How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ohio

Becoming an HVAC professional is no easy feat.

But they are the ones who make sure that we stay in our homes comfortably throughout the year.

With the temperatures spiking every year, it helps to have professionals who know how to maintain and repair appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.

Not every state in the United States has the same policies when it comes to getting an HVAC license.

After you are done reading this blog, you will know the right steps to take to become an HVAC technician in Ohio.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide

A common question is whether or not an HVAC license is needed to work as an HVAC technician in Ohio.

The answer is both a yes and a no.

If you wish to work in residential properties, you may not need a license.

But, to do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work in commercial buildings, you need a license.

However, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma before you can get into an HVAC training program.

Let’s take a look at what else you need to do.

Step 1: Get Your HVAC Education

If you want to become an HVAC engineer in Ohio, you have two options.

First, you can enroll in an apprenticeship program, which has 2,000 or more hours of on-the-job training.

Second, you can complete an HVAC training program at a university or trade school.

The training option is usually the most sought-after.

Once you get your training, you can start working in residential properties.

But, if you wish to get the Ohio Commercial Contractor HVAC license, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Apart from your education, you also need adequate work experience before you can apply.

Before you can take the exam for getting the license, you need to have 5 years of work experience.

However, if you are already a registered engineer, you only need to show 3 years of business experience.

 Step 2: Take Licensing Exam and Get Licensed

Before you can go on to take your licensing exam, you need two more important things other than the required education and experience.

They are:

• Proof of insurance
• Background check

Once you have got these things covered, the next step is to apply for the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board’s (OCILB) HVAC Trade Exam and Business and Law Exam and pay the application fee of $100.

You need to then take the exams and pass both of them, that is, the Business and Law Exam and HVAC Trade Exam, with at least 70%.

Step 3: EPA Certification and NATE Certification

If you become an HVAC engineer, you most probably have to handle coolants as a part of your job.

It is then a good idea to get an EPA certificate. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that HVAC professionals need a Section 608 certification to work with air conditioners.

There are 4 types of certifications depending on what kind of HVAC work you are doing.

You can also get the NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification, which is a voluntary certification for HVAC professionals.

It shows off your knowledge and expertise.

Step 4: Stay Updated With Licenses

You need to renew your HVAC license either every year or on a three-year basis.

Either way, you need to take continuing education credits to have your license renewed.

HVAC Schools in Ohio

We have discussed some of the top HVAC schools from where you can study accredited HVAC programs.

All the schools have been accredited by either the HVAC Excellence or the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).

University of Northwestern Ohio

University of Northwestern Ohio is one of the very few schools in Ohio where the HVAC course has been accredited by both PAHRA and HVAC Excellence.

They offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and also a diploma.

The estimated tuition is $1800 per session.

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center has a 200-hour training course where students can learn about the basics of HVAC and more.

They also prepare you for EPA and NATE certification.

The college has been accredited by the PAHRA, and the estimated tuition is $4,062 for the course.

Miami Valley Career Technology Center

This is another institution where students can get their HVAC education.

This 720-hour training course, apart from making you well-versed in HVAC systems, also prepares you for EPA and NCCER certifications.

The college has been accredited by PAHRA, and the estimated tuition is $13,121.

Here are some other schools to consider:

Great Oaks Institute of Technology

Belmont College

Fortis College

HVAC Technician Salary in Ohio

The demand for HVAC professionals has become much higher today.

There will be an increase of 4.7% in HVAC positions in Ohio in this decade.

So, it’s safe to say that there is little to no shortage of opportunities in this field.

With that said, the annual average salary of HVAC professionals in Ohio is $57,460, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Columbus	$48,142
Cleveland	$48,400
Cincinnati	$47,947
Toledo	$47,378
Akron	$47,074
Dayton	$47,564
Parma	$47,939
Canton	$46,111
Youngstown	$46,177
Lorain	$47,888

Regional Salary in Ohio

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Ohio HVAC License Work In Any Other State?

Yes, Ohio does have reciprocity agreements with a few states.

The states are West Virginia, Louisiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Which Body Issues The HVAC Licenses In Ohio?

The HVAC licenses in Ohio are issued by the Department of Commerce Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How Much Score Do I Have To Secure in the Licensing Exam to Get Licensed in Ohio?

In both the exams, that is, the Business and Law Exam and the HVAC Trade Exam, you need to score at least 70% to get an HVAC contractor license.

HVAC Technician Info by State