Master Refrigeration Technician License

Massachusetts Master Refrigeration Technician License

The Massachusetts Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters — part of the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI) — issues the Master Refrigeration Technician license under M.G.L. c.146. This license is required for technicians working on refrigeration systems of 10-ton capacity or greater in Massachusetts.

What This License Authorizes

Licensed Master Refrigeration Technicians may install, repair, replace, and maintain refrigerant-containing parts on refrigeration systems of 10-ton capacity or greater. The Master level permits the holder to supervise journeyman-level technicians.

What Is Covered

M.G.L. c.146 defines refrigeration work as installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance of any refrigerant-containing part on a refrigeration system of 10-ton capacity or greater. Smaller residential systems are below this threshold.

Requirements

• Examination: Must pass the Massachusetts refrigeration technician exam administered by OPSI district engineering inspectors. The exam references national codes on CFC safety and energy efficiency.
• Prerequisites (mass.gov application page): a high school diploma or equivalent, Universal CFC certification, and either (a) at least 6,000 hours worked in Massachusetts as a licensed OPSI Refrigeration Apprentice under a Massachusetts Refrigeration Contractor plus at least 450 hours of study at an approved school, or (b) an equivalent license from another jurisdiction with equivalent documented experience under 528 CMR 11.03 and Bureau approval.
• Lapsed licenses: A license not renewed at expiration becomes void, and after one year can be reinstated only by re-examination (M.G.L. c.146 §85).

Exemptions

M.G.L. c.146 §88 exempts employees of industrial plants, utilities, hospitals, and schools/colleges who work exclusively on their employer's own premises from the licensing requirement.

Fees

• Application Fee: $75 (non-refundable), per the mass.gov 'Apply for a Refrigeration Technician License' page.
• Renewal Fee: The state fee regulation (801 CMR 4.02) lists the Refrigeration Technician License at $75 on a biennial basis but has no separate renewal line for it, and the OPSI renewal page publishes no fee table. Confirm the renewal amount with OPSI before renewing.

Renewal

• Renewal Period: Every 2 years. Licenses expire on the date of the licensee's birth occurring more than 12 but not more than 24 months after the issue date (M.G.L. c.146 §85).
• Expiration notice: OPSI must send a notice of the expiration date at least 30 days before it (M.G.L. c.146 §85).
• How to renew: Online through the MyLicenseOne portal (or by mail), per the OPSI license renewal page.
• CE Requirements: Not specified in M.G.L. c.146 by text. Confirm current CE requirements directly with OPSI.

Relationship to Other Bureau Licenses

The Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters also issues separate licenses for Master and Journeyman Pipefitters. The `fire-protection-contractor` license covers sprinkler fitter company registration for fire protection systems, which is distinct from the individual refrigeration technician credential.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements and fees directly with the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI).*