WISCONSIN · hvac
HVAC Contractor Registration
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services →Scope of Work
Under Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.70, a person, entity, or business that engages in installing or servicing heating, ventilating, or air conditioning equipment in Wisconsin is required to hold an HVAC Contractor registration from DSPS. Exemptions apply to work on property the registrant owns or occupies, and to electrical or plumbing work associated with HVAC systems (which remains governed by the electrical and plumbing credentials). A business that employs a person holding an HVAC Qualifier certification is deemed a certified HVAC business. Source: DSPS HVAC Contractor (https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/HVACContractor/Default.aspx).
Experience and Training
The HVAC Contractor credential is a business registration rather than an individual credential. Application is made on DSPS Form 3121 and includes identification of the HVAC Qualifier or Master HVAC holder of record, worker's compensation insurance documentation (Wis. Stat. ch. 102), proof of business registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, and the required fee calculated in LicensE. Source: DSPS Form 3121 HVAC Contractor Registration Application (https://dsps.wi.gov/Credentialing/Trades/fm3121.pdf).
Military Crosswalk
The contractor credential is issued to a business entity, so the military crosswalk applies to the HVAC Qualifier of record, who separately qualifies for their individual credential under Wis. Stat. § 440.052. DSPS credits verified military HVAC experience toward the HVAC Qualifier credential.
Exam
No separate exam is required for the HVAC Contractor registration itself. The HVAC Qualifier of record must pass the Wisconsin HVAC Qualifier exam through LicensE. Source: DSPS HVAC Contractor (https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/HVACContractor/Default.aspx).
Reciprocity
The HVAC Contractor registration is a Wisconsin business credential and is not reciprocal with other states. A business based in another state applies by meeting the Wisconsin requirements, including identification of an appropriate Qualifier of record.
Renewal and CE
Renewal cycles and fees are calculated in LicensE. The DSPS Trades Renewal Dates and Fees document publishes current cycle lengths and fees (https://dsps.wi.gov/Credentialing/Trades/TradesRenewalDatesFees.pdf). Continuing education is not required for the HVAC Contractor credential itself; the HVAC Qualifier of record is separately responsible for maintaining their individual credential.
Scope Limitations
The HVAC Contractor registration authorizes business operations but does not authorize individuals to perform HVAC work without the appropriate individual credential. Electrical work beyond the incidental connection of HVAC equipment requires a Wisconsin Journeyman or Master Electrician credential under a licensed Electrical Contractor. Plumbing work beyond condensate drains and fuel-gas piping directly serving HVAC equipment requires a DSPS plumbing credential. Refrigerant handling is governed by EPA Section 608.