Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License Types | Apprentice, Journeyman, Journeyman Restricted, Limited Contractor, Master Restricted, Master Contractor |
Regulatory Agency | State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors (Maryland Department of Labor) |
Minimum Experience | Apprentice: none. Journeyman: 4 years (6,000 hours) as apprentice. Limited, Master Restricted, Master: +2-3 years under master after journeyman. |
Exam Requirement | Journeyman+, except apprentice. Waiver available for recent registered apprenticeship grads. All exams provided by PSI. |
Renewal & Continuing Education (CE) | No CE specified. Restoration possible up to 4 years after expiration. Renewal term length not stated, verify at Board homepage. |
Fees (as of July 1, 2025) | Apprentice: $12, Journeyman: $25, Journeyman Restricted: $25 per area, Limited/Master: $94.50, Master Restricted: $31.50 per area, Inactive: $31.50, Letter of Good Standing: $25. Fee schedule |
Official Links |
Who Needs a License in Maryland?
In Maryland, anyone providing or assisting with HVACR services is required to hold the proper HVAC license. There are no exceptions for project size or dollar amount. This rule applies to all installation, maintenance, alterations, and repairs of heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, or hydronic systems, so HVAC license requirements in Maryland are always enforced.
The law defines “providing HVACR services” as working with any part of a system used for heating, cooling, refrigeration, or moving air and water for climate control purposes. This legal definition means even minor maintenance tasks must be performed by a licensed individual or apprentice working under proper supervision. Apprentices must always be directly supervised by a licensed Master or Journeyman and may not operate independently or bid work themselves (supervision requirement).
There are no explicit exemptions in Maryland statute or board rules for homeowner (owner-builder) projects or for general handymen. Because of this, you should secure the correct HVAC license before bidding or performing any paid HVAC work in the state. As a result, verifying your license status before contracting services is crucial to avoid civil penalties and meet official HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
HVAC License Types
Maryland has a tiered structure for HVACR licensing. The main license types are Apprentice, Journeyman, Journeyman Restricted, Limited Contractor, Master Restricted, and Master Contractor. These classes differ in their permitted scope of work and experience requirements under the HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
Apprentice License: Holders may assist with HVACR work but must always be supervised by a licensed Master or Journeyman. They cannot contract, advertise, or operate independently (HVACR Apprentice details).
Journeyman License: Journeymen can perform HVACR work but must be under the direction and control of a licensed contractor. They may not independently contract for HVAC jobs.
Journeyman Restricted License: This license allows the license holder to provide specialized services in areas such as forced air, hydronic heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration, but still under supervision (statute reference).
Limited Contractor License: Allows licensees to maintain and repair HVACR or hydronic systems, but not to install or retrofit new systems. This is not a full contracting license (Limited license info).
Master Restricted Contractor License: Permits installation, maintenance, alteration, remodeling, or repair, but limited to specific trades, such as only refrigeration or only ductwork. Cannot perform full-scope HVACR work unless licensed in multiple restricted areas as required by HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
Master Contractor License: The broadest and highest level, allowing installation, maintenance, alteration, remodeling, and repair of all HVACR and hydronic systems in any setting. Holders can operate businesses, supervise other licensees, and contract directly with the public (Master license info).
Each class requires progression through earlier licenses (for example, moving from apprentice to journeyman before qualifying for master contractor). As a result, the proper path must be followed based on your experience and business goals, in line with all HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
How to Get Licensed in Maryland
To meet HVAC license requirements in Maryland, you must follow a series of experience, application, and exam steps as set by the Board. The process for meeting HVAC license requirements in Maryland is as follows:
Begin as an Apprentice: Complete the online apprentice application at the Maryland Department of Labor portal (Apprentice portal). No experience is needed.
Complete Experience Requirements: Work as an apprentice for at least four years, accumulating 6,000 hours of supervised work, or complete a registered apprenticeship program (usually 8,000 OTJ hours + 576 classroom).
Advance to Journeyman or Journeyman Restricted: Apply once you meet the time and hours requirement. If you completed a registered apprenticeship and apply within two years, you can apply to waive the journeyman exam (waiver details). Otherwise, register for the PSI exam.
Register for Required Exams: For most licensure levels beyond apprentice, you must pass a PSI exam with at least a 70% score (exam details).
Submit Original License Application: Upon passing your exam, the Board will send you application instructions for your next license level. Submit the full original application and include all supporting documents as detailed below.
Secure Insurance (Contractor Levels): If applying for Limited, Master Restricted, or Master Contractor, obtain a general liability policy for at least $300,000 and $100,000 property damage, with a combined $400,000 per occurrence, and file a certificate naming the Board as certificate holder (insurance instructions).
Pay All Required Fees: Pay the correct licensing fee for your license class. See amounts and source dates in the Fees section below. Always ensure you meet all HVAC license requirements in Maryland during the process.
Processing times for license review are not specified. Most applications, including apprentice, are handled online, and exams are scheduled with PSI directly. If needed, submit insurance certificates or other documentation by the method specified in your Board correspondence.
Application Requirements
Meeting HVAC license requirements in Maryland means satisfying several key application rules. These vary by license class and are part of official HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
Experience and Age
There is no statutory age minimum in Board rules for any HVACR license in Maryland. However, you must document your experience for each license stage based on HVAC license requirements in Maryland:
Journeyman (and Restricted): Have an apprentice license for at least four years plus 6,000 on-the-job hours under supervision. For journeyman restricted, follow the same rule but in specific areas only.
Limited Contractor: Hold a journeyman license, work two years under a master, and complete 1,000 hours in the year prior to application.
Master Restricted or Master Contractor: Must have a journeyman license and three years active experience under a master contractor, including 1,875 hours worked in the year preceding application (see Board requirements).
You should be prepared to submit documentation from employers or apprenticeship program authorities to prove HVAC license requirements in Maryland are met.
Insurance
Insurance is required for all contractor-level HVACR licenses in Maryland. This includes:
General Liability: Minimum $300,000 per occurrence.
Property Damage: $100,000 per occurrence.
Policy must list the Board as certificate holder and show combined coverage of at least $400,000 for any occurrence involving both types of claim.
You must provide an insurance certificate with your license application at the Limited, Master Restricted, or Master Contractor level (insurance specifics) to satisfy HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
Other Requirements
Maryland’s Board does not require contractor applicants to submit financial statements or bonds for HVACR licensing. No background check, fingerprinting, or citizenship documentation is specified in the regulations. Federal certification (such as EPA 608 for refrigerant handling) may be required by federal law depending on work performed, but it is not specified in state licensing rules here. For clarification on HVAC license requirements in Maryland, verify at the board homepage.
Exams
To progress beyond apprentice in Maryland, you must generally pass a licensing exam specific to your desired license class, unless you qualify for a registered apprenticeship waiver based on HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
PSI Examination Services is the official administrator of all Maryland HVACR licensing exams. Exams are offered for these classifications:
Journeyman
Journeyman Restricted
Limited Contractor
Master Restricted
Master Contractor
All exams require a 70% minimum passing score. You must register for testing directly with PSI, with exam centers located at multiple sites statewide including Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Lanham, and Salisbury (exam page).
If you complete a qualifying Maryland registered HVACR apprenticeship program and apply for a journeyman license within two years, you may apply for an exam waiver. Otherwise, you must take and pass the relevant PSI exam. The precise exam format (number of questions, open/book policy, or retake rules) is not published on the board website, so verify at the official exam page or in the current Candidate Information Bulletin linked from that page.
Fees
Maryland’s Board sets the following non-refundable license fees for each HVACR classification. All fees are current as of July 1, 2025 (verify at the official fee schedule) for HVAC license requirements in Maryland:
Apprentice: $12.00
Journeyman: $25.00
Journeyman Restricted: $25.00 per area of licensure
Limited Contractor: $94.50
Master Restricted Contractor: $31.50 per area licensed (capped for up to three areas)
Master Contractor: $94.50
Inactive license: $31.50
Letter of Good Standing: $25.00
No separate application, exam, or renewal fee is specified on the board fee schedule. If you need specific details or updated amounts about HVAC license requirements in Maryland, always consult the Maryland HVACR Board fee page.
Renewal and Continuing Education
The Maryland Board does not prescribe a continuing education (CE) requirement for HVACR licenses at any level. No CE hours, provider approval lists, or topic requirements appear in Board regulations or statutes (COMAR .04 Restoration of Expired License), so compliance with HVAC license requirements in Maryland does not include CE hours.
Renewal Cycle and Lapses
Specific renewal periods (length/frequency) for HVACR licenses are not published on the Board site. If your license expires, regulations allow you to apply for restoration for up to four years past the expiration date by submitting the proper paperwork and fee. After four years, the license cannot be restored, and you must re-apply as a new applicant. Late penalties are not detailed on the board pages, so always verify at the board homepage for current rules before your renewal date, ensuring you meet HVAC license requirements in Maryland for license status.
Reciprocity
Maryland does have formal reciprocal licensing agreements with the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Delaware. If you are currently licensed in one of these areas, you may be eligible for reciprocal licensure in Maryland by following the state’s process (reciprocity policy). Always check reciprocity rules to meet HVAC license requirements in Maryland.
District of Columbia: DC licensees can apply for reciprocity in Maryland. Maryland licensees (with at least two years of licensure) may also reciprocate into DC, but must obtain a DC CFC certificate as well.
Virginia and Delaware: These states have similar reciprocal provisions, but you must check for current procedures and forms with the Board before transferring your license.
Since the application steps or required documentation for reciprocity are not fully published on the Maryland Board site, verify current process and criteria at the HVACR Board homepage before proceeding.
