Texas HVAC Certification, License and Training Schools

Every state has different HVAC licensing requirements and regulations regarding certification for providing air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation and cooling system repair, installation and maintenance services.

Texas HVAC license requirements are similar to those in other states, but this state does make a clear distinction between “environmental air conditioning” and the “commercial refrigeration and process cooling or heating” creating two different classes of licensing.

When you complete a Texas HVAC certification program, you’ll need to prepare for a state-administered exam and fill out forms that include a Texas ACR Contractor License Application.

Here’s what you need to know about getting a Texas HVAC license and completing an HVAC certification program.

Entitles the license holder to engage in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting for commercial refrigeration and process cooling or heating within the class of license held, A or B.

Remember that you may have the option to take your Texas HVAC certification program online or offline, giving you more flexibility with your schedule and some more options when you are working part-time or taking care of a family.

Make sure you have reviewed all of the Texas HVAC license requirements in detail so that you have everything you need to prepare for and pass the Texas HVAC certification exam.

Texas HVAC License Requirements

Here's the steps to getting a HVAC certification in Texas:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Register as an ACR technician (no exam)
3. Have at least 4 years of experience working with AC and refrigerators under the supervision of a licenses technician within the past 6 years.
4. Apply for the ACR contractors certification exam
5. Determine which license you want
6. Take the ACR contractors certification exam
7. Find a job 

You must be at least 18 years of age and show proof of 36 months of hands-on experience in order to qualify for the Texas HVAC license exam. You can find details about taking this exam and also review various rules, laws and guidelines on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website.

As of 2011, the fee for a Texas HVAC license is $115. If your application is approved, the state will notify the exam provider and you will be notified to set up your exam.

You can take the Texas HVAC license exam as often as you need to within one year from the time you file your application, but you will still need to pay a fee every time you take it. Once you pass this exam, you will be certified and licensed to provide HVAC services to the general public and work as a contractor in this field.

As discussed earlier in the first section of this article, once you are certificated you will need the proper liability insurance before you start working on the appropriate systems or equipment.

ACR Certification Exam Process

Pre-approval is required to sit for the examination according to the requirements for eligibility outlined above. After you have been approved to schedule your exam, contact PSI at 1-800-733-9267.

The two different exams for Class A and Class B vary in length and time limit:

• Class A Exams have 120 questions with a 240 minute time limit
• Class B Exams have 100 questions with a 180 minute time limit

In order to pass your exam you will need to get 70% of the questions correct.

Here is a list of the different topics covered on the exam:

Absorption systems, basic refrigeration components, boilers, business and law, combustion air, controls, design and responsibility, equipment requirements, heat loads, HVAC systems, piping, pressure relief protection, refrigeration principles, service, testing, ventilation, and venting.

For environmental air exams the topics covered are similar, but more specific to environmental impact of the systems rather than the systems themselves. For a more in depth preparation for the exam, check out our practice tests here.

Job Outlook

It is projected that HVAC will see a nearly 30% jump in job growth. With more and more jobs available each year in HVAC, there is no better time than the present to get your certifications.

Entry level salaries vary from region to region within the state of Texas. The average starting salary in San Antonio is around $37,730; Austin, $38,790, and Houston, $40,420. In Fort Worth it's about $40,257 and in Dallas $40,623 (2011 estimates).

Conclusion

With the amount of HVAC jobs available in Texas on the rise and tech jobs paying well over the national average, there has never been a better time to take your exams. By putting a little bit of time, money, and effort into your career you can secure higher paying jobs through getting certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TACLA License? What is a TACLB License? 

TACLA and TACLB refer to the two classes of HVAC license in Texas. They stand for "Texas Air Conditioning License (Class) A" and Texas Air Conditioning License (Class) B."

Looking For Information On Nearby States?

You might also be interested in HVAC licensing requirements in bordering states:

• New Mexico
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma
• Arkansas

List of Texas HVAC Schools