Colorado does not currently have a state-wide HVAC contractor license. There are only two trades that are regulated at the state level:
This means that HVAC laws will differ depending on the county you are in.
However, Denver regulates HVAC contractors through the Department of Community Planning and Development.
HVAC Contractor Classifications in Denver
In Denver, the HVAC trade falls under the Mechanical License Type
The Denver Community Planning and Development Department offers 4 levels of licensing for HVAC Contractors:
1. Heating and Ventilating Journeyman
Scope of work includes:
- Installation of Heating and Ventilating Systems
- Ductwork, Ventilation and Evaporative Cooling
- Exterior Sheet Metal and Water Heaters not exceeding 100 Mbtu input
- Burners, venting and controls
- Exhaust systems and appurtenances
- low voltage wiring not exceeding 48 volts
- Air Conditioning and refrigeration systems
- Cooling towers and pipe insulation
Requirements
- 4 years (7,000 Hours) in-field experience in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program.
- Notarized letter providing a detailed description of job duties, projects, equipment operated. You must also include dates and where experience was gained
- Projects must be within the last 10 years
Examination
To get the journeyman heating and ventilation license you will need to pass the following ICC examination:
- (ICC Exam #F31 National Standard Journeyman Mechanical)
- HVAC Fundamentals
2. Heating and Ventilating Journeyman Class A Supervisor
Scope of work includes residential and commercial projects that involve:
- Install, alter or repair warm air heating, venting, ventilation, evaporative cooling, and exhaust systems.
- Ductwork, dust collection systems, and domestic and commercial range
- Hoods, water heaters not exceeding 100 Mbtu input
- Gas piping; burners, controls and venting, trash and laundry chutes
- Exterior sheet metal, duct insulation, low voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts.
- Refrigeration systems under 50 tons that do not include pre charged lines or separate air cooled condenser/chilled water systems
Requirements
- 8 Years experience years in commercial heating & ventilating work. Experience must include 4 years as a journeyman mechanic and 4 years as a designer, draftsman or supervisor.
- Notarized letter providing a detailed description of job duties, projects, equipment operated. You must also include dates and where experience was gained.
- Projects must be within the last 10 years
Examination
To get the heating and ventilation Supervisor's A license you will need to pass the following ICC examination:
- ICC Exam #F29 National Standard Master Mechanical
- HVAC Fundamentals
3. Heating and Ventilating Journeyman Class B Supervisor
- Install, add to, alter or repair heating and ventilating – warm air heating systems in one- or two-family dwellings, IRC townhomes or U Occupancies only
- Ductwork, ventilation, evaporative cooling, duct insulation, and exterior sheet metal
- Gas piping; burners, venting and controls, water heaters not exceeding 100 Mbtu input
- Low voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway
- Air Conditioning and refrigeration systems of 5 tons or less
Requirements
- 6 years experience in residential heating & ventilating work
- Experience must include at least 4 years as a heating & ventilating journeyman mechanic AND 2 years as either a designer, draftsman or supervisor
- Notarized letter providing a detailed description of job duties, projects, equipment operated. You must also include dates and where experience was gained.
- Projects must be within the last 10 years
Examination
To get the heating and ventilation Class B Supervisor's license, you will need to pass the following ICC examination:
- ICC Exam #F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical (Class C)
- HVAC Trade Skills
4. Heating, Ventilating, and A/C (Residential Only)
- Install, add to, alter or repair heating and ventilating systems in one- or two-family dwellings, IRC townhomes or U Occupancies only:
- Ductwork, ventilation, and evaporative cooling
- Exterior sheet metal, gas piping; burners, venting and controls
- Water heaters not exceeding 100 Mbtu input and low-voltage wiring that does not exceed 48 volts and is not enclosed in a conduit or raceway
- Air Conditioning and refrigeration systems of 5 tons or less.
Requirements
- 6 years experience in residential heating & ventilating work
- Experience must include at least 4 years as a heating & ventilating journeyman mechanic AND 2 years as either a designer, draftsman or supervisor
- Notarized letter providing a detailed description of job duties, projects, equipment operated. You must also include dates and where experience was gained.
- Projects must be within the last 10 years
Examination
To get the heating and ventilation Class B Supervisor's license, you will need to pass the following ICC examination:
- ICC Exam #F32 National Standard Residential Mechanical (Class C)
- HVAC Trade Skills
Colorado HVAC License Application Processing
The process of applying for a Contractor License in Denver is as follows:
- Complete a Supervisor's Certificate
- Complete a Contractor License Application
You can apply Online
or
In-person at:
Contractor Licensing desk on the 2nd floor of the Webb Municipal Building
201 W. Colfax Ave.,Denver, CO 80202
By mail at:
Contractor Licensing,
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205,
Denver, CO 80202.
Application Fees
| Fee for General Contractor Class A | $250.00 |
| Fee for Building Contractor Class B | $250.00 |
| Fee for Residential Contractor Class C | $250.00 |
| Fee for Specialty Class D | $250.00 |
| Fee for all Mechanical License Types | $250.00 |
PLUMBING LICENSE – Renewed every two years
| Fee for Plumbing A License | $160.00 |
ELECTRICAL LICENSE – Renewed every three years
| Fee for Electrical License | $0.00 |
CERTIFICATES – Renewed every three years
| Supervisor Certificate | $60.00 |
| Journeyman Certificate | $40.00 |
| Engineer Certificate | $40.00 |
| Operator Certificate | $40.00 |
OTHER FEES
| Duplicate License | $25.00 |
| Duplicate Certificate | $25.00 |
| Change of Name (Personal) on License or Certificate | $25.00 |
Construction Bonds in Colorado
Laws may differ throughout the state, however in Denver payment or performance bonds are required for projects with construction improvements made within the public right-of-way that total more than $20,000.00. You may also use a letter of credit.
You may submit completed Bonding forms to:
2000 W 3rd Ave3rd FloorDenver, CO 80223
Colorado Business License
Colorado allows those applying for the Contractor License to choose if they would like to set themselves up as a business entity.
If you already have a registered business entity and you would like to apply for a license in Denver then you must include the following documentation about your business along with your application.
Typically, there are 4 common business structures among construction professionals:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
For a complete look at the differences between these business structures, check this guide.
For more information about getting a business license in Colorado and the nature of your business you can contact any of the following agencies:
- Colorado Secretary of State
- Colorado Department of Revenue
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
Worker's Compensation
Colorado requires all businesses that have employees to carry worker's compensation insurance, regardless of their construction trade.
Worker's Compensation requirements for Colorado contractor license applicants can be found on the website of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Colorado Contractor License Look-up
For consumers or homeowners looking to search for an active Colorado contractor license, you may access information on the Department of Regulatory Agencies search portal
HVAC Apprenticeships in Colorado
Whether you are looking to become a journeyman in Colorado or begin a career in the construction industry, you will want to begin by mastering a trade.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation in your career is by looking into an apprenticeship program.
These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in a trade.
Denver contractor license requirements, like the other classifications, require a skill set beyond just trade knowledge.
If you are new to the world of construction and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Each state has different requirements and standards for certifications. To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
Blueprint Reading Course
For those looking to do pursue a career in construction or get the Colorado General Contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental.
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for those looking to get a contractor license.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Safety Certifications
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is a huge part of managing a construction site. General Contractors should know everything about safely supervising a project.
If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor in Colorado, you may be asked to complete some level of Osha Safety Training.
Get Started
Getting the Colorado contractor license can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for a construction company!
The Construction industry is highly lucrative. Whether you are looking to get licensed in other states or offer handyman services in Colorado.
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about HVAC contractor licenses in California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida
The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end.
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.