Working as an HVAC contractor in Georgia requires understanding the state's licensing rules, application process, and regulatory authority.

This guide explains whether Georgia requires an HVAC license, the license types available, the governing agency, and how contractors can apply.

Georgia HVAC License Requirements

At a Glance

Requirement	Details
State	Georgia
License Required	Yes
Licensing Authority	Georgia State Licensing Board for Conditioned Air Contractors (SOS)
Licensing Model	Statewide plus local
Last Verified	2026-03-10

Does Georgia Require a State HVAC License?

Yes. Georgia licenses conditioned air contractors through the state board framework under the Secretary of State and board rules for conditioned air contractors. (Source 1, Source 2, Source 3)

Who Regulates HVAC Licensing in Georgia?

• Agency: Georgia State Licensing Board for Conditioned Air Contractors
• Authority type: board
• Website: https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-licensing-board-conditioned-air-contractors
• Phone: (404) 424-9966
• Email: Trades4@sos.ga.gov
• Notes: Board resources and rules publish application, exam, class, and continuing-education requirements.

License Types

Class I Conditioned Air Contractor

• Scope of work: Restricted conditioned air category under board rules.
• Who needs it: Contractors performing conditioned air work limited to the Class I scope.
• Key limitations: Scope is narrower than Class II under rule-defined limits.
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 3

Class II Conditioned Air Contractor

• Scope of work: Non-restricted conditioned air category under board rules.
• Who needs it: Contractors performing conditioned air work requiring Class II authority.
• Key limitations: Must meet board qualification and examination requirements.
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 3

Experience Requirements

• Minimum experience: Board application/rule framework requires documented experience; duration and pathways are published by board materials.
• Education substitutions: Board-approved pathways may apply per board resources.
• Apprenticeship pathway: Unverified
• Documented proof required: Experience verification affidavits and supporting documentation are required by board process.
• Exceptions: Unverified
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 3

Exam Requirements

• Exam required: Yes
• Trade exam: Yes (conditioned air examination by class)
• Business/law exam: Yes (business and law exam requirement is listed in board guidance)
• Exam provider: PSI (as identified in official board how-to materials)
• Passing score: 70%
• Retake policy: Unverified
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 3

Application Requirements

• Application form/link: Board online services and official conditioned air how-to guidance.
• Application fee: Published in board fee schedule/application materials.
• Background check: Yes (board materials include criminal history background check requirements).
• Insurance requirements: Unverified
• Bond requirements: Unverified
• Financial/responsibility requirements: Unverified
• Processing time (if published): Unverified
• Citation(s): Source 1, Source 2, Source 4

Renewal Requirements

• Renewal cycle: Biennial; renewal window references odd-year deadlines.
• Renewal fee: Unverified
• Continuing education: 4 CE hours each year of the two-year renewal cycle.
• Late renewal/reinstatement: Late renewal period references December odd-year deadline window.
• Citation(s): Source 2, Source 5

Local Licensing Rules

Georgia conditioned air licensing is state-issued, but local jurisdictions still control permitting, inspections, and local compliance steps. This table is baseline-only and not exhaustive.

Key Jurisdictions to Check

Jurisdiction	HVAC License / Registration Status	Official Link	Notes
Atlanta (largest city and capital)	Unverified (Jurisdiction page verified)	https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-buildings/permits	City permitting is required; local trade-registration prerequisites should be confirmed with Atlanta permitting office.
Augusta	Unverified (Jurisdiction page verified)	https://www.augustaga.gov/1105/Permit-Information	City permit information page published; HVAC-specific local registration requirement needs direct confirmation.
Savannah	Unverified (Jurisdiction page verified)	https://www.savannahga.gov/376/Inspections	City inspections/permitting resources are published; verify any local contractor registration layer.

Reciprocity

• Reciprocity available: Yes
• With which states/credential pathways: Reciprocal licensure is limited to jurisdictions that Georgia designates in board reciprocity rule and board forms.
• Conditions/limits: Applicant must satisfy Georgia board reciprocity criteria and file required board reciprocity documentation.
• Citation(s): Source 6

Important Notes

• Georgia state conditioned air licensure is verified from board primary sources.
• Local permitting obligations still apply by jurisdiction even with state licensure.
• Exact fee totals should be confirmed at submission because board fee schedules can change.

Georgia HVAC License FAQ

Do you need an HVAC license in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia requires a state-issued credential, registration, or licensing pathway for at least some contractor-level HVAC work. Review the sections above for license types and application requirements.

Who regulates HVAC licensing in Georgia?

HVAC licensing in Georgia is regulated by Georgia State Licensing Board for Conditioned Air Contractors (SOS) and, where applicable, local jurisdictions or related trade authorities.

What types of HVAC licenses exist in Georgia?

Georgia uses one or more license or registration types depending on project scope, system type, or trade classification. See the License Types section above for details.

How long does it take to get an HVAC license in Georgia?

Processing times vary in Georgia and may depend on application review, exam scheduling, documentation, and local jurisdiction requirements. Review official sources before applying.

Does Georgia offer HVAC license reciprocity?

Georgia publishes reciprocity or reciprocal recognition in at least some cases. Review the Reciprocity section above and confirm eligibility directly with the licensing authority.

HVAC Licensing in Nearby States

• Florida HVAC License Requirements
• Alabama HVAC License Requirements
• South Carolina HVAC License Requirements
• Tennessee HVAC License Requirements

Sources

1. Georgia Secretary of State - Georgia State Licensing Board for Conditioned Air Contractors - https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-licensing-board-conditioned-air-contractors (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
2. Georgia Secretary of State - How-To Guide: Conditioned Air Contractor - https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-conditioned-air-contractor (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
3. Georgia Rules and Regulations - Board for Conditioned Air Contractors (Rule Chapters 121-2 through 121-4) - https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121 (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
4. Georgia Secretary of State - Online Application Services (Conditioned Air Board) - https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/mylicense/Login.aspx?board=35 (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
5. Georgia Rules and Regulations - Rule 121-4-.03 Continuing Education - https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-4-.03 (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
6. Georgia Rules and Regulations - Rule 121-2-.03 Reciprocity - https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/121-2-.03 (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
7. City of Atlanta - Office of Buildings Permits - https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-buildings/permits (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
8. Augusta, Georgia - Permit Information - https://www.augustaga.gov/1105/Permit-Information (Accessed: 2026-03-10)
9. City of Savannah - Inspections - https://www.savannahga.gov/376/Inspections (Accessed: 2026-03-10)

Disclaimer

Requirements can change. Confirm current licensing rules with the official authority before applying, testing, bidding, contracting, or performing HVAC work.