Quick Reference Table
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
License Type | Mechanical Journeyman, Supervisor A/B, Mechanical Contractor (varies by city/county) |
Regulating Agency | Local Building Department (Denver, Aurora, Larimer, Wheat Ridge, etc.) |
Experience Needed | Journeyman: 4 yrs/7,000 hrs. Supervisor B: 6 yrs. Supervisor A: 8 yrs (4 as journeyman) |
Exam Required | Yes, ICC National Standard (Journeyman, Residential, or Master); $115 per exam (as of 2026, verify exam fee) |
Renewal | Denver: every 3 years. Larimer: every 2 years. Aurora/Wheat Ridge: see local forms. |
Continuing Education (CE) | No statewide CE. Check local requirements. |
Fees | Aurora: $150 license, $120 SL fee (2026, verify fees). Larimer: $75 app/renewal (2026, see official fee schedule). Wheat Ridge: $100 license (2026). |
Official Links | Larimer County Building |
Who Needs a License in Colorado?
HVAC license requirements in Colorado are set by local jurisdictions, not the state. You need a local mechanical or HVAC contractor license to legally perform paid HVAC work in any Colorado city or county that enforces licensing and building permits.
In Colorado, Denver requires all HVAC workers (except helpers/trainees) to hold either a Mechanical Journeyman or Supervisor Certificate for installing or servicing HVAC systems on permitted projects. In addition, cities like Aurora, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and counties such as Larimer have their own licensing ordinances that mirror these requirements. If you plan to work across several counties, you will likely need separate licenses for each location if no reciprocity exists.
Most importantly, "general contractors" cannot automatically perform HVAC work unless holding the relevant mechanical or HVAC license for that locality. Employees may work under the license of a registered contractor, but independent subcontractors need their own license. Owner-builder exemptions and handyman exclusions vary by place, so always check your project jurisdiction first. For voluntary state-level residential certification, see HB26-1415 (not a true license; see official statute).
HVAC License Types
There is no statewide HVAC license, but HVAC license requirements in Colorado rely on city and county mechanical categories. The main license types are:
Mechanical Apprentice: Entry level, requires employment in trade, age 18, high school diploma/GED, and EPA Section 608 certification. Used in Denver and select counties. Not permitted to pull permits or supervise jobs.
Mechanical Journeyman: Requires 4 years (minimum 7,000 hours) of field installation or equivalent; must pass the ICC Journeyman Mechanical exam (#F31 or #F32 for residential). Authorizes installation of HVAC systems without supervision but cannot supervise other contractors.
Class B Supervisor (Residential Only): Requires 6 years' total experience (4 as journeyman, 2 as supervisor/design), EPA 608, and passage of the ICC F32 exam. Supervise and install residential-only HVAC systems.
Class A Supervisor (Master/Commercial): Requires 8 years’ experience (minimum 4 as journeyman), EPA 608, and the ICC F29 exam. Authorizes all commercial and residential HVAC installation, plus supervision of lower tiers.
Mechanical Contractor: The licensed business or entity employing journeyman and supervisors; must meet insurance and experience requirements, and one employee must hold a supervisor certificate. Used in Aurora, Larimer, Wheat Ridge, and many Colorado counties.
The exact names and scopes will vary, but nearly all localities align their categories closely with ICC exam standards (journeyman, master/supervisor, contractor entity). Always check the HVAC licensing resource overview or the official city/county links for specifics before applying.
How to Get Licensed: HVAC License Requirements in Colorado
To meet HVAC license requirements in Colorado, you must be licensed by the city or county where you will work. Each jurisdiction sets its own process, but the steps are similar statewide.
Step 1: Choose Your Jurisdiction
Identify the city or county building department (such as Denver, Aurora, Larimer County, or Wheat Ridge). Each has its own forms and application process.
Step 2: Meet Experience and EPA Certification Requirements
For apprentice entry, you need an employer willing to sponsor you. For mechanical journeyman, you need 4 years (7,000 hours) documented field experience. Supervisor licenses require 6 to 8 years and prior journeyman status. You must also obtain EPA Section 608 Certification, as most jurisdictions require it for anyone handling refrigerants.
Step 3: Take the ICC Exam
Register for the National Standard Mechanical (Journeyman F31/F32, Master F29) exam through Pearson VUE. Exam fees are $115 per attempt (as of 2026, verify at ServiceTitan Colorado Licensing).
Step 4: Gather Documentation
Assemble notarized letters of experience from employers or complete project verification forms (permit numbers, job addresses, and outcomes), plus all exam results and certifications. Larimer County, for example, requires three completed projects with permits and inspections or letters documenting years of HVAC experience.
Step 5: Submit Application and Await Approval
Fill out the local HVAC license application; attach exam pass letters, EPA 608 certificate, insurance (if required), and experience documents. Pay the correct city/county application fee. Most jurisdictions take 2 to 4 weeks for review. In Denver, standard processing is 14 to 20 business days with certificates issued for an initial 90-day valid window.
Step 6: Register Your Business, if Needed
If you operate as a company, obtain a state business license via the Colorado Secretary of State, and meet state and local insurance requirements, including workers’ comp and unemployment insurance where applicable. Check your jurisdiction's published rules or contact their office, as requirements for business entities may not be online.
Because application rules can change, always read the local contractor handouts and double-check forms before submission. Missing information will result in delays or denial.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for HVAC license requirements in Colorado vary by city or county. However, the following are generally required across all jurisdictions:
Experience and Age
You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Journeyman mechanical licenses require at least 4 years (or 7,000 hours) of field HVAC installation experience. Supervisor and master licenses require up to 8 years, with prior journeyman status. Apprenticeships require job placement with a licensed contractor and proof of EPA 608 certification.
Proof of Experience
You will need notarized letters confirming your HVAC experience, or project verification forms detailing jobs you completed. In Larimer County, you must document at least three recent projects (by permit number, address, and inspection record). Some jurisdictions require you to attach a resume or employer references in addition to experience forms.
EPA 608 Certification
EPA Section 608 certification is required for all tradespeople who handle refrigerants. Include a legible copy of your EPA card with your application. Most building departments will reject your application without it.
Insurance
You must show proof of general liability insurance ($300,000 minimum in Larimer) and, if hiring employees, maintain Colorado-compliant workers’ compensation insurance. Certificate of Insurance (COI) should name the jurisdiction as the certificate holder and specify a 30-day notice before cancellation. Wheat Ridge and Aurora require commercial insurance to approve HVAC licenses.
Background and Citizenship
Some jurisdictions, such as Larimer, mandate a lawful presence affidavit and a copy of your photo ID. Fingerprinting is not required for mechanical licenses in the regions surveyed. Always check your local application checklist for citizenship or legal status requirements.
Bonds
No bonding requirement is published for HVAC licensing in the main Colorado counties and cities; verify locally if unsure, as some general contractor or large project types might still ask for a bond.
Exams
Passing a trade exam is a core HVAC license requirement in Colorado. Nearly every city or county mandates an ICC National Standard Mechanical exam matched to license class.
Exam Types and Providers
ICC #F31: Journeyman Mechanical (used for most journeyman licenses)
ICC #F32: Residential Mechanical Supervisor (Class B, residential only)
ICC #F29: Master Mechanical (Class A/commercial supervisor)
Each exam is open-book, multiple choice, and administered at Pearson VUE centers (click for the Larimer County candidate bulletin).
Exam Content and Passing Score
Tests cover gas codes, mechanical system installation, safety, ductwork, code compliance, and more. ICC exams typically include:
F29 (Master): 100 questions, 4 hours allowed
F32 (Residential): 70 questions, 3 hours allowed
F31 (Journeyman): 50 questions, 3 hours allowed
The minimum passing score is 70%. Results are issued the same day at Pearson VUE centers. Application packages must include a pass letter or official score report with your submission.
Exam Fees and Retakes
Each ICC exam attempt costs $115 (as of 2026, verify at ServiceTitan Colorado Licensing). Retake rules may require a waiting period if you fail, and you must pay the fee again for each attempt. No jurisdiction lists a maximum number of attempts per year, but check local handouts for any additional rules.
Fees
HVAC license requirements in Colorado come with various city and county application and renewal fees. There is no uniform statewide fee schedule. Every contractor should budget for exams, license application, and (sometimes) insurance costs.
ICC Exam: $115 per exam (as of 2026, verify).
Denver: Fee amount not listed in current city forms. Periodic updates imply fees change regularly (official city reference).
Aurora: $150 Mechanical Contractor plus $120 SL Fee (as of 2026, see Aurora fee schedule).
Larimer County: $75 application and biennial renewal fee (as of 2026, verify).
Wheat Ridge: $100 license application fee (as of 2026, see details).
Insurance: Cost varies; typically $300,000 general liability required where listed.
Business License/Workers Comp: Required for business entities; amounts not published on city/county sites, verify with the local authority.
Always check the current official fee schedule at each local licensing website before submitting payment. Fee changes are common at city/county levels, and incomplete or incorrect payment will delay your application.
Renewal and Continuing Education
After you achieve initial licensure, most HVAC license requirements in Colorado require you to renew periodically and sometimes complete additional continuing education (CE) requirements. There are no uniform state-level CE mandates, but local jurisdictions may have their own rules.
License Renewal Cycles
Denver: Mechanical Supervisor Certificates renew every 3 years. Certificates must be obtained within 90 days of approval to remain valid.
Larimer County: Mechanical Contractor licenses renew every 2 years. Renewal and payment is via the online portal; $75 renewal as of 2026.
Aurora/Wheat Ridge: Renewal cycles not listed directly, contact each city for form packets and timelines.
Continuing Education (CE)
No statewide continuing education is required for HVAC contractors in Colorado. However, some jurisdictions may require you to complete code upgrade or safety training CE for renewal, especially if the International Mechanical Code (IMC) or municipal code is updated between renewal cycles. Always read your renewal packet carefully to check for any CE reporting obligations.
Lapsed License Consequences
Letting your certificate expire may result in loss of permit eligibility and require re-examination or reapplication as a new applicant. Penalties are at the discretion of the building department and may include late fees or suspension from bidding or performing HVAC work.
Reciprocity
There is no statewide reciprocity for HVAC or mechanical contractor licenses in Colorado, because there is no state-issued HVAC license. HVAC license requirements in Colorado are specific to the city or county where you work.
Some cities and counties, such as Wheat Ridge, allow for "local reciprocity" (if you hold an active license from Denver, Aurora, Boulder, or other recognized local agencies, you may be able to submit proof of that license instead of taking the ICC exam again). However, you still must register with each local building department independently, pay application fees, and supply required insurance documentation. ICC exam scores are portable to other jurisdictions, but you must submit a local application to use reciprocity provisions.
There is no out-of-state reciprocity for Colorado HVAC licenses as of 2026. Contractors moving from another state must meet Colorado local experience, exam, and insurance requirements from scratch.
Official Links
Larimer County Contractor Licensing
Larimer County Contractor Handout & ICC Exam Bulletin
