Get an HVAC Contractor License
To become a Kentucky Master HVAC contractor, meet KRS 198B.658 experience, pass the master exam (70%), file HVAC‑1 with the $250 initial fee, and maintain $500k/$300k insurance. Renew annually by your birth month with $250 and 6 CE hours. We link every step to the current Kentucky regulations.
To get a HVAC contractor license in Kentucky, you must be 18+, meet experience under KRS 198B.658, pass the master exam (70%), file Form HVAC‑1 with the initial $250 fee, maintain $500,000 liability and $300,000 property‑damage insurance, then renew annually by your birth month with 6 CE hours and a $250 fee. KRS 198B.658; 815 KAR 8:010; KRS 198B.668; 815 KAR 2:010.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-13
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC), Division of HVAC. Apply online via the DHBC Public Portal (SmartGov). DHBC HVAC Division; DHBC Public Portal. |
| Minimum age | 18 years old. KRS 198B.658(1)(a). |
| Experience | One of the following: (1) ≥2 years as a licensed Journeyman HVAC mechanic under a Master; (2) ≥2 years as a master (or equivalent) in KY or another jurisdiction; or (3) ≥2 years as a licensed mechanical engineer. KRS 198B.658(1)(c). |
| Exam | Master HVAC Contractor exam; minimum passing score 70%. Exam fee: $150. 815 KAR 8:010 (exam score); HVAC‑1 packet (exam fee $150). |
| Application & forms | Submit Master HVAC Contractor License Application (Form HVAC‑1). Initial license fee: $250 for a 12‑month license; prorated 7–18 months to your birth month. HVAC‑1 packet; 815 KAR 8:010. |
| Insurance | Maintain general liability ≥$500,000 and property‑damage ≥$300,000 from a KY‑approved carrier. Proof required for licensure and renewal. KRS 198B.668; 815 KAR 8:010 §7. |
| Company representation | A firm may do HVAC contracting only if a Master HVAC contractor is employee/subcontractor in responsible charge. A master may represent more than one firm only if domiciled in KY and owns ≥25% of each. KRS 198B.678. |
| Renewal | Annually by last day of birth month; $250 (master). Must show insurance and continuing education. Late restoration fee $125 if ≤60 days late; reinstatement up to 3 years per schedule. 815 KAR 8:010 §7–8. |
| Continuing education | 6 hours of approved CE each year (subject areas: business, safety, codes, HVAC trade). CE not required for inactive status; reactivation requires CE and fees. 815 KAR 2:010. |
How to get a HVAC contractor license in Kentucky
- Confirm eligibility. Ensure you are 18+ and meet one of the experience paths in KRS 198B.658(1)(c). Statute.
- Prepare for and pass the master exam. Schedule and pass with ≥70%; pay the $150 exam fee. 815 KAR 8:010; HVAC‑1.
- Secure required insurance. Obtain GL ≥$500,000 and property‑damage ≥$300,000; request a certificate for DHBC. KRS 198B.668.
- Submit Form HVAC‑1 and fees. File the Master HVAC Contractor Application with the initial $250 (prorated) license fee and supporting documents. HVAC‑1.
- Associate with your business. If contracting as/for a company, designate the responsible Master per KRS 198B.678. Statute.
- Apply online and track status. Use DHBC’s Public Portal (SmartGov) to apply and manage your license. DHBC Public Portal.
- Renew annually. Each year by your birth month: pay $250, upload insurance, and report 6 CE hours. Late, restoration, and reinstatement fees apply if you miss deadlines. 815 KAR 8:010; 815 KAR 2:010.
Kentucky HVAC contractor license: who qualifies and what counts as experience
Kentucky recognizes multiple pathways to master licensure: two years as a journeyman under a master, two years as a master (or equivalent) in another jurisdiction, or two years as a licensed mechanical engineer. Carefully document employment dates, roles, and supervising master details to satisfy KRS 198B.658.
Fees, insurance, and renewal timing for a Kentucky HVAC contractor license
Your initial license fee is $250 (prorated 7–18 months to your birth month), the master exam fee is $150, and annual renewal is $250. Insurance must remain at ≥$500,000 GL and ≥$300,000 property‑damage. Renewal is due by the last day of your birth month. HVAC‑1; KRS 198B.668; 815 KAR 8:010.
Continuing education: required hours for Kentucky HVAC masters
Masters and journeymen must complete 6 hours of approved continuing education every 12 months, in subjects such as business, safety, applicable Kentucky codes, or HVAC trade topics. CE is waived while a license is inactive; reactivation requires proof of hours. 815 KAR 2:010.
Business setup and company representation rules
To operate as a firm, your company must have a Master HVAC contractor in responsible charge as an employee or subcontractor; masters may represent multiple firms only if domiciled in Kentucky and owning at least 25% of each. Align your structure with KRS 198B.678.
What it costs (and how to budget)
Beyond state fees, plan for exam prep, insurance premiums, and CE courses. For a deeper breakdown of predictable and hidden expenses, see our analysis of HVAC contractor license costs in Kentucky. If you’re comparing trade paths, our statewide overview of trades and general contractor requirements in Kentucky can help you map next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a journeyman license before applying for a Kentucky Master HVAC license?
Not always. One qualifying path is two years as a journeyman under a master, but Kentucky also accepts two years as a master (or equivalent) in another jurisdiction or two years as a licensed mechanical engineer. See KRS 198B.658.
What insurance is mandatory for a Kentucky HVAC contractor license?
State law requires at least $500,000 in general liability and $300,000 in property‑damage insurance from a Kentucky‑approved carrier. Proof is required to obtain and renew a master license. See KRS 198B.668.
When is my Kentucky HVAC license renewal due?
Your license renews annually by the last day of your birth month. You must pay $250 (master), maintain required insurance, and complete 6 CE hours each year. Late, restoration, and reinstatement fees apply if you miss deadlines. See 815 KAR 8:010 §7–8.
Can a company operate without a Master HVAC on staff?
No. A firm may engage in HVAC contracting only if a Master HVAC contractor is the responsible person in charge as an employee or subcontractor. Masters may represent multiple firms only with Kentucky domicile and 25%+ ownership in each. See KRS 198B.678.
How many continuing education hours do Kentucky Masters need each year?
Six hours annually in approved topics (business, safety, codes, HVAC trade). Hours are generally due in the 12 months before renewal; inactive licenses are CE‑exempt until reactivation. See 815 KAR 2:010.
Need help planning your application, paperwork, and timing? License Navigator can assemble your Kentucky HVAC licensing checklist and keep you on track through approval and renewal.
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