NEW-JERSEY · hvac
Master HVACR Contractor
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors →Scope of Work
A New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor is authorized to contract for and perform heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work and to pull related permits. The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, administers the license under N.J.S.A. 45:16A-1 et seq. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr).
Experience and Training
Qualifying pathways to the Master HVACR exam include: (a) completion of a 4-year USDOL-approved HVACR apprenticeship plus 1 year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor; (b) a 4-year bachelor's degree in HVACR from an accredited college or university plus 1 year of journeyperson experience under a Master; (c) a 4-year bachelor's degree in an HVACR-related field plus 3 years of journeyperson experience under a Master; or (d) a 2-year degree from an accredited trade, technology, community, or county school or college plus at least 2 years of a USDOL-approved HVACR apprenticeship plus 1 year of journeyperson experience under a Master. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors FAQ (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr/Pages/FAQ.aspx).
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 New Jersey 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. Content covers the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code mechanical subcode, N.J.S.A. 45:16A, and Board rules. Verify current content outline and passing score in the Candidate Information Bulletin. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr).
Fees and Renewal
2-year renewal cycle; renewal fee is $160 per the Board's published schedule. Master HVACR Contractors must complete 5 CE credits from a Board-approved course every 2 years before license renewal. Source: NJ State Board of Examiners of HVACR Contractors FAQ (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hvacr/Pages/FAQ.aspx).
Reciprocity
New Jersey reviews reciprocal Master HVACR licensure on a case-by-case basis. Applicants licensed in another state should submit a license-verification letter and confirm current terms with the Board.
Union and Non-Union Pathway
New Jersey HVACR apprenticeships run through UA-affiliated Plumbers and Pipefitters locals (such as Local 9 and Local 322 where refrigeration is in scope), Sheet Metal Workers Local 25, and non-union programs registered with ACCA of New Jersey, PHCC of New Jersey, and MCANJ. County vocational schools and Mercer County Community College provide related instruction. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
Only a licensed Master HVACR Contractor (or a firm employing one as Master of record) may contract for HVACR work and pull related permits in New Jersey. Out-of-state licensees have no automatic authority in New Jersey; they must qualify and test through the Board.