HVAC Technician licensing in Maryland

Scope of Work

A Maryland Master HVACR Contractor is authorized to contract for and supervise heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work and to pull related permits statewide. The Maryland State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at the Maryland Department of Labor, administers licensure under Md. Code Ann., Business Regulation Title 9A. Source: Maryland State Board of HVACR Contractors (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/hvacr/) and Licensing Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/hvacr/hvacrlicreq.shtml).

Experience and Training

Standard pathway: hold a Maryland HVACR Journeyman license, then be regularly and principally employed to provide HVACR services for at least 3 years of active experience under the direction and control of a Maryland HVACR Master, and have worked at least 1,875 hours in the year prior to application. Total documented hours typically run 5,625+ at the Master stage. Apprentice and Journeyman registration are prerequisites. Source: Maryland State Board of HVACR Contractors License Requirements (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/hvacr/hvacrlicreq.shtml).

EPA 608 (Federal). Under 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants or their substitutes must be certified. EPA 608 is required for refrigerant work but does not replace the Maryland Master HVACR license. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification).

Exam

Administered by the Board's designated exam vendor. The Master exam is 100 questions over 4 hours, with a passing score of 70%. Content covers the Maryland Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code as adopted in Maryland, Md. Code Ann., Business Regulation Title 9A, and Board rules at COMAR 09.32. Source: Maryland OneStop HVACR Master License (https://onestop.md.gov/licenses/heating-ventilation-ac-refrigeration-master-5d15409b54f24d03e9997ae5).

Renewal and CE

2-year renewal cycle. Maryland HVACR licensees must complete Board-approved continuing education at renewal; verify current hours on the Board page. Source: Maryland State Board of HVACR Contractors (https://labor.maryland.gov/license/hvacr/).

Reciprocity

Maryland maintains reciprocal arrangements with specific states for Master HVACR licensure. Applicants licensed in another state should submit a license-verification letter and confirm current terms with the Board.

Union and Non-Union Pathway

Maryland HVAC apprenticeships run through UA-affiliated Plumbers Local 486 and Local 5 (refrigeration scope), Sheet Metal Workers Local 100 (Washington/Baltimore area), and non-union programs registered with ACCA Mid-Atlantic, PHCC Maryland, ABC Greater Baltimore, and ABC Chesapeake Shores. Community College of Baltimore County and Anne Arundel Community College provide HVACR curricula leading to EPA 608 certification. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.

Scope Limitations

Only a licensed Maryland Master HVACR Contractor (or a firm employing one as Master of record) may contract for HVACR work and pull related permits statewide. A Maryland HVACR Journeyman works under a Master. A Master HVACR Restricted license carries a narrower scope defined by Board rule.