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Ohio HVAC License Requirements

Ohio doesn't license individual HVAC technicians. HVAC contractors need a state license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Commerce). Some cities license HVAC technicians. Anyone who handles refrigerant also needs federal EPA 608 certification.

Contractor only · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated

License tiers

ApprenticeNo state license
JourneymanNo state license
MasterNo state license
ContractorOCILB HVAC, Refrigeration, Hydronics contractor

Requirements

Contractor experience5 years as tradesperson
ExamOCILB exam
Minimum age18
Renewal1 or 3 years
Continuing education8 hours (1-year) or 24 hours (3-year)
Local licenseWorkers may need local license
BoardOhio Construction Industry Licensing Board (Commerce)

Board website

Local licenses in Ohio

  • Columbus

    City

    City registration of state OCILB contractor license

    Columbus Building and Zoning Services

    Columbus City Code ch. 4114: all contractors must hold the right city license or registration before pulling permits. HVAC contractors register their OCILB license.

  • Cleveland

    City

    City contractor registration (bonded, insured)

    Cleveland Department of Building and Housing

    To build or rehabilitate Cleveland homes, contractors must be bonded, insured and registered; electricians and plumbers must also be licensed. Owner-occupants of 1-2 family homes may work without registration.

  • Cincinnati

    City

    City contractor registration

    Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections

Federal: EPA 608 certification

RuleFederal 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.

  • Source: epa.gov page 1, page 2 · checked November 5, 2026
  • Source: ecfr.gov · checked November 5, 2026

Exam

Exam providerPSI (for OCILB)

OCILB testing application: exams via PSI for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics and refrigeration contractors. Format not in the application.

Apprenticeship

Registering agencyState Apprenticeship Agency (ApprenticeOhio (ODJFS))

Mechanical code

Code in force2021 IMC with state amendments (as 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code)

2024 Ohio codes from the 2021 I-Codes with Ohio amendments, effective March 1, 2024. Commercial buildings; residential follows the Residential Code of Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

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