Limited Gas and Oil Burner Contractor (B-1)

The B-1 covers domestic and light commercial burner work — nothing above 500,000 BTU

Connecticut's B-1 license from the Department of Consumer Protection authorizes installation, repair, replacement, alteration, and maintenance of gas and oil burners for domestic and light commercial installations. The statutory ceiling is systems consuming five gallons of fuel per hour or less, or total heating loads not exceeding 500,000 BTU. Work above either threshold requires a higher-classification license. The scope includes related natural gas piping, LP gas piping from containers, and sheet metal work incidental to the burner installation — all within the domestic/light commercial limit.

Two years as a journeyperson is the experience floor, and the exam is open-book

Before applying for the B-1, you must hold a Connecticut B-2 Journeyperson license for at least two years — or document equivalent out-of-state experience. The contractor exam is administered by PSI at testing centers statewide. Applicants who earned equivalent experience outside the journeyperson path must submit notarized employer letters listing dates of employment and specific work descriptions; transcripts and diplomas are also acceptable for the classroom-hours component.

Application and renewal both cost $150, processed through eLicense

The application fee is $150 and the annual renewal fee is $150 — both paid through the Connecticut eLicense portal at elicense.ct.gov. Licenses renew annually. Required documents at application include proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, exam results from PSI, and experience verification (employer letters or transcripts). There is no bond requirement and no continuing education requirement to maintain this license.

Operating without a valid B-1 is a Class B misdemeanor

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 20-341, performing or contracting for gas and oil burner work without a valid DCP license is a Class B misdemeanor. Connecticut's Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The statute covers willful unlicensed work, employing unlicensed workers, misrepresenting qualifications, and performing licensed work after a license has expired. Each instance is a separate violation.