HVAC Contractor License Cost (MA)

Expect to pay a $150 non‑refundable state application fee to become a Massachusetts Refrigeration Contractor (the HVAC contractor credential), plus a $75 biennial renewal and proof of at least $500,000 liability insurance; education and exam prep add extra out‑of‑pocket costs.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-05

How to get your Massachusetts HVAC contractor (Refrigeration Contractor) license

1. Confirm eligibility. Ensure you hold a Massachusetts Journeyman Refrigeration Technician license and can document at least 2,000 hours in that role plus 100 hours of approved additional education. 528 CMR 11.03.
2. Gather documentation. Collect employer letters verifying hours, school transcripts for the 100 hours, a 2x2 photo (or RMV release), and proof of age (18+). Application checklist.
3. Apply with OPSI. Submit the Refrigeration Contractor Application and pay the $150 non‑refundable processing fee. OPSI will review and schedule your exam. Apply page.
4. Take the exam. Watch for your exam notice from the DOL Engineering Division; exam dates are published and administered by DOL. Missed exams forfeit fees. 2026 exam schedule.
5. Receive your license. Upon passing, OPSI issues your Refrigeration Contractor license by email. OPSI licensing flow (technician page reference).
6. Maintain insurance and renew biennially. Keep at least $500,000 liability with completed operations and renew every two years for $75. Renewal page; M.G.L. c.146, §85.

HVAC contractor license cost in Massachusetts: what you’ll actually pay

Your state‑mandated costs are straightforward: a $150 non‑refundable application/processing fee to qualify for the Refrigeration Contractor exam and a $75 renewal every two years. OPSI also requires proof of at least $500,000 liability insurance with completed operations coverage at renewal. Training courses (100 hours) and study materials are additional market costs, not state fees. Apply page; Application (PDF); Renewal page.

Who licenses HVAC contractors in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the Refrigeration Contractor credential (the HVAC contractor pathway for 10‑ton‑and‑over systems) is licensed by the Division of Occupational Licensure’s OPSI through its Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians & Sprinkler Fitters; exams are run by the DOL Engineering Division. Board page; Engineering exams.

Experience and education you must document

Before OPSI will seat you for the Refrigeration Contractor exam, you must prove at least 2,000 hours working as a Massachusetts Journeyman Refrigeration Technician and 100 hours of additional Bureau‑approved education. These prerequisites are set in 528 CMR 11.03. Regulation.

Renewal, insurance, and ongoing obligations

By statute, licenses renew every two years, and contractors pay a $75 renewal fee. OPSI also requires a certificate of liability insurance showing completed operations coverage of at least $500,000 per occurrence, naming the Division of Occupational Licensure as certificate holder. M.G.L. c.146, §85; Renewal page.

Related Massachusetts licensing costs to benchmark

If you’re budgeting for multiple credentials in Massachusetts, reviewing other state‑regulated license costs can help. For example, our guide to Massachusetts private investigator licensing fees and steps and our Massachusetts real estate license cost breakdown show how OPSI and other boards structure fees and renewals across professions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total state fee to get a Massachusetts HVAC (Refrigeration Contractor) license?

The state charges a $150 non‑refundable application/processing fee to qualify for the Refrigeration Contractor exam. There is no separate exam fee listed on current OPSI materials. After you pass, you’ll pay $75 every two years to renew and must maintain $500,000 liability insurance. Apply page; Renewal page.

Do I need a Journeyman Refrigeration Technician license first?

Yes. To sit for the Refrigeration Contractor exam, you must show at least 2,000 hours as a Massachusetts Journeyman Refrigeration Technician and 100 hours of additional approved education. 528 CMR 11.03.

How often do I renew, and what does renewal cost?

Licenses renew every two years under M.G.L. c.146, §85. The OPSI Master/Contractor renewal fee is $75, and you must submit a liability insurance certificate showing at least $500,000 per‑occurrence completed operations coverage, listing the Division of Occupational Licensure as certificate holder. Statute; Renewal page.

What other costs should I budget beyond state fees?

Plan for 100 hours of Bureau‑approved education (tuition varies by provider), exam prep materials, and maintaining business insurance. These are not set by OPSI but are typical market costs to meet eligibility and keep your contractor credential compliant. Study materials list.

Where do I find the official application?

Use OPSI’s Refrigeration Contractor application and follow the checklist for documents and the $150 processing fee. Submit per the directions; OPSI will contact you with exam scheduling details. Apply page; Application (PDF).

Need help mapping your path and budgeting every line item? License Navigator can assemble a personalized, step‑by‑step plan to your Massachusetts HVAC contractor license with exact fees and forms.