAC technicians in the U.S." — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics5

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Is HVAC licensing required in Texas?
Yes. At a minimum, you must register as an ACR Technician if you’re doing any HVAC work.

Can I work without a license?
Only under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor and with ACR registration.

How long does it take to become a licensed HVAC contractor?
It typically takes 4 years of experience, but time can be reduced with trade school credit.

Is EPA certification required in Texas?
Yes. It's a federal requirement for handling any refrigerants.

📚 Citations

  1. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation – Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩

  2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Section 608: https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩ ↩

  3. Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal History Checks: https://www.dps.texas.gov ↩

  4. PSI Exams – Texas HVAC Licensing: https://www.psiexams.com ↩

  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – HVAC Occupation Profile: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm ↩ ↩

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.