A California C20 HVAC Contractor License allows individuals and businesses to install, service, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used for comfort control and environmental regulation. This includes warm-air heating systems, ventilation systems, cooling systems, refrigeration equipment, and associated ductwork, controls, and safety devices on residential, commercial, industrial, and public projects, in compliance with California mechanical codes and safety standards. The HVAC classification includes warm-air heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems that utilize solar energy.
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
Title 16. Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 8. Contractors’ State License Board
Article 3. Classification
Section 832.20 — Class C-20 — Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
A warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning contractor fabricates, installs, maintains, services and repairs warm-air heating systems and water heating heat pumps, complete with warm-air appliances; ventilating systems complete with blowers and plenum chambers; air-conditioning systems complete with air-conditioning unit; and the ducts, registers, flues, humidity and thermostatic controls and air filters in connection with any of these systems. This classification shall include warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems which utilize solar energy.
Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Business and Professions Code
Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059, Business and Professions Code
Obtaining a California C20 HVAC Contractor License is a multi step process regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, submit an application, pass state examinations, and complete final licensing requirements before legally operating as an HVAC contractor in California.
1. Determine Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, you must meet the CSLB’s basic eligibility requirements:
*A qualifying college degree may substitute for up to 3 years of the required experience.
2. Submit an Application
Submit a completed application to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Applications must be completed accurately, include verifiable HVAC work experience, and be accompanied by the $450 application fee for new applications.
3. Pass the Required Examinations
After your application is approved, you will receive instructions from the CSLB to schedule your exams with PSI Exams, the testing provider for California contractor licensing. Applicants must pass two exams:
4. Complete Final Requirements
Before your license can be issued, you must complete the remaining CSLB requirements. These typically include Live Scan fingerprinting, filing a contractor license bond, obtaining workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees, completing the asbestos open book exam, and paying the initial license fee.
5. License Issuances
Once all CSLB requirements are satisfied, the CSLB will issue your California C20 HVAC Contractor License. You will receive your official license number and wall certificate, allowing you to legally operate as an HVAC contractor in California.
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If you’re looking for a more detailed walkthrough, this guide breaks down how to obtain a California C-20 HVAC Contractor License, from understanding the licensing requirements to preparing for the exams and completing the final CSLB steps.
Our C-20 HVAC Contractor License course focuses on California HVAC trade exam content and the Law & Business exam, using practical, real-world examples to help you prepare for the CSLB examinations and navigate the licensing process with confidence.
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To familiarize yourself with a state testing system, real exam structure, and question formats, you’ll get access to mock tests available online or via our mobile app. They simulate real exam conditions to help you test the waters before state exams.
You’ll get access to comprehensive, well-structured, and illustrated materials covering all related topics for trade and law exams, including study guides, textbooks, online lectures, and live instruction classes, depending on the study option you choose.
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Yes. You must hold a C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Contractor License if you plan to charge $1,000 or more (including labor and materials) for HVAC work in California. This requirement applies to the installation, repair, or servicing of HVAC systems on residential, commercial, or industrial projects. A license may also be required for projects under $1,000 if the work requires a permit or if additional workers are hired.
To obtain a California C-20 HVAC Contractor License, applicants must meet CSLB eligibility requirements, submit an application, and pass two state examinations: the C-20 HVAC Trade Exam and the Law & Business Exam. Once all exams and final licensing requirements are completed, the CSLB may issue the license.
Contractors Intelligence School provides exam preparation and licensing education for individuals pursuing a C-20 HVAC Contractor License. Our programs focus on preparing students for the C-20 HVAC trade exam and the Law & Business exam through flexible online, live streaming, in-class, and home study options, including practice exams and mobile app access.
The total timeline varies based on individual experience, application processing, and exam scheduling. While the CSLB licensing process itself can take several months, many students are able to prepare for and complete the required examinations in as little as 2 months, depending on their study pace and exam availability.
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