California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor License - HVAC (C-20)

Requirements:
  • A Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor License (HVAC) in California is required for projects that exceed $500.
  • To become a licensed contractor, candidates will have to sit for two exams: business and law and their trade. 
  • In order to sit for the examinations, the board must first approve your application. 
  • Pre-approval from the state is required to sit for the examination.
  • Applicants are required to have 4 years experience to qualify to take the exam. Experience must be at the journeyman, foreman or supervisor, contractor, or as an owner-builder.
  • All applicants must have a working capital of at least $2,500.  In addition, all applicants must also file a bond with the Registrar in the amount of $10,000. 
Services:

An HVAC contractor in California fabricates, installs, maintains, services, and repairs warm air heating systems, heat pumps, ventilating systems, and air conditioning systems.

Applications: The exam fee is included with the $250 application fee. The initial license fee for two years is an additional $150. An application for licensure can be obtained from the California Contractors State License Board by calling 1-800-321-2752. 
Reciprocity: Limited agreements with Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
Continuing Education: There is none at this time.
Exam:
  • The  California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor exam has approximately 100 questions and a time limit of 2 1/2 hours.  
  • A 72% is required to pass.
  • Topics on the exam include system evaluation and design; fabrication; system installation and start up; service, maintenance, and repair; and safety.
  • The exam fee is included with the $250 application fee. 
  • After the board has approved your application, they will inform you of the testing date. 
References:

The following references are recommended to study for the California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor exam. However, they are NOT allowed into the exam.  They are available for purchase from our online contractor's bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-952-0910.

  • 2001 California Building Code (Volumes 1 and 2)
  • 2001 California Mechanical Code
  • 2001 California Plumbing Code
  • 2004 California Electrical Code
  • Cal/OSHA Construction and Electrical Safety Orders
  • Heating and Cooling Essentials
  • HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible
  • Manual CS, Commercial Systems
  • Manual D, Residential Duct Systems
  • Manual H, Heat Pump Systems
  • Manual J, Residential Load Calculations
  • Manual P, Psychrometrics
  • Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Manual
  • Study Guide for EPA Section 608 Test 
Training:

We currently do not offer a review for the California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor exam at this time.  However, we do offer several online math courses and practice tests that can help prepare for certain sections on the exam.  For more information, contact our office at 1-800-952-0910. 

Study Guide Price: Coming Soon!

 
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