SPEC SHEET · CO · HVAC
Colorado HVAC technician license requirements
The answer
Colorado has NO statewide HVAC license. The state's Division of Professions and Occupations licenses electricians and plumbers, but HVAC contractor licensing is handled by city and county building departments (Denver, Colorado Springs, etc.), each with its own requirements. EPA Section 608 certification is federally required for refrigerant work everywhere.Your paths to the license
EPA 608 + on-the-job training
Get EPA Section 608 certified (federal requirement for refrigerant work), then train on the job or through an HVAC program/apprenticeship. No Colorado state license exists for technicians.
City/county contractor license
To contract for HVAC work, check the building department where you'll operate — Denver and most front-range cities license mechanical/HVAC contractors with their own experience and exam requirements.
Electrical work needs the state license
Line-voltage electrical work on HVAC systems falls under Colorado's STATE electrical licensing — an unlicensed technician can't legally do it. See the Colorado electrician path.
License levels in Colorado
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC technician | No state license; EPA 608 required for refrigerant handling; employers may require local licenses. | — |
| Local HVAC/mechanical contractor | Licensed by the city/county where you work — requirements and fees vary by jurisdiction. | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Local license fees | Vary by city/county — check the building department where you'll work |
The exam
| Provider | Varies by city/county |
| Fees | Set by each jurisdiction |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: EPA 608 is federal and valid nationwide; local licenses generally are not reciprocal. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Local rules vary; EPA 608 does not expire.
Federal layer: EPA Section 608 certification is required federally for anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants.
Watch out: Requirements differ by city/county — always confirm with the local building department before bidding work. · Gas piping and electrical connections trigger the state plumbing/electrical licensing rules.
Official sources for this page
Colorado HVAC technician licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed HVAC technician in Colorado?
Colorado has no statewide HVAC technician license, so there is no state hour requirement — training runs through apprenticeships (typically 4–5 years) and any licensing happens at the city/county level.
What does the Colorado HVAC technician license cost?
Set by each jurisdiction. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Colorado have HVAC technician license reciprocity?
EPA 608 is federal and valid nationwide; local licenses generally are not reciprocal.
How often does the license renew?
Local rules vary; EPA 608 does not expire.
Get your personal route
Four questions — your experience and training matched against Colorado's actual routes.