The usual path
Future apprentice
You haven’t started yet. Many states ask you to register as an apprentice before your hours count, so it helps to find a sponsor early.
Apprentice
Paid work under someone licensed, building on-the-job hours and, in many programs, classroom hours.
Journeyman
After the required hours you take the exam. A journeyman can usually work without direct supervision and, in many states, supervise apprentices.
Master and contractor
With more experience, many take the master exam, and some get a contractor license to run their own business.
Titles, hours and requirements differ by state, and sometimes by city. Check your state page.
In HVAC, many states license only contractors, or leave licensing to cities and counties, instead of issuing a statewide journeyman license. Check your state page.
HVAC in every state
32 of 52 states and territories have at least one item confirmed against an official source (checked October 2026). In 34, licensing is, or may be, partly local.