HVAC/R Limited Mechanical Contractor

Oklahoma HVAC/R Limited Mechanical Contractor License

The HVAC/R Limited Mechanical Contractor license, issued by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB), covers heating and cooling work up to defined capacity thresholds — the right license for residential and light commercial HVAC contractors.

Capacity Limits Define This License's Scope

The Limited license authorizes installation, alteration, service, and repair of:

• Cooling systems up to 25 tons of capacity
• Heating equipment up to 500,000 BTU/h per appliance
• Sheet metal, natural gas piping, and refrigeration systems within these capacity limits

Work that exceeds these thresholds requires the HVAC/R Unlimited Mechanical Contractor license.

Four Years of Experience, Exam, $5,000 Bond, and $50,000 Insurance

To qualify for the Limited license:

• Experience: 4 years total verifiable experience in the mechanical trade — journeyman-equivalent qualifications (3 years) plus 1 additional year. A prior journeyman license is not required; equivalent experience suffices (OAC 158:50-9-1(b)).
• Exam: Pass the HVAC/R Limited technical trade exam and the CIB business and law exam.
• Bond: $5,000 corporate surety bond payable to the CIB.
• Insurance: $50,000 minimum commercial general liability with the CIB as certificate holder.

Annual Renewal at $200 Due by Last Day of Birth Month

• Application: $300 initial license fee + $30 application filing fee = $330 total
• Renewal: $200 annually, due by the last day of your birth month
• Continuing Education: 6 hours every 3 years (36 months) from Committee of Mechanical Examiners-approved providers, completed before license expiration (OAC 158:50-9-7)

Performing Mechanical Work Without a License Is a Misdemeanor

Unlicensed mechanical contracting is a misdemeanor under the Oklahoma Mechanical Licensing Act (59 O.S. § 1850 et seq.). The CIB may also issue civil fines and refer cases to the district attorney's office for prosecution.