If you work on air conditioning or refrigeration systems in Texas, you need a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). But getting your HVAC license is not a single thing — there are two license classes, two license levels, and a registration category in between. Here is what each one means and which one applies to you.
How Texas ACR Licensing Works
Texas regulates Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) work through TDLR under the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Act (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1302). The law applies to anyone who installs, maintains, repairs, or alters HVAC or refrigeration equipment — whether you are a one-person shop or a large commercial contractor.
TDLR issues two distinct types of credentials under the ACR program:
- Individual licenses — for the technicians doing the hands-on work
- Contractor (business) licenses — for the company or sole proprietor operating the business, pulling permits, and bearing legal responsibility for the work
Within each type, there are two classes: Class A (unrestricted) and Class B (restricted to smaller systems). Understanding both dimensions — class and type — is what trips most people up.
Class A vs Class B: The Core Difference
The class determines what size and type of systems you are authorized to work on.
| Class A — Unrestricted | Class B — Restricted | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential HVAC (any size) | Yes | Yes |
| Commercial HVAC (any size) | Yes | Up to 25 tons cooling / 1.5M BTU/hr heating |
| Commercial refrigeration | Yes | No |
| Industrial refrigeration | Yes | No |
| Chiller systems | Yes | No |
Practical rule of thumb: If you work exclusively on residential homes and small commercial buildings — the typical split system, package unit, or light commercial rooftop — Class B covers you. If you ever touch large commercial chillers, supermarket refrigeration, or industrial systems, you need Class A.
Individual (Technician) vs Contractor (Business) License
The class tells you what systems you can touch. The type of license tells you whether you are working as an employee or running a business.
Individual (Journeyman) License
The individual license is for the person doing the technical work. With this license you can legally perform HVAC installation, service, and repair — but you must work under a licensed contractor. You cannot operate your own HVAC business, pull permits, or be the responsible party on a job with only an individual license.
Who needs it: Employed HVAC techs and journeymen working for a contractor company.
Contractor (Business) License
The contractor license is required if you operate an HVAC business, even as a sole proprietor. This license lets you pull permits, enter contracts directly with customers, and serve as the legally responsible party for the work performed.
Who needs it: Business owners, sole proprietors, and any company performing HVAC work for customers.
Both types come in Class A and Class B variants, giving you four possible licenses: Class A Individual, Class B Individual, Class A Contractor, and Class B Contractor. Many business owners hold both an individual license (for their own field work) and a contractor license (for the business entity).
Apprentice Registration
New entrants to the trade who have not yet passed their licensing exam can work as apprentices. Apprentices must be registered with TDLR within 30 days of starting work and must work under the direct supervision of a licensed individual (Class A or B).
Apprentice registration is not a license — it is a temporary status that allows on-the-job training while you study for the exam. There is no CE requirement for apprentices; CE applies only to licensed individuals and contractors.
CE Requirements for License Renewal
All Texas ACR license holders — both Class A and Class B, both individual and contractor — must complete 8 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every year to renew their license:
- 1 hour — HVAC Laws and Rules (required topic)
- 1 hour — HVAC Codes (required topic)
- 6 hours — Any TDLR-approved HVAC CE topic
The remaining 6 hours can come from any approved course — heat pumps, refrigerants, energy codes, combustion safety, IAQ, controls, or a standard 8-hour renewal bundle. Online courses are allowed; many contractors complete all 8 hours online in a single afternoon.
Compare all TDLR-approved TX HVAC CE providers
Upgrading from Class B to Class A
If your business is growing into larger commercial or refrigeration work, you will need to upgrade. The process generally involves:
- Meeting the additional experience requirements (verify current requirements with TDLR)
- Passing the Class A examination
- Paying the applicable license fee
- Submitting the upgrade application to TDLR
Your existing CE hours and renewal date typically carry over. Check TDLR’s current ACR licensing FAQ for up-to-date exam and experience requirements, as these can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do residential HVAC work with a Class B license? Yes. Class B covers all residential systems — single-family homes, apartments, condos — as long as the equipment does not exceed 25 tons of cooling or 1.5 million BTU/hr of heating. Most residential systems are well within these limits.
Do I need a license just to change a filter or thermostat? Minor maintenance tasks like filter changes do not require an ACR license. However, any work involving refrigerant, electrical connections, or equipment installation does. When in doubt, work under a licensed contractor.
Can I operate an HVAC business with only an individual license? No. To operate a business — enter contracts, pull permits, and be the responsible party — you must hold a Contractor license. You can hold both an individual and contractor license simultaneously.
What happens if my license expires? Working with an expired license is a violation and can result in fines. TDLR allows a late renewal period with additional fees. After a certain point you may need to re-examine. Renew on time — 8 CE hours are much easier than retaking the exam.
Where can I verify my license status? Check your license at the TDLR License Search tool. You can also verify a competitor’s or employee’s license there.