If your Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) license is coming up for renewal, the CE requirement is 8 hours per year from a TDLR-approved provider. Two of those hours must cover specific required topics — the rest can come from any approved HVAC course.
The Short Version
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours required | 8 hours per renewal year |
| Renewal cycle | Annual (every 12 months) |
| Who must complete it | All active ACR license holders — Class A and Class B, Individual and Contractor |
| Required topics | 1 hr HVAC Laws & Rules + 1 hr HVAC Codes |
| Who approves courses | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| Reporting | Provider reports directly to TDLR — you do not self-report |
Who Is Required to Complete CE
CE is required for all active Texas ACR license holders. This includes:
- Class A Individual license holders
- Class B Individual license holders
- Class A Contractor license holders
- Class B Contractor license holders
Apprentice registrants are not yet licensed and are not subject to the CE requirement. If your license is currently inactive or expired, you do not need to complete CE — but you will need to meet CE requirements before reactivating.
What the 8 Hours Must Cover
TDLR requires 2 of the 8 hours to cover specific mandatory topics. The remaining 6 hours can come from any TDLR-approved HVAC CE course content:
| Topic | Hours | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC Laws and Rules | 1 hour | Yes — mandatory |
| HVAC Codes | 1 hour | Yes — mandatory |
| Elective HVAC topics | 6 hours | Any approved content |
The elective 6 hours can cover subjects like heat pumps, refrigerant handling, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, controls, combustion safety, or any other topic the approved provider offers. Most providers bundle the 2 mandatory hours with 6 elective hours into a single 8-hour renewal course.
How to Find an Approved Course
TDLR maintains the official list of approved ACR CE providers. Courses are available in a range of formats — fully online self-paced, live webinar, and in-person classroom — though online is by far the most common format.
Browse all approved Texas HVAC CE providers →
When choosing a course, check:
- Whether the mandatory topics are included — confirm the course explicitly covers the 1-hour HVAC Laws & Rules and 1-hour HVAC Codes requirements. Most 8-hour renewal bundles include these automatically, but verify before purchasing.
- Price — online courses typically range from $15 to $59 for the full 8-hour renewal package.
- Reporting speed — most online providers report to TDLR automatically within 24 hours of completion. A few take up to 10 business days. If your renewal deadline is close, ask first.
How Reporting Works
Texas requires your CE provider to report your completion directly to TDLR. You do not submit anything yourself. Once reported, your CE record will appear in TDLR’s system and your renewal can proceed.
Most online providers report automatically when you finish the course. You should receive a certificate by email for your own records.
If your provider has not reported after 10 business days, contact them directly. You can also check your CE status through the TDLR License Search.
Deadlines and Renewal Timing
Your Texas ACR license renews annually on its expiration date. CE must be completed and on file with TDLR before you can renew — TDLR will not process a renewal without CE on record.
Most contractors complete their CE in the weeks before their renewal date. Because online courses can be finished in one sitting and most providers report within 24 hours, there is no reason to rush or pay expedited fees.
What happens if you miss your renewal? 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 rather than simply renew. Completing 8 hours of CE is far easier than retaking the licensing exam.
Do You Need to Pass a Test?
No. The vast majority of TDLR-approved HVAC CE courses require no exam or proctoring. You complete the course material at your own pace, and your provider sends TDLR your completion record.
Some providers include optional comprehension quizzes as learning tools, but these are not required to receive CE credit.
Key Takeaways
- 8 hours per year — 2 mandatory topic hours + 6 elective hours
- Your provider reports for you — no self-submission required
- Online courses can be finished in a single afternoon
- Complete before your annual renewal date to avoid late fees or exam requirements