Follow Step 1 and Step 2 to become certified traditionally through the examination process. If you believe you qualify to become certified via reciprocity skip to Step 3.
STEP 1
Choose Your Desired Examination by Reading the Criteria Below:
Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors Examination: A heating and air conditioning contractor performs installation, service, and/or repair on a heating and/or cooling apparatus. A heating and/or cooling apparatus consisting of an air heating and/or cooling fixture from pipes, plenums or blowers including any accessory and equipment installed in connection herewith; specifically excluding window units, automotive or farm implement type heating and/or air conditioning equipment.
Refrigeration Contractors Examination. A refrigeration contractor performs installation, service, and/or repair on commercial refrigeration equipment. Commercial refrigeration equipment uses mechanical or absorption equipment to control temperature, humidity, or both, in order to satisfy the intended use of a specific space, other than for human comfort.
Examples of HVAC and Refrigeration Systems (list is not all inclusive): Heating – Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, Gas Piping, Mini-Split, Heat Pumps, Central Heat, etc. Air Conditioning- Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, Mini-Split, Heat Pumps, Central Air, etc. Refrigeration – Walk-In Coolers, Reach-In Coolers, Commercial Refrigerators, Refrigerated Storage, etc.
Click to Here to Expedite the Examination Application Process: Online Exam Application
To apply by mail download the Application for Examination. There will be a 4% service fee if paying by by credit card. No personal or business checks will are accepted. To pay by certified check or money order please make payable to “State of Alabama.” The fee for examination is $150.00. All fees are non-refundable.
STEP 2
Upon Successful Completion of the Examination Please Determine Your Desired Status From The Criteria Below:
A. Active Status: Contractors who perform HVAC or Refrigeration installation, service or repair. Requires a business name and performance bond in the amount of $15,000. Fee for active status is $190.00 annually.
B. Inactive Status: Individuals who DO NOT perform HVAC or Refrigeration installation, service or repair but wish to hold a contractor certification. No bond is required. Fee for inactive status is $95.00 annually.
Click Here to Expedite the Application For Licensure: Online Profile
Be sure to have your performance bond, business information, and corporation documents in a .pdf, .jpg, .gif, or .tiff file to upload into the online profile. Failing to upload these documents correctly will only delay the licensing process.
To apply by mail, download the AL-1, AL-2, and BF-1 forms and return them to the Board via email to applications@hacr.alabama.gov. There will be a 4% service fee if paying by by credit card. No personal or business checks will are accepted. To pay by certified check or money order please make payable to “State of Alabama.” The fee for ACTIVE certifications is $190.00. The fee for INACTIVE certifications is $95.00. All fees are non-refundable.
To assure consideration of your license application, the Board office must receive all of these items no later than 4:30 PM ten full working days before the next Board’s meeting.
STEP 3
Licensure by Reciprocity: (Hold a current and valid license in a reciprocating state)
You may apply by reciprocity if you hold a current and valid license in Mississippi for at least 1 year, Tennessee for at least 3 years, the South Carolina Residential Building Commission, South Carolina Contractor’s Board, West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board or Louisiana no waiting periods.
Reciprocal applications cannot be processed online. To submit an application for consideration via reciprocity follow these steps:
- Send via Email, US Mail, UPS, or FedEx a completed, signed and notarized Reciprocity Application.
- Processing fee by certified check, money order or credit card in the amount of $190.00. All fees are non-refundable.
- Performance Bond in the amount of $15,000 in the business name listing the Board as obligee (use form BF-1)
- FOREIGN CORPORATION (BUSINESS OR NON-PROFIT) APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION (To apply as a foreign corporation please visit the Alabama Secretary of State website by clicking here)
Be advised your application could be delayed if you use a 3rd party licensing organization. The Board cannot discuss your application information with anyone except the applicant. An affidavit from the processor is insufficient to discuss your licensing information.