HVAC contractor license cost in

The current HVAC contractor license cost in Alabama includes a $175 written exam and $375 practical exam, a $220 initial active certification fee, and a $220 annual renewal. New applicants must also file a $20,000 performance bond (surety premium varies). Details below.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-01

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR Board)
Application/forms	Submit AL-1 (Application), AL-2 (Business Information), and BF-1 (Bond form) for active certification; upload via the Board’s portal. HACR New License Application • Forms and Notices
Exams and fees	Written exam $175; practical exam $375; set by rule effective Oct. 14, 2024. Ala. Admin. Code r. 440-X-3-.10
Initial license (active)	$220 initial active certification fee. Ala. Admin. Code r. 440-X-3-.10
Annual renewal	$220 due by December 31; $250 late fee after Dec. 31; lapse >1 year requires re-exam. r. 440-X-3-.10 • HACR FAQ
Experience to sit for exam	Eligible with either: 2+ calendar years as HACR apprentice OR 3,000 hours supervised experience/coursework OR graduation from an approved program. HACR Exam Application portal • New License Application
Bond/insurance	$20,000 performance bond required for all new HVAC/refrigeration contractor applicants; proof may be required annually. Ala. Admin. Code r. 440-X-3-.04 • BF-1 bond form
Continuing education	4 hours CE each year; may take up to 8 and carry over 4. First renewal year after initial licensure is CE‑exempt. HACR CE FAQ • r. 440‑X‑4‑.10
Minimum age	No specific HACR age stated; the Alabama age of majority is 19 for contracting and business obligations. Ala. Code § 26‑1‑1

How to calculate the HVAC contractor license cost in Alabama

1. Confirm eligibility. Ensure you meet one path to exam eligibility (2 years apprentice, 3,000 hours, or approved program). Exam eligibility rule summary
2. Apply for the exams. File your exam application with supporting experience documentation; the Board will send scheduling instructions. Exam application packet
3. Budget exam fees. Pay $175 (written) and $375 (practical) per r. 440‑X‑3‑.10. Official fee schedule
4. Secure the $20,000 bond. Obtain a performance bond on form BF‑1; the penal sum is fixed by rule, but your premium is set by the surety and varies. r. 440‑X‑3‑.04 • BF‑1
5. Submit licensing forms and fee. Upload AL‑1, AL‑2, BF‑1 and pay the $220 initial active certification fee. Submit at least 10 full working days before a Board meeting for timely review. HACR New License Application • How to Get Licensed
6. Maintain your license. Each year: complete 4 CE hours by Nov. 1, renew for $220 by Dec. 31, and maintain your bond. Late renewals add $250. CE info • HACR FAQ • r. 440‑X‑3‑.10

Alabama HVAC contractor license cost breakdown (current rules)

Under the HACR Board’s fee rule effective October 14, 2024, expect: written exam $175, practical exam $375, initial active certification $220, annual renewal $220, and a $250 late fee after December 31. Ala. Admin. Code r. 440‑X‑3‑.10

Bond requirement for Alabama HVAC contractors

All new HVAC/refrigeration contractor applicants must file a $20,000 performance bond with the HACR Board; proof may be required annually. The bond’s penal sum is set by rule; the premium you pay is market-based. Use the Board’s BF‑1 form. r. 440‑X‑3‑.04 • BF‑1

Eligibility, forms, and deadlines for the Alabama HVAC contractor license

To sit for the exams, you must document either two calendar years as a registered apprentice, 3,000 hours of supervised experience/coursework, or graduation from an approved curriculum. File via the online portal, and submit complete licensing materials at least 10 working days before a Board meeting. HACR Exam Application portal • New License Application • How to Get Licensed

Renewal costs and CE for an Alabama HVAC contractor license

Renew annually for $220 by December 31. Complete 4 hours CE each year (you may take 8 and carry 4 hours forward). Missed CE blocks renewal until completed; renewing after Dec. 31 adds a $250 late fee. r. 440‑X‑3‑.10 • CE FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total up‑front cost to get licensed?

Plan on $175 for the written exam, $375 for the practical, the $220 initial active certification fee, and the premium for a $20,000 performance bond (premium set by the surety). Local business license fees are separate. r. 440‑X‑3‑.10 • r. 440‑X‑3‑.04

Is the bond $15,000 or $20,000?

Current rules require a $20,000 performance bond for new HVAC/refrigeration contractor applicants, and the Board’s BF‑1 form states a $20,000 amount. Older pages may still show $15,000; rely on the rule and current form. r. 440‑X‑3‑.04 • BF‑1

When do I have to renew and what happens if I’m late?

Renew annually by December 31 for $220. If submitted after Dec. 31, a $250 late fee applies; after one year lapsed, the certification expires and re‑examination is required. r. 440‑X‑3‑.10 • HACR FAQ

How many CE hours are required, and what’s the cost?

Contractors must complete 4 CE hours each year (up to 8 can be taken with 4 carried over). Course costs vary by provider; CE is not required for the first renewal after initial licensure. HACR CE FAQ • r. 440‑X‑4‑.10

What experience is needed to qualify for the exam?

You must show either two calendar years as a Board‑registered apprentice, 3,000 hours of supervised experience/coursework, or graduation from an approved program, with W‑2s and employer affidavits where applicable. Exam Application portal • New License Application

Need help turning these rules into a clean, step‑by‑step plan and budget? License Navigator lays out your Alabama HVAC licensing path, costs, and deadlines so you don’t miss a fee or form.