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how to get your Louisiana HVAC license. Contractor exam requirements, fees, application and more

How To Get The Louisiana HVAC License!

Table of Contents

HVAC contractors in the State of Louisiana are regulated by:

  • Louisiana State Board for Contractors (LSLBC)

The Scope of work for contractors in Louisiana is separated into four categories:

  • Commercial
  • Residential
  • Home Improvement
  • Mold Remediation

The Louisiana HVAC Contractor license falls under the commercial category

the ultimate guide to getting your hvac contractor license in louisiana

Who Needs to Have an HVAC License in Louisiana?

Anyone engaging in projects that involve:

“installation, maintenance or repair of air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, coolers, freezers and ice rinks”

The state of Louisiana defines a Contractor as someone who:

“Conducts business in the installation, maintenance and repair work conforming to applicable standards and codes”


Louisiana HVAC License Requirements

To take the Louisiana HVAC contractors exam you must meet the following basic requirements:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Valid USA Identification 
  • Social Security Number 

You must also:

  • Show proof of financial solvency with a net-worth of at least $10,000
  • Proof of General Liability Insurance (Residential and Mold Remediation License Only)
  • Complete a Criminal Background Check

Recommended HVAC Books

Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Mechanical Code 

HVAC Fundamentals

Trane Air conditioning Manuel

Managing the Construction Process

Project Management in Construction


What is Journeyman Experience?

while you dont need to prove your experience when applying for the louisiana hvac license, you will need to pass a journeyman level examination

Louisiana board of contractors does not have an experience requirement for HVAC technicians. However, your trade examination will present questions to you as if you are an HVAC journeyman. 

While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:

  • Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
  • Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
  • Has supervisory level experience
  • (in some cases) has completed a Journeyman certification


Louisiana HVAC License Application Processing 

The application process for the Residential and Commercial License are as follows:

  • Step 1: 

Pass the Louisiana Contractor License Application

  • Step 2: 

Complete the Financial Statement Affidavit

  • Step 3:

Complete the Qualifying Party Application

Make sure that your application is:

Completed applications and fees can be sent to:

2525 Quail Drive,

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

(Application processing can take up to 4-8 weeks)

The Application for Home Improvement Contractor is slightly different. 


Proving Your Financial Solvency 

the Louisiana State Contractors Licensing Board will require you to prove your financial solvency

Your Financial Affidavit must include:

  • The last 12 Months of Financial Information
  • Financial Statement Affidavit demonstrating net worth of at least $10,000
  • Affidavit must be signed and notarized

For a complete look at how the financial affidavit and required information, check out this resource.


Louisiana Contractors License Examination

All heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning contractors must pass a law & business course. This will be a 45-minute online course you must complete as part of your application process.

Topics may include:

  • Business Planning
  • Business Structures
  • Insurance
  • Project Management
  • Cost Estimating
  • Contracts
  • Scheduling
  • Job Site Safety
  • Environmental Safety Rules & Regulations
  • Managing Subcontractors and Suppliers
  • Financial Management
  • Tax Basics and Bookkeeping 
  • Lien Laws
  • Business Management and Contracts


Louisiana HVAC License Exam

The Air-Conditioning, Ventilation, Refrigeration and Duct-Work exam is:

  • 100 Questions
  • 75 Minimum Passing Score
  • 4 Hours allowed
  • Closed Book

Questions are based on the:

2012 ICC Mechanical Code

The examination will have questions covering the following topics:

  • Project Management
  • Estimation
  • Plan Reading for HVAC Systems
  • Refrigeration
  • HVAC Servicing and Systems Analysis
  • Air-Conditioning Installation
  • Air Distribution Systems and Ventilation
  • Piping Systems and Hydronics (commercial, residential, and industrial)
  • Instrumentation (controls and balancing)

Louisiana Contractor License Exam Locations

  • Baton Rouge

600 North StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802

  • Bossier Parish Community College

6220 E. Texas Street, Building D, Room 203Bossier City, LA

  • Delgado Community College

980 Navarre Building 2, Room 302New Orleans, LA 70119-4399

  • Fletcher Technical Community College

1407 Highway 311Shriever, LA 70395

  • LSU-Alexandria

Student Center, Room 2048100 U.S. 71Alexandria, LA 71302

  • Louisiana Delta Community College

7500 Millhaven RoadMonroe, LA 71203

  • North Shore Technical Community College

65556 Centerpoint Blvd. Room 124Lacombe, LA 70445

  • Nunez Community College

3710 Paris Road, Administration Building Room 120Chalmette, LA 70043

  • South Louisiana Community College — Lafayette Campus

1101 Bertrand DriveLafayette, LA 70506

  • SOWELA Technical Community College

Computer Center3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston AvenueSycamore Building–Testing CenterLake Charles, LA 70607


Louisiana HVAC Business License

If you are applying for a Louisiana commercial builders license as a business, the state board will require you to have an established business entity.

This can be set up through the Louisiana Secretary of State

You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:

  • 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
you may need to get your louisiana business license to open a construction business

For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!


Louisiana Worker's Compensation Laws

Louisiana requires all construction companies with 1 or more employees to hold worker's compensation insurance.

This also includes LLCs. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.

Contractors must be insured through a commercial provider, self-insured carrier, or through the Louisiana Workforce Commission


LSLBC Contractor Search

The Louisiana State Board for Contractors exists as a consumer protection mechanism.

The agency exists not only to enforce rules on construction contractors but also to ensure that homeowners are not being overcharged by unlicensed contractors.

If you are a homeowner or business owner looking to verify a contractor license in the state of Louisiana, you can check a license here


Renewing Your Louisiana Contractor License

Once your HVAC contractor license is active, you will be responsible for renewing it on an annual basis. Make sure that you begin the renewal process 30 days in advance to make sure there is no gap in your licensing.

The Louisiana State Licensing Board gives you the option of either a one, two, or three-year renewal. You can access their portal here

  • If you submit your application more than 15 days after your license expiration date, you will be charged a penalty
  • Your license will be considered expired if you have not renewed after 1 year. You must then start the application process over.

Louisiana HVAC Apprenticeships

If you are just beginning your career in hopes of one day becoming a licensed contractor in Louisiana you will want to begin by mastering the trade.

One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself as a professional air-conditioning and refrigeration industry is by looking into an HVAC training course.

No matter what your area of expertise.


These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete, Landscaping, Painting, HVAC, Roofing, Carpentry, and much more!

If you are one day looking to get the Louisiana General Contractor license, you will need to demonstrate a skill set beyond just construction. Learn about project management and other business skills.

To see our course catalog for online HVAC courses, click below:

if you are looking to get licensed as an hvac contractor in the state of louisiana, you will want to begin with online hvac courses

HVAC Journeyman or Apprentice?

If you are new to the construction industry and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.

Each state may have different requirements and standards for what is considered an HVAC journeyman. Ultimately, someone that is licensed to service air-conditioning units or refrigeration units must hold some type of license.

To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!


What You Need To Know About Contractor License Schools

there are contractor license schools that can help you pass the Louisiana contractor license examination

If you are looking to prepare for your Louisiana HVAC license exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help. Most contractor resources include:

  • Home study materials
  • Online classes taught by industry professionals
  • Application assistance 
  • Insurance and Business services

Many tradesmen find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety, and Louisiana state construction law. 

These topics can be learned quickly. Studying consistently in the weeks leading up to your exam day will help you greatly.

Practice exams and study guides breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.


Construction LAW vs Construction TRADE

A contractor license school's main focus should be on the law.

Most states offer several different types of licenses, so if a school is telling you it can teach you your trade, be wary… as that is not realistic.

You can however review air-conditioning, electrical, and refrigeration concepts you may have forgotten using practice tests and study guides.

Many excellent online resources cover the basics of Electricity, HVAC, Masonry, Carpentry, and much more!

Check out our complete list of Trade Skills Courses


Blueprint Reading Course

to get the louisiana hvac license, you will need to pass an examination. confidence is everything when you take an examination and nothing can help you gain confidence before taking a construction examination than understanding blueprint reading

If you are reading this and looking to get your residential or commercial HVAC contractor license in Louisiana, you must understand the importance of Blueprint Reading. 

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 especially for those looking to into engineering or to get a Louisiana general contractor license.

See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!


OSHA Safety Certifications in Louisiana

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.

OSHA safety regulations are a great idea to know thoroughly before applying for the Louisiana contractor license

Safety is probably the most important part of running a construction business in Louisiana.

Whether it be roofing, painting, landscaping, carpentry, electrical or any other trade.

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, you may be asked to complete some level of Louisiana OSHA Training!


Get Started!

Applying to the Louisiana Board of Contractors can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business as an HVAC specialist!

If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about HVAC contractor licenses in CaliforniaNew MexicoUtahArizonaNevadaColorado, Alabama, and Florida

The construction industry is very lucrative and HVAC contractors especially are highly sought after. There has never been a better time to get into construction, as there will be increasingly more opportunities into the future.


The key is to use the information you have now and take action from beginning to end. I know you will make the most of it!

If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.