RHODE-ISLAND · hvac
Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Journeyperson (Class I or Class II)
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, Sprinklerfitters, Sheet Metal Workers and Oil Heat Contractors →Scope of Work
A Rhode Island Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Journeyperson is authorized to perform HVAC, refrigeration, and air-conditioning installations under the supervision of a licensed Master. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training regulates refrigeration, pipefitting, sprinkler, sheet-metal, and oil-heat trades through a dedicated Bureau under 260-RICR-30-15-2 (Rhode Island Code of Regulations). Source: RI Rules and Regulations 260-RICR-30-15-2 (https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/Part/260-30-15-2) and RI DLT Professional Regulation (https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation).
Experience and Training
Standard pathway to Refrigeration Journeyperson Class I: completion of a 5-year DLT-approved refrigeration apprenticeship totaling 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of related classroom instruction per year. Credit of up to 2 years of apprenticeship may apply for graduates of a DLT-accredited refrigeration program. Journeyperson Class II: holders must complete an additional 4,000 hours of training and 288 hours of continuing education beyond Class I, and pass an additional exam. Apprentice registration through the DLT Apprenticeship Division is a prerequisite. Source: RI Rules 260-RICR-30-15-2 (https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/Part/260-30-15-2).
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 states that Section 608 technician certification credentials do not expire. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification).
Exam
Administered by the Bureau's designated exam provider. Content covers the mechanical code currently adopted in Rhode Island, R.I. Gen. Laws and Board rules at 260-RICR-30-15-2, and relevant EPA 608 refrigerant-handling practice.
Renewal and CE
2-year renewal cycle. Refrigeration and HVAC licensees complete Board-approved continuing education at renewal; Class II Journeyperson upgrade requires an additional 288 hours of continuing education on top of Class I as one of the upgrade conditions. Verify current CE rules on the rules page before renewal. Source: RI Rules 260-RICR-30-15-2 (https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/Part/260-30-15-2).
Master Mechanical Contractor
A Master Mechanical Contractor license requires 10 years of licensure as a Refrigeration Master I and 10 years as a Pipefitter Master I (held concurrently is not required; each license must have been held for the full 10-year period). This is an unusually heavy threshold. Source: RI Rules 260-RICR-30-15-2 (https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/Part/260-30-15-2).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
Rhode Island apprenticeship is registered through the RI DLT Apprenticeship Division. UA Local 51 includes pipefitter and refrigeration apprenticeship tracks; Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 (regional) runs sheet-metal and HVAC-duct apprenticeships. Non-union programs run through ABC of Rhode Island and the New England Refrigeration Association. Community College of Rhode Island provides HVAC and refrigeration curricula leading to EPA 608 certification. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
A Journeyperson may not contract for refrigeration or HVAC work in the Journeyperson's own name; that requires a Master license and, for integrated mechanical contracting, a Master Mechanical Contractor license per Bureau rules.