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How to become a licensed HVAC technician in Idaho. State-level licensing required. Apprenticeship: 8,000 hours. Total initial fees: $125. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
HVAC Technician
Yes
State Licensed?
8,000
Apprentice Hours
4 levels
License Levels
$125
Total Initial Fees
8 hrs
CE Hours
Required
EPA 608
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types
Notes
Idaho requires HVAC technicians and contractors to be licensed through the Idaho Division of Building Safety — HVAC Bureau.
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the Idaho Division of Building Safety — HVAC Bureau
Official Title
HVAC Apprentice
Experience Required
No prior experience required; must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program
Exam Required
No
Supervision Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Official Title
HVAC Journeyman
Experience Required
Completion of 8,000 hours of apprenticeship
Exam Required
Yes
Supervision Required
No
Additional Requirements
Official Title
HVAC Master
Experience Required
2-4 years as licensed journeyman
Exam Required
Yes
Supervision Required
No
Additional Requirements
Official Title
HVAC Contractor
Experience Required
4+ years of licensed experience
Exam Required
Yes
Supervision Required
No
Additional Requirements
Technical School
Training Hours
8,000
Apprentice Hours
4
Years
Training Programs
EPA Section 608 Certification
VerifiedRequired for Refrigerant Handling
Federal requirement for anyone handling refrigerants. Universal certification covers all equipment types.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
State HVAC Exam
Exam Provider
ICC
Exam Name
Idaho HVAC Mechanical Examination
Open Book
Yes
Exam Details
80
Questions
240 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
NATE Certification
Voluntary but industry-recognized; covers installation and service specialties
Retake Policy
May retake after 30-day waiting period
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $25 |
Exam Fee | $50 |
License Fee | $50 |
Contractor License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $40 |
Total Initial Fees | $125 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$40
Regulatory Board
HVAC licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering code updates, refrigerant handling, energy efficiency, and safety practices.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Idaho accepts out-of-state HVAC licenses through endorsement if requirements are substantially similar.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
HVAC license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Some states offer endorsement for experienced technicians, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials.
Idaho's HVAC Bureau within the Division of Building Safety administers one of the more comprehensive state HVAC licensing programs, with apprentice, journeyman, and master levels all clearly defined.
EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for anyone handling refrigerants — this applies in all states including Idaho.
Idaho's HVAC Bureau within the Division of Building Safety administers one of the more comprehensive state HVAC licensing programs, with apprentice, journeyman, and master levels all clearly defined.
Idaho requires 8 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Idaho.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#38 of 51
Salary
#42 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021)
Entry Level
$46,570
25th percentile
Median
$52,730
-12% vs. national avg ($59,810)Experienced
$64,360
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,570 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+27,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
33,500
per year (avg.)
403,900 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
HVAC Career Ladder+37% salary growth potential
You are here
HVAC Technician
$52,730
Technical training + EPA 608 certification
You are here
HVAC Technician
Technical training + EPA 608 certification
$52,730
Master HVAC license + contractor license
$72,360
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 212–224 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Idaho Division of Building Safety — HVAC Bureau — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Idaho Division of Building Safety — HVAC Bureau — Licensing Requirements
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Idaho requires state-level licensing. An apprenticeship of 8,000 hours is recommended. All licensing is managed through the Idaho Division of Building Safety — HVAC Bureau.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.