Get an HVAC Contractor License in
Alabama licenses HVAC contractors through the HACR Board. Qualify by apprenticeship (2+ years), 3,000 hours, or an approved program, pass the open‑book exam ($175), then obtain ACTIVE status with a $20,000 bond and pay $220. Renew annually by December 31 with 4 CE hours.
To get a HVAC contractor license in Alabama, apply to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors, qualify by apprenticeship (2+ years), 3,000 hours, or an approved program, pass the open-book exam ($175), then file for active status with a $20,000 performance bond and pay $220.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-10
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR Board). How to apply and fees published by the Board. How to Get Licensed |
| Eligibility/experience | Eligible to sit for the exam if you have: (1) an HACR apprentice registration held for 2+ calendar years; or (2) 3,000 hours of coursework/experience; or (3) graduation from an approved HVAC/R curriculum. W‑2s/affidavits typically required. Initial Exam Application; Ala. Code §34‑31‑28 |
| Exam | Open-book written exam; fee $175 per attempt. Approved reference list provided by the Board. Initial Exam Application; Admin. Code r. 440‑X‑3‑.10 (Fees) |
| Bond/insurance | $20,000 performance bond required to hold ACTIVE status; use Board bond form BF‑1. No statewide general liability minimum stated by the Board. How to Get Licensed |
| License fees | Active initial/annual renewal: $220. Inactive initial/renewal: $110. Late renewal fee after Dec 31: $250. Admin. Code r. 440‑X‑3‑.10 |
| Minimum age | Not expressly specified in HACR statutes/rules; applicants must meet eligibility above and be legally able to contract in Alabama. Ala. Code §34‑31‑28 |
| Forms | AL‑1 Contractor Information, AL‑2 Business Information, BF‑1 Bond form (for active status). How to Get Licensed |
| Renewal & CE | Renew annually by December 31; 4 hours of continuing education required each year (up to 8 hours can be banked in a single year). Board FAQ |
| Processing time | After Board approval, allow 4–8 weeks to receive your license. Cutoff: complete files due 10 working days before the Board meeting. Initial Exam Application; How to Get Licensed |
How to get an Alabama HVAC contractor license
- Confirm eligibility. Qualify by either (a) 2+ years as an HACR-registered apprentice, (b) 3,000 hours of HVAC/R coursework/experience, or (c) graduation from an approved program. Gather W‑2s, employer affidavits, or transcripts. Eligibility & documentation
- Apply for the HVAC exam and pay $175. Submit the online Exam Application, upload proof of experience/education, and schedule your open‑book test using the Board’s reference list. Exam Application
- Pass the exam and choose ACTIVE or INACTIVE status. For ACTIVE certification (to perform HVAC work), secure a $20,000 performance bond and prepare business details. Active vs. Inactive
- Submit licensure forms and fees. File AL‑1, AL‑2, and BF‑1 with the HACR Board and pay the $220 active certification fee (or $110 inactive). Ensure your file is complete 10 business days before the next Board meeting. Licensure steps
- Receive your certification and operate compliantly. Display your certification number on vehicles and documents, and follow HACR minimum standards and applicable codes. Display & compliance FAQ
- Maintain and renew annually. Complete 4 CE hours each year and renew by December 31 ($220 active). Late renewals incur $250. Renewal & CE rules; Fees rule
Alabama HVAC contractor license requirements, costs, and timelines
Your biggest cost drivers are the exam ($175), the active certification fee ($220 annually), and the required $20,000 performance bond. We break down typical out‑of‑pocket totals in our companion guide on HVAC contractor license cost in Alabama so you can budget before you file.
Experience pathways: apprentice, 3,000 hours, or approved program
You can qualify through multiple routes, including two calendar years as a Board‑registered apprentice, 3,000 documented hours of relevant coursework/experience, or completion of an approved Alabama HVAC program. The Board lists approved curricula and specifies the W‑2/affidavit documentation it accepts. Eligibility details
Exam format and references
The HVAC contractor exam is open‑book with a defined reference list (e.g., 2020 NEC, 2021 IRC, ACCA Manuals J/D, NASCLA Business & Law, and the HACR Law/Rules). Pay the $175 written exam fee when you apply. Exam & references; Fees rule
Active status requires a $20,000 bond
To perform installation, service, or repair, you must hold ACTIVE status and file a $20,000 performance bond on Board form BF‑1; ACTIVE certification is $220 annually. INACTIVE status (no bond, $110) lets you hold the credential without performing HVAC work. Active/Inactive & bond
Annual renewal and CE
Every contractor must complete 4 hours of continuing education each year (you may take up to 8 hours in a single year). Your certification lapses if not renewed by December 31; the late renewal fee is $250. Board FAQ (CE & renewal); Fees rule
Local permits vs. extra local tests
Local governments may require business licenses/permits, but they cannot add extra tests or requirements for certified contractors. This preemption is set in statute. Ala. Code §34‑31‑28(d)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get licensed after I pass?
If your file is complete and approved at a Board meeting, the HACR Board advises allowing 4–8 weeks to receive your certification card and records. To be considered at a meeting, your complete file must arrive 10 business days beforehand. Board timing guidance
What’s the difference between Active and Inactive status?
ACTIVE status authorizes you to perform HVAC work statewide and requires a $20,000 performance bond and a $220 annual fee. INACTIVE status costs $110 and requires no bond but does not allow you to pull permits or perform HVAC work. Active vs. Inactive
Do I need general liability insurance?
The HACR Board specifically requires a $20,000 performance bond for ACTIVE status. It does not publish a statewide general liability minimum; however, clients or localities may expect coverage. Always confirm any contractual insurance requirements. Board bond requirement
What are the continuing education rules?
Every contractor must complete 4 CE hours each year. You may complete up to 8 hours in a single year. Failure to complete CE prevents renewal until you show compliance. Board FAQ (CE)
Is there a minimum age to become an Alabama HVAC contractor?
The HACR statute/rules outline eligibility by apprenticeship, hours, or education but do not state a specific minimum age requirement for certification. You must meet the Board’s eligibility and be able to enter binding contracts. Ala. Code §34‑31‑28
Where can I learn about total licensing costs?
For a complete cost picture—including exam, license fees, bonding, study materials, and common add‑ons—see our in‑depth analysis of HVAC contractor license cost in Alabama. It complements the HACR Board’s published fee schedule. Official fee rule
If you’re comparing state-regulated careers, see our Alabama guides for private investigators as a reference point on process, background checks, and renewals: Alabama Private Investigator License and Private Investigator License Requirements in Alabama (2026 Guide).
Ready to move forward? License Navigator can walk you through each HACR form, help you document experience correctly, and keep you on track for your exam, bond, and annual CE so you get—and keep—your Alabama HVAC contractor license.
Want it filed for you? Talk to a licensing expert
Published by
About this publication
Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.