There is a growing demand for HVAC technicians in Kentucky with almost 292,000 HVAC technicians currently working in the USA. In Kentucky, a license is mandatory to carry out HVAC work. The certification process involves gaining a certain hours of experience, basic education and upgrading your skills.
An HVAC technician in Kentucky would earn an hourly rate between $14 to $32 and the total annual pay (inclusive of commission + bonus) runs between $31,000 and $75,000*. This article will deal with the training involved and the process of attaining an HVAC certification. In this article, you will read in detail about the following topics:
- Requirements to become a certified HVAC technician
- The examination process of the certification
- EPA requirements to function as an HVAC technician
HVAC Technician Requirements in Kentucky
With an HVAC technician license, you will be certified as trained and qualified to perform installation and repair tasks within Kentucky.
Apprentices don’t need a license to work on HVAC systems, but they do need to be registered with the Division of HVAC of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction and work under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor. They must also show that they are at least 18 years old.
HVAC technician License can be obtained to carry on different works related to HVAC. Based on the level you choose to reach you would be required to attain certain educational qualification, with few hours of apprenticeship and pass examinations. You can choose to begin your career as a journeyman or a master.
For every license classification, you must be at least 18 years old. Journeypersons and masters must document at least two years of experience. Credit is given only for experience occurring after January 1, 1990 and it must take place under the supervision of a licensed contractor. Trade education may be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience.
Limited Journeyman HVAC Duct Mechanic
As a journeyman with a limited license and capacity to install duct work, you can work under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor. Obviously, this license applies only to projects related to ductwork.
Limited Journeyman HVAC Installer Mechanic
A journeyman with a limited license and capacity to install HVAC systems can work under the supervision of a master HVAC.
Journeyman HVAC Mechanic
A journeyman HVAC mechanic should be knowledgeable and skilled to install, maintain, remodel and repair HVAC systems meeting the requirements of the Kentucky HVAC Codes and Standards. In this case too, a journeyman mechanic may work independently within the range of the license under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
Master HVAC Contractor
Master HVAC contractors can contract for and engage in the business of HVAC contracting. They should be familiar with the requirementsof the Kentucky HVAC law, codes and regulations. The applicant must submit a certified application showing he or she is not less than 18 years of age. The application must also show that the applicant has been regularly and principally employed or engaged in the HVAC trade for not less than two years under the direction and supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
An HVAC Master must also pass the business and law exam. All state HVAC Contractors have general liability insurance of at least $500,000.To get a license, an applicant needs to go through the process of completing relevant education, apprenticeship and pass a licensure examination. All license holders are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education to renew the license.
Examination Process
Study and Preparation Process
Before we dive deep into the examination process, here is some information about the tools and process you would need to prepare for the examination.
- The Master exam has 75 questions and runs for 2.5 hours.
- The Journeyman exam has 60 questions and runs for 3 hours.
- In either of these exams, 70% is required to pass the exam.
- The examination fee would cost you $60.
You could also consider purchasing some practice tests and referring to the following books as a part of your preparation.
- 2009 NFPA 54
- 2012 International Mechanical Code
- Kentucky Contractor’s Reference Manual
- Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
The testing company is ICC (1-800-211-2754).
If you’d like to find out about more great resources for your HVAC bookshelf, check out this article.
Applying For The License
Apart from the exam fee, you are required to pay $50 towards application fee for the license. For a master license, you must pay $250.
Send your application to the following address.
Division of HVAC101 Sea Hero Road Suite 100Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-573-0395 ext 128Fax: 502-573-1401
Be sure to make your check out to the Kentucky State Treasurer, or the whole package will be sent back to you!
Once, you successfully complete the exam and receive a license, as a license holder you must take 8 hours of Continuing Education in order to renew their license.
EPA Requirements
Due to the hazardous nature of refrigerants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires an HVAC worker with EPA certification to pass a written examination. Based on the type of equipment the HVAC technician chooses to work on, you are required to complete an exam to adhere to respective EPA standards.
Upon passing the exam, you will receive an EPA 608 certification. Based on the type of appliance you choose to work on – small appliances, high pressure or low pressure – you need to apply for the respective exam Type 1, 2, and 3 Refrigerant Certification .
There is also a fourth type of EPA certification called the universal certification which denotes a technician’s ability to install, repair and dispose of all types of equipment no matter the refrigerant type.
Beginning a Career As an HVAC Technician In Kentucky
With the license, you can begin your career as a certified HVAC technician in Kentucky. To confirm the existence of your license or share authentication with your customer, use this link to find your license details – https://ky.joportal.com/License/Search.
The job involves working with electrical equipment, and formal training programs can last anywhere from six months up to two years. You can explore to work with minute details or on large electrical projects as an HVAC technician.
Conclusion
HVAC offers many exciting career opportunities and the prospect of a stable income in Kentucky. Be sure to learn how to advance your career and stay on the right side of the law in Kentucky, and you’ll be well on your way to rewarding growth!
Looking For Information On Nearby States?
You might also be interested in HVAC licensing requirements in bordering states:
