Massachusetts HVAC License Requirements
Partly. Massachusetts licenses only refrigeration work through the MA Bureau of Pipefitters & Refrigeration Technicians; other HVAC work has no state license. Anyone who handles refrigerant also needs federal EPA 608 certification.
Partial state license · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated
License tiers
| Apprentice | Refrigeration Apprentice |
| Journeyman | Refrigeration Technician |
| Master | No state license |
| Contractor | Refrigeration Contractor |
Requirements
| Contractor experience | 6,000 |
| Classroom hours | 250 |
| Exam | State exam |
| Fees | Renewal: apprentice $20, technician $50, contractor $75 |
| Continuing education | None required for renewal |
| Local license | No (state license covers) |
| Board | MA Bureau of Pipefitters & Refrigeration Technicians |
Federal: EPA 608 certification
| Rule | Federal certification required to service or dispose of refrigerant equipment and to buy refrigerant |
Who: anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant (attaching gauges, adding or removing refrigerant). Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high- and very high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), Universal (all types). Expiry: credentials do not expire. Buying refrigerant: sellers may sell only to certified technicians or employers of one, with limited exceptions (e.g. small cans of MVAC refrigerant). EPA does not issue cards; approved certifying organizations do. Universal requires a proctored core exam.
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | State Apprenticeship Agency (Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards) |
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026
- Source: mass.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Mechanical code
| Code in force | 2021 IMC with state amendments |
780 CMR 10th edition, first effective Oct 11, 2024; sole code from July 1, 2025. Municipal stretch energy codes may also apply.
- Source: mass.gov · checked November 5, 2026