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Alabama HVAC

Alabama HVAC contractor license guide

Alabama HVAC and refrigeration contractor certification is handled by the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. The official pages separate heating and air conditioning contractors, refrigeration contractors, examination, active/inactive status, bonds, forms, reciprocity, and license lookup.

The short answer

Alabama HVAC contractors should start with the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. The board's how-to page says active status is for contractors who perform HVAC or refrigeration installation, service, or repair, and requires a business name, performance bond, and annual active-status fee.

Who this applies to

  • Contractors selling heating, air conditioning, cooling, ventilation, or refrigeration work in Alabama should confirm whether HACR certification applies.
  • Applicants should distinguish heating and air conditioning contractor exams from refrigeration contractor exams before filing.
  • Homeowners and contractors can use the HACR online lookup to verify HVAC, refrigeration, DATT, apprentice, CE instructor, and emergency license types.

Requirement snapshot

Authority Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors.
Exam categories The board's how-to page separates Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors Examination and Refrigeration Contractors Examination criteria.
Exam fee The board's how-to page lists a $175 examination fee as of the last check date.
Active status The board says active contractors who perform HVAC or refrigeration installation, service, or repair need a business name and a performance bond.
Bond and fee The board's how-to page lists a $20,000 performance bond and $220 annual active certification fee as of the last check date.
Reciprocity The board lists reciprocal paths for license holders from several states who passed an equivalent exam with a qualifying score and hold current valid licenses.

Practical application path

  1. Read the HACR how-to page and choose the HVAC, refrigeration, or combined exam path that matches the work.
  2. Submit the current examination application and wait for board approval before scheduling the exam.
  3. After passing, choose active or inactive status and prepare the AL-1, AL-2, bond, business, and supporting documents required by the board.
  4. If applying by reciprocity, follow the board's current reciprocal application and verification requirements.
  5. Use the HACR online license lookup to verify certification before advertising or subcontracting HVAC or refrigeration work.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Do not assume general contractor or home builder licensing replaces Alabama HACR certification.
  • HVAC work can overlap with gas, LP gas, electrical, duct, refrigeration, permit, inspection, and local code requirements.
  • The board warns that third-party processors cannot discuss an applicant's information with the board unless current board rules allow it.

Official source links

Alabama HACR board https://hacr.alabama.gov/ HACR how to get licensed https://hacr.alabama.gov/how-to-get-licensed/ HACR forms and notices https://hacr.alabama.gov/forms-and-notices/ HACR applicants page https://hacr.alabama.gov/applicants/ HACR license lookup https://hacr.igovsolution.net/online/Lookups/Individual_Lookup.aspx

FAQ

Who handles Alabama HVAC contractor certification?

The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors handles HVAC and refrigeration contractor certification.

Does Alabama separate HVAC and refrigeration contractor exams?

Yes. The board's how-to page describes separate heating and air conditioning contractor and refrigeration contractor examination criteria.