Introduction
California's frequent droughts and record-breaking summer temperatures drive a rising demand for HVAC professionals. HVAC workers in California benefit from numerous professional associations and trade groups, such as the Air Conditioning Trade Association (ACTA) and the California Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association. These organizations provide educational seminars, apprenticeships, legal advocacy, and training events to support HVAC workers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California employed 38,370 HVAC mechanics and installers as of May 2022, the highest number in the US, with an average annual salary of $67,430, which is higher than the national average of $61,900.
HVAC professionals in California are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems, reading blueprints, ensuring regulatory compliance, providing customer service, and maintaining state licensure through the California Contractors State License Board. They may work across various systems or specialize in specific technologies like solar panels or commercial refrigeration.
HVAC workers not only maintain comfortable living and working environments but also play a crucial role in safeguarding the transport of perishable goods.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in California
California's demand for HVAC technicians, mechanics, and installers is strong. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) highlights that the state's growing population and new construction projects for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings drive this demand. As HVAC technologies and regulations evolve, the need for qualified professionals increases.
HVAC systems require regular maintenance and typically need replacement every 10 to 15 years, necessitating skilled technicians. Additionally, the push towards energy-efficient products boosts the demand for HVAC professionals trained in green technology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6 percent increase in HVAC job openings nationwide from 2022 to 2032, which is double the average growth rate for all occupations. This translates to 37,700 new opportunities for HVAC workers across the country.
In California, nearly 9 percent of HVAC workers are self-employed, while 67 percent work in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors industry. HVAC technicians may work irregular hours, especially during peak winter and summer seasons.
As of October 2023, Indeed listed 28,565 HVAC job openings in California with employers like Sears Home Services, Tesla, Trane Technologies, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, and Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air. Monster also reported job opportunities with CA-based companies such as Jobot, Advanced Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Inc, Marriott, Del Mar Mechanical Inc, NP Mechanical Rice Services Inc, and ABM Industries.
Schools in California
Antelope Valley Community College District
3041 West Ave K
Lancaster, California 93536-5426
Phone: (661) 722-6300
URL: www.avc.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 11840
- Total Faculty: 729
Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Dr
Bakersfield, California 93305-1299
Phone: (661) 395-4011
URL: www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 26873
- Total Faculty: 732
Brownson Technical School
1110 Technology Cir Ste D
Anaheim, California 92805
Phone: (714) 774-9443
URL: brownson.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 264
Butte College
3536 Butte Campus Drive
Oroville, California 95965-8399
Phone: (530) 895-2511
URL: www.butte.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9362
- Total Faculty: 607
CET-San Jose
701 Vine St
San Jose, California 95110
Phone: (408) 287-7924
URL: cetweb.edu/
This school is a < 2 year Private not-for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 183
CET-Colton
1099 N. Pepper Ave
Colton, California 92324
Phone: (408) 287-7924
URL: cetweb.edu/
This school is a < 2 year Private not-for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 96
Chaffey College
5885 Haven Ave
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91737-3002
Phone: (909) 652-6000
URL: www.chaffey.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 19238
- Total Faculty: 1067
City College of San Francisco
50 Frida Kahlo Drive
San Francisco, California 94112-1898
Phone: (415) 239-3000
URL: www.ccsf.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 16134
- Total Faculty: 882
Compton College
1111 East Artesia Blvd.
Compton, California 90221-5393
Phone: (310) 900-1600
URL: www.compton.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4082
- Total Faculty: 243
Cypress College
9200 Valley View
Cypress, California 90630-5897
Phone: (714) 484-7000
URL: www.cypresscollege.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 13523
- Total Faculty: 672
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Ave
Palm Desert, California 92260
Phone: (760) 346-8041
URL: www.collegeofthedesert.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10382
- Total Faculty: 469
El Camino Community College District
16007 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, California 90506
Phone: (310) 532-3670
URL: www.elcamino.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 19944
- Total Faculty: 883
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Rd
Los Altos Hills, California 94022
Phone: (650) 949-7777
URL: foothill.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 12434
- Total Faculty: 482
Fresno City College
1101 E. University Ave
Fresno, California 93741
Phone: (559) 442-8200
URL: www.fresnocitycollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 22609
- Total Faculty: 904
Gavilan College
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd
Gilroy, California 95020
Phone: (408) 848-4800
URL: www.gavilan.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4561
- Total Faculty: 238
Imperial Valley College
380 E. Aten Road
Imperial, California 92251-0158
Phone: (760) 352-8320
URL: www.imperial.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7747
- Total Faculty: 297
Institute for Business and Technology
2400 Walsh Avenue
Santa Clara, California 95051-1303
Phone: (408) 727-1060 x260
URL: ibt.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 614
- Total Faculty: 25
Laney College
900 Fallon Sreet
Oakland, California 94607
Phone: (510) 834-5740
URL: laney.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9653
- Total Faculty: 321
Long Beach City College
4901 E. Carson St.
Long Beach, California 90808-1706
Phone: (562) 938-4111
URL: www.lbcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 22402
- Total Faculty: 995
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
400 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90015-4181
Phone: (213) 763-7000
URL: www.lattc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10377
- Total Faculty: 453
Merced College
3600 M St
Merced, California 95348-2806
Phone: (209) 384-6000
URL: www.mccd.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10214
- Total Faculty: 505
Mt San Antonio College
1100 N Grand Ave
Walnut, California 91789-1399
Phone: (909) 274-7500
URL: www.mtsac.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 26256
- Total Faculty: 1007
Orange Coast College
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, California 92626
Phone: (714) 432-5072
URL: orangecoastcollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 16614
- Total Faculty: 724
Oxnard College
4000 S Rose Ave
Oxnard, California 93033-6699
Phone: (805) 986-5800
URL: www.oxnardcollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 6339
- Total Faculty: 218
Palomar College
1140 W. Mission Road
San Marcos, California 92069-1487
Phone: (760) 744-1150
URL: www2.palomar.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 17655
- Total Faculty: 913
Riverside City College
4800 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, California 92506
Phone: (951) 222-8000 x8979
URL: www.rcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 19147
- Total Faculty: 728
Sacramento City College
3835 Freeport Blvd
Sacramento, California 95822-1386
Phone: (916) 558-2111
URL: www.scc.losrios.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 17719
- Total Faculty: 629
San Diego City College
1313 Park Boulevard
San Diego, California 92101-4787
Phone: (619) 388-3400
URL: www.sdcity.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 12144
- Total Faculty: 528
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave
Stockton, California 95207
Phone: (209) 954-5151
URL: www.deltacollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 16168
- Total Faculty: 528
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
8344 W Mineral King Ave
Visalia, California 93291-9283
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2265
- Total Faculty: 127
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield
201 New Stine Road
Bakersfield, California 93309-2659
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 831
- Total Faculty: 62
San Jose City College
2100 Moorpark Ave
San Jose, California 95128-2798
Phone: (408) 298-2181
URL: www.sjcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7561
- Total Faculty: 320
College of the Sequoias
915 S. Mooney Blvd
Visalia, California 93277-2214
Phone: (559) 730-3700
URL: www.cos.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 13170
- Total Faculty: 477
San Bernardino Valley College
701 South Mount Vernon Avenue
San Bernardino, California 92410-2798
Phone: (909) 384-4400
URL: www.valleycollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10767
- Total Faculty: 745
InterCoast Colleges-Santa Ana
1720 E. Garry Ave
Suite 103
Santa Ana, California 92705
Phone: (714) 712-7900
URL: www.intercoast.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 31
National Career Education
6249 Sunrise Blvd
Citrus Heights, California 95610
Phone: (916) 969-4900
URL: nce.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 342
Capstone College
1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave Suite 32
Pasadena, California 91103
Phone: (626) 486-1000
URL: www.capstonecollege.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 151
CET-Coachella
49-111 Highway 111
Ste. 5
Coachella, California 92236
Phone: (408) 287-7924
URL: cetweb.edu/
This school is a < 2 year Private not-for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 78
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
14101 E. Nelson Ave
La Puente, California 91746-0002
Phone: (626) 934-2801
URL: www.hlpae.com/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 337
- Total Faculty: 38
Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
4640 N. Maine Ave
Baldwin Park, California 91706-4221
Phone: (626) 939-4456
URL: bpace.bpusd.net/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 405
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center
4985 East Anderson Avenue
Fresno, California 93727-1501
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 229
- Total Faculty: 12
American College of Healthcare and Technology
11801 Pierce St.
Suite 100
Riverside, California 92505
Phone: (951) 729-5320
URL: www.ach.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 280
- Total Faculty: 11
Institute of Technology
564 W Herndon
Clovis, California 93612
Phone: (559) 297-4500
URL: www.iot.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1299
- Total Faculty: 135
San Joaquin Valley College-Ontario
4580 Ontario Mills Parkway
Ontario, California 91764-5107
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 969
- Total Faculty: 105
InterCoast Colleges-Riverside
21840 Van Buren Blvd
Riverside, California 92508
Phone: (951) 779-0700
URL: www.intercoast.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 46
InterCoast Colleges-West Covina
2235 East Garvey Ave. North
West Covina, California 91791
Phone: (626) 337-6800
URL: www.intercoast.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 449
- Total Faculty: 14
ATA College
1810 Gillespie Way
Suite 104
El Cajon, California 92020
Phone: (619) 596-2766
URL: atacollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 54
- Total Faculty: 11
National Polytechnic College
4105 South Street
Lakewood, California 90712
Phone: (888) 243-2493
URL: npcollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate|Associate's degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 263
- Total Faculty: 16
Mayfield College
35-325 Date Palm Dr Ste 101
Cathedral City, California 92234
Phone: (760) 328-5554
URL: www.mayfieldcollege.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 304
- Total Faculty: 15
San Joaquin Valley College-Hesperia
9331 Mariposa Road
Hesperia, California 92344-8086
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 374
- Total Faculty: 26
InterCoast Colleges-Rancho Cordova
9738 Lincoln Village Dr. Suite 120
Rancho Cordova, California 95827
Phone: (916) 714-5400
URL: www.intercoast.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 120
Norco College
2001 Third St
Norco, California 92860
Phone: (951) 372-7000
URL: www.norcocollege.edu/pages/index.aspx
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9467
- Total Faculty: 321
San Joaquin Valley College-Temecula
27270 Madison Avenue
Temecula, California 92590-5678
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 704
- Total Faculty: 43
San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster
42135 10th Street West
Lancaster, California 93534-7018
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 248
- Total Faculty: 9
InterCoast Colleges-Fairfield
5253 Business Ctr. Dr. Ste B
Fairfield, California 94534
Phone: (707) 421-9700
URL: www.intercoast.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 172
American College of Healthcare and Technology
6330 Pacific Blvd Ste 201
Huntington Park, California 90255
Phone: (323) 585-9000
URL: www.ach.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 206
DeHart Technical School
311 Bitritto Way
Modesto, California 95356-9292
Phone: (209) 523-4578
URL: www.deharttech.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 68
San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage
34275 Monterey Avenue
Rancho Mirage, California 92270-2701
Phone: (559) 734-9000
URL: www.sjvc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 146
- Total Faculty: 21
HVAC Worker Salaries in California
HVAC workers in California enjoy higher salaries compared to the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2022, HVAC mechanics and installers in the United States had an average annual salary of $57,460. In contrast, California's 38,370 HVAC workers earned an average annual salary of $67,430, significantly higher than the national average.
Here is a detailed breakdown of HVAC salaries in California compared to the national figures:
| Percentile | United States | California |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $36,170 | $38,900 |
| 25th | $44,100 | $46,990 |
| 50th (median) | $51,390 | $60,830 |
| 75th | $65,630 | $78,810 |
| 90th | $82,630 | $103,670 |
HVAC Certification and Licensing in California
In California, HVAC technicians must obtain specific certifications and licenses to work legally and effectively. Here is a summary of the primary requirements:
EPA Section 608 Certification:
- Required nationwide for all technicians working with refrigerants.
- Four subtypes: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure appliances), Type III (low-pressure appliances), and Universal (Type IV).
- Many vocational and trade schools in California offer preparation for these exams as part of their curricula.
- More information and a list of certification programs can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency website.
Skills-Specific Certifications:
- Offered through organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE), HVAC Excellence, and the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association.
- Examples include NATE's Industry Competency Exams (ICE), HVAC Excellence’s Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus, and RETA's Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator.
- These credentials demonstrate various competencies and can enhance employment prospects and salary.
State Licensure:
- Mandatory for HVAC workers providing services over $500.
- Administered by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
- Requirements for obtaining a C-20 license:
- Submit an application to the CSLB.
- Have at least four years of experience.
- Show proof of at least $2,500 in working capital.
- File a $10,000 bond with the registrar.
- Pass two exams: business & law and a trade-specific test.
- Pay licensure and examination fees.
- The California Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor exam includes:
- Evaluation, Design, and Estimation (26% of exam questions)
- Fabrication, Installation, and Startup (27%)
- Troubleshooting, Repair, and Maintenance (22%)
- Safety (25%)
- Detailed requirements and additional information are available on the Contractors State License Board website.